Standard Horizon VHF Question

[jew]

Periodically, when I try and transmit on my VHF, it makes a loud noise and changes to channel 70. Most of the time I can simply change back & it's no problem. Sometimes I have to try 2 or 3 times.

Any ideas? I'm not sure of the exact model. I think it may be an intrepid. This is more of an inconvenience than anything else.

Thanks; Jonathan

[OnTheHorizon]

Jew

This is usually a sign of a intermittent antenna connection causing a high Standing Wave Ratio. This means the transmit power of the radio is not efficiently being radiated out of the antenna, but instead a high percentage of power is being reflected back into the radio.

To confirm this try transmitting on low power, if the problem does not happen on 1W, but rather only on 25W then the problem is pointing to the antenna, cable or connector.

If you have a fiberglass antenna, check to see if the glass is cracked which could allow water to corrode connections inside and cause this issue. If you find crack(s) you will have to replace the antenna.

Check the PL-259 antenna connector to ensure it is soldered well. Sometimes the braid can break free of the soldering on the body of the connector (depending on how well it was intially soldered). Remove the antenna and resolder a new antenna connector. Make sure you solder both the center conductor and the shield through the holes on the body of the connector. Standard Horizon owners manuals show how to solder the cable to the connector. If you do not have the manual they can be downloaded from www.standardhorizon.com.

Please call me at 714/827-7600 x1223 for additional advice.

Best regards,

Scott Iverson
Product Manager

[jew]

Thanks. If it is a problem with the antenna would I notice any performance loss? Radio sends & receives perfectly. Also...would it always go to the same channel (70)?

Thanks again. Would've never guessed the antenna causing this.

[Birdman]

I'll bet you ALL of somebody elses money it's a bad connector on your cable. Check them very closely.

[nickyrash]

Thank you for the information about the VHF i learnt more from from this tread about the VHF
if any body get more information about the VHF please inform me through this forum.

[jew]

Had to get a new canvas put on my t-top so I had to derig the boat. Had an electronics guy re-solder the connector. Problem still occurs.

He kept the radio and put it on his bench. He checked several antennas, different voltages, etc. The problem still occurs.

Electronics guy thinks it's the radio. Any ideas?

[First Light]

Go to the back of your VHF and write down the make & model #, then call Scott (above), as he is the man at Standard.

[Glock Diver]

Gotta be something with DSC. I'm assuming your radio is DSC-equipped, correct? Has a "Distress" button?

Ch. 70 is the default channel to send and receive DSC signals, and if that button is pressed, it would transmit on 70. Beyond that, I'm not sure...