Icom IC-R70 Bad Reception

[GreenToast]

I have a very nice IC-R70 that I inherited from my father. The reception is rather poor. Is there a way to calibrate it (or a service that would do taht). I have tried a long wire, telescopic, even the MLA-30+. On a clear night i can get 3 maybe 4 channels across the entire frequency range (2000 through 12000khz). I have a cheap handheld swl radio (SuperSonic brand that I purchased from Menards for like $30.) that works A LOT better. I have a good ground on the radio and have run it on and off of a line conditioner (seams to really help lower the noise floor). Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[palmerjrusa]

I have a very nice IC-R70 that I inherited from my father. The reception is rather poor. Is there a way to calibrate it (or a service that would do taht). I have tried a long wire, telescopic, even the MLA-30+. On a clear night i can get 3 maybe 4 channels across the entire frequency range (2000 through 12000khz). I have a cheap handheld swl radio (SuperSonic brand that I purchased from Menards for like $30.) that works A LOT better. I have a good ground on the radio and have run it on and off of a line conditioner (seams to really help lower the noise floor). Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.

Sounds like something in the front end of the receiver is blown.

Sending it back to Icom for a health check-up is probably your best bet.

 

[GreenToast]

Awesome, thanks. I didnt know that was an option.

 

[palmerjrusa]

Awesome, thanks. I didnt know that was an option.

I would confirm with Icom if they still service this model.

If they don't, don't give up, search around for other repair options, that's a great receiver!

 

[N8YX]

I realize this is an old thread, but:

If you have the ability to troubleshoot at the component level, first thing I'd look at is the relays which switch the Preamp/Attenuator in and out. Then look at the 1st RF Amp transistors (2SK125). Injecting a signal via a generator after the 1st RF Amp may help confirm their (correct) operation.

J310 is a suitable replacement. Observe package orientation.