Marine Radio Issue?
Hi Guys,
My boat is almost ready for Summer now, but I had an issue with the radio that was fitted by the previous owner - it was an old radio, so i decided as it is safety kit to replace it with a new GME unit.
I replaced it yesterday, and have the same issue - It sounds scratchy, has really bad reception and I cannot raise VN6KC from my house in Safety bay???
I managed to raise them on the old radio last weekend, but they advised me to replace the unit as the reception was really scratchy, and they could hardly hear me.., now the same with the new unit?
Does the radio use the water as the groundplane for better reception, or do i have another issue here?
See attached pics of the antenna, mount and connections - all look good to me...?
Tested the cable to see if there was a short or open circuit, and it all tests fine..
Sounds like squelch noise and scratchy, and the engine is not running during the test??
Any advice would be appreciated, or a name of someone around Rocko who could help?
Thanks
Cheers,
Cold Feet 
Taffy
Posts: 184
Date Joined: 04/11/10
Are you sure
are you sure it is a VHF antenna and not a 27Mhz antenna ?, the Red dot usually means 27MHZ and a green Dot for VHF So that appears to be your problem if its a VHF radio
a simple SWR test with a VHF swr mtr will confirm any problems with both Coax and antenna
Dale
Posts: 7930
Date Joined: 13/09/05
Yeah, it looks kinda like a VHF antenna to me, 6 meter antenna just won't work on 11 meters.
"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."
Mr Wolf
sunshine
Posts: 2623
Date Joined: 03/03/09
And yes the water acts as an excellent ground plane
And I agree with the other comments
Leethal
Posts: 33
Date Joined: 28/10/07
Green dot for VHF antenna
This is what a GME VHF antenna looks like
Got a feeling Taffy might be right. Looks like a 27MHZ antenna.
Picture taken from GME site
Cold Feet
Posts: 120
Date Joined: 04/08/15
Cheers for the antenna tips, but
what is a SWR meter, or where do I get one, and I really dont understand the 6 meter and 11 meter comment Dale?
It is a GME GX 400 27MHZ MARINE RADIO, SORRY, I SHOULD HAVE MENTIONED THAT..
So, is my antenna the wrong one, with the red dot guys?
Cheers,
Cold Feet
Cold Feet
Posts: 120
Date Joined: 04/08/15
Right antenna then..
...with the red dot, for the 27 Mhz radio, according to GME site, so something else is wrong... all thats left is the farking cable... luckily the cheapest part of the system for a change..
Cheers,
Cold Feet
Dale
Posts: 7930
Date Joined: 13/09/05
I can drop in and see you with a SWR meter if you like and do the check. That will give you an idea if it's the antenna or coax. Send us a PM and let us know when is a good time. I'm on my days off at present, so good for most days. I'm down Rockingham most mornings.
"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."
Mr Wolf
Taffy
Posts: 184
Date Joined: 04/11/10
Hey Dale what
Hey Dale - What use is an F-Call - Lol , did you get your new Rig ?
Dale
Posts: 7930
Date Joined: 13/09/05
Howdy there Paul, yeah got the 857, couldn't find a 7000 here in VK. Plenty overseas, but our dollar is pretty stuffed at present.
"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."
Mr Wolf
Taffy
Posts: 184
Date Joined: 04/11/10
Swr Mtr/ and Radio test set
maybe Pm me your number , ive got both SWR meters and could proberbly test all your gear, and i Frequent Rockingham or MBFC most weekends.
Dale
Posts: 7930
Date Joined: 13/09/05
Or an analyser?
"Just because you are a Character, Doesn't mean you have Character."
Mr Wolf
meglodon
Posts: 5981
Date Joined: 17/06/10
Good offer there
If some one can use a SWR meter on you unit and antenna they should be able to pin point the problem pretty quick for you.
Cold Feet
Posts: 120
Date Joined: 04/08/15
Thanks guys,
I will just buy another mount and cable for $40 at BCF, as there is nothing else that is not new on the system now.
If that does not work I will PM you for a service call Taffy...
Cheers,
Cold Feet
Cold Feet
Posts: 120
Date Joined: 04/08/15
Fixed, Thanks..
Hi guys, the problem here must have been the cable or antenna mount, as I replaced it and the radio system is perfect now - Thanks to the FW members offering the testing help.
Cheers,
Cold Feet