Agree that for less than $50, you can't beat this handheld. I have two.

The only issue was weak audio. Took advice from a user group and drilled out the mic "hole" to about twice it's size. Bingo! Perfect now!!

I wouldn't try this mod from the outside. Take it apart and drill from the inside (or you'll probably nuke the mic). Putting it back together took some gymnastics, though...

My .02

Sort of what I was thinking. Easier for Icom to assemble the radio (manufacturing process).

Thanks for the inputs.

I'm going with wire!!!

Thanks again

Alan

IC-735 Main board:

I found a broken "jumper". In the service manual it is called W27

What is mysterious to me is - the "jumper" (there are lots of these on the boards) is an all- white device about the size of a 1/4 watt resisitor? I measured several of these and they are indeed "jumpers" with zero resistance in both directions (not a diode, etc).

My question is - why would Icom use these white (resistor looking) devices instead of a piece of wire?

Appreciate any comment...

Just an update - exchanged the front display unit (with my "good 735") - Bingo! Works! Including the VFO encoder.

Next will be exchanging the top main board (get results) - then the bottom main board, same...

" it makes me wonder what the original owner was trying to or did do to it. It's definitly a red flag. Cobbling it together will at least give you a base line from which to make a decision."

Couldn't agree more. What were they thinking?

I'm trying (exchanging) certain parts out with my "good" 735. Next will be the front controls/display unit.

I have a 90% complete IC-735 "parts radio".

It needs the following (that I know about):

- VFO knob (I know, it's odd that that would be missing). Encoder seems to turn fine.
- rear (short) RCA jumper
- one oddball internal mini RF cable terminating in a 3 (or 4) pin connector (found by comparing to a "good" IC-735
- bottom feet / stand

I don't see any obvious damage inside. Physically, it's about average.

My question is - is it worth saving, or would you part it out?

Appreciate your comments...

Alan, W7EJT

Mark - where do you get these"pins"? Can't find them on eBay (gee, I thought they had everything!)

Thanks!!! I was wondering how to get those female connectors out of there!

Thanks, again!

Alan, W7EJT

Good suggestion! I have gone about as far as I can with the "male" end... Thanks

I communicate with Ray Tackett (makes the reproduction power cables). He said Icom is the same as everyone else. No special connector on the Icoms.

So how does one improve upon the connection, then?

OK, Just bought on old ICOM IC-735. It didn't come with a 13.6v power cable. No problem, I have a couple of extras. I'm pretty they are all standard; Yaesu, Icom, and Kenwood

When I plugged it into the transceiver - I noticed it was "loose fitting". Nothing, when turned on. I jiggled the connector (and held it in place) - bingo, everything came to life.

I fiddled with the male molex connector (at the transceiver) using an Exacto knife - to open up the pins somewhat. They did open some. Still the connection is very loose fitting, though. I have to hold the connector in position for operation.

1) Did Icom use special 6 pin molex connectors? 
2) The cable I'm using works fine (firm) on my Yeasu FT-890

Any suggestions?

thx and 73

Alan, W7EJT

Mike, Great tip! I haven't tried that one. I just turned off the monitor and the interference goes away. That's next on my list... thx again!

OK, thanks for the tips!

My monitor is not LED backlit (wish is was) Anyhow, my video from the computer is transported via an HDMI cable. I just noticed NO Ferrites on this cable!. I have one on order with two ferrites. Hoping that will fix it.

BTW, the monitor is actually a Samsung 23" 1080P LCD Television, but has plenty of different inputs (including PC). I may try standard VGA cable (with ferrites) if the HDMI doesn't work out.

thanks, again... 

I have read several posts on the subject - but few "results" posted.

I have a fairly new LCD (not LED) Samsung flat screen for my computer monitor. I get some  interference at 20 meters and higher. When I turn it off - bingo, perfect reception!

My computer is grounded to earth ground - but that made no difference. It's the monitor and/or it's associated cables.

Surely others have solved this (ferrites?) Appreciate any suggestions

Alan, W7EJT
Myrtle Beach, SC

OK, now the I can get the Sound Card Level (DM780) to respond to "mic in" adjustment. There is no "line in" on the laptop. On the 450D, set the "D-Type" to USER-U. No more xcvr AF influence to the waterfall

Presently monitoring 30 meters and there is some activity.

Getting copy, but still jibberish.

I remain determined...