Vhf radio not working. What to look for-gctid819493

[businessgetmoney]

Pretty simple, its likely shot, could be a fuse. I was going to replace it with a brand new unti from 1996 a guy has for $100..

Last year it worked, but i dont think it ever sent out. Meaning i could hear things but never got a radio check response.

I dont want to bother with it honestly if there's something wrong other than the radio. My antenna looks like hell and the wiring matches..

Radio

Antenna

Wire

Anything else to these i need to inspect test?

[NZ_4588]

Your aerial connection on the back of the radio set can often be the weak link. Take it apart and clean off any vertigres corrosion. Worth a try as it is probably your simplest fix.

Otherwise I'd be checking your terminal voltage at the radio when transmitting (redo supply connections) and suspect the aerial/coax cable. Borrow a new aerial and try it.

Ian

[TenMile]

VHF antennas will wear out. Their internals corrode and shake loose. If the antenna looks rough, and the radio no longer powers on, I'd replace all of it. New radio, new antenna and coax. There is really no sense trying to repair any of those components. The antenna and coax will come pre-attached as a single unit. You can pull the new cable in place by snipping the old off the old antenna and using it as a pull string.

If you've been able to receive a signal but not transmit, it's almost certain that your antenna has an internal short from corroded connectors and is now beyond saving. Toss it!

[SomeSailor]

Yeah... that's the best advice. It's inexpensive and such a vital thing to have working properly. The only things worse than not having a radio, is having one that doesn't work well.

[Jeffw]

Buy the best antenna you can possibly afford. It will make an average radio shine.

[RGrew176]

"Jeffw" post=819656 wrote:
Buy the best antenna you can possibly afford. It will make an average radio shine.

I agree. When I bought my Carver the VHF transmitted but did not receive so I bought a top of the line Standard Horizon radio. Much better. With the antenna that came with the boat I could pick up 3 of the 10 weather channels from my marina. I then went out and bought a top of the line Shakespeare antenna a $200+ model. What a difference. Now I pick up 9 of the 10 weather channels from my marina. Out on Lake Erie I am picking up both sides of radio transmissions from 35+ miles away. A good antenna will make an average radio shine and a good one better.

[businessgetmoney]

Yah... i just want to sell and stop putting money into this. But im planning a decent 4 day trip on new waters to me on erie to put in bay and want to be ready.

I stay up in anchor bay and i get by without one

[carguy]

"businessgetmoney" post=819939 wrote:
Yah... i just want to sell and stop putting money into this. But im planning a decent 4 day trip on jew waters to me on erie to put in bay and want to be ready.

I stay up in anchor bay and i get by without one

We are hoping you mean new waters.

[businessgetmoney]

Hahaha typing on cell phone key board I always scramble letters... my apologies. J is right above N