RCI-2995 DX HP Factory Error

[BayouRadioAmplifier]

on the TDA2003. pin-3 is common ground, and also common with the backside.
no need to insulate. (usually, maybe) I was using these devices in modulators
years ago. I would just bolt it to the chassis with a light coat of heatsink
compound, since I designed it all for the chassis to be RF ground as well
as DC ground, which is normally the case.





so you can just get a metal washer, with the right thickness,
and width to cover the back side of the TDA2003
to mount it for better heat transfer. Also, it may not be
getting that hot.
(nothing like them modualtor/regulator
transistors in them RCI/Galaxy radios!)

But! this will put the radio chassis at DC ground at this point.
The power supply goes to earth ground at the wall outlet.
Should be no problem, on paper. and you may have your
coax shield grounded to earth and your 60 Hz 120 VAC line.

 

[Recon]

on the TDA2003. pin-3 is common ground, and also common with the backside.
no need to insulate. (usually, maybe) I was using these devices in modulators
years ago. I would just bolt it to the chassis with a light coat of heatsink
compound, since I designed it all for the chassis to be RF ground as well
as DC ground, which is normally the case.


View attachment 70367


so you can just get a metal washer, with the right thickness,
and width to cover the back side of the TDA2003
to mount it for better heat transfer. Also, it may not be
getting that hot.
(nothing like them modualtor/regulator
transistors in them RCI/Galaxy radios!)

But! this will put the radio chassis at DC ground at this point.
The power supply goes to earth ground at the wall outlet.
Should be no problem, on paper. and you may have your
coax shield grounded to earth and your 60 Hz 120 VAC line.

I have not received a response from RCI as to how they will resolve the defect on my two radios and all other radios. I am curious how RCI would correct the defect if I were to ship the radios to them.

 

[AudioShockwav]

I have not received a response from RCI as to how they will resolve the defect on my two radios and all other radios. I am curious how RCI would correct the defect if I were to ship the radios to them.

Bummer.
Ranger will likely tell you to ship it to Chris @ Superior CB for warranty repair.
73
Jeff

 

[Enterprise312ok]

Just fix it and save yourself some shipping.

 

[Recon]

Just fix it and save yourself some shipping.

I agree. Just a few minutes ago I shipped it out to the person who purchased my other 2995.

 

[nomadradio]

This guy has aluminum-nitride TO-220 washers. Just sliding one of these (with a layer of compound) under the part would take up the slack, remove the air gap and be the most labor-effective answer IMHO.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2246494420...pid=5336136228&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

More than one way to skin a cat.

73

 

[Recon]

There seems to be a defect with the aluminum chassis from how it appears. They've always had the chassis to where it's bent inwards where that ic is mounted but the one you show is flat and they just rolled with it at the factory. There's no way the assembler didn't see that!
Here's a couple of photos I found in my library for others that don't know what I'm referring to.
Not the 2995dx but they're all the same as far as the way parts are mounted to chassis
View attachment 70361View attachment 70362

The metal enclosure was intentionally machine bent / stamped correctly with ninety-degree corners as the same in my RCI-69 Base Plus Plus. The screw holes were definitely NOT drilled and tapped perpendicular to the vertical chassis / enclosure, and this is probably why RCI has not responded to me.
Considering the cost of the radio, I was expecting a quality brand name Power Supply. The RCI-69 Base and both RCI-2995 DX HP radios have a Made in China, MIWE S-350-12 Power Supply.

 

[Eldorado828]

The metal enclosure was intentionally machine bent / stamped correctly with ninety-degree corners as the same in my RCI-69 Base Plus Plus. The screw holes were definitely NOT drilled and tapped perpendicular to the vertical chassis / enclosure, and this is probably why RCI has not responded to me.
Considering the cost of the radio, I was expecting a quality brand name Power Supply. The RCI-69 Base and both RCI-2995 DX HP radios have a Made in China, MIWE S-350-12 Power Supply.

You get what you get with ranger anymore. That's a heck of a defect and the assembler obviously saw that. Shift supervisor said "SEND IT!".

 

[Recon]

Bummer.
Ranger will likely tell you to ship it to Chris @ Superior CB for warranty repair.
73
Jeff

As of today, 10 October 2024, RCI has not replied. I contacted Superior CB and they replied and requested I forward the photos to them, and I have done so.

 

[Eldorado828]

As of today, 10 October 2024, RCI has not replied. I contacted Superior CB and they replied and requested I forward the photos to them, and I have done so.

They'll say send it in and it will probably be resolved by adding shims behind that ic.

After that they'll probably hope nobody else notices.

You'd think by 2024 they would have down how to build the same chassis rail they've been using for decades.


Seems that they've got the "Boeing" syndrome.

 

[AudioShockwav]

One would imagine the factory to be filled with Tech's in lab coats and surrounded by test equipment and automated machines.
Like back in the 70's, the famous pictures of Yaesu FT 101's being built.

This is a old picture, it was the "assembly" line for them at Ranger Malaysia back in 2015.

Meet the crew.

73
Jeff

 

[Recon]

They'll say send it in and it will probably be resolved by adding shims behind that ic.

After that they'll probably hope nobody else notices.

You'd think by 2024 they would have down how to build the same chassis rail they've been using for decades.


Seems that they've got the "Boeing" syndrome.

Shim? It would have to be a custom-made shim to compensate for the off-set of the threaded hole for the retainer screw.

 

[Recon]

Good idea sp5it, but I think a better solution is to use BERQUIST Type 800 insulating material. It utilizes double-sided adhesive and requires no attaching hardware or heat sink compound. Adhesive gets stronger when heated. I use it on all my devices that need insulators, and never had one come loose.

Another solution is to drill out the screw threads, and use a screw and a nut to secure the device
_ J.J. 399

I agree with you. At this point, drilling-out the screw threads and ensure the new drilled-out hole is perpendicular to the mounting surface is the best option to correct the problem. RCI needs to reach back to the assembly / production line dates when my radios were manufactured and either recall the radios or have the distributors open the box and remove the covers to inspect for any defects prior to shipping to the retailers and that will never happen. What's next? The radio shop removes the cover and conducts a thorough inspection of all internal parts and components prior to converting the radio to 11 meters and doing any and all modifications. If a defect is found, do not sell the radio and return it to the distributor and notify RCI.
I have forwarded the photos to the retailer Radio Shops who I purchased radios from to give them a "head-up".

 

[Recon]

Good idea sp5it, but I think a better solution is to use BERQUIST Type 800 insulating material. It utilizes double-sided adhesive and requires no attaching hardware or heat sink compound. Adhesive gets stronger when heated. I use it on all my devices that need insulators, and never had one come loose.

Another solution is to drill out the screw threads, and use a screw and a nut to secure the device
_ J.J. 399

Can you believe this reply from RCI? Give me a break! I replied asking if I have to pay to ship both radios to the RCI repair center.
Quote:
Hello I forwarded your email to the factory, and they responded telling me that they believe that due to the fact that the audio amp is rated at such a high power that the issue you have pointed out is not going to affect the performance of the radio.
They suggested adding one additional insulator behind the audio amp if you were concerned about it. They included a picture for your reference. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

 

[Recon]

One would imagine the factory to be filled with Tech's in lab coats and surrounded by test equipment and automated machines.
Like back in the 70's, the famous pictures of Yaesu FT 101's being built.

This is a old picture, it was the "assembly" line for them at Ranger Malaysia back in 2015.

Meet the crew.

73
Jeff
View attachment 70404View attachment 70405View attachment 70406

And this is the recent / current reply from the "NEW" crew.
Quote: "
Hello I forwarded your email to the factory, and they responded telling me that they believe that due to the fact that the audio amp is rated at such a high power that the issue you have pointed out is not going to affect the performance of the radio.
They suggested adding one additional insulator behind the audio amp if you were concerned about it. They included a picture for your reference. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.