ICOM ATT issue

[Matt285]

My Icom 718 is acting up. I have to turn the attenuator (ATT) on to be able to receive signals, which is the opposite way an ATT should work? Without the ATT on its very quiet. Checked all of the volume, gain, NB etc settings.

[CoolAM Radio]

Already try to do a RESET ?

If that doesn't solve the problem -

Google > "icom 718-ATT problem"
for more information!

Goodluck!

André
CoolAM Radio - Shortwave
the Netherlands

[Matt285]

Yes. i should have mentioned I did the reset several times nad even left it in a closet for 2 weeks and reset again. Thanks

[CoolAM Radio]

Try >  ( just simple suggestions! )

- When set is ON - disconnect powercable
  Wait 15 - 20 seconds - then Switch Off the PWR button on the set
  After this - connect PWRcable again & Switch set ON
==========================================
- Same - but with the ATT Pressed In
  Wait 15 - 20 seconds - then Switch Off the PWR button on the set
   After this - connect PWRcable again & Switch set ON
==========================================
- If you have a 2nd transceiver-try ( disconnect antenna/coaxcable)
  set a carriersignal on a freq - and check what ATT is doing then
==========================================

If you're interested - I've several
Icom IC-718 information ( PDF ) files
(Manuals/Service-Manual/Updates/Mods etc.!)
@

http://www.mediafire.com/folder/tjvr8kemx0boz/ICOM_IC-718



Special LINK for More "CB-/HAM Radio"  http://cbhamradio.tk

André
CoolAM Radio - Shortwave
the Netherlands

[Matt285]

Thanks for the new suggestion Cool AM. Tried it a few times in the way you suggested. No improvements. Definitely worth a shot though. At least i can listen to shortwave for the time being. Not all is lost. Would love to transmit though. Maybe I'll fire up my QRP rig on 40m later. 

[CoolAM Radio]

You're welcome!

And.. not tried is always missed.. ( or something like that! )

I guess it's some sensitivity problem.....................

Maybe send email to Icom Service center?


Goodluck!

André

[Josh]

Did you get a front end zap via the coax? Sometimes those will take out the section then active in the front end, leaving the attenuators intact, or if the atten was active when struck this section will be lost and the rest might be undamaged. If there's a known atten issue with the 718 then there you go.

[Matt285]

I read about the front end static discharge issue. I have wood floors in my radio room, but it is entirely likely. What i meant by that is not having carpet cuts down on static a bit. I think?

[Josh]

I meant static coming down the coax such as from a nearby lightning strike. Shuffling your feet on a carpeted floor and touching the faceplate of many recent solid state rigs can make them go bonkers too.

[Matt285]

I am always good about disconnecting my coax during the summer in particular. It had been good weather when this issue started. I will have to wait until I can afford to send it out for repair. At least I still have a receiver.

[Josh]

If you don't have a dc ground return from both sides of your dipole, assuming that you have a dipole, you might add one. They can be as simple as a 10kohm or greater resistor or a old choke. These may reduce noise on the antenna. Some baluns, particularly of the voltage variety, return dc at each terminal.

The cool kids use gas discharge arrestors, these nifty devices clamp anything over x voltage they come into contact with, equalising voltage betwixt inner conductor and outer shield in a nanosecond or two.
https://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-270

[Matt285]

Yes. Regardless of this particular issue i need to add some type of protection. Especially her in Florida

[Josh]

A  fun vid on 718 trouble shooting;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7zd3bzu60o