Which new VHF fixed radio? Or repair mine?

Nick Hearne · 11 June 2012, 15:48

Hi all my Navman 7100 has given up the ghost as it will not transmit, everything works except when you press to send all other people can hear is a lot of noise/interference!
I’m making enquires about getting this repaired if not too expensive but if not what should I be looking out for?
I also have a Navman Trackfish 6600 fitted so want to be able to link the two together still.
Just looking for something inexpensive but that will last with DSC any ideas?

Pikey Dave · 11 June 2012, 17:21

Assuming that it's not the antenna (you've checked that of course

) £150 quid gets you an Icom 411, this has NMEA out for your plotter so compatibility shouldn't be an issue AND it's an Icom. If the repairs to yours are going to be more that 30-40 quid, I know which way I'd go.

Nick Hearne · 11 June 2012, 17:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Assuming that it's not the antenna (you've checked that of course

) £150 quid gets you an Icom 411, this has NMEA out for your plotter so compatibility shouldn't be an issue AND it's an Icom. If the repairs to yours are going to be more that 30-40 quid, I know which way I'd go.

I have checked the aerial by disconnecting it all together & still get the same result!
I had £50 in mind to get it repaired any more look at replacing.

Pikey Dave · 11 June 2012, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I have checked the aerial by disconnecting it all together & still get the same result!

You didn't try transmitting with the aerial disconnected did you?

captnjack · 11 June 2012, 18:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

I have checked the aerial by disconnecting it all together & still get the same result!
I had £50 in mind to get it repaired any more look at replacing.

If you transmitted without an aerial its toast now. (although it might have been already)

Nick Hearne · 11 June 2012, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

You didn't try transmitting with the aerial disconnected did you?

Yes I did

But it has made no difference it will still recieve & the same then transmitting!
I take it you should not use with out an arial then?

captnjack · 11 June 2012, 19:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

Yes I did

But it has made no difference it will still recieve & the same then transmitting!
I take it you should not use with out an arial then?

Transmitting without a load, either an aerial or a dummy resistor load, will fry the internals of any radio. If it wasn't beyond economical repair before it is now.

willk · 11 June 2012, 19:25

AFAIK, this is not strictly correct, some have protective circuitry to prevent this occurring.

SPR · 11 June 2012, 19:48

The icom 423 DSC is out , and m91d dsc handheld will be in UK next week

S.

Erin · 11 June 2012, 20:30

I've just swapped over from an Icom 505 to a Garmin 200. There is no contest between the two for ease of use and connectivity with nmea2000. The Garmin wins hands down.

Nick Hearne · 11 June 2012, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Assuming that it's not the antenna (you've checked that of course

) £150 quid gets you an Icom 411, this has NMEA out for your plotter so compatibility shouldn't be an issue AND it's an Icom. If the repairs to yours are going to be more that 30-40 quid, I know which way I'd go.

The Icom 411 is in more of the price range I was thinking for I have a hand held & it will very rarely be used so as long as it works when needed with dsc I'm happy!

Razorbill RIBs · 11 June 2012, 21:55

Also worth looking at the Standard Horizon kit....

MikeCC · 11 June 2012, 22:10

Before you connect up a new radio, see if you can borrow an SWR meter. (I say borow as they are £35-75, so a bit much to use once) It's the only surefire way of checking if the whole setup is working efficiently.

Don't be tempted to use a CB one though - it needs to cover the marine band range - one that does up to 200MHz will be fine.