Kenwood: Kenwood TH-F6A power issue

[searchrescueff]

I have a Kenwood TH-F6A that isn't powering on. I've pulled my meter and checked the AC Adapter and it is showing power at 13.8v. I've also pulled off the battery and checked the voltage thru the terminals and it is showing at around 6v, but should still power on (or so I'm thinking.. I know it's also 7.4v Li-Ion battery). I've taken it apart and don't see any signs of anything being burned out. Is there somewhere I should check with my meter to see if something is amiss? I'm out of clues and have came to the conclusion that it's a dead radio. If there's something I can check, and possibly remedy myself, I'd rather go that route than having to purchase a new one.

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[FKimble]

My Standard Horizon(by Vertex) HT with a 7.4v Li-Ion battery powers itself off at 6vDC. Can you find someone else with the same radio and try swapping batteries. Possibly a bad charger or battery.

 

[WA0CBW]

If the battery is only showing 6 volts it is discharged (or something has gone wrong with the battery and it won't charge).
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[searchrescueff]

The battery has been bad for a while. But even with the battery on and the AC Adapter plugged in (which is the only way it'll power on with the AC adapter), it won't turn on. The AC Adapter should power it up, but doesn't. Maybe a bad connector? I've given thought to maybe just a bad battery altogether that's not allowing the power to cycle through to the radio.

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[WA0CBW]

The bad battery is probably pulling down the AC adapter voltage not allowing it enough voltage to turn on.
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[searchrescueff]

Is there maybe a way I can bypass the battery altogether to try and determine if it is indeed the battery?

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[WA0CBW]

Remove the battery and use the Kenwood AC power adapter (or a 13.6 volt power supply). If you use a separate 13.6 volt power supply be sure you use the proper size coaxial plug and polarity.
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[N4KVE]

Is there maybe a way I can bypass the battery altogether to try and determine if it is indeed the battery?

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Yes. Remove the battery, & connect 7.2 volts to the battery terminals on the radio. Make sure the polarity is correct.

 

[searchrescueff]

Ok, I managed to get 7.2v to the radio. And yes, correctly polarity. I guess I'm buying a new one soon. This one is done. Won't do anything.

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[N4KVE]

Sorry to hear the news, but it had a good life as these radios are 10+ years old. Maybe they have a tiny fuse inside somewhere?

 

[WA0CBW]

There is a fuse inside the radio. I think it was near the battery connection terminals. Have you checked it?
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[WA0CBW]

The part number is F53-0324-15, 2.5 amps, $.61 plus
shipping, from Kenwood East Parts.
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[searchrescueff]

No, and it's too late for me to try and open it up. I'll do that tomorrow and get back on it. Thanks for the help!

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[scover5555]

In the manual it says to plug the AC adapter into the radio first before plugging it into the wall. There is a problem with a fuse blowing inside the radio giving an inop condition if this is not followed. I had read this while researching the radio before I bought it several years ago and apparently Kenwoods solution to this is my first sentence above. http://www.repeater-builder.com/kenwood/kenwood-th-f6-and-th-f7-notes.html here is the link where I read this.

 

[searchrescueff]

Ok, took apart the radio and checked for bad spots. F1 and F2 fuse is bad and also R19 chip is bad. Had to search my service manual to find out where the fuses are. I don't have steady enough hands to be replacing those little things, so I guess I have a parts radio... lol

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