Re-aligning an R71

[pilot_ngb]

Hello

I have a chance to purchase a damaged R71 cheaply. The current owner thinks it needs re-aligning. Sorry for the newbie question, but what does this mean and how easy is it done?

 

[ka3jjz]

It can be a fairly complex procedure, depending on the receiver. In effect, the RF and IF stages must be tweaked to levels that match Icom's recommended standards. This is not something, sadly, that a newcomer could reasonably accomplish. A detailed service manual, along with equipment that includes RF Probes and a signal generator, would be a bare minimum.

I'd give this a pass, frankly. If someone says to me that 'all it needs is an alignment' (and that person is not technically inclined), then there's a fairly good chance that there's more to the story. A receiver of this age is quite likely to have other component related issues that one would discover as you went through the procedure. It's hard to judge, and don't let the physical condition fool you.

One of its biggest issues is that the operating system is on an EEPROM which is backed up by a battery. If the battery goes bad, so does the operating system. There have been some replacement boards and batteries made by others over the years, but the real issue is the operating system - if it goes away you are Sxxx out of luck. Good luck trying to get Icom to reprogram an older radio like that. Likely they could do it, but with VAT and customs, it's probably not cost effective

73 Mike

 

[W2NJS]

You stated that the radio is "damaged." Does this mean that someone put a dent in the case (not necessarily too bad a thing), or that perhaps lightning struck nearby and after that the radio didn't work
right? Internal, electronic circuit damage would, at least to me, rule the radio out immediately. If indeed all it needs is a realignment that's a hundred dollar job from Icom, plus shipping both ways. There is also a replacement board available from a company named Piexx that keeps the radio from losing its operating system when the memory battery dies. I have one in my R71A and it works fine.

 

[ka3jjz]

The OT is in the UK - so add more on for VAT and customs...73 Mike

[Edit] I looked at the Piexx site - all they have listed there now, unless I missed it, is the memory board for the 751 series transceivers. Is that one also compatible with the R71?

 

[pilot_ngb]

Thanks for the detailed replies. You have convinced me to stay away from this radio because although it can probably be fixed it's way above my skill.

The radio was on ebay selling for 150sterling. The seller was clear that it does not tune correctly. He said he is not technical enough (like me) to make a judgement on what needs to be done.

I will continue looking for a bargin on ebay in the U.K.

 

[Star56]

I added an R71 to my receiver stack a few weeks ago. Got one with a new battery. It is really sensitive and actually trumps my 2 R75's and my 535D on ssb.

If you can get one with replacement battery installed and for the right price it is an excellent utility DX machine.