[PCR-1000] *pathetic* PCR1000 servicing from Icom

[Mark L. Hammond]

At 08:17 AM 1/31/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>Well, as a direct result of trying out the WXSAT stuff, I've determined 
>that my PCR1000 is very, very deaf.  The receive of the wx sats is 
>horrible.  The sensitivity is just not up to par.
>//Okay, that having been said--I just boxed up my PCR1000 and mailed it to 
>Icom for warranty repair.  Has anybody on the list seen something like 
>this?  Or had to send their unit back to Icom for repairs?  How was their 
>repair service?  Just wondering what kind of receive sensitivity others 
>are seeing....the tech. specs are "okay" meaning, I don't expect to do EME 
>with it.  But by golly it should hear the wxsats on a directional array!

Update time.

I called Icom support today (the one in Washington).  They had determined 
that my PCR-1000 would require 2 hours of service to realign the unit, and 
the charge would be $150.    I said the unit was under warranty.  They said 
"the EPROM was corrupted by using 3rd party software, the ICOM software 
won't do that.  It won't be covered by the warranty."

Discussions about me using Windows2000, how it wasn't supported, etc. 
progressed.  I preceded to tell them how it was a really sad thing to be 
only supporting an OS (Win3.1 or 95) that can't be purchased on a computer 
anymore is excusable, and they shouldn't even be selling the thing anymore 
if they can't support current OS.

I asked how much to NOT fix it--just the "estimate".  It would be $25, plus 
return shipping.  That is what I've opted for.

After the fact, I decided to read the literature---the manual, the warranty 
card, and their webpage.  I cannot see ANYWHERE where it says "do not use 
3rd party software or you void your warranty."  In fact, their web site has 
LINKS to 3rd party software now!!!!  It says they don't support the 
software, but it doesn't say it voids the warranty.   So, I called them, 
and spoke to a technical guy.  He really couldn't answer my question: "How 
am I, as a consumer, to know NOT to use 3rd party software, because it will 
be bad for my unit and/or void my warranty."  He couldn't answer it.

I have an backup image of my EPROM that I made right after I bought the 
unit.  Guess I try to load that once I get it back.

One thing I *do* have power over---I will NEVER buy another Icom product, 
period.  I own others now, and have in the past.   Never again....

Anyhow, I'm really upset over the ordeal.  This is the stuff of class 
action lawsuits (which is NOT my game).  I just wanted to vent.

FWIW,

Mark L. Hammond  [N8MH]