[PCR-1000] PCR1000 servicing from Icom

[Mark L. Hammond]

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.

Now, before the flames start about what a knucklehead I am, and how I don't 
know how to operate it, let me share some information with you :)

1) I have a 10 cross-element RHCP directional array with computerized az/el 
control as an antenna (cut for 144 MHz, but it has lots of gain at 137).

2) I have a Kenwood TS-790A and an Icom-706 to use as comparison 
receivers.  They were getting quite good signals, when the PCR-1000 
couldn't even hear the wxsats--same antenna, mind you.

3) I've been doing digital satellites since 1990, so grabbing a few 
satellite images is really no big deal

4) no, the PCR-1000 attenuator isn't ON ;-)  Turning it on makes the unit 
go from deaf to deaf AND dumb!

5) local ham radio repeaters give about an S3-4 signal, while the ham rigs 
are S9+20-60.

I haven't used it much at all (bought it for AO-40 satellite work), and I'm 
not sure it has ever worked right, but it seems much worse than I ever 
recall (I hadn't used it for months, no antenna connected during that time).

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!

73,

Mark L. Hammond  [N8MH]