Display condensation on Standard Horizon GX1600E

Copinsay · 19 March 2013, 18:35

Hello all

I've just returned under warranty my second Standard Horizon GX1600E - a real time-consuming pain to remove due to the console clearances and wiring up the NMEA cables, re-programming all the MMSI numbers etc.

While my initial direct approaches to Standard Horizon where not that helpful, once I involved the retailer Gael Force Marine, things started to happen. Which is to be expected as I find Gael Force have very good customer service.

This second unit was also a new one, and fogged up as soon as it came out of the barn after installation - hadn't even been to sea. The first unit did so after about 3 months of light usage.

Both were mounted using the official (and expensive) SH surface mounting brackets, so the integrity of the units have not been compromised.

I wondered out of curiosity if anyone else had this problem with SH or any other radio makes/units, as I really don't want to have this happen a third time :o(

Pics of unit, location and fogging attached

Many thanks

Best wishes

Steve

Leapy · 19 March 2013, 18:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copinsay

I wondered out of curiosity if anyone else had this problem with SH or any other radio makes ...

Yep, got it with my Icom M411 ... they've told me to return it to them

willk · 19 March 2013, 21:56

I've seen this on all sorts. I'm not sure that I've seen a Garmin that didn't do it to some extent. My Raymarine plotter did it. However, my old NAVMAN 7100 which was a bargain basement VHF never did it in three years.

I got fed up and tried a bit of DIY on the Ray. To cut a long story short, I opened her up and stashed a silica bag in her innards. Worked a treat for 18 months.

FYI, Simrad are now selling their version of the 7100 for twice the price. Nice

Copinsay · 19 March 2013, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

To cut a long story short, I opened her up and stashed a silica bag in her innards. Worked a treat for 18 months.

Now there's class

Dare I ask what happened after 18 months

willk · 19 March 2013, 22:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copinsay

Now there's class

Dare I ask what happened after 18 months

It began to fog on hot days, so I did it again

The second time I got a decent volume of silica beads, dried them properly and bagged them up hot. You'd have to ask the new owner how it lasted

In truth, the first time was a rank experiment that worked well with a small volume of potentially dry beads. Second go was serious!

Obviously you can kiss your warranty goodbye the second you crack the casing open. In reality, it was a crappy O-ring and poorly seated screws so easy to seal up again!

willk · 19 March 2013, 22:31

Now, for the Brave:
Biffer (of RIBnet fame) dries his gauge dials by introducing a double glazing demister stick THROUGH the back of the gauge (drills a hole!). Same deal as my idea but easier to renew/replace. Worth a thought!

jambo · 19 March 2013, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Now, for the Brave:
Biffer (of RIBnet fame) dries his gauge dials by introducing a double glazing demister stick THROUGH the back of the gauge (drills a hole!). Same deal as my idea but easier to renew/replace. Worth a thought!

You also can take the bulb out when not in use. okay its not as sofisticated as Biffer's option but does work!

Copinsay · 19 March 2013, 22:56

And where would one pur-chase such a demister stick young Jedi?

willk · 19 March 2013, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copinsay

And where would one pur-chase such a demister stick young Jedi?

Oh, I'm not rightly sure - but I think it's something like this, but cheaper. You should PM Biffer - it's good for him to be hassled

Tim M · 20 March 2013, 00:44

Had two Standard Horizon fixed VHFs and a chart plotter go that way.

apples · 20 March 2013, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Oh, I'm not rightly sure - but I think it's something like this, but cheaper. You should PM Biffer - it's good for him to be hassled

was that a stick defficator !!

I thought there was enough defficant as it was

this is a sh--e thread

Copinsay · 20 March 2013, 13:08

Thanks for all your comments folks - will PM Biffer.

Apples - thanks for your input - I wonder if I'm missing something in translation here...?

Cheers

Steve

willk · 20 March 2013, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copinsay

Apples - thanks for your input - I wonder if I'm missing something in translation here...?

Don't mind him - he'd been on the Sauce all night...

PeterM · 20 March 2013, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Copinsay

will PM Biffer.

I think the only condensation he is concerned about at the moment is that on the outside of his cool drink in the South of France

apples · 20 March 2013, 15:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

I think the only condensation he is concerned about at the moment is that on the outside of his cool drink in the South of France

Bern Hanreck · 20 March 2013, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leapy

Yep, got it with my Icom M411 ... they've told me to return it to them

I've only just bought an Icom M411 so hope this is not par for the course....

On the plus side Icom Service did send me a replacement belt clip for the hand held , completely free of charge inc. postage