VHF Radio Problems

[Dave in Mpls]

I am currently using an Apelco 8500 VHF / 8' Shakespear Galaxy comination. While on Mille Lacs this past weekend, I experienced what seemed to be transmitting/receiving problems with my VHF. My buddy, who was less than a half mile from me, was having a hard time receiving my transmissions, and I his. Both his and mine seemed to be really jarrbled (sp?). In the past, we have had no problems at distances over 15 miles. Is it possible to be too close? A couple of other things come to mind. I typically don't have my stereo on, but I did that day. Also, it was blowing to beat the band, and I'm sure my mic probably got wet. I could see how a mic problem may have caused my poor transmission, but why would his transmissions be recieved by my radio so poorly?

Anyhow, was out again on Sunday and got a radio check from over ten miles away, so it may be nothing to worry about. Then again, I sure would hate to find out I have a problem when I need it the most! Is there any way to check the transmission, etc, from these babies?

Regards

[Brian/MN]

Dave,

You mentioned that it was windy the day you had problems. Wind hitting your mic when you're transmitting will cause a ton of background noise. Next time, try shielding yourself, like you're trying to light a cig or something, and see if that helps.


bg

[Brian/MN]

Just thought of another thing. Do you have your radio mounted where water can collect on the speaker grille? That causes receptions to be very garbled also. As a test, next time try tuning to a weather band with constant talking and see how it sounds.

[RANGER]

Dave,

Brian has a couple of good ideas, there. I would also check ALL my connections including the coaxial ones. The VHF should be connected directly to your battery and not a fuse panel or strip.

To address your direct questions:

You may have been too close and broadcasting at 25 watts.

I have the Apelco 8500 as well and it meets the U.S. Coast Guard specs for waterproof operations. If yours does meet those specs and the mic got wet or the radio was shorting out it is an equipment problem. Test it with your bud in similar conditions (hose sprinkler or on the water).

There is an SWR (Signal to Noise Ratio) meter that will give you a great deal of information about your VHF radio/antenna/output/reception/etc. functions and cost around $40. Worth their weight in gold when you need it. I have one for my CB AND the VHF (they are different meters).

My bet - bad connection(s), especially in the coax.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!"

[RANGER]

Oops! Meant to say, SWR (Signal to Wave Ratio). Bad day!


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!"

[Phil T.]

A lot of radio problems can be cured by wiring the power directly to the battery, not through a small multi-connector. In fact Trailerboats had an article about this about a year or so ago. They suggested as a minimum "buzz bar" a 3" wide strip of copper of enough thickness to hold contact bolts or screws. That's a lot bigger than what boat builders include.

[JohnF]

You mentioned that your mike got wet.

I've noticed that often times when the mike gets a bath the water will stick in the little holes on the mike and attenuate your voice. Doesn't seem to hurt the mike in the long run but buddies start to complain. (I can see you but it sounds like you're 500 miles away, or, Sounds like you are in a can...) Try shaking the water out, it has helped me before.

I agree that the wind across a mike can do it as well.

So, if your buddie's mike got wet you would hear what he was hearing from your wet mike. (Ditto if it is a wind issue.)

[PWaldow123]

Dave, if you try everything else and nothing helps, I would say that your stereo is causing the problem. I had the same set of circumstances and couldn't even receive weather broadcasts. Turned off one of my depthfinders and everything became crystal clear. LOL

Paul

[ETT]

Yep you were too close. You have a hi-lo button somewhere and you both needed to transmitting on low for clear reception that close. It's called overmodulation. You are simply overpowering the recievers. Low power transmition drops down to 1 amp as apposed to 25 amps at hi power. Some radios have a 1/25 on the button. I'm quite sure that was your problem.

[Pitts]

Dave what channlel do you hang on so if I'm there I can maybe catch ya on the water. What name do you go by also.

Pitts