[MRCA] RT-1439 problems?

[W2HX]

Hi guys. I have a plain jane RF-1439 (no comsec).  No matter what I do, I cannot seem to set the frequency either for MAN or, say, CHAN 1.  I am following the instructions verbatim. The problem arises when set FCT=LD, set the mode to SC (single channel), set CHAN=1, then I press the FREQ button. It is supposed to show the current freq loaded or 00000 for blank, but nothing displays (display is dark). I am then supposed to press CLR to see dashes "-------" to clear it before reloading the freq.  But CLR produces no display. 

The TST position produces "GOOd" as expected. What am I doing wrong?!  I do also have the DIM set correctly so GOOd is very bright and visible.

I realized that the STW means "stow" and is supposed to disconnect the HUB battery, mine hasn't been used in a year probably and was set to "OFF" could a dead HUB battery cause this behavior? I would have expected that it would allow setting the frequency normally but perhaps not store it if the main battery was removed.

 
73 Eugene W2HX