Simrad Radio problem

[jimh]

I have a Simrad RD68 with an Intermittent receive problem? I can always transmit OK - verified by another boat - but I can't always receive? - Is this a problem with the set? - I am ready to purchase a new radio as I have cleaned all the connections without luck. Also - would you recommend purchase of the same set - I figured I would be able to install it myself (not too sure about the MMSI though)????

 

[DepSol]

I had an RD68 when they were first out and it had all sorts of problems, a times I could receive ok but not transmit also screen got fogged up alot and it also had a fit now and again and just kept beeping at me. They are end of the line now so buy something like an Icom M421 just released at southampton last year and a good little set.

Dom

 

[jas]

I've just fitted an RD68 and it is not receiving all the time but transmitting ok. Did Simrad offer an explanation or refund ?

 

[jimh]

I've not spoken to Simrad - my set is out of warranty (2 years old). Think I might take Dom's advice and look for something else.

I might send it to Simrad for repair - then keep it as spare.

 

[Skysail]

Just fitted an Icom M421 and am very pleased with it; NB we replaced the aerial and cable too.

Our friendly local radio fitter said he had very few problems with Icom but was not so impressed with others.

The MMSI was no problem, just take great care as you only get one chance!

 

[duncan]

ah but (1) will an Icom 421 flush mount where a Simrad 64/68 used to be or is it a smaller unit? (2) Where's cheapest to get one (with flush mount kit)?

 

[dom]

I had the the set and sent it back under two year warranty. They refused to do any work as they claimed guarantee only valid from date of manufacture unless registered with them at the time of purchase. I switched to an Icom which is a much much better piece of equipment.

 

[Skysail]

Icom needs an aperture of 61 mm x 148 mm - I think the Simrad has a fascia kit, don't know the dimensions.

My Icom is a push fit, so if anyone needs a redundant flush mount kit for an M421, (brackets and screws, going cheap, I'm your man!

Cheapest M421 I found was £209 from Robbins Marine in Liverpool.

 

[hightech]

Do you lose the sound, ie if you turn the squelch down is anything audible? do you get beeps from the buttons? maybe just a dodgy speaker connection.

IMHO, the RD68 is normally a very reliable set, but like anything can go faulty.

I know for a fact that Simrad like any other manufacturer use the date of manufacture + 30 months as a guideline warranty. If however you show them your proof of purchase for less than two years then they will treat the repair as warranty. The onus is on the owner for ANY product to prove their warranty entitlement, not for the manufacturer, by using the manufacture date, manufacturers try to assist in 100% warranty cases and speed repairs along.

Hightech

 

[Skysail]

Yes the buttons do beep but the manual says the beeps can be turned off. ( Page 46 Set Mode)

Don't know about the squelch/volume, would have to check next time. I have not noticed any problem there.

 

[jimh]

When I lower the squelch I always get white noise - Its definitely intermittent receive.

 

[Oldhand]

If as you say you always get "white noise" when you turn the squelch down and the "white noise" is not intermittent, then I would suggest the receiver is not intermittent. However, you could have a faulty squelch control/circuitry which could be intermittently be setting the squelch too high to receive typical signals. A little moisture on the PCB could cause this. Suggest you open up the set and place it in a warm dry place for a day, re-assemble with any seals intact and see if the problem has gone.

 

[jimh]

that's logical - thanks, will try.

BTW, ordered an ICOM M421 from Mailspeed (£224.95) - can't be without a radio!