I need a new radio

seaswirl2101 · Apr-26-2006, 03:33 PM

I am having radio issues. It just does not seem to have enough power. Poor reception and transmission capabilities. It is a standard horizon. I want to get a new radio. I have a shakespear antena.

Any thoughts or recomendations out there?

Exodus · Apr-26-2006, 04:19 PM

I have a S/H radio on my boat that transmits and receives very well, it was ~$150 or so ( I can't remember what model). The antenna was a Shakespear "Galaxy" series, until I broke it. I now have a Digital brand antenna that transmits and receives just as well as the Galaxy did. You can get the best VHF in the world but, if your antenna sucks, or has any bad connections, your radio will suffer. I just bought a new ICOM 504 that I will be installing soon. It has lots of bells and whistles that I probably don't need but what the hell, I like bells and whistles. Seriously though, it has some cool features that I think will be usefull.

Check it out http://www.byownerelectronics.com/st...cat=292&page=1

Jason

Double Z · Apr-26-2006, 04:24 PM

Yep, check your antenna. Either buy the gauge or take it in. Try that first. A good antenna will cost more than a cheap radio.

michael · Apr-26-2006, 04:48 PM

Check your connections before you go out and spend a bunch of money.

Most likely the coax cable has been pinched somewhere or has "dirty" connections.

seaswirl2101 · Apr-26-2006, 05:35 PM

Thanks for your feedback guys, maybe I should check the cable connection, will try that first...But it seems in there ok, solid and no loose connection..maybe I can have an electronics guru check this out.

I am not a do it yourself type person anyone know of a an electronics guru that could take a look at this???

michael · Apr-28-2006, 04:05 PM

Also if you do end up replacing the ant and cable, make sure to leave about 5 feet coiled up in a circle about 6-8 inches across about a foot behind the radio.
It supposedly helps (with what I don't know) but I did it and I'm sure you'll find others here who agree.

Good Luck.

4REELS · Apr-28-2006, 05:10 PM

Actually, you do not want to have any extra cable that you do not actually need. It only increases the possibility of EMI (electro magnetic interference). The guys were right on the money with their recommendation of checking your connections. In a marine enviroment it is very important to make sure they are kept clean and dry. When you take it off look for any signs of corrosion and clean them with alcohol (no not tequila) before putting it back on. Then check the cable for any abrasion or pinched spots. If that looks good I would recommend taking your radio to someone elses boat, hook it up to their antenna and try that. I would bet you an ice cold beer that the problem is a connection.

MATTY J · Apr-28-2006, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seaswirl2101

I am having radio issues. It just does not seem to have enough power. Poor reception and transmission capabilities. It is a standard horizon. I want to get a new radio. I have a shakespear antena.

Any thoughts or recomendations out there?

Funny I am in the same position today with a Standard Horizon, poor reception and transmission. Is this common with this brand? Bought a new antenna thinking that was it. I am installing a Icom tomorrow. Westmarine has a clearance sale going on. The one I bought was $199 sticker price dropped to $118. If you are near the rosecrans store by the big five, There was one more left.

Jack M · Apr-29-2006, 07:31 AM

Seaswirl2101,
I have the same boat, same radio, and same antenna mounted on the hard top. The radio has worked great since I bought it a year and a half ago. Many times from La Jolla, I talk to Oceanside, and a couple of times to Dana Pt. All the replies you received are worth checking out. Maybe check into a SWR Meter. Good luck, Jack

squidproquo · May-02-2006, 10:13 AM

One thing that is almost mandatory with radios is to pull the connections, clean them and spray with T-9 or CRC or equivalent. This should be done every few months and it will eliminate most problems.
In addition before you buy a new radio check with Standard Horizon, they have a pretty good warranty that include greatly reduced repair costs. JUST my .02

big tin · May-02-2006, 10:28 AM

I'd bet on cable, coneector, or antenna problems. How old is your antenna? They tend to deteriorate over time.

Carnivore · May-02-2006, 10:28 AM

YES DO NOT COIL UP THE CABLE!!!! that is a huge no no and will cause you to bleed through even the best shielding and make you sound over modulated and can cause a shorter transmission distance by widening your wave frequency. If you have to much cable it is better to lay it out as much as you can. One other thing is try and keep it away from power cables as much as possible. If is ok to cross but don't put it in the same path as your power or any positive lead for that matter. can cause major static in both transmitting and receiving.