Performed this surgery on one of my VX-7R radios today, and it was grueling due to the SMT components. The proximity of some of the SMT components prevents effective use of a solder sucker, and even using solder wick is a challenge. I was able to remove the solder for two pins on each filter, but the three grouped pins did not lend themselves to me using a solder sucker. On one of the filters, I soldered the three remaining soldered pins to a small piece of copper wire, then heated the copper wire while using pliers to pull the filter out (cool technique I saw another UA-cam content creator demonstrate), then cleaned the pads with solder wick. On the other filter, I tried this approach but the case came off the filter, so I removed the guts of the filter, and was able to unsolder each of the three remaining plate pins individually and then clean the pads. Truly hope I don’t have to do this again!
After watching this and the previous video, I'm convinced you are an extremely professional tech. I commend you on your work. The failure you diagnose here is identical to that of the VX-7r and indeed uses the exact same ceramic filter, twice, as it has dual RF 'decks'. The main deck on my recently purchased VX-7r exhibits near identical symptoms as well as ~ - 60db quieting on all narrowband fm signals. Wideband is not affected. Other articles come to the same conclusion as you have here. I will be calling Yaesu parts tomorrow to buy a few filters, two for my VX-7r and one or two more for my buddies with VX6s and VX-7s. Thank you for your most excellent video sir! -Brian, N8ZPS
Thanks much for time and effort to post the video! I am having the same problem with my VX-6R. UA-cam is an incredible source of information! I will be sure to post the results once I make the repair this coming week. 73!
Interesting video. Thanks. Perhaps you could pull the camera a little closer, though. Seeing what you have on the bench, I am surprised that you don't yet have de soldering gun solution. Apparently, Hakko makes some good ones. What do you think of the VX-6? I am still studying for my Technician, but I had looked at the VX-6 because of its apparent durability water resistance. Was this a once in a lifetime failure, or do you expect/have/had more trouble?
What microscope and soldering station are you using? Would you have any different recommendations for a beginner? Do you think the USB microscopes are usable? Would a soldering station with hot air help on this repair?
Performed this surgery on one of my VX-7R radios today, and it was grueling due to the SMT components. The proximity of some of the SMT components prevents effective use of a solder sucker, and even using solder wick is a challenge. I was able to remove the solder for two pins on each filter, but the three grouped pins did not lend themselves to me using a solder sucker. On one of the filters, I soldered the three remaining soldered pins to a small piece of copper wire, then heated the copper wire while using pliers to pull the filter out (cool technique I saw another UA-cam content creator demonstrate), then cleaned the pads with solder wick. On the other filter, I tried this approach but the case came off the filter, so I removed the guts of the filter, and was able to unsolder each of the three remaining plate pins individually and then clean the pads. Truly hope I don’t have to do this again!
After watching this and the previous video, I'm convinced you are an extremely professional tech. I commend you on your work. The failure you diagnose here is identical to that of the VX-7r and indeed uses the exact same ceramic filter, twice, as it has dual RF 'decks'. The main deck on my recently purchased VX-7r exhibits near identical symptoms as well as ~ - 60db quieting on all narrowband fm signals. Wideband is not affected. Other articles come to the same conclusion as you have here. I will be calling Yaesu parts tomorrow to buy a few filters, two for my VX-7r and one or two more for my buddies with VX6s and VX-7s. Thank you for your most excellent video sir!
-Brian, N8ZPS
Thanks much for time and effort to post the video! I am having the same problem with my VX-6R. UA-cam is an incredible source of information! I will be sure to post the results once I make the repair this coming week. 73!
Hey thanks! I was able to fix my VX6R because of your video. BTW the filter is still $.61 as of 6/9/17 from Yeasu. Thanks much!
Where the hell do you buy it?
Interesting video. Thanks. Perhaps you could pull the camera a little closer, though.
Seeing what you have on the bench, I am surprised that you don't yet have de soldering gun solution. Apparently, Hakko makes some good ones.
What do you think of the VX-6? I am still studying for my Technician, but I had looked at the VX-6 because of its apparent durability water resistance. Was this a once in a lifetime failure, or do you expect/have/had more trouble?
Love the video for my vx-6r!! Donyou mind if I ask what are those circular weighted vices that you use to hold the circuit board? Thank you!
Hakko C1390C Omnivise PCB Holder. Expensive!
What microscope and soldering station are you using? Would you have any different recommendations for a beginner? Do you think the USB microscopes are usable? Would a soldering station with hot air help on this repair?
This is awesome :)
Sweet!
I need yaesu vx6 schematic :)
I don't have that problem with mine vx-6r maybe you just got a lemon
Hi thank you so much for your explaining this issue. I ordered the filter not to long ago sep 2020 to Vancouver Canada. 61c price 13 dollar shipping.