ICOM VHF - screen issue

[boristhebold]

Why do boat electronics only seem to last about 3 years max without issues ? Ive had two music/ipad head units fail on me due to cracking over the years, 1 VHF set fail as it wont recieve anymore, replaced this with a new icom about 2 years ago and now the screen is virtually unreadable. Also have a chart plotter hybrid touchscreen where the touchscreen element is a bit flaky. bah humbug.

Anyone else had icom VHF sets where the screen becomes unreadible ? (lots of broken lines)

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Why do boat electronics only seem to last about 3 years max without issues ? Ive had two music/ipad head units fail on me due to cracking over the years, 1 VHF set fail as it wont recieve anymore, replaced this with a new icom about 2 years ago and now the screen is virtually unreadable. Also have a chart plotter hybrid touchscreen where the touchscreen element is a bit flaky. bah humbug.



Anyone else had icom VHF sets where the screen becomes unreadible ? (lots of broken lines)

Have you checked the supply voltage to the VHF? Low voltage can cause display problems. Check any in-line fuses for corrosion. Some sets will display the voltage that it's receiving, worth a look for free.

[paulbrown22]

Are they exposed to lots of sunlight, water, moisture, etc?

On all my RIB's and sailing yachts, I've only ever had the backlight on a Hummingbird plotter/sounder unit fail. I do make sure I cover everything up though, using the plastic covers provided on instruments, and fabric covers over the consoles.

The electronics on my RIB are all 10+ years old, and still working fine. As PD says, any issues for me have been wiring related - I really should rewire the boat at some point... Wiring doesn't appear to have been Ribtec's forté, in that era at least!

[boristhebold]

I think im going to rewire the electrical feeds to it as a first thing to do then take it from there if that doesn't work.

[Lee1]

Yep about 3 years is the average for me.