Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

[081602]

Thanks in advance for any suggestions...<br />I had to start the wiring on the boat from scratch due to a hurricane, and I just tried adding my first component - a VHF Radio - to the circuit. When I turn it on there is no power on the radio, and more importantly, a high pitched sound emits from the throttle box.<br /><br />Any ideas? <br /><br />Thanks much<br />-John

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

It sounds like maybe the wires are not where they are supposed to be at the very least. <br /><br />Is it possible you can run the VHF on its own circuit? This is what I did to ensure that if something else were to give me problems, my radio would be self supporting so to speak.

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

Originally posted by 081602:<br /> Thanks in advance for any suggestions...<br />I had to start the wiring on the boat from scratch due to a hurricane, and I just tried adding my first component - a VHF Radio - to the circuit. When I turn it on there is no power on the radio, and more importantly, a high pitched sound emits from the throttle box.<br /><br />Any ideas? <br /><br />Thanks much<br />-John

The high pitch sound from the throttle box is most likely the overheat/oil alarm for the engine. when they go to ground the alarm sounds. Sounds to me like you have something wired wrong. What engine do you have?

 

[jlinder]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

I would second the secon circuit idea. In the event of a problem with the wiring and power loss I would not want to lose the ability to call for help at the same time.

 

[081602]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

I have a 94 200hp Mariner on a 21' bowrider.<br />What should I look for to address the overheat/oil alarm issue?<br /><br />Thanks - that does sound like a good idea for a second circuit. Should I just run straight from the battery to the radio?<br /><br />Thanks<br />-J

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

Yes. Gil's idea is a really good one. Obviously you need protection for the wire (fuse or breaker), right? Also, if you have other stuff to wire as well I suggest planning the whole thing on paper before jumping into it.<br /><br />If the engine alarm wasn’t an issue before adding the VHF, you should be able to remove whatever radio connection(s) you made and remove the short to gnd that is causing the fault.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

I had an issue simmilar to yours once, not only the whistle sound, but the gauges moved when the radio was turned on. It turned out that the ground was missing between the ground block on the dash and the battery. The cause was the electrical plug on the engine harness not making good contact. Cleaning and reseating the plug (with a dose of dielectric grease) corrected the problem.<br /><br />To test for a bad ground, run a temporary ground wire from the battery negative terminal to the ground connection on the radio.<br /><br />In your case, the missing ground (if that's the problem) could be somewhere else, not necessarily the wiring harness plug.<br /><br />And if you connect the radio directly to the battery (with a fuse, of course), you run the risk of leaving it on and draining the battery. At least, connect it to the load side of the battery disconnect switch. The fuse should be within seven inches of the battery or switch connection and sized to protect the gauge wire used.

 

[081602]

Re: Help - new VHF Radio creates wierd sound at throttle box

Thank you so much to everyone.<br /><br />-J