Weird HP-71B behavior...

[Dave Frederickson]

(08-29-2018 03:52 AM)KF6GPE Wrote:  So, I have a few HP-71Bs (I never line them all up, so my wife is none the wiser). The one I keep at work has been flaky at best --- when I got it it had bad corrosion in the battery compartment, and I've mostly salvaged it.

If you have the later version hardware with the plastic back, severe battery compartment corrosion can also affect the golden zebra connector between the two PCB's. If the 71 is the later version, remove the 7 screws holding the case together and gently separate the case halves. If there are any signs of corrosion, remove it with vinegar, water, and alcohol. If the golden zebra is affected then very gently clean it in a similar manner. Don't brush the zebra contacts as they can be easily damaged.

If the zebra connector is damaged then the only solution is to wire the case halves together with fine gauge wire.

Dave