Wanted VHF radio

sgf200 · 08 August 2023, 08:58

Hi is there any second hand vhf radios out there for sale as my hummingbird has stopped transmitting. Receives OK....Not the best if I need it in an emergency..

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2023, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgf200

Hi is there any second hand vhf radios out there for sale as my hummingbird has stopped transmitting. Receives OK....Not the best if I need it in an emergency..

Is your antenna in good order?

willk · 08 August 2023, 11:15

Guessing your set is handheld? Not transmitting - does it indicate no TX on the screen or have you field tested? Very poor/no TX can be a power issue - low batteries will receive fine but not transmit. If those are old NiCad batteries then they are possibly shot?

Someone will have an old set for sale - but active peeps on here are probably holding on to theirs mind!

sgf200 · 08 August 2023, 11:23

Hi, no its a deck set, tx symbol shows when transmitting but no voice heard with handheld also on boat. Radio check with Holyhead coast guard has negative response.
Going to buy a new one I think...Seen a few for about £100 second hand but £165 brand new..

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2023, 12:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgf200

Hi, no its a deck set, tx symbol shows when transmitting but no voice heard with handheld also on boat. Radio check with Holyhead coast guard has negative response.
Going to buy a new one I think...Seen a few for about £100 second hand but £165 brand new..

You need to prove your antenna before changing the VHF.

willk · 08 August 2023, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

You need to prove your antenna before changing the VHF.

Yes, although from bitter experience I can confirm that the cable alone will TX enough to be picked up in close proximity.

Not meaning to sound cheeky, but is the OP testing on a simplex channel like 16 etc?

Further to power related post above, rotten copper in the power lead can cause similar issues, nearly no TX but perfect RX

sgf200 · 08 August 2023, 13:30

Thanks for all the responses when I transmit and have the handheld on board I can hear the squelsh noise when keying Mike but no voice. Would have thought that being so close I would have heard some transmission.

willk · 08 August 2023, 13:38

Hmmm. Dodgy mic perhaps? You know you want a new VHF

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2023, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgf200

Thanks for all the responses when I transmit and have the handheld on board I can hear the squelsh noise when keying Mike but no voice. Would have thought that being so close I would have heard some transmission.

Sounds like it could be the mike. What make & model of VHF is it? Age?

sgf200 · 08 August 2023, 13:43

More expense. ��

sgf200 · 08 August 2023, 13:44

Hummingbird not sure of model as difficult to see without removing and will be old...��

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2023, 13:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgf200

Hummingbird not sure of model as difficult to see without removing and will be old...��

Is it black with yellow trim?

Nasher · 08 August 2023, 16:24

If buying a used fixed DSC VHF remember the MMSI number in most cases needs to be reset back to factory default by the manufacturer before you can input your own number. Which isn't a Free service.
I assume you've taken the exam and have a number etc.
It cannot normally be changed by the user, unless that has changed recently.

I sold a used set a few years ago and had it reset myself beforehand as I didn't want somebody using it with my number programmed in, but I expect a lot don't bother.

Pikey Dave · 08 August 2023, 16:54

At this kind of money, it’s hardly worth buying 2nd hand

https://www.cactusnav.com/standard-h...e-p-28952.html

Orwell boy · 08 August 2023, 17:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgf200

Hi is there any second hand vhf radios out there for sale as my hummingbird has stopped transmitting. Receives OK....Not the best if I need it in an emergency..

I had a problem same a few years ago and somebody said it was an American set and their tranmit frequency is different ,,sound a little strange and tbh i just bought another which dropped straight in ,so havnt a clue as the new one worked without further fettling

willk · 08 August 2023, 20:20

^ Some Humminbird have a USA/INT button. OP?

sgf200 · 09 August 2023, 07:14

That's the one I've gone for, as you say not worth buying secondhand with potential secondhand problems down the line..

sgf200 · 09 August 2023, 07:21

Thanks all for the advice but am now sorted..Just ordered a new one..
https://foxschandlery.com/products/s...09a9d1eb&_ss=r

Pikey Dave · 09 August 2023, 09:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgf200

Thanks all for the advice but am now sorted..Just ordered a new one..
https://foxschandlery.com/products/s...09a9d1eb&_ss=r

Good move[emoji106]I’d still check out the antenna & cable/connectors though. The antenna is more important than the VHF set in terms of performance.