R2600 question

[George]

I have a R2600 and it stopped receiving and generating.

It was working the last time I used it. It works, all displays and such are there, but does not generate or receive. Nothing shows up on the spectrum analyzer.

Possible reference oscillator failure? VCO witch's brew failure? Any common failures? Maybe reseat some boards?

George

[arlojanis]

There are fuses in the input/out ports (BNC). Check them.

[d119]

We just sent in an R2600 with this exact issue, and they replaced the "A7 High Synthesizer Module (Original module was not repairable since bad VCO chip U5 is no longer available."

Total cost to repair it was $2200 + shipping. But we did get it repaired. Hope this isn't the problem with yours...

Interesting thing they said is that it DID work above 490MHz. If you mainly use it for VHF/UHF, try a frequency above 490MHz and see if it works up there... That'll tell you if it's got the same issue as the one we have had.

[DJP126]

It is definitely NOT the reference oscillator. If the oscillator was bad, you would have NO display at all. As stated above, check the fuses in the antenna and generate ports (1/16th amp pico fuses). If they are good, arrange to send it to CTDI. They will repair it and update the firmware to the latest version available for your model.

[xmo]

"It is definitely NOT the reference oscillator. If the oscillator was bad, you would have NO display at all."
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I can confirm that. I bought a 2670 on ebay. "Clicks when powered on - no display. Sold as defective for parts or repair."

It was cheap.

I thought even if I couldn't fix it I could send it to the depot for flat rate repair and the total cost of the auction and the depot would still be reasonable.

As it turned out - the reference oscillator switch was set to external - hence no display.

That and tightening a loose connector on the power supply restored the unit to proper operation!

[tvsjr]

As it turned out - the reference oscillator switch was set to external - hence no display.

That and tightening a loose connector on the power supply restored the unit to proper operation!

You bastard!

[xmo]

You bastard!
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What? For buying a 2670 with late firmware, Motorola type II trunking, Astro, and Securenet w/DES/DVP-XL, for $1800.00?

[tvsjr]

You bastard!
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What? For buying a 2670 with late firmware, Motorola type II trunking, Astro, and Securenet w/DES/DVP-XL, for $1800.00?

Um, yeah. Reminds me of someone's "bar code reader" of years past...

[George]

I'll check the frequency range above 490 and see what it does.

I know it doesn't work in VHF or 450.

I'll follow up as soon as I can.

Thanks!

[d119]

Yeah try it on 512 or 8/900MHz and let us know what happens.

[George]

Yep, it works above 500 MHz. Must be that chip.

Okay, now what? I really can't afford to send it out for repair and I can change chips. Is this a surface mount or some hot gas bonded thing?

Where is it located? I have the user manual for the 2600 but not the shop service manual.

Am I getting into something like taking apart an automatic transmission with no manual to help with the overhaul?

[DJP126]

Am I getting into something like taking apart an automatic transmission with no manual to help with the overhaul?

You most definitely are. Without the service manual and extender boards, forget it. Also there are major changes between each generation (different boards).