Vhf power source

[ian w]

My VHF radio on the bridge is saying low power when transmitting and I am being told that my transmissions are breaking up.I have a separate 12 volt system that also starts the Kilopak.So the batteries are charged by a battery charger and the generator alternator.Do you think I need new dedicated wires to the vhf-it currently shares power wire with chartplotter and separate sounder or is it the batteries ian w hatteras 53my

 

[bobk]

Any chance your radio is a Uniden? I had the same issue for a while and then it died. Replaced with a Standard Horizon using the same wiring (up to the plug) and it works great.

Bobk

 

[ian w]

It is a new Horizon Matrix but my Icom I have in the saloon is now showing similar problems.Interestingly the battery will still start the generator albeit turning slowly ian w

 

[Boatnut]

Sounds like you have a bad connection somewhere in the power source feeding the 2 units. Crimp connectors are famous for causing such problems. If you have a meter check power along the line at various points of connection, have some one key the mike for you. When the voltage stops dropping on the meter, the problem will be between there and the place you checked before that point. Don't be afraid to pull on the wires if you can pull them out of a crimp on, the connection is not good, replace crimp. TIP, use some vapor proof compound, like Dow Corning 4, it will help prevent corrosion of the crimp connector.

 

[Vincentc]

How long is the wire run from the battery to the radio and what gauge are the wires? Too small wires for the distance and load would cause voltage drop.

Regarding the use of a vapor compound on crimp connectors, would shrink tubing achieve the desired result?

Regards

 

[Will]

If the display shows low power when you are transmitting, perhaps the the radio was accidentally set to "low power" for transmitting. Your manual has instructions on how you can change the setting.

Will

 

[Boatnut]

How long is the wire run from the battery to the radio and what gauge are the wires? Too small wires for the distance and load would cause voltage drop.

Regarding the use of a vapor compound on crimp connectors, would shrink tubing achieve the desired result?

Regards

The object is to displace any moisture, vapor compound will do this, if you can shrink the tubing tight enough to seal it and keep moisture out it would work. If you really want a long lasting connection, solder it, fill the shrink tubing with compound the then shrink it up, I do this when a connection is hard to get to. It's more work but that's the way it goes if quality matters to you.

If the old radio did not have the same problem the wire size and length are probably OK.

Good call on the lower power button, didn't think of that.

 

[rsmith]

Your batteries are BAD!!! Replace them

 

[chris piazza]

I had the same problem a few years ago, it turned out to be the voltage converter in the engine room. If you have all your electronics running and than key your mike on your VHF you'll get the low voltage warning. If I recall mine is a 32-12-25amp. It seems as they get old they don't put out the voltage/amps they did when new. I added one up on the bridge and split the 12v load of all the electronics and everything is good now.

Chris
Superior Nights 53C

 

[rsmith]

"Interestingly the battery will still start the generator albeit turning slowly ian w"


Bad cell in the 12v battery!

 

[Bill Herrin]

Two radios with the same new symptom and the only thing they have in common is they get their power from the same battery.... I'd sure start with that battery and it's connectors.