Tech. Question: Replacing R-7000 S-Meter Lamp

[MWillyG]

Icom-users:

Has anyone had to replace the bulb that illuminates the S-meter on an Icom R-7000?

I have the part number from the service manual, but I haven't opened the radio's case yet to see how the light is situated.

Is it soldered in, or is it a press-fit of a sort?

Just wondering if this is something that I should have "professionally" replaced.

I have seen a few articles describing how to change from an incandenscent bulb to a long-lasting LED in an Icom IC-765, so this has given me ideas in that direction, if the stock replacement is a nightmare.

Thanks!

 

[Declared_Hostile]

I have an R-71A which looks to be the same general layout as the 7000. My S-meter bulb is also out and it doesn't look too terribly difficult to replace. It has been a while since I had it open to check but if I remember correctly it is a small lamp with two wires maybe an inch long that are soldered to a connection on a circuit board. Looked to be a somewhat tight area to work in with just the top cover off. It looked to me like it would be easier to just cut the wires at the bulb and then solder the new bulb wires to the old wire leads to the circuit board.

An LED conversion would be nice. I'm going to send mine in for 12 volt conversion so I might see if the shop can do something along those lines.

 

[MWillyG]

R-7000 Lamp Repair

Thanks Declared!

I, too, have an R-71A. I called Icom parts today to order a replacement bulb for the 7000 and asked if the 71A used the same part for the S-meter bulb. The response was, "probably yes." It seems that Icom's parts and tech personnel have to put-up with the same not-so-great tech manuals that we mere mortals live with. ;-)

They were very helpful, though, and were prepared to take as long as needed to satisfy my even if the bulb is only about $4.
FYI: The Icom part number for the 7000, and, most likely, the 71A bulb is 5080000070.

At any rate, I ordered 2 just in case: A) I foul-up my 7000 fix on the first attempt (Murphy's Law and all that), and/or B) the functioning light on the 71A quits in the future.

Well, long story short, it sounds like, from your description and suggested repair strategy, it's something that I can handle myself.

Much obliged for the info!

I have an R-71A which looks to be the same general layout as the 7000. My S-meter bulb is also out and it doesn't look too terribly difficult to replace. It has been a while since I had it open to check but if I remember correctly it is a small lamp with two wires maybe an inch long that are soldered to a connection on a circuit board. Looked to be a somewhat tight area to work in with just the top cover off. It looked to me like it would be easier to just cut the wires at the bulb and then solder the new bulb wires to the old wire leads to the circuit board.

An LED conversion would be nice. I'm going to send mine in for 12 volt conversion so I might see if the shop can do something along those lines.

 

[Declared_Hostile]

At any rate, I ordered 2 just in case: A) I foul-up my 7000 fix on the first attempt (Murphy's Law and all that), and/or B) the functioning light on the 71A quits in the future.

I can relate. I'd probably order 4 - 1 to mess up, 1 to drop and lose under the desk, 1 to actually fix the radio and another to put away for the future where when the time comes I'll never remember where I put it.