VHF Help

Jason S · 05-19-2008, 06:17 PM

OK Stickfish PM'ed me but maybe all could learn. Been living with semi-spotty VHF here since I put it in. I can't describe how I sound on the VHF but maybe Tracker can chime in a describe it for me. GPS/FF affects it as does the raw water wash pump. Various other things too. Just now listening to weather in the driveway when I switched on the GOS it added a faint his to weather channels 1 and 4.

It has been internittant and I am having range problems. I spent some time playin with it tonight and when I tried to get a radio check on 16 no luck. I can see Seattle sitting in my boat so I would think after a reasonable time the CG would have answered but nope nothing.

To date I installed it. I thought I bought a Galaxy series antenna but I was wrong and thinking aloud thats what I am thinking my problem is. Radio itself is a DSC Lowrance and DCS is wired to the GPS and MMSI number installed.

Originally had it wired off the dash power. Well I added 8 gauge wire from the battery to the radio. Ground was on the common under the dash. Thats how it was when tracker heard it. Tonight. I added an 8 gauge ground from the battery to radio. No switch just a fuse in the supply at the battery. No fuse under dash. Also tonight I took apart and put a new co-ax connecter following directions and soldered. All wire connections soldered and heat shrink with adhesive.

So what? New antenna? Shakespeare Galaxy or Digital? Or is there nothing wrong with the Mariner 8500 I have now. Shakespeare does not list this antenna any more.

Phil Layer · 05-19-2008, 07:05 PM

Are you sure you are on the U.S. frequency? I had problems with a new setup until I realized I was using Canadian frequencies.

I am not familiar with your equipment so I couldn't tell you how to check it.

StickFish · 05-20-2008, 04:35 AM

Jason the Mariner line is a West Marine branded Shakespeare antenna - it can be returned to West Marine.

Do you have a Hand held marine VHF? If you do you can check what you transmission sounds like yourself - have someone else in the boat talk on like channel 78.

When you tried to raise the CG last, were any of the electronics turned on. If not you have pretty much ruled out interference from them and I'd point the finger at either the antenna system or the radio.

Paddler · 05-20-2008, 04:56 AM

Jason, I originally bought the Lowrance radio, but took it back and bought the Icom, because the insallation requirements for the LVR-850 say that you can't use more than a 3dB antenna. The Shakespeare 5225 XT is a 6dB antenna. After reading this, which I thought was a peculiar spec on the radio, I went with thte Icom 422. I'm not sure if this is your problem, but my Icom works great.

tracker · 05-20-2008, 04:58 AM

He sounds like he is somewhat under water. At times it is hard to understand anything he is saying. When he turned off all other equipment he sounded mostly clear.

Highmark · 05-20-2008, 05:14 AM

Put it on standing wave meter. that will tell you if the radio is getting out right.

HM

olybirds · 05-20-2008, 01:35 PM

where do you have the Antenna wires run? are they bundled tight with any wires from your FF or other accessories? Sounds like they may be causing interference..

Maybe try to seperate them from these items... if possible?

Troutinator · 05-20-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Highmark

Put it on standing wave meter. that will tell you if the radio is getting out right.

real good advice that...

fyshndad · 05-20-2008, 01:44 PM

Jason
Where do you live
I could loan you a SWR meter

Jason S · 05-20-2008, 01:52 PM

There is a radio guy in Port Angeles WA. Heading up there to fish this weekend. Thursday if it still does not radio check will run into town with it and have it thrown on the meter. Barring that-

Move it to the other side of the boat with brand new Icom and Digital Antenna is the fall back. Want the dang thing fixed. I even undid my wiring for DSC to the GPS tonight to see if I had screwed that up and it was causing it. Who knows now.

I was talking on it last night later and the boat I was talking to said I was coming in good but he was not far away. I figure out range this weekend.

StickFish · 05-20-2008, 02:14 PM

One thing to remember about SWR meters - you are adding something to the radio/antenna circuit so readings from it are not entirely accurate in regards to what you radio sees in terms of refelcted RF due to a mismatch. Also the SWR meter must be capable of operating in VHF frequency range - most CB SWR meters are not capable of that with any guarantee of accuracy.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

lurking_out_loud · 05-20-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracker

He sounds like he is somewhat under water. At times it is hard to understand anything he is saying. When he turned off all other equipment he sounded mostly clear.

That sure sounds like a couple of guys I know that went through similar issues during our last trip to Vegas...

I have both the same Galaxy and a Digital 529-V on my boat, hands down the digital antenna out performs the Galaxy. It's a night and day difference. I'm changing out the Galaxy this week if you want one on the cheap.

-lol