My Icom R-71A Communications Receiver

[@1tequilapaul]

Great video Arthur...I started SWLing back in the mid 60's. My first receiver was a Hallicrafters, a very inexpensive one that was a B-day gift from my grandmother...Eventually bought myself a Yaesu FRG-7 and now own a ICOM R-71A...Have actually owned it for a number of years. Miss the old days of DXing...Thought it might be fun to get back into the hobby.

[@ArthurJS123]

The old days are never coming back. But there is still plenty to listen to. Check out some of my other videos, featuring the other receivers you mention.

[@paulsmi55]

Thanks Arthur, good points made.. I am acquiring one of these fine receivers next week...for less than $100 !! Very happy with my good fortune. 73 Paul ZS2OE

[@ArthurJS123]

Is it in working condition? That seems like an awfully low price.

[@paulsmi55]

@@ArthurJS123 I also wondered about it as I took a chance buying it sight unseen from across the country from an older ZS5 ham who sold everything up. Was especially worried about the RAM possibly failed due to a flat battery but it was fine and I've had it running for a week now. It's in mint condition functionally and physically with not a mark on it, can't fault it for sensitivity and stability at all. It has had no mods done to it and no sign of any repairs either. It has a slight hum on audio so I am going to completely rebuild the PSU using an LM338 regulator as the old pass transistor type design is inherently risky and noisier and I should also see a reduction in heat. I had the narrow CW filter (FL32) here from the days when I had an IC-730 so that went in too. Will probably do some of the AM mods and maybe look at recapping some areas. it's the IC-71E model with PBT. Even came with the dust cover ! I plan to use it alongside my low power CW homebrew transmitters as well as for SWL.

[@ArthurJS123]

I’ve had the original RAM battery since I bought mine brand new. The only people who lose sleep fretting over them dying are on the Internet, and have likely never owned one. Don’t believe everything you see online. And even if it dies, there are simple solutions with the firmware built in- it’s not a catastrophe.

[@paulsmi55]

@@ArthurJS123 I'll check the terminal voltage on the RAM battery when I do the PSU mod and leave it be for now. Roberto Nardo IK2RND sells the non-volatile RAM board if mine ever did fail and I may get one at some stage seeing as I paid so little for the radio. The power supply is the piece I really want to get sorted out.

[@vtradio]

Nice overview of the Icom IC-R71A! I just ordered on off of eBay. It will be here is a few days. I'll follow up. 73 Paul AA1SU

[@ArthurJS123]

I won’t say “don’t buy one of these off of eBay”, as it’s too late. But I hope you didn’t pay too much. They tend to be way overpriced. I do like it on SSB, not so much on AM. But wishing you all the best with your purchase.

[@vtradio]

Fortunately, it has a 30-day money back guarantee. Which is good, because it was not fully tested. It has a cooling fan mounted to the top that I will probably get rid of. I bought it to match an IC-R7000 that I bought a while back at our local hamfest. Still have not listened to that one.

[@ArthurJS123]

@vtradio Recapping the PLL/VCO may be necessary if not already done. It’s a common issue.

[@b.2221]

Lovely radio Arthur, I am just a simple shortwave listener, and not at all technical minded I know how you feel about your Icom. I have an R75 which I wanted new but it was discontinued by Icom, and the only way I could get it new was to import one from Japan without the DSP unit which I did not want and I love this little Gem and it also has PBT. 👍 Tom.

[@ArthurJS123]

B. It’s my best DX radio.

[@cbfall]

Excellent video,Arthur!!!

[@williamhelms9942]

Gilles Letourneau has a similar remote DSP set-up, very cool!

[@ArthurJS123]

+William Helms he has the exact same model.

[@maxxkatt]

what kind of padding or stuffing did you put in your sp3?

[@ArthurJS123]

Just thin synthetic foam you might find as packing material. Works well.

[@aceturner9733]

I recently bought one for practically next to nothing. Problem is USB doesn't work.

[@ArthurJS123]

Ace Turner you’ll have to pick up an older computer, then. I’ve never used any of the software functions with this radio.

[@aceturner9733]

No. I mean upper sideband doesn't work.