The rig I use on the HF bands is the Icom IC-735. I like it a lot, and while it doesn’t have some of the features found in the newer rigs, such as DSP or spectrum display, I really don’t feel the need to upgrade at this time.
The receiver is very good, and it puts out about 100W, which is sufficient for most operation. I also really like the break-in keying.
Having said that, it does have a few quirks. Several years ago, the backlight on the display quit and the power on-off switch is now intermittent. Anyone else out there have this problem? If so, is it an easy fix?
Im about to replace the backlight in my 735, probably this afternoon, and I was wondering if you ever figured your rig out.
Unfortunately, I never did. It’s still dead on one of my shelves. I’ve just retired, though, and that may be one of the things I get around to sooner or later.
I found a few things, I also need to replace the bulbs on a 735 just given to me. Found this site for LED replacement bulbs. But could get the replacement Wheat bulbs from Ebay.
https://radio.g4hsk.co.uk/2012/10/19/ic-735/