Uploaded April 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The FT-736R All-Mode VHF/UHF Transceiver has a built in switching power supply that is known to fail with age. This is well documented (see link below). The failure is due to several electrolytic capacitors that dry out and fail due to the heat generated by a few components in the supply. This video shows how to replace the capacitors in the internal power supply and get the rig back up and running again.
Reference:
qsl.net/4/4x6on/RADIO%20MANUALS/YAESU/YAESU--FT-736R-PS-Repair.pdf
Here's my Digikey ordering list:
qsl.net/w2aew/youtube/FT-736R_Replacement_Capacitors.pdf
FULL DISCLOSURE:
I didn't replace the large 470uF caps because the reference that I used to order the parts had the wrong p/n listed. The caps were too tall. I measured the capacitance and ESR of the originals, and they were good as new. Given that they're physically quite large (it would take a LOT of heat to dry them out), and they're reasonably far from the 'hot' parts, I was very comfortable leaving the originals in place in this specific case (C6 and C7). However, if you want to replace them, I'd recommend Digikey p/n 493-8014-ND or 493-6121-ND.
The FT-736R All-Mode VHF/UHF Transceiver has a built in switching power supply that is known to fail with age. This is well documented (see link below). The failure is due to several electrolytic capacitors that dry out and fail due to the heat generated by a few components in the supply. This video shows how to replace the capacitors in the internal power supply and get the rig back up and running again.
Reference:
qsl.net/4/4x6on/RADIO%20MANUALS/YAESU/YAESU--FT-736R-PS-Repair.pdf
Here's my Digikey ordering list:
qsl.net/w2aew/youtube/FT-736R_Replacement_Capacitors.pdf
FULL DISCLOSURE:
I didn't replace the large 470uF caps because the reference that I used to order the parts had the wrong p/n listed. The caps were too tall. I measured the capacitance and ESR of the originals, and they were good as new. Given that they're physically quite large (it would take a LOT of heat to dry them out), and they're reasonably far from the 'hot' parts, I was very comfortable leaving the originals in place in this specific case (C6 and C7). However, if you want to replace them, I'd recommend Digikey p/n 493-8014-ND or 493-6121-ND.
