My FT-8800R is broken ..... Again

[sdnative]

Well, about 3 months ago, I came out to my vehicle after work to find my radio turned on and scanning presets. Wierd. I know for a fact I didn't leave it on. Tried to turn it off. Wouldn't turn off. Finally had to pull the power connector to get it to shut off. Every time I plugged it back in, the unit came on by itself.

I returned it to HRO, and they sent it back to Yaesu for repair (still under warranty). Got it back a week or so later and it worked fine.

Fast forward to today. Came out to my vehicle to find it on and scanning (deja-vu). This time it turned off and back on OK, but there was a bunch of noise on every one of the preset memories, like the squelch was too low (but I hadn't changed anything). Tried to ker-chunk a few of the local repeaters, nothing.

I guess I am going back to HRO tomorrow. I have no idea what Yaesu did to fix it the first time, but the service paperwork mentioned 'replace' on a few unknown (to me) components. So I dont know if this is a lingering problem from the first issue, or if this is a brand new issue. I am thinking I got a lemon.

Anyone have any ideas? At what point will Yaesu give you a brand new unit, instead of just repairing it? I am almost tempted to try a different brand.

[DaveK]

Eric:

Very sorry to hear about your problems. As good as any manufacturer is, I suppose that there is always a Friday afternoon lemon in every group. I know that this doesn't help much, but there is nearly uniform satisfaction with the 8800. In fact it achieved a 4.5 rating (out of 5)over at E-Ham. This only means that when it is working, it does its job well.

There are 15 pages of critiques on E-Ham and I briefly reviewed them. No mention of your problem.

My suggestion is that you call tech support at Yaesu and see what they have to say. Since it's a warranty issue, they should be more than helpful - you know, bad press, poor customer relations, etc. For whatever it's worth, the Yaesu headquarters is in Orange County. Not exactly around the corner for you, but an option

[snowby4]

Your pic.
my avatar

[sdnative]

Your pic.
my avatar

Very nice. Did I take that? I don't remember specifically. It looks like when you were coming down from Elliot Mine. I think I went first, so I doubt I took the picture.

Are you going on Saturday?

[sdnative]

I know that this doesn't help much, but there is nearly uniform satisfaction with the 8800. In fact it achieved a 4.5 rating (out of 5)over at E-Ham. This only means that when it is working, it does its job well.

There are 15 pages of critiques on E-Ham and I briefly review them. No mention of your problem.

My suggestion is that you call tech support at Yaesu and see what they have to say. Since it's a warranty issue, they should be more than helpful - you know, bad press, poor customer relations, etc. For whatever it's worth, the Yaesu headquarters is in Orange County. Not exactly around the corner for you, but an option

The 8800 is a great radio, no doubt. I am just wondering if this particular unit has issues. I am hoping that Yaesu will give me a brand new one

The other brand comment was not because I don't like Yaesu, but because I have had my eye on the Kenwood TM-710A for a while. Maybe HRO will let me trade up. I doubt it.

[cruiserlarry]

I guess I am going back to HRO tomorrow. I have no idea what Yaesu did to fix it the first time, but the service paperwork mentioned 'replace' on a few unknown (to me) components. So I dont know if this is a lingering problem from the first issue, or if this is a brand new issue. I am thinking I got a lemon.

Anyone have any ideas? At what point will Yaesu give you a brand new unit, instead of just repairing it? I am almost tempted to try a different brand.

I suggest you contact Yaesu directly, and explain the situation to them. I'd politely but firmly insist on a replacement for this unit, citing it's repair history (which they will have on record), and your insecurity regarding it's future reliability. Let them know it's a critical part of your emergency equipment when out in the wild, and that a failure could be a major issue for both you and them. If they are unreasonable, or unresponsive, I would definitely consider a different radio...

[snowby4]

Ah, Yes I remember now, I guess Ralphie took that one.
Saturday is a plan. I'm waiting to see if my buddy is going
to ride along.
I'm wondering how I can make the the picture look larger?

[sdnative]

I suggest you contact Yaesu directly, and explain the situation to them. I'd politely but firmly insist on a replacement for this unit, citing it's repair history (which they will have on record), and your insecurity regarding it's future reliability. Let them know it's a critical part of your emergency equipment when out in the wild, and that a failure could be a major issue for both you and them. If they are unreasonable, or unresponsive, I would definitely consider a different radio...

Great idea. I will contact them directly. Thanks.

[sdnative]

Figured I should give an update. Called Yaesu and they said their lead tech would have to look at it before any decision could be made about a new one. They mentioned their policy is that it needs to fail 3 times before they will replace vs. repair.

I went into HRO to have it sent back, and they hooked it up in the store. Wouldn't you know, it seemed to work perfectly. I thought it may be my vehicle setup. Went out and hooked it up, still worked perfect.

So I am going to keep a close eye on it, and have Yaesu make a note that it had a problem, in case it fails again after the warranty expires.

[DaveK]

Figured I should give an update. Called Yaesu and they said their lead tech would have to look at it before any decision could be made about a new one. They mentioned their policy is that it needs to fail 3 times before they will replace vs. repair.

I went into HRO to have it sent back, and they hooked it up in the store. Wouldn't you know, it seemed to work perfectly. I thought it may be my vehicle setup. Went out and hooked it up, still worked perfect.

So I am going to keep a close eye on it, and have Yaesu make a note that it had a problem, in case it fails again after the warranty expires.

Eric:

Knowing how these guys work, I am a little concerned. Is the policy, "it must fail three times before a new unit is offered" or is it "they must have it come in for service three times before a new unit is offered"? If the latter, you should get it in for service right away, even if it is currently working so as to bring you closer to the magic number three.......