Swiftech M298 handheld VHF

[rjp]

I notice there seems to be some M298 expertise on the forum so would like to seek advice on a problem I'm having with one. When I bought it secondhand from a fellow YBW.com contributor it seemed to work fine, but when I took it out recently I noticed that when I pressed the PTT switch, the red transmit light came on, the screen display faded out, and the transmit light stayed on when the PTT switch was released. I have since ascertained that it transmits OK, but is staying in transmit mode until the off switch is (swiftly) used. Is this likely to be a simple fault or should I junk it and get a new one (I notice they are now very cheap). If fixable can anyone recommend a good (cheap!) repairer.

John

 

[Joe_Cole]

I doubt if it's worth getting someone to repair it. It could easily cost more than a new one.

Personally, I'ld take it to bits, have a look at the switches and, if there's anything obviously wrong, try to fix it. If it works fine, if it stops completely you're no worse off. They are so cheap it's not worth wasting a lot of time on.

If you get a new one at least you've got a spare battery!

 

[Ruffles]

John,

I know they do something similar whan the battery voltage is insufficient.

When you hit TX the battery voltage plummets and the control circuits lock up. Are the contacts dirty? If not you could crack open the battery and replace the cells. Probably not worth the effort though /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Rob.

 

[Joe_Cole]

[ QUOTE ]
John,

I know they do something similar whan the battery voltage is insufficient.

When you hit TX the battery voltage plummets and the control circuits lock up. Are the contacts dirty? If not you could crack open the battery and replace the cells. Probably not worth the effort though /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Rob.

[/ QUOTE ]

It should be easy enough to check that. Put the radio on charge and try operating it with the charger connected.

 

[Colvic Watson]

I have an M298 and when the battery has been fully discharged and left for any length of time they recommend charging for 18 hours. Having said that the unit must never be normally be left to charge for more than 12 hours - so don't leave it plugged into the cigar lighter socket whilst on-board.

 

[rjp]

Thanks fellas, I agree it's probably not worth paying to have it repaired. I'll probably take it apart and have a poke around when I find the time (not that I'm that good with electronics!). Duff batteries or dirty contacts sound a possibility - I guess it tries to draw considerably more power on transmit and that could explain it.

John

 

[Colvic Watson]

[ QUOTE ]
I guess it tries to draw considerably more power on transmit and that could explain it.


[/ QUOTE ] Have you tried transmitting on low power? That at least would identify if the problem is as you say above or another one. But do try the 18 hours mains (not cig lighter) charge.

 

[jellyman]

Hi,

just got one of these.
First post hi everyone..


I have same problem.

i own a electronics repair shop, took the battery apart.

The problem is the battery is 9.6Volt 550mah

When you transmit at 4 watts it draws 1.05 amps

A defunct NiMah battery cannot substain one amp

Use a blunt screwdriver to open battery.
Inside is 8 x 1.2 v aaa rechargable batteries.
just link new ones together as per old ones..

Problem solved and cheaper then 29.99 for new battery

hope this is of help

 

[nigelmercier]

Anyone got a link to the manufacturer of the M-298? I'd like to download a manual if I can, before it goes on eBay!

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone got a link to the manufacturer of the M-298? I'd like to download a manual if I can, before it goes on eBay!

[/ QUOTE ]Don't think you'll find a download, but intriguingly you can buy a manual on eBay!

 

[Shorebase]

M-298 Manual (again - sorry !)

I've searched the forum, and I don't think there's been any recent responses on this old question, (but I apologise if I missed one ! )

I've had a Silva Star M-298 from new, having bought it about 10 years ago down at Hamble. It wasn't used for a few years, but I read the tip on here (thanks) about replacing the NiMh AAA batteries inside the pack, and it now works perfectly again, like new.

The problem is I can't find the damn manual ! I've Googled extensively and don't think there's any officially downloadable pdf manuals anywhere still, but notice in the past a few kind souls have responded to forum requests and emailed the file.

If anyone is still using one, I'd be very grateful if they do have a manual they could email to me. I'd be happier putting a fiver in a lifeboat collection box than giving it to someone selling them on Ebay !

 

[PetiteFleur]

Hi,

just got one of these.
First post hi everyone..


I have same problem.

i own a electronics repair shop, took the battery apart.

The problem is the battery is 9.6Volt 550mah

When you transmit at 4 watts it draws 1.05 amps

A defunct NiMah battery cannot substain one amp

Use a blunt screwdriver to open battery.
Inside is 8 x 1.2 v aaa rechargable batteries.
just link new ones together as per old ones..

Problem solved and cheaper then 29.99 for new battery

hope this is of help

For new batteries I used these people - http://www.strikalite.co.uk/prodcat_type/20/ALL/0/Specialist_Battery_Packs.html
From memory I paid £25 for two MiMH power packs to replace the original NiCad batteries which were shot. Apparently they are not allowed to supply NiCads anymore......(EU/H&S rules maybe?) One of their standard packs fitted my H/H Swiftech exactly, just a bit of soldering and tape around the case afterwards.

 

[Bilgediver]

I notice there seems to be some M298 expertise on the forum so would like to seek advice on a problem I'm having with one. When I bought it secondhand from a fellow YBW.com contributor it seemed to work fine, but when I took it out recently I noticed that when I pressed the PTT switch, the red transmit light came on, the screen display faded out, and the transmit light stayed on when the PTT switch was released. I have since ascertained that it transmits OK, but is staying in transmit mode until the off switch is (swiftly) used. Is this likely to be a simple fault or should I junk it and get a new one (I notice they are now very cheap). If fixable can anyone recommend a good (cheap!) repairer.

John

Maybe two faults... The fading display is sometimes an indication of low battery so maybe worth seeing how long the battery stays charged .

The second fault is the PTT switch. It is not unusual for cheap switches to get sticky especially if used after enjoying one of SWIMBOS delightful sticky cakes etc.....

Usually these radios are easy to open up and check though you might need
torq screw drivers. The ones where the tip looks like a star.

It should be no problem cleaning of the PTT unless it is gunged up with treacle of honey .

Sticking PTT switches are not uncommon..Just ask the coastguards!

 

[ianat182]

Though possibly not much use for you I have the Swiftech manual for the M198 , 6/1 watt VHF/FM Marine Transceiver.
This uses 700MAH battery and accepts 9.6v~12v for external power. This one charges for 5 hours; normal charging will be 14 hours from near complete discharge, and is subject to 'memory'.
Using an optional 12v battery pack the RF output can be 6 watts but normally Hi 5w and low 1w.
Incidentally, in the 'Trouble- shooting 'section, the unit only operating for short periods is diagnosed as the battery having established a memory so they recommend discharging battery fully and recharge fully(14 hours on this one).
If my scanner worked I'd send a copy,but PM or reply here if there is any other info needed that may be similar to the M298.

ianat182

 

[Csail]

Not an answer to the question but if you are binning it i'm after a battery.

 

[Shorebase]

Thanks for the kind offer of info Ian.

I can remember how to use most of the controls, but i was trying to find out everything about it again.


As Donald Rumsfeld said, "The unknown unknowns"