Tallyho
Dec 21st, 2005, 3:32 pm
About a month ago, I started having problems with the audio jack on the side of the ICOM. I originally thought it was the 3.5mm plug coming loose. The next week, the transmit button started staying open and every little bounce caused it to open and close without warning. So, it seemed there was a problem with both the audio and microphone jacks. I checked all the wiring through the BC3 and back up to the connector plugs. All seemed fine. Finally, I tried a different ICOM which worked perfectly. Guess it's the radio! I had registered my radio on-line with ICOM and it is about 8 months into its two year warranty. I shipped it up to their repair facility in Bellevue, WA. After two weeks I got a call stating both the 2.5mm and 3.5mm were loose in the chassis, had broken retention springs, and soldering connections coming apart. They also noted the main board had also come loose at the soldering points and demonstrated a significant amount of short circuit activity during movement. Keep in mind, I have never dropped this radio and always handled it like glass. They put in new board and jacks and did a "heavy duty" soldering job on it as they know it will be used on a motorcycle. I thought these radios were made to industrial and military specification. Apparently, not the one I received. I am hoping it will hold up for a long time to come but wonder if keeping it mounted on the handlebars versus in the tankbag has an increase shake effect on it that may have contribute to the loose parts. I ran it nearly 10K miles this summer without a hitch until this. It really doesn't get that much movement up there and I have to tell you it functions much better with the antenna above the handlebars. Just thought I would relay the story and get your thoughts on the mounting situation.