ICOM IC R15 bug?

[FishbedBG]

Hello!

I've recently got a brand new Icom IC R15 receiver and I have a small problem with it. After trying to import a .csv file (most likely with wrong syntax) through the SD card (it was formatted via the receiver in advance) i restarted the receiver and when trying to turn it on again i get a dark screen with the back lighting turned on. The radio itself functions well- there is the corresponding beep on the buttons, when i press the Squelch button i hear noise or some transmisson, even managed to tune to a FM radio frequency and hear properly but i don't see anything on the screen and it's not possible to navigate trough the menus.

I have tried entering service mode using the SQL, Quick and power button but still no effect.

Can you give any suggestions? Maybe a reset using some other button combination that i don't know? On a single ocasion, randomly, i managed to start up the scanner properly but after rebooting the same situation came back.

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[trap5858]

It might be worth changing the SD card or wipe it and re-format it. I am not sure if you can do a factory reset through the software.

 

[bearcatrp]

Try removing the battery, press and hold the power button to remove all the stored power, then install and turn on. Otherwise, try what trap suggested.

 

[DudleyG]

I remember reading somewhere that you could do a "Factory Reset" on the R15 by powering off the unit, then PUSH and hold the MEMU button and the V/MHz button at the same time and PUSH and hold the "POWER ON" button for 2 seconds. If it works, you loose everything in the receiver and have to start all over again.

Never tried it but it can't hurt anything trying it. If it works, you then should reformat the microSD card in the receiver. After that using the menu system, program one or two memory locations, and then do a SAVE to the SD card. At point you can load the SD card into your computer and see the CSV column format that the receiver is looking for when you read the SD card into the receiver.

 

[DavidWave26]

I love Icom but I would never buy that radio again. Brought it back to HRO after 1 day. Junk.

 

[FishbedBG]

Thank you for your replies!
Unfortunately, changing the SD card, or reformating the old one on a PC did not bring any success- still a blank screen after powering on the receiver. Maybe i should try to blind format it with through the receiver?

@bearcatrp - I have tried even taking away the battery for a longer period and draining all the stored power- no effect.
@DudleyG - I have tried using this combination, but no change at all- the receiver starts up as usual, still no screen, and tuned to the frequencies, that i managed to tune in blind.

https://imgur.com/a/PyzCyQf

 

[xms3200]

Sounds like you mistakenly corrupted the Firmware and the radio got messed up. Time to call Icom for factory attention.

 

[bearcatrp]

Get it figured out yet? Am guessing you will have to send it in unless Icom helps you figure it out over the phone.

 

[FishbedBG]

I got in contact with them, recommendations were to try adjusting the brightness/ contrast/ dim option via the CS R15 software, but having in mind that it’s hard to get it they suggested sending it back to the dealer. Unfortunately I didn’t do my research and managed to pick the dodgiest of all there are (a German one) and with whom I had zero communication (he didn’t bother to answer any emails or calls). In the end I got the receiver, almost a month later…
So right now I’m trying to get in contact with another, the recommended one by them, so maybe he can help up with something. Meanwhile all the efforts of blind reaching the corresponding options in the menus are not giving any result.

 

[bearcatrp]

Contact Icom directly. See what they say.

 

[k3sls]

I'd try doing the full reset using the manual instructions. While you can't see the screen content, it shouldn't be too difficult because you can scroll using the knob to the end of each menu choice, the tap the enter key. To start, turn the radio on, turn the knob 4 clicks to land on the set menu, then tap enter. From there, scroll to the end of each sub-menu, then tap enter…the scroll will stop and stay on the last sub-menu item.

 

[k3sls]

One other thing to try before the reset. Turn radio on, turn knob 4 clicks and tap enter (now on "set"), turn knob 2 clicks and tap enter (now on "display"), tap enter again and turn the knob to see it display returns (now on the "backlight" menu). If that doesn't work, tap "clear" once, then turn knob 2 clicks and tap enter (now on the "brightness" menu), turn the knob to see if brightness comes up.

 

[FishbedBG]

One other thing to try before the reset. Turn radio on, turn knob 4 clicks and tap enter (now on "set"), turn knob 2 clicks and tap enter (now on "display"), tap enter again and turn the knob to see it display returns (now on the "backlight" menu). If that doesn't work, tap "clear" once, then turn knob 2 clicks and tap enter (now on the "brightness" menu), turn the knob to see if brightness comes up.

Thank you. I think I’ve managed to enter in both menus from the “display” section and changing the settings there. The result is either turning on or off the backlight or adjusting the brightness. But still no image.

I think I managed to do one of the resets, but I can’t tell exactly which one (I got a long beep that I’ve never heard before), still no effect.

@bearcatrp - I’ve contacted them and they forwarded the email to their representative in Germany who gave me the advices that I’ve shared in my previous reply. I’m waiting for the reply of their trusted dealer…

 

[bearcatrp]

Sucks having poor support. Think your screwed and will have to send it in.

 

[racin06]

I love Icom but I would never buy that radio again. Brought it back to HRO after 1 day. Junk.

No issues with my R15...stellar performer.

 

[xms3200]

To Icom IC-R15 owners...Do you scan VHF air on AM-N or AM, which gives less interference. Thanks in advance.

 

[bearcatrp]

Just AM for me. Haven't tried AM-N.

 

[bearcatrp]

What did you eventually have to do to get it working?

 

[FishbedBG]

What did you eventually have to do to get it working?

Nothing really, after every single suggestion not achieving anything I returned it to the dealer and bought another one from a different store. Should arrive these days.