icom 710 Error

[nonam]

I am helping a friend with his boat.It has been neglected for a couple of years.We turned on his icom 710 and the screen displays "error".The 710 and the area around it looks good.There is no evidence of moisture/corrosion.We disconnected/connected all the plugs but the screen says "error".Its getting 14.2 volts.Is there anything else we can try before we seek professional help?Are there any buttons we can push to find out what the error is?

[daddle]

Is it a remote head unit? I think they say 'ERROR' when the connection to the tranceiver is bad.

[nonam]

Yes the 710 is two units.I have brought them home and looking at them now.There is only two cables coming out of the control unit.All plugs and connections look to be as new.Everything about the 710 looks 1st class.Thats why I am wondering if there can be some simple thing we have missed.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by nonam

Yes the 710 is two units.I have brought them home and looking at them now.There is only two cables coming out of the control unit.All plugs and connections look to be as new.Everything about the 710 looks 1st class.Thats why I am wondering if there can be some simple thing we have missed.

The 710 should not be two units or a remote head as mentioned. It consists of the transceiver and the second piece is probably the tuner. I would suggest that if you did not realize this, you might want to get the unit to someone more familiar with it since there will be little to nothing you will be able to do, especially now that you have removed it from the boat. Chuck

[nonam]

Oh my god!!!!Waterguy what should I do??????Our IC-M710 is in THREE pieces (if you include the tuner)!!!!

[btrayfors]

It seems most likely that you have a M710RT which DOES have a removable head.

The head takes 12VDC power separately from the main unit, which also needs 12VDC power. Be sure the connections are clean and tight. In particular, check the BNC connections as well as the power connections.

The manual for the M710RT can be downloaded from the Icom website.

Bill
WA6CCA

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by nonam

Oh my god!!!!Waterguy what should I do??????Our IC-M710 is in THREE pieces (if you include the tuner)!!!!

Well we used a 710 for six years that I installed and maintained and it was one piece unless I took it apart, plus the tuner, so can't say what 710 you have. Chuck

[btrayfors]

Chuck,

There were several models of the 710, including the 710RT which has a removable head. I've had several of them thru here, one just a few weeks ago.

Unfortunately, Icom decided to stop making them -- I suppose because if you need a remote head they want you to buy the more expensive 802.

Bill

[AnchorageGuy]

You are right Bill, but didn't see any mention of the RT. We used a 710 for years. It is still going strong. Chuck

[nonam]

Can anyone knowledgable say if the antenna tuner can cause an "error" when the 710 is on recieve?
We did away with the antenna ground and installed a KISS counterpoise.

[nonam]

Yep,you guys are right.On the little plate ,back of the main unit,it says 710RT.

[btrayfors]

The KISS-SSB radial counterpoise system is VERY unlikely to be the cause of the error message you're seeing.

More likely, it's either a connection error (cables between the two units) or a programming error.

You might try disconnecting the tuner from the main unit and programming in a frequency. DO NOT ATTEMPT to transmit, though, until you reconnect the antenna tuner or connect a dummy load.

Try programming a frequency in (see manual or instructions on Pactor-II/III Radio Modem sales, FCC License filing, Marine SSB & HAM Radio Net schedules &amp frequencies.).

Far as I know there's no way to reset the microprocessor.

If all fails, there's always the Icom repair guy. I've found the one in SC much more helpful than the others.

Bill

[daddle]

On the 710RT the control head and transceiver have separate power, as mentioned. I believe the transceiver 'clicks' when the power is turned on with the control head.

I often get the ERROR display after the boat sits for a while. Wiggling the connectors between the control unit and the tranceiver always solves the problem (cycle the power). Check the cable.

The ERROR display has nothing to do with the antenna or tuner.

[nonam]

WINNER!WINNER!WE HAVE A WINNER!Daddle I believe you have it.We failed to realise that each of the two units have their own power supply.While the control unit lit up,there is a problem with the power supply to the main unit.Thank you Daddle.: thumb:

[nonam]

And now I must apologise to Btrayfors who originaly advised it.Some how I didnt pick up the importance of his post.Of course we did mess with all the connections but it seems there is a power supply problem to the main unit.