More VHF issues

[chris-s]

I posted a week or so back about my swr readings and the consensus was that with 2 to 2.5 there was room for improvement.

So far all have been able to check is the fitting at the radio, the mast head end will need to wait until I have somebody to help.

However, in the meantime I’ve been having both the fixed set and the little handheld set turned on and this weekend we found that whilst the handheld set would pick up transmissions from the local coastguard (4 miles away) the fixed set stayed silent, yes the squelch is adjusted correctly and the volume set!

The radio, antenna and cabling was all new last season, the problem could well have been there since day one as we have never really had need to use it.

I’m thinking of just ordering another antenna set to rig at deck level to try out.

It’s looking like I need to get up the mast, in the meantime any other thoughts?

Chris

 

[PaulRainbow]

Common place for problems is the connector on the antenna cable.

 

[pvb]

Common place for problems is the connector on the antenna cable.

At the masthead?

 

[PaulRainbow]

At the masthead?

Most common at the VHF end, but the antenna end can cause issues too, especially if it's a new installation.

 

[requiem]

I’m thinking of just ordering another antenna set to rig at deck level to try out.

If going offshore it's wise to have a backup antenna. Also convenient to have (and requiring very little space) is a small pigtail connector to allow your handheld to use the mast antenna. I too would suspect connections, anywhere along the route.

Semi-regular radio testing is a good idea, especially if you don't much make use of it. Are you currently able to send a DSC test message with your fixed set? I am curious (for my own selfish reasons) to know whether it succeeds or not.

 

[Refueler]

Common faults leading to poor TX / RX :

Plug to cable .... usually the deck one ... antenna often have integral cable anyway - so that should not be the problem. So its at bottom end if a plug to deck fitting ... if the cable is fed through a gland and all way to radio or an internal plug - socket - then that is usually culprit.
The point is - don't just look at the plug to cable fitting ... REMAKE IT. Then be sure its ok.

Also ALL plugs / sockets ... give them a through cleaning and brush up ... it really does not take much to throw your SWR off ....

 

[chris-s]

Thanks for the replies. When we fitted the kit last year we ran the cable in a single length with no deck connectors to minimise connections.

Never though of a pigtail adapter for the handheld set, tho need to get to the bottom of this issue first.

Looks like I’ll be digging out the soldering iron and mast ladder.

Thanks

Chris

 

[Daverw]

Use crimped if you can and only then have to solder the tip centre core

 

[oldgit]

..............after 50 odd years as a radio amatuer and earning a precarious and frustrating living in the radio communications industry, would not be getting my knickers in a twist about 2.5 :1 SWR.
Especially if the meter is a basic one, even the physical length of "the patch lead" can effect swr .
Many cab drivers have spent years driving around with some horrific SWR readings without any apparent loss of range or damage to radio equipment, assorted bits of wire pressed into service , including coat hangers, were proof of this.
The addition of garish Purple Tinsel over Xmas seemed to make no difference either.
The lack of receive would be a concern ,certain elderly ICOM radios did have a receive problem, it is a simple fix.
If your H/H has removable aerial you could connect it via an adaptor to the suspect main antenna and check the range.
Has the radio been accidently switched to US frequencies. ...........and its a solder connection everytime for longevity.