Diagnose VHF radio

D

ddurand

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5015
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Radio in question is a Garmin VHF 100. Maybe original in 2011 boat. Boat is new to me. Powers up. Proper letters and words in display. Make noise when squelch is turned down. Tried on many channels and all WX. Cable going to antenna looks OK. Unit is flush mounted so cannot see anything in the back.

Made sure it on USA not CA or International.

Have handheld as backup.
 
So what is the issue ? Not receiving? Not transmitting?
 
I did not try transmitting. But cannot get the WX info on any channel. My handheld next to it gets WX. I figured if I cannot get the WX I probably cannot use it for normal transmit and receive. Maybe that's an incorrect assumption.
 
I do not think Garmin VHF was standard equipment on ant boats back then, but could be wrong.
You have to get to the back of the radio, somehow, to make sure the connection is tight.
I suspect the connector was not soldered correctly.
 
Sounds like it has a problem. Have someone walk down the dock and call on the portable. Pull it out and check the cable in the back.

If it doesn’t work, just replace it. VHFs are too cheap to mess with, most have built in GPS now simplifying install.
 
How can I check if it's really the radio or antenna or cable. Would a SWR meter help?
 
I'd check the integrity of the cable. If it is permanently attached to the antenna it could be the combination. An SWR should have a power meter as well so you should see if the radio is putting out.
 
ddurand said:
How can I check if it's really the radio or antenna or cable. Would a SWR meter help?
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Probably, but not worth the effort. If it were me, I'd cut the connector off, buy a new one, and install it correctly. IF you feel comfortable doing this. If not, ask another boater who has done it for help. FWIW, I have never had any luck, or faith in, those solderless connectors. Please do, or have it done, right.
 
Can I check anything to do with antenna or cable with ohm meter?
 
You need to get to the back of this flush mounted unit - pull it out if you can’t get access from behind. unplug the antenna and put a piece of bare wire, coat hanger, welding rod, paper clip, sewing needle. whatever metal you can find that will fit into the center of the female plug on the back of the radio. that will be enough to receive at least one of the WX stations. If that works, you know your problem is the antenna, cable, or connector. If not, go buy a new radio - hopefully one that fits in same space as the old one.
 
alk said:
You need to get to the back of this flush mounted unit - pull it out if you can’t get access from behind. unplug the antenna and put a piece of bare wire, coat hanger, welding rod, paper clip, sewing needle. whatever metal you can find that will fit into the center of the female plug on the back of the radio. that will be enough to receive at least one of the WX stations. If that works, you know your problem is the antenna, cable, or connector. If not, go buy a new radio - hopefully one that fits in same space as the old one.
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Good advice---BUT---do not attempt to transmit doing that; you'll burn out the finals in the radio. (I have no idea what the finals are, but was told that years ago. o_O )
 
sugilbert said:
Good advice---BUT---do not attempt to transmit doing that; you'll burn out the finals in the radio. (I have no idea what the finals are, but was told that years ago. o_O )
Click to expand...
I was going to say the exact same thing about burning out the finals, right down to having no idea what exactly they are but I was told that years ago by someone that presumedly did.
 
PascalG said:
If it doesn’t work, just replace it. VHFs are too cheap to mess with, most have built in GPS now simplifying install.
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This. For less than $200, get a new one with GPS built in. Get an MMSI number, plug it into the VHF and you are good to go.
 
cwms said:
This. For less than $200, get a new one with GPS built in. Get an MMSI number, plug it into the VHF and you are good to go.
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I have been self diagnosed with drill-hole phobia. Am adverse to cutting or drilling holes. A new VHF would need to fit in existing flush cutout.
 
ddurand said:
I have been self diagnosed with drill-hole phobia. Am adverse to cutting or drilling holes. A new VHF would need to fit in existing flush cutout.
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Ok…. 1 800 4SHRINK. :)

Seriously so what if you have to cut a bigger hole? And if the old one was bigger in one dimension it’s easy to make a cover with a piece of black starboard.

Picking the right VHF is a lot more important
 
PascalG said:
Ok…. 1 800 4SHRINK. :)

Seriously so what if you have to cut a bigger hole? And if the old one was bigger in one dimension it’s easy to make a cover with a piece of black starboard.

Picking the right VHF is a lot more important
Click to expand...
Please do not forget that a quality antenna is every bit as important, maybe more so, as a quality radio. AND a quality connector, PL259, is essential to both. https://www.amazon.com/Amphenol-PL2...=pl259+coax+connectors&qid=1655219261&sr=8-12
 
PascalG said:
Ok…. 1 800 4SHRINK. :)

Seriously so what if you have to cut a bigger hole? And if the old one was bigger in one dimension it’s easy to make a cover with a piece of black starboard.

Picking the right VHF is a lot more important
Click to expand...

Chances are, anything you get will be smaller than what you now have...and better with more features including optional GPS.
I just replaced my VHF and while not quite the same size, I was able to do some quick modifications to make it fit, without cutting or drilling.
 
Where do you boat? Most likely you can get by with a decent hand held radio - and you can get one with gps, dsc, all the bells and whistles.
 
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