Need help diagnosing VHF issue

[Ed]

Radio is receiving, no problem.

Antenna is brand new....I am hoping that is not the issue. I wanted a better antenna, but someone ordered this for me from wholesaler and it was kind of a mistake.....did not have the heart to tell them it was not the one I wanted.

I know sometimes I can transmit and sometimes I cannot based upon tests with dockmaster at marina. I think it has something to do with the CD Player being wired on common circuit....I think it is robbing power from VHF. I may look at wiring it on its own.

If I can get it dialed in.....I will replace and upgrade to DSC radio in the offseason. I am partial to Raymarine VHF's....I had one on my old Mako and that thing worked fantastic. At one time, I reached Boston while 28 miles offshore...

-Ed-

[BigLew]

Hey Ed,

Good to hear you are closer to the solution than I originally thought. Personaly I like to put all nav/communication electronics units on a separate power/ground circuit. (keep them isolated from ignition/pump moters, etcetera) The exception to this maybe the radar dome/array motor feed.

I like the comment someone else made regarding the mike being a likely culprit;could well be. I'm not sure, but the more I think about it, it could be loose/shakely connections in the mike. Intermitent problems are the absolute worst to troubleshoot. Good luck.

If you'd like, email me at customercentric@verizon.net and we can set up a phone call. I'm not far from you. I know a couple of pretty good marine electronics guys.

P.S. I've an older S/H VHF I don't use that you could borrow or buy for short money, if you'd like/need.

[McGillicuddy]

Trident,
Sounds like antenna is fine and from your second description sounds even more like the PTT switch on mic is done, get it fixed or replaced. Lower your squelch and key the mic to see if you can interrupt the squelch noise, that should tell you if your mic switch is making contact. I understand you want to wait for the off-season to replace but VHF is critical, not that you can hear but that you be heard. I know you're partial to Raymarine but here's the best deal on a quality rig I've seen. They're in Jersey or NYC so shipping and delivery will be quick and cheap. $169 is their price.
http://www.turtlemarine.com/standard...gx3000sbk.html
Oh yeah, as someone else suggested, I would definitely give the VHF its own fuse and terminal.Good luck and don't stray far w/o effective comm. Don't want to read about you in the Globe...