Poor VHF volume

[Guest]

My Hummingbird VHF radio volume has got quieter and quieter over a period of about 6 months (even the "squelch" hiss is quiet). Occasionally it returns to full output but then fades back to barely audible afer a few minutes. I have changed the aerial and checked the connections.
From "radio checks" it appears to be sending OK.

Any ideas please?

Bernard.

 

[steve_cronin]

I\'ve had this happen twice....

First a long time ago on one of the first PLL tuned (no crystals) sets and more recently on a Sealab 9000 hand held.

The solution in both cases was the replacement of a large capacity (around 20mfd) electrolytic capacitor (condenser) in the squelch circuitry which had simply dried out. On the earlier set we used to revive it by opening up the case and using an eye dropper carefully wetting the "open" end of the electrolytic. This brought the sound back up in seconds and the effect would last for around two months until it dried out again. On the later set it was cured by replacement of the faulty component. If you don't feel competent then any marine electronics expert or even a 2metres radio ammateur shop should be able to do it for a little cost.

Steve Cronin

 

[Guest]

Re: I\'ve had this happen twice....

Thanks for the rapid reply Steve, the radio seems to be well sealed being a "submersible" type and I'm more of a mechanic than electronic wiz, you don't happen to know of a workshop in the Southampton (Shamrock) area do you?

Bernie.

 

[steve_cronin]

I\'m away from the Solent now....

after 27 years we fancied a change!

Could be a Yellow Pages job I think! Tell them what you think it is it might save you a good bit of cash!

Steve Cronin

 

[Col]

Re: I\'ve had this happen twice....

There is a repairer at Shamrock Quay I believe. I can get more details if required

 

[EdEssery]

Re: I\'ve had this happen twice....

Greenhal Regis at Shamrock Quay repaired my fixed VHF set last week. They charge a £20 inspection fee - you can then define a maximum amount you are prepared to pay for the repair. If it will cost more than this threshold to repair the set, they will discount the £20 inspection fee off a new set. Their prices on new sets seemed to be competitive. I thought this was very fair.

I took my Swiftech set in on Saturday morning saying I wanted to pick it up the following weekend. They phoned me on the Friday afternoon to say it was ready and that the cost was £66 inc. VAT - they replaced the main PCB, cleaned and tested the set. The repair has a three month warranty.

I thought this was very all very fair and their service and advice was good.

Good luck

 

[Chris_Stannard]

Re: I\'ve had this happen twice....

I agree with that Greenham Regis are generally good news.

Chris Stannard