GL1500 radio memory solved

[rrago]

Been dealing with the loss of memory for a season and since it's winter figured i'd take a look. Now, I've been an electronics guy since I was a kid so this didn't scare me. But, if you can't get the proper documentation, this can be impossible to diagnose. i was lucky enough to be able to find the Panasonic docs for the RM-G30 so I went at it.

I found that there was a loss of the +5V regulator output that feeds the processor and backup line and traced it back to a faulty transistor (Q19 in the schematic)

Here's what it looks like in reality

here's where it sits on the main board, it's installed on the foil side.

Replaced it and Bob's your Uncle, I have my +5v rail back.

Part No. is Panasonic (or equal) 2SD601A

[chads920]

nice work. now i've got an issue you might find interesting and be able to point me in the right direction.. my CB will not change channels. The channel select toggle seems to be resisting any attempt make it function. Its got to be a connection somewhere right??

[bellboy40]

The switches on the Goldwings are notorious for having erratic operation after a few years. Usually some spraying with contact cleaner will get you going again. Try spraying in beside the switch first while working it. If that dosen't do it you will need to take the housing loose to get at the switch better.

[rrago]

nice work. now i've got an issue you might find interesting and be able to point me in the right direction.. my CB will not change channels. The channel select toggle seems to be resisting any attempt make it function. Its got to be a connection somewhere right??

So chad im assuming you can change cb channels directly on the cb knob. If thats true then yes it is probably the toggle switch or a loose / dirty connection

[bellboy40]

The only way to change channels on the CB radio is by the up/down switch on the handlebars. There is no channel knob on the radio itself, only volume and squelch.

[rrago]

The only way to change channels on the CB radio is by the up/down switch on the handlebars. There is no channel knob on the radio itself, only volume and squelch.

DOH!

What was i thinking? Excuse me.

[bellboy40]

Sounds like you were having what I often have.... a senior moment.

[rrago]

Sounds like you were having what I often have.... a senior moment.

More like a blackout

[chads920]

I did spray from the outside and I think I will have to take things apart. I have been doing upgrades to my 93 1500A which included a used CB, cable and controls so something somewhere is not working properly.

[bellboy40]

If you are sure all the plugs are in the right place, it is pretty likely the trouble is the channel switch. They are prone to not work after a few years due to dirt and other crud getting into the switches.

[Uncle Fester]

Best contact cleaner I have found, and it is plastic and paint is Deoxit D5S, found at most good guitar centers and on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-D5S-6-DeoxI ... dpSrc=srch

[WingAdmin]

I agree, Deoxit is good stuff, but it is very expensive. I have a two-stage cleaner from Deoxit where one removes oxidation, the other coats and protects - they work better than anything I've ever used before, but they are TINY little cans (about 2 ounces) and the two together were over $20.

[chads920]

Hmm. spendy little duggers.. I'll look for something other than Gunk .. I'll take it apart tomorrow (I think)

[chads920]

Problem resolved, I bought a can of "Spray" at my loc auto parts store and it worked I now have channel select. Now to find and fix the current issue with no sound coming through the helmet speakers. Always something to keep me occupied.

[GregSki]

WOW! Thanks for posting this, and thanks to ALL the knowledgeable members here. I have an '88 GL1500 (1st year for the 6) and I have the EXACT same issue. Fuse is fine, radio loses station programming. I'm going to go right here first this winter. I know how to check the components, but having someone trace it out for me will save a lot of time!

See? Search the forums first BEFORE you post - the problem has likely already happened to someone else!

On a side note, the first problem I began to have with the radio was that it would just arbitrarily 'mute' for no reason. If I wiggled the wiring harness, it would come back to full volume but eventually 'mute' again after awhile. The issue was the connector on the radio. I re-heated and re-flowed the solder on each one of those 30-something pins, and it started working perfectly. Then this happened.

[offcenter]

GregSki, you have an '88. His bike is a '98.
I believe you have a completely different radio than he does.
Sure wish someone would tell us where to find the schematics
for the later radios, i.e. 97 through 2000.

[bellboy40]

I have the service manual for the RM-1500A radio. Is that the one you want?

[bellboy40]

Here is a link to where you can get a pdf of the RM-1500A service manual.

https://tinyurl.com/y2d5gmb3

[GregSki]

That looks like mine - thanks!

[offcenter]

Here is a link to where you can get a pdf of the RM-1500A service manual.

https://tinyurl.com/y2d5gmb3

That's the early radio.
The radio on my '99 is completely different.
Haven't be able to find a schematic for that one anywhere.

[WingAdmin]

Here is a link to where you can get a pdf of the RM-1500A service manual.

https://tinyurl.com/y2d5gmb3

That's the early radio.
The radio on my '99 is completely different.
Haven't be able to find a schematic for that one anywhere.

That RM-1500A manual is definitely the manual for the radio in my 2000 SE. I know because I used it to design and install the analog insert circuitry for my bike.