Kenwood: Kenwood TM-V71A "B" Side Low Sensitivity

[K2MFW]

Hello,

Wanted to post to the forum a technical issue concerning the TM-V71A and I've also heard it might affect the TM-D7XX series of radios.

But for the TM-V71A, low sensitivity on the "B" side has been acknowledged by Kenwood and they offer a free fix for the problem with the ceramic filters.

If you have a TM-V71A with serial numbers 903 to 003, the fix is free.

If you you feel adventurous, you'll need 2 filters, Part number L72-1034-05 at about $4 each.

From NJ I shipped my unit to FTH Group Inc 19501 E. Walnut Drive S City of Industry CA 91748, an authorized Kenwood repair facility. There's one in VA also.

The unit was repaired and sent back in 2 days. If you have the problem and are not within those serial numbers, the K'wood repair cost is $135.38

 

[vagrant]

I was not aware of the V71A having the ceramic filter issue as well, but I knew of the D710A trouble. I actually have several of D710A radios and upon receipt of one of them, it clearly demonstrated the issue with the audio. What is unfortunate is that it was sold to me that way with the bad filter by a fellow ham, but the seller indicated that there were no problems. Fortunately, I found that Kenwood was/is repairing these for free and I had it back within a week. My issue was also with the "B" side.

I have another radio that falls in this serial number range, but it has not demonstrated any issues. I blast 50 watts simplex and 10 watts on the repeaters or APRS in my daily driver.

If you have one of these radios and most everyone sounds like they're out of phase, contact Kenwood and send it in.

 

[rapidcharger]

If you have a TM-V71A with serial numbers 903 to 003, the fix is free.

903 to 003? Is that what the serial number is supposed to end with? Are you talking about 903-1003 or 003 to 903?

 

[WB4CS]

Pardon me for the dumb question, but is there any way that the ceramic filter issue could contribute to tons of intermod?

I use the B side of the radio to scan the 70cm band, and once I get into town I have to shut off that side of the radio. Every 5 kHz the radio stops on intermod from the 800 MHz band, and since everything in 800 MHz here is digital, all I hear is digital hash.

I love the TM-V71A but I'm very disappointed in it's ability to reject intermod. I wonder if I should send mine in?

 

[KC0KM]

I just bought one last week, however it is still in the box. I want to put into my truck, but I have mobility problems and cannot bend over and turn myself into a pretzel in order to put it in. I did get a so called "quote" from a place that installs radios, and the was $80-120 -- a little too steep for me, sad to say.

 

[KC8ESL]

If you have one of these radios and most everyone sounds like they're out of phase, contact Kenwood and send it in.

Are you suggesting that you're listening to 146.52 on A and 146.52 on B as well? At which point, if the audio were out of phase, if you set the volume just right, you would hear absolutely nothing.


And to WB4CS, if it corrects the intermod issue, I'd order the parts immediately!

 

[K2MFW]

Sorry about that...the serial number range refers to the beginning of the serial numbers.

903 to 003.... ie, 903XXXXXX, 904...999...001, 002, 003XXXXX

 

[KC8ESL]

That still doesn't clarify much. It leaves it open to interpretation that any SN would be eligible for the repair.

Surely you see my point?

 

[K2MFW]

903 to 003.... ie, 903XXXXXX, 904...999...001, 002, 003XXXXX

Let's do it a different way....

If your serial number has the first 3 digits beginning with 903 to 999, or 000 to 003, you qualify.

903-999...000-003

9030000 to 9999999 and 0000000 to 0030000

My post says 903 to 003 inclusive, you are assuming 003 to 903 for some reason I guess.

 

[KC8ESL]

To interpret the first method you would need to be in the know of the serial number structure of the tm v71a series radios.

Thank you for the clarification.

 

[KC0KM]

I just bought one last week, however it is still in the box. I want to put into my truck, but I have mobility problems and cannot bend over and turn myself into a pretzel in order to put it in. I did get a so called "quote" from a place that installs radios, and the was $80-120 -- a little too steep for me, sad to say.

Well, I got it put in, one of my club members (club president no less) put it in for me on Sunday, even came to the work QTH and did it. For some reason, now that I think about it, I never copied the serial number on it, I guess I should.

 

[chief21]

The serial number is also on the Kenwood box.

 

[seh911]

903 to 003.... ie, 903XXXXXX, 904...999...001, 002, 003XXXXX

Let's do it a different way....

If your serial number has the first 3 digits beginning with 903 to 999, or 000 to 003, you qualify.

903-999...000-003

9030000 to 9999999 and 0000000 to 0030000

My post says 903 to 003 inclusive, you are assuming 003 to 903 for some reason I guess.

Mine starts with B040, so I presume it doesn't qualify?

 

[K2MFW]

You're OK

B040, let alone 040 is not in the range of affected units. No worries!

 

[w2cop]

TM-V71a Filter Info

Well, here we are 2 years past the above post and my own receiver has just bit the dust, on the A-side. As a side note my serial number started at 902xxx so that's even before the series of radios Kenwood acknowledged with the bad crystal filters. Here is where to get them:

Filters for TM-V71A:
CF486 .. L72-1035-05 (WIDE) A-SIDE
CF487 .. L72-1036-05 (NARROW) A-SIDE
CF546 .. L72-1034-05 (WIDE) B-SIDE
CF547 .. L72-0999-05 (NARROW) B-SIDE

Available through:
1). East Coast Transistor | The Source For Original Accessories And Parts
2). Consumer Electronic Parts and Accessories at PacParts, Inc.

 

[chief21]

If you haven't already, I'd call the Kenwood Service Center and ask if the repair might be covered under warranty. Doesn't hurt to ask!

John

 

[IW2BSF]

re

hi, i have create a GUIDE to search this filter on the PCB and change it ...

you can download on my web site here:

https://rodolfo-parisio.jimdo.com/nuovi-articoli-2016-17/

sorry but it's in italian language, you can use google translate , hi !


73 de IW2BSF - Rudy

 

[Thunderknight]

If you have a TM-V71A with serial numbers 903 to 003, the fix is free.

This means only all numerical digit serial numbers...if there is a letter in front, it's not affected?
Mine is A920xxxx and was bought new probably in 2009 or 2010.

Thanks

 

[W5KVV]

Not that difficult of a repair. I've done several. A quality soldering iron and 20 minutes of your time.