In article ,
RangerDaleXp wrote:

according to the responses from
radio reference is that the radio would need to go through a complete
re-cap due to the age of the radio as well as a new ram battery
replacement.

Dale-

Re-capping applies to antique radios. Since about the 1960s, capacitors
have been made using dielectrics that hold up much better over time.
That doesn't mean a capacitor isn't bad, but you would NOT want to
replace them all. Such a cure could be worse than the disease!

According to RigPix.com, the Icom IC-R71a was manufactured in the 1984
timeframe. Radios of that vintage may have developed dirty contacts in
their controls and switches, and the RAM battery is quite old. If yours
has the original battery, it is probably time to replace it, but total
repair cost should not be as high as you are thinking. At least not
with a reputable service center.

The problem you describe does not sound serious to me. I think you
would be able to sell the radio on eBay for a fair price, even on a
"parts or repair" basis.

I would look at a new Icom or Kenwood receiver as a replacement, but I'm
not up-to-date on shortwave receivers. Perhaps someone in the
rec.radio.shortwave newsgroup would be better able to recommend a
replacement. However that group seems to be overrun with nonsense and
spam, so I can understand why you might come here instead!

Fred
K4DII