I'm having some VHF problems. First my newer Incom M412 doesn't seem to be transmitting properly. I've been usuing the automated SeaTow channels. I'm not getting any replies. It also doesn't seem to be receiving like the old Standard Intrepid beside it. On the Standard I can get seatow Brigantine from my slip in Lewes DE. I tried.swapping antennas but the Icon doesn't seem to make any difference. The I-com doesn't receive much either when both units are in scan mode. Both antennas are 8 foot Shakespeare mounted same height above water. Both are 2008 vintage. Where to begin?
VHF help paging Billylll
- Thread starter SCORPIO
- Start date
The I-COM is a second unit so the antenna was installed to service it. The standard will not transmit on the I-COMS antenna. I plan to replace the connector at the radio but want to know how to Check the antenna as well as the head unit.
Will the Icom transmit on the Standard's antenna?
The antenna is in plumb position , yes?
Are there any splice connectors or antenna cable extensions involved between antenna and VHF?
I use the Shakespeare ART-3 tester with a 1-2' coax cable to help test VHF wattage output and VSWR from the antenna.
http://shakespeare-marine.com/shakespeare-style-art-3
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
Before you go too far, be sure that the radio is set to USA frequencies, rather than International.
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2002
- RO Number
- 10265
- Messages
- 9,958
Make sure you are on High and not Low power.
I had a issue where I was on Low power and I couldn't hear other's.
Low limits your range.
I had a issue where I was on Low power and I couldn't hear other's.
Low limits your range.
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2002
- RO Number
- 10265
- Messages
- 9,958
Hmmm, then maybe I still have a issue.
Billy? I transmit fine, but other's I have trouble hearing, when boats next to me, hear them fine!
Radio or Antenna?
Billy? I transmit fine, but other's I have trouble hearing, when boats next to me, hear them fine!
Radio or Antenna?
If... you "transmit fine" over normal distance of >5-10 nm and the receiving station hears you clearly , I can't imagine it's an antenna issue. You could test that by transmitting on the ICOM to the SeaTow auto-response station and listening for their message and your recording on both radios.
Do you receive any wx transmissions?
Can you get loud static with volume up and squelch minimized? If little or no loud static is heard, try plugging in a remote speaker.
I wouldn't think Low Power setting would affect reception, but having wrong channels set (CAN or INT rather than USA ) could on some channels.
Do you receive any wx transmissions?
Can you get loud static with volume up and squelch minimized? If little or no loud static is heard, try plugging in a remote speaker.
I wouldn't think Low Power setting would affect reception, but having wrong channels set (CAN or INT rather than USA ) could on some channels.
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2002
- RO Number
- 10265
- Messages
- 9,958
Seatow transmission is weak, I hear it, but weak.
I do get weather fine.
I do keep my squelch up high, could be it, but when I lower it, the static out-weighs any voice.
I do get weather fine.
I do keep my squelch up high, could be it, but when I lower it, the static out-weighs any voice.
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2002
- RO Number
- 10265
- Messages
- 9,958
VHF reception problems may be caused by a number of items including:
¡Rado has been configured to "Local" mode
¡low battery level
¡poor/corroded radio power leads
¡insufficient power wire guage
¡incorrectly configured squelch
¡a failure of the VHF antenna
¡a failure of VHF antenna cable
¡corrosion and/or failure of the antenna's PL-259 connector
¡a failure of the antenna splitter
¡a failure within the VHF radio itself
Before sending one's VHF radio in for service, one may fault isolate the problem by:
¡verifying that the radio has been configured for "Distant" rather than "Local" mode
¡fully charging the batteries and then attempt to duplicate the problem while the vessel is connected to shore power
¡inspecting the power connections between the radio and power distribution panel for tight, electrically sound connections which are free of corrosion.
¡inspecting the power connections between the batteries and the electrical distribution panel for tight, electrically sound connections which are free of corrosion.
¡inspecting the guage of wire used for extending the VHF radio power leads and the wires supplying power to the power distribution panel. Infromation addressing how to select the correct gauge wire is available from the ABYC, NMEA and other sources.
¡verifying that the VHF radio's Squelch setting has been reduced to a level slightly above that which produces static to be heard when no other station is transmitting
¡inspecting the VHF cable for kinks, sharp radius bends, or other signs of damage
¡inspecting the antenna's PL-259 connector for sign of corrosion, damage to the center conductor, or poor shield connection
¡testing the currently installed VHF antenna using a VSWR meter or testing the VHF radio using another VHF antenna.
Note: If the vessel is not already outfitted with second VHF antenna or an emergency VHF antenna, then it is recommended that the vessel be so outfitted for safety purposes.
Should the above listed tests not identify a problem with the power supplied, radio configuration settings squelch, or VHF antenna, then the VHF radio should be sent to Raymarine's Product Repair Center to be serviced. Raymarine VHF radios carry a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase. For VHF radios which are no longer covered by warranty, Raymarine's web site includes information for out of warranty VHF radio repairs.
Whereas VHF radios are considered a primary item of boating safety equipment, Raymarine recommends regular inspection and testing of VHF radios by their owners. Raymarine recommends that prior to each journey, the vessel operator perform a routine Ship to Ship or Ship to Shore call to ensure that the vessel's VHF communications system is functioning properly. Vessels equipped with a DSC VHF radio should ensure that the radio is being supplied with the vessel's lat/lon coordinates when testing the VHF communications system.
¡Rado has been configured to "Local" mode
¡low battery level
¡poor/corroded radio power leads
¡insufficient power wire guage
¡incorrectly configured squelch
¡a failure of the VHF antenna
¡a failure of VHF antenna cable
¡corrosion and/or failure of the antenna's PL-259 connector
¡a failure of the antenna splitter
¡a failure within the VHF radio itself
Before sending one's VHF radio in for service, one may fault isolate the problem by:
¡verifying that the radio has been configured for "Distant" rather than "Local" mode
¡fully charging the batteries and then attempt to duplicate the problem while the vessel is connected to shore power
¡inspecting the power connections between the radio and power distribution panel for tight, electrically sound connections which are free of corrosion.
¡inspecting the power connections between the batteries and the electrical distribution panel for tight, electrically sound connections which are free of corrosion.
¡inspecting the guage of wire used for extending the VHF radio power leads and the wires supplying power to the power distribution panel. Infromation addressing how to select the correct gauge wire is available from the ABYC, NMEA and other sources.
¡verifying that the VHF radio's Squelch setting has been reduced to a level slightly above that which produces static to be heard when no other station is transmitting
¡inspecting the VHF cable for kinks, sharp radius bends, or other signs of damage
¡inspecting the antenna's PL-259 connector for sign of corrosion, damage to the center conductor, or poor shield connection
¡testing the currently installed VHF antenna using a VSWR meter or testing the VHF radio using another VHF antenna.
Note: If the vessel is not already outfitted with second VHF antenna or an emergency VHF antenna, then it is recommended that the vessel be so outfitted for safety purposes.
Should the above listed tests not identify a problem with the power supplied, radio configuration settings squelch, or VHF antenna, then the VHF radio should be sent to Raymarine's Product Repair Center to be serviced. Raymarine VHF radios carry a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase. For VHF radios which are no longer covered by warranty, Raymarine's web site includes information for out of warranty VHF radio repairs.
Whereas VHF radios are considered a primary item of boating safety equipment, Raymarine recommends regular inspection and testing of VHF radios by their owners. Raymarine recommends that prior to each journey, the vessel operator perform a routine Ship to Ship or Ship to Shore call to ensure that the vessel's VHF communications system is functioning properly. Vessels equipped with a DSC VHF radio should ensure that the radio is being supplied with the vessel's lat/lon coordinates when testing the VHF communications system.
Sorry for the brief replys, I was on the boat and using my phone, and it takes a long time to type on that. Anyway, I tried swapping antennas between the two radios and I can't get a reply from SeaTow using the Icom no matter which antenna I'm connected to. I also can't get a reply from SeaTow when I use the Standard attached to the Icom's antenna. So I think I may have two problems, first a bad antenna or connection and quite possibly a problem with the Icom. I get loud static with volume up and squelch down and I can get several WX channels, but I have a tough time receiving with it also. Whit both uints on scan, the Standard pauses on many channels with traffic while the Icom just blow right on by virtually everything.
I'm wondering if I should invest in an SWR meter to see if the radio is actually transmitting and also to check antenna performance.
I will start with new connectors on that antenna and see what that does. I believe there is an inline splice to lengthen the cable on that antenna also, I will probablly replace that and perhaps shorten the run to eliminate the splice.
I'm wondering if I should invest in an SWR meter to see if the radio is actually transmitting and also to check antenna performance.
I will start with new connectors on that antenna and see what that does. I believe there is an inline splice to lengthen the cable on that antenna also, I will probablly replace that and perhaps shorten the run to eliminate the splice.
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
Whenever there is a "disruption" in the path from the transmitter to the antenna, you have a) a loss of signal strength ( always. Sometimes a small loss, sometimes large ) and b) introduced an opportunity for failure. Always suspect a splice in an antenna cable. Whenever practical, make a uninterrupted cable run with no connectors and/or splices in between.
It seems clear ( from what you have described ) that there is an issue somewhere between the radio itself ( any radio ) and the world ( ie: antenna cable and antenna itself ).
As for the lack of performance from the Icom, I would delay judgement till the antenna system issue has been corrected. An issue in the antenna system may be causing the radio to "self-limit" in some form or other so any conclusions formed at this point may be invalid.
It seems clear ( from what you have described ) that there is an issue somewhere between the radio itself ( any radio ) and the world ( ie: antenna cable and antenna itself ).
As for the lack of performance from the Icom, I would delay judgement till the antenna system issue has been corrected. An issue in the antenna system may be causing the radio to "self-limit" in some form or other so any conclusions formed at this point may be invalid.
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2011
- RO Number
- 32472
- Messages
- 14
I have been searching for a VHF discuss so I thought I would chime in and a resolution.
I have two radio on board, one in the PH and the other on the FB. FB is a GX1700( Antenna 5225 XT, recently replaced) the PH is a Icom 504(antenna unknown, old but working). Cabling to the antenna appears to be the same size.
The Icom receives a lot of chatter and the GX will squalk a bit but not receive the same chatter content. I have done radio check with other boaters and both have transmitted loud/clear ~15km over water.
Both antennas are located on the radar arch and spaced ~10' apart. They appear to be the same height. Both radios are monitoring Ch 16.
I am sure there is a logical explanation for the difference in reception but would like to hear from the experts.
Is this something I have to live with or is there a remedy? I do most of my driving from the FB.
Thanks for your help.
John
I have two radio on board, one in the PH and the other on the FB. FB is a GX1700( Antenna 5225 XT, recently replaced) the PH is a Icom 504(antenna unknown, old but working). Cabling to the antenna appears to be the same size.
The Icom receives a lot of chatter and the GX will squalk a bit but not receive the same chatter content. I have done radio check with other boaters and both have transmitted loud/clear ~15km over water.
Both antennas are located on the radar arch and spaced ~10' apart. They appear to be the same height. Both radios are monitoring Ch 16.
I am sure there is a logical explanation for the difference in reception but would like to hear from the experts.
Is this something I have to live with or is there a remedy? I do most of my driving from the FB.
Thanks for your help.
John
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 3238
- Messages
- 4,831
My first knee-jerk response is to attribute the difference to "squelch level". This certainly would produce what you describe. ( I would also suspect that you have checked this... )
Icom has had a reputation for receiver excellence. This may be the primary factor ( Standard is a fine receiver, but IMHO, Icom seems to outperform ).
One possibility is difference in antenna system. To test, try each radio at each position, using the antenna at that position. There will likely be some difference.
My money is on the difference in receiver quality. ( Assuming that it is not simply difference in squelch level )
Icom has had a reputation for receiver excellence. This may be the primary factor ( Standard is a fine receiver, but IMHO, Icom seems to outperform ).
One possibility is difference in antenna system. To test, try each radio at each position, using the antenna at that position. There will likely be some difference.
My money is on the difference in receiver quality. ( Assuming that it is not simply difference in squelch level )
Since you "receive weather fine" , and you never answered Radioctive's question as to whether the Icom is set to use USA channel set rather than INT or Can , you might check that. The Wx transmission is likely higher power than that of a standard VHF, and from a much higher tower, but it is a fairly decent indicator your receiver is likely working OK.
Also, again since you "receive weather fine" , if you have the radio set for low power transmission that WILL definitely affect your reception by the Sea Tow automated response station , so the playback to you would be very weak as you describe, or Sea Tow may not receive a strong enough hail from your Icom to even trigger the response if on low power.
Hopefully you've confirmed those 2 settings by now. And perhaps the voltage to the Icom. Note for testing purposes, voltage to the set is usually higher with the engine running and that can improve TX power somewhat but the radio should work fine even at normal engine off voltage..
But if you hail a friend at a distant station and he/she can hear you loud and clear with a different vhf on the same antenna, cable and connectors, but not on the Icom ( with proper settings) , that would seem to indicate an Icom TX issue, and it could help to check with an ART-3 tester or similar . But make sure you microphone connection is secure & and it's possible there could be a problem with just the mic itself.
You mention you use high squelch settings . Hopefully only JUST high enough to squelch background static.
Also, again since you "receive weather fine" , if you have the radio set for low power transmission that WILL definitely affect your reception by the Sea Tow automated response station , so the playback to you would be very weak as you describe, or Sea Tow may not receive a strong enough hail from your Icom to even trigger the response if on low power.
Hopefully you've confirmed those 2 settings by now. And perhaps the voltage to the Icom. Note for testing purposes, voltage to the set is usually higher with the engine running and that can improve TX power somewhat but the radio should work fine even at normal engine off voltage..
But if you hail a friend at a distant station and he/she can hear you loud and clear with a different vhf on the same antenna, cable and connectors, but not on the Icom ( with proper settings) , that would seem to indicate an Icom TX issue, and it could help to check with an ART-3 tester or similar . But make sure you microphone connection is secure & and it's possible there could be a problem with just the mic itself.
You mention you use high squelch settings . Hopefully only JUST high enough to squelch background static.
Ok need to update this thread. First, both radios are on USA channels, I tried switching the radios to the opposite antenna with mixed results. There was a splice in the cable to the Icom so I replaced the entire antenna assembly with the best Shakespear antenna West Marine carries along with a gold plated solder on connector. End result is both radios seem to work well and equally. I'm guessing that splice was eating up signal. Sorry took so long to get back with the resolution. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions guys, much appreciated.