Radio not working

[iron21]

Hi, i have a Kenwood am/fm radio which isnt working. All i'm hearing is static(which means speakers are working), but no reception. I am clueless when it comes to electronics, and i have no idea what to look for or repair. Any suggestions?

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Radio not working

Is the antenna connected?

 

[iron21]

Re: Radio not working

I havent messed with anything or pulled the radio out of the glove box yet, so it should be connected.i will go and look next chance i get. How long would an antenna wire be? and would it be run through the hull for best reception or just hang loose behind the head unit? thanks

 

[demsvmejm]

Re: Radio not working

My antenna is just a piece of primary wire up to a mounting bolt for the windshield frame. It uses the windshield as the antenna. Also, you didn't say if your radio has digital tuning or is analog, so is the radio by-chance switched to AM? Don't laugh, it sounds so simple but I've found that as the cause when I've had the same problem.

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Radio not working

I know you said that it was Am/FM is it by any chance also a cassette or CD ? If so, do these work ? Does the static go up and down in volume with the volume control ? If it doesn't have a cassette or cd and the static is at a constant volume regardless of the volume control....then the problem is in the amplifier section....throw the unit out and replace. If the cd or cassette works then the problem is in the tuner section or could be the cd/tuner switch, try switching back and forth a few times (this would also be applicable if cassette), if still no improvemant, then find the antenna cable and check. If that doesn't get anywhere, then try a coat hanger(metal) or piece of wire temporarily inserted into the antenna connector. If that works, then antenna needs to be fixed or replaced....if that does nothing......throw out unit and replace. By the way, this boat isn't by any chance inside of a metal storage building is it ?

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Radio not working

Originally posted by Jamie ,:<br /> I havent messed with anything or pulled the radio out of the glove box yet, so it should be connected.i will go and look next chance i get. How long would an antenna wire be? and would it be run through the hull for best reception or just hang loose behind the head unit? thanks

Most antennas are plugged into the back of the reciver, they can vibrate or work loose. length varies....problem solve it folowing all the sugestions given, start with the least expensive, simplest and work your way up until it sings to you again or you pronounce it dead

 

[iron21]

Re: Radio not working

the radio is an AM/FM w/digital tuning and cassette.. Well i located the antenna wire. It was plugged into the rear of the unit and was run about 2' were it is mounted to the inside of the hull. It seems to be actually glued to the hull. I moved the antenna wire around a little, through slack, and was able to get a FEW stations in. They wernt crystal clear but an improvement. I didnt try the hangar trick yet because i wasnt sure if the antt plug is removable and didnt want to force it out. Is it a standard feature for the wires to be removable? Would it help if i mounted the antenna outside the hull? thanks <br /> Jamie

 

[chuckz]

Re: Radio not working

The antenna connector is removable. The ground side is probably corroded. Pull it out and reseat it. It will probably work fine.<br /><br />If your boat is fiberglass, it's transparent to the FM signal.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Radio not working

A few years ago I had a similar problem with a car radio. Turned out water got inside the antenna cable. I don't know the exact problem the water caused but I replaced the antenna/cable and the radio worked as good as new.

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Radio not working

Replacement antennas are cheap, you can mount it under or in the hull somewhere hidden or drill a hole and mount it to the hull if you are OK with that. I removed the original remaining spotlight hardware and mounted an antenna in the hole that was left..works great