Icom IC-E90 going for repair

For some time now my Icom IC-E90 (similar to IC-T90 in look) handheld has had a problem in receiving signals if the antenna is moved on the radio. After reading on the IC-T90 Yahoo Group it seems I am not the only one. A little research through the posts and it seems that the solder connecting the antenna to radio can break.

So the IC-E90 is going to be spent to the Uncle who gave me the radio for a repair. I have sent photos and service manual to him and hopefully can resolve this issue and strengthen it to prevent or mimimise it happening again.

Also I have asked for photos to be taken of the repair so that I can post on my gallery and the IC-T90 Yahoo group in case problem happens again or for others.

OT:- I have ordered a Callsign Mug for when I am out with Radio Clubs or an Events. OK, it’s just to show off, but was only £4.00.

Give me Credit

The banks in their wisdom have given Gadget17 another credit card. “Oh No” I hear.

But not to worry, as it can’t get me in more debt.

I have applied and finally received a Pre-Pay credit card. It’s works like a mobile phone top-up in that you have to apply credit before use, and for me is safer option.

All is not well though as already made my first complaint. Yes, I got card yesterday and made complaint today.

I called them up to change from a monthly charge to a per-transaction charge. Half an hour later I finally got through to an adviser. When I mentioned how difficult it was for me to navigate as a new member he said he knew as I wasn’t the first to complain and they are “Trying” to sort out.

But within minutes of speaking to adviser he had sorted my original reason for calling out and advised me about 2nd query that the PIN could still take upto 5 working days to arrive from when the card arrives.

Also I noticed a small nowadays, but still possible security flaw in their system. I applied online, and activated card via phone, but I have not been asked to provide a specimen signature. Today most places will use Chip-and-Pin, but those that don’t or their system fails may want a signature. It’s possible a cloned card could easily provide a different signature to bank and they wouldn’t know.

On this point (at moment) there is a plus to prevent this. I currently have less than £20 on the card.