Standard Horizen HX280e VHF always has noise

MagicalArmchair

MagicalArmchair

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So my trusty HX280e works wonderfully and transmits and receives fine, however, no matter what I do with the squelch there is constant background noise and the "Busy" indicator is always lit. It was fine at the start of the season, and it hasn't got wet or been bonked around (...probably, with two kids on board its anyone's guess what gets thrown!).

I've read some stuff that suggests it could be the antenna being kippered, although with the antenna off, it still faintly has the noise. Is it worth spending £15 on replacing the antenna? Are there any DIY fixes you can think of? Or is it in the bin with the VHF and down to the pirates cave with the rent??
 
First suspect would be that the squelch is being held open by an external signal of some sort. Interference from buck/ boost regulators, led drivers, inverters etc are possible candidates. I would switch everything off you can or even better simply power the VHF directly from an independent battery with the rest of the boat supply completely isolated. If that cures the squelch being always open then hunt down the guilty item by bringing things back on one by one. Also the possibility a neighbouring boat being a source of interference, less likely but possible. Removing the aerial connection possibly points to external pick up (from on board or others). Does it happen on all channels ? I doubt it is the aerial but can you substitute an emergency aerial to check ?If you have a remote "command mic" unplug it, in case it's overriding the main set squelch setting.
Of course if problem remains it could be the set is faulty, in which case.....!
SH however are very helpful and perhaps repair if needed not too expensive.
Let us know how it goes,
Richard

Ah, see now it's a hand held. Changes things ! Try away from boat. Falling battery voltage can lead to this type of fault but you have probably checked that anyway.
Anyway, hopefully the info regarding external signals holding squelch open will still help folks with installed VHF 's.
Note to self, check op's equipment specs first !
 
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Thanks for the responses. And yup, I have taken it home and it still happens away from the boat. Interesting idea checking the battery voltage on the unit - I'll give that a go!

I sent an email to Standard Horizon and have had no response :( I'll try giving them a call...

Edit: Well, blow me down, I've spoken to Standard Horizons tech and they are sending me out a new antenna for nil cost. No postage, no nothing. How often do you get such awesome customer service as that? I did query the no cost and they batted it away saying they had demonstration aerials etc. I'll be sticking with the Standard Horizon brand in future me thinks!
 
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MagicalArmchair said:
Thanks for the responses. And yup, I have taken it home and it still happens away from the boat. Interesting idea checking the battery voltage on the unit - I'll give that a go!

I sent an email to Standard Horizon and have had no response :( I'll try giving them a call...

Edit: Well, blow me down, I've spoken to Standard Horizons tech and they are sending me out a new antenna for nil cost. No postage, no nothing. How often do you get such awesome customer service as that? I did query the no cost and they batted it away saying they had demonstration aerials etc. I'll be sticking with the Standard Horizon brand in future me thinks!
Click to expand...

Yes, that's my experience with SH. They supplied me with a cable FOC for a command mic. First rate after sales service that pays off. Others could learn ......!
Richard
 
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