[Icom] Loose handheld antenna connector.

Mon, 04 Nov 2002 08:06:40 -0500

That's a fairly common problem with W32A's.  Most solutions I've seen 
didn't need Locktite - just needed to find a tool that could tighten the 
nut properly.  The little spanner wrenches that do it are not common 
tools.  I got a "bent-nose" needle nose plyers, and I've been able to keep 
my antennas tight.

Before you take any final steps, remember that there's a little screw on 
the back of the radio at the base of the antenna that must also be tight 
(but it won't tighten the BNC connector if the nut is loose).

Also, when the antenna is loose, the wire connecting it to the PC board is 
very likely to break... just barely.  That can lead to an intermittent 
connection.  Look for that (with a wattmeter, or by listening to a distant 
repeater) before tightening things down.  If you do have an intermittent, 
tightening the BNC won't solve it, and it will get worse.  Fixing that 
requires disassembling the radio, which can be done if you're careful.

73,
Gary KN4AQ

  11/4/2002 "Michael P. Olbrisch" <[email protected]> wrote:
>Today while hiking in the Franklin Mountains, I discovered
>that my ICOM IC-W32A had a loose antenna connector.
>The area I was in had no cell phone coverage, so radio was
>important on this hike.  I did a quick repair on the trail,
>and now at home I am looking at a better solution.
>
>My best thought, take the nut off, drop in a bit of LOCKTITE
>242 (can be removed with common tools, no heat. (BLUE))
>and tighten it down good.
>
>Any other suggestions or better ideas before I proceed?
>I won't need the radio till next Saturday for another hike.
>
>Thanks Y-all.
>
>Mike.
>
>My E-mail address: mailto:[email protected]
>Ham Radio page: http://www.qsl.net/kd9kc/
>Gun page: http://home.elp.rr.com/elpasochl/
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>----
>Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
>Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
>Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/

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Gary Pearce KN4AQ
Editor, Repeater Journal
SouthEastern Repeater Association
116 Waterfall Ct.
Cary, NC 27513
919-380-9944
[email protected]
www.sera.org