R8500 to Canadian service depot, finally.

[woody_46]

It's been almost 3 years since my radio developed the dreaded PLL issue. I finally decided to send it to Icom Canada. I'm not sure why they don't have a service center in Ontario. I have to send it to B.C.

This leads me to a rant about the cost of courier services. It's outrageous! I chose UPS in the end. Over 100$ for a ground shipment from here to B.C. 19 lbs, and 1000$ insurance! I decided not to go air since it was 100$ before insurance costs, etc. Purolator was more expensive.

Anyways watch for squawking sounds in the audio on these. It was my first indication something was going wrong, followed by low audio. It then progressed to no VHF/UHF, and finally a clicking relay, and flashing display.

 

[woody_46]

Well, the radio is at the service center. I'm just waiting to hear back. I'm kinda anxious to to have it working again after so long.

I had an early model, the serial number was under 2000. It sat because I also have an Icom R75, and scanners too. You can't beat the R8500 in high RF areas, it stands up well to intermod. It blows the other scanners out of the water in that respect and rivals the R75 on HF, with better audio.

I'll be using it for mostly for analog UHF/VHF signals when I get it back.