What to do with Icom IC-R71A receiver???

[redsky49]

I have inherited an Icom receiver. No operating manual or wire harness, but did come with some Icom headphones. The unit is 110V, not 12V. I could run the radio off an inverter. Apparently it does not have a big amp draw.

I am not a ham or SSB guy. In fact, other than listening to BBC news, and November Mike November, I have little to no experience with long distance radio while offshore.

My question: How useful would this radio be to a cruiser who is not adept in its use? Would it function to receive weather data/gribs? Is there a steep learning curve? Is this simply another piece of outdated electronics? By the way, I did install an isolated backstay when I last replaced some of the standing rigging if that would have any bearing.

I have included a pic of my acquisition, along with my current (25-30 year old) SW/LW radio.

What to do? And what else would be required for a successful installation?

Thanks!

[Auspicious]

Here is the manual: http://www.radiomanual.info/schemi/IC-R71_user.pdf

If it's in good shape but without a wiring harness it's probably worth about $300. The power draw is about 2.5A - a bit high for a receiver only on board especially if you use an inverter.

> My question: How useful would this radio be to a cruiser who is not
> adept in its use? Would

You won't get gribs with that radio. You can get wefax synoptic charts which are better for weather but likely draw somewhat more power to get. Wefax is my information source of choice for weather offshore.

You'll have to spend some time learning the issues with propagation but it really isn't that hard. Definitely not outdated electronics.

If you decide you want to make it work I'll be happy to walk you through the process. If you decide it is too much trouble I might be interested in buying the radio.

[redsky49]

Thanks for the Owner's Manual link. I have downloaded it and will try to understand what I've gotten myself into

[SoonerSailor]

The R71A is an excellent communications receiver. I owned one many years ago. It can be run directly off 12 Volts. There was an inexpensive add-on hardware option to facilitate that but it might be hard to find now.

You might be better off selling it and replacing with something newer and simpler if you arent into the hobby aspects.