[1000mp] Antenna relays

[Scott Galbraith]

I've had this problem several times over the years. The first time was 
perplexing until I
"cured" it when I discovered and repaired an antenna problem. Every time 
since, when it
happens, I check antenna system and usually find a connector fault or 
something similar
(usually intermittent as cables/wires/etc. blow in wind), fix that 
problem and the
"intermittent front end" goes away. Check your connectors, especially 
braid and center
conductors for bad solder joints, or N-type connectors with center pins 
pulled back, etc.

- Scott

Jürgen and Kathy Nittner wrote:
> Garry Shapiro wrote:
>> Tod:
>>
>> I encountered that exact problem with my MP while it was still in 
>> warranty; it first manifested while I was operating at 3B9R in 1999. 
>> Subsequently, Yaesu professed profound ignorance of the problem. I 
>> then sent in the radio with explicit, detailed, can't-miss 
>> instructions how to replicate the problem, and was told shortly 
>> thereafter that the problem could not be replicated. That was 
>> incredible to me, because the dropout by then was occurring every 10 
>> or 20 TX/RX cycles. After further discussions by telephone, a bunch 
>> of front-end parts were replaced, including several DIP relays, but 
>> the bag of used parts accompanying the returned radio were not 
>> identified.
>>
>> The Yaesu "fix" lasted several years, but again appeared. Recently, I 
>> sent my radio to WA4GEG in Tennessee for a display board problem and 
>> mentioned this, and Byron replaced six or seven relays. So far, so 
>> good. The second MP I have, purchased only a few years ago, also 
>> occasionally manifests the problem. I have little doubt that a relay 
>> is the culprit, but I am not sure which one.
>>
>> To my knowledge, Yaesu has /never/ acknowledged this problem, 
>> although it has been discussed many times, by myself and others, on 
>> this reflector. Yaesu's denial--despite multiple complaints--is both 
>> unfathomable and unacceptable. When Chip Margelli was working for 
>> Yaesu, I toggled him, but he never responded.
>>
>> I just went back over my stored messages, but, alas, I have not kept 
>> them back that long. You might, however, key on my name or callsign 
>> in the archives, starting in the Spring of 1999, to see what pops up. 
>> I am afraid that all you will find, however, are detailed 
>> descriptions of the complaint.
>>
>> Yaesu's attitude on this matter has a payback. My next radio will be 
>> a K3.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Garry, NI6T
>>
>> Tod -ID wrote:
>>> Over the years people have posted information relating to sudden,
>>> intermittent changes in RF input signal level which often seemed to be
>>> caused by the small antenna relays in the RF section of the MP.
>>> I am experiencing such intermittent RX signal reduction as I use the 
>>> radio .
>>> If the RX signal level drops I can almost always send a dit and the 
>>> signal
>>> level will pop back up to the previous level. One might well think 
>>> that the
>>> relay contacts have become fouled.
>>> Before I began the search of the archives for historical comment on 
>>> this
>>> problem I thought I would post the problem on the reflector and ask 
>>> people
>>> to give me suggestions on what terms I should use in the search if I 
>>> want to
>>> find pertinent material faster.
>>>
>>> If you have the 'solution' feel free to send that along, otherwise 
>>> any help
>>> would be appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thanks, Tod, K0TO
>>>
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