NEW VHF Problem

[lmannyr]

When I turn on the radio in 1w mode, it says "low voltage." I can transmit no problem. When I transmit in 25w mode, the unit reboots it self as if I turned the knob off then on again.

There are 2 batteries. Port battery is of unknown age and fully charged. Starboard battery is 1 month old and also fully charged. Batteries are on a smart guest charger.

The old unit was dead so I don't know if this is a wiring problem or the unit itself.

Any idea where I should start?

Thanks!!

 

[Splat]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

Check your connections. Also check your battery voltage with a voltmeter and see what your reading.

Bill

 

[BillP]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

Check the voltage at the radio. If you don't have a meter, independently connect the radio to a known good battery and try it. Don't key the mic unless the antenna is hooked up either...it can trash the radio.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

There is 13.26 volts at the radio. I have a shakespeare ant model 5206 I believe.

If I have 13.26v at the radio, then can I assume all connections are good?

Any other pointers?

 

[lmannyr]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

I also noticed that the low voltage message doesn't come on until a couple seconds after I hit the transmit button regardless of amount of time transmitted.

Ant model 5206-C is the ant.

There is NO continuity between center conductor and shielding.

I can receive the weather channels no problem. This is all being done while on the trailer parked on my side yard.

Thanks!!!

 

[Splat]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

I also noticed that the low voltage message doesn't come on until a couple seconds after I hit the transmit button regardless of amount of time transmitted.

Ant model 5206-C is the ant.

There is NO continuity between center conductor and shielding.

I can receive the weather channels no problem. This is all being done while on the trailer parked on my side yard.

Thanks!!!

Is your gauge wire big enough? Is sounds like your pulling too much amperage through to small a wire or a bad/faulty crimp connection. I would think pushing even five watts you would want atleast a 16-18 wire. Prolly number 10 or twelve at 25 watts. Let me do some figuring andsee what I can come up with.
Bill

 

[Splat]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

Ok I looked in your other post and found a comparable radio and looked in the manual, they are recommending a minimum of number #10 wire. That means the wire all the way back to the battery needs to be atleast #10.

Bill

 

[lmannyr]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

The wires that come with the radio doesn't seem larger than maybe 16. I work the next few days. I'll have to follow the wires and check where it leads.

My ant cable is quite long, I wonder if it'll reach the battery. .....


......Ok just came back....

I connected the radio directly to the battery and PRESTO it worked PERFECTLY! I'll have to find where the bus bar is on my boat. Gonna have to trace these wires.....

 

[Silvertip]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

You may have 13.26 volts unloaded but not when the message appears. Hold the Tx key down until the low voltage message appears. Then measure the voltage.

 

[Seon]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

Run a dedicated #10 wire directly from the battery to the radio using an in-line fuse. Problem solved.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

I'll have to trace the current wires. Hopefully they will lead me to a bus bar. If so, I can inspect, clean and run a new wire a shorter distance. I'll let know all know how it pans out. Thanks for the tips.

 

[lmannyr]

Re: NEW VHF Problem

So I figured it out today. There isn't a power bus bar at the helm. Power comes in to the ignition breaker and is then daisy chained to all the fuses then to each switch. The ACC. switch was the last one on the chain which is where the VHF was connected. The Neg. is also daisy chained in the same fashion. I placed both pos. & neg. at the begining of the daisy chains. BINGO! It's all good now!

I didn't want to go through the hassle of running a wire straight to the battery or battery switch. It also didn't cost me nothing except some time.

At first the thought of leaving it on the ACC. switch seemed good. This would leave the option of turning the VHF off along with all other electronics all at the flip of one switch. The depth finder does not have a on/off button however. Then emergencies came to mind - must prolong the batteries as long as possible. Turning on the ACC. turns on all electronics thus wasting battery crucial power during an emergency for the VHF.

So when the battery switch is on, I can turn the VHF on with out all other electronics.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!!!!