Silva radios - not up to the job!

Tim M · 13 October 2004, 23:07

I bought a £99 Silva handheld VHF a few months ago as an emergancy precaution. Anyway, having used it once the battery door mechanism broke, so I sent it off for repair. It came back weeks later with a new battery, problem sorted. However, I used it the other day and it cut out in mid transmition.

I assumed it was the battery so I've had it on charge. Just unplugged it and tested it and it caught fire; lots of nastly electrical smelling smoke, so I quickly took the battery off to see a red glow coming from inside. The plastic casing in a bit melted now too. I don't somehow think it's going to work after this.....

I can only assume that some water has got into my "water proof" radio and shorted something out. Oh well, better for it to happen in my bedroom than out at sea with a broken engine!

I think I'll invest in an Icom now!

steedthrust · 13 October 2004, 23:21

Silva S10- screen display comes and goes, went wrong after 2months sent off now as boating time is reduced. Waiting for it to come back.

Mind always had very good reception with it.

Wouldn't buy one again.

Richard B · 13 October 2004, 23:40

At the risk of upsetting Jon Brooks, I'll mention that Garmin do a very functional h/h VHF. I've had mine for about two years and no problems at all. Mind you, even though it's supposed to be waterproof, I keep it in an aquapack which is useful for keeping it round my neck - just where I want it. And the Garmin is ideal for this - easy to operate all the controls through the bag.

simmons0 · 14 October 2004, 00:11

My silva S10 is still working fine. *Touch wood*
Been on the boat for a couple months and had a few major soakings with no problems as yet.

Jon Brooks · 14 October 2004, 08:56

[QUOTE=Richard B] At the risk of upsetting Jon Brooks

Richard

No chance am very thick skinned!
Not even Rouge upsets me

Regards

Simon B · 14 October 2004, 09:11

Sounds like a classic NiCad short, usually achieved with a good conductor so water may not have been the initial culprit may have helped though. NiCads supply increasing current to their max in these conditions, quite impressive to see but not good.

Rupert Bear · 14 October 2004, 09:20

I had a Silva S15 which cut out on trasmitting after a few months and which was supposed to be originally a Navman equipped version but after 6 months of no navman engine I gave up on this.
It was replaced under warranty by an S10 and an S12 handheld ( I wasn't too happy with the reliablity so thought the S12 would at least give me backup) with the balance paid by me extra.
The S10 failed exactly the same way a few months later, no transmit. When I took the brand new S12 out thinking "aha, at least I won't be caught with no radio" ( having charged it a few days before the trip) it was as flat as a pancake.
I packaged both radios up and sent them back to Silva for refund as I wasn't accepting the radios as they were clearly unift for their intended use as VHF's and would be better used as doorstops.
Royal Mail lost the parcel so now shorting out the claim, although I was sensible enough to insure them!
I bought the new 421 and Jon promises me that it is reliable, certainly performs better out the box than the Silva ever did so far and is easier to use (knobs for volume and squelch is a major improvement)

Tim M · 14 October 2004, 09:28

How does the law stand here; I was always under the impression that if something like this went wrong under warrenty I could DEMAND a refund or a replacement/repair. Is this the case?

Being the second fault I've had with this radio in less than four months, I'd quite like to get rid of it and buy something that will actually work!

Rupert Bear · 14 October 2004, 09:34

You do not need to accept repair/replacement of anything that has failed under warranty as long as it is not abuse.
I didn't even ask before sending the radios, juast packed them up and sent witha covering letter demanding my money back as they were clearly not fit for the purpose they were intended for.
Would have had it by now if the RM hadn't decided to misplace them

Tim M · 15 November 2004, 12:35

I finally took the radio back to the shop where I bought it at the weekend. They opened it up and said that there was a lot of corrosion inside. They say this is due to abuse.

Now, I know this radio hasn't been abused. Saying that, it's been used in a RIB and has been subject to spray etc. I was under the impression that because it was "water resistant" it would be OK in damp conditions - not dunkings, but a bit of spray etc.

The shop is saying it's abuse, and therefore won't do anything about it. Wat am I to do; do I have a leg to stand on, or do I just put it behind me and never shop there again??

Jon Brooks · 15 November 2004, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by timofengland

I finally took the radio back to the shop where I bought it at the weekend. They opened it up and said that there was a lot of corrosion inside. They say this is due to abuse.

Now, I know this radio hasn't been abused. Saying that, it's been used in a RIB and has been subject to spray etc. I was under the impression that because it was "water resistant" it would be OK in damp conditions - not dunkings, but a bit of spray etc.

The shop is saying it's abuse, and therefore won't do anything about it. Wat am I to do; do I have a leg to stand on, or do I just put it behind me and never shop there again??

Contact Silva direct.
Tell them what has gone on.
Explain how and where you use the set.
See if you get anywhere with that route.

Regards

Tim M · 15 November 2004, 15:02

The shop (Norfolk Marine) has already sent it back.

This isnt going to look good; having already had a new battery becasue the catch on the first one broke, I don't hold out much hope.

Jon Brooks · 15 November 2004, 15:11

Tim

I would have to say, waterproof has got to be the way to go on a RIB.
Even if its not one of ours.

I would never recomend a Slashproof/Water resistant unit on a rib.

You could have spent a bit more and got a waterproof unit.
Then if it let in water you would have some come back.
There are some good water proof radio's on the market these days for not a lot more money.

Sorry to kick you when your down.

Still worth speaking to Silva, never know someone there may be feeling kind up there!

Regards

Tim M · 18 November 2004, 19:55

Update: they (the manufacture) say I can only have replacement. Ones on it's way. O well, it least I will have a spare h/h VHF now. I think I'll invest in an aquapack for this one!