icom: IC-R71: ROM / memory loss

The Icom R-71 communications receiver was equipped with a 32 kB memory RAM containing the contents of 32 memory channels and information important to control the microprocessor's operating system.

When the backup battery fails (usually after 7 - 10 years of use), not only all memory data is lost, but also the microprocessor control of the receiver becomes inoperativ, this means the radio will not work anymore.

To renew the RAM content and to replace the backup battery, the radio has to be shipped to Icom to reprogram the RAM content.

There are possibilities, to replace the receivers RAM by a modification using a larger memory EPROM, which was available years after the receiver has been designed, try Willco Electronics for details.

Quite often, Icom R-71 are sold on online auctions as inoperative, remember about the backup battery problem when considering to buy a used set! There is no way "just to use a bit of contact cleaner and the radio will play again" as sometimes stated in offers on online auction platforms.

Kind regards Martin Boesch

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