VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

[Darin Jordan]

While working on my Maxum this afternoon, I discovered that the LCD on the VHF radio was not displaying any characters. It's backlit, but no characters show up. Seems to function fine otherwise.

We haven't been out in the Sound (Puget Sound, WA) since we've owned the boat, but would like to keep it ready in case we do, so I think I'm legally obligated to have a functioning VHF on board.

Any recommendations on a decent basic VHF to look at??

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

I would pull the cover off the radio and check the internal cabels. Usually a ribbon cable for the LCD. With out the LCD can not even tell what channels you are on.

VHF Radios and very cheap in term of boating electronics.
I Like ICOM, and Standard best but it hard to buy a bad radio today.
Also does you old radio have DSC distress button to contact the Coast Guard when in Distress??
If Not then You might just want to upgrade to a newer radio if anywhere along the USA Coast.
For it to work then still need a GPS and MMSI number.

 

[Darin Jordan]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

It's a much older radio, so I may just pop for an upgrade.

Starting at the bottom of the price list, and again, remembering that we really almost NEVER hit the salt water, would something like this be acceptable?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10103&subdeptNum=10251&classNum=10252

Looks like it has the basic features, plus can be connected to a GPS RX to report postition. (Guess I need to go look at GPS receivers now as well.)

Maybe I'll look up the price range a tad to see if there is a more complete package.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[Darin Jordan]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

This might be a dumb question, and I'll have to look at mine when I get home to see if there is an output jack on it, but is it possible that a handheld GPS would be able to plug into the VHF to provide the coordinates?

Sorry for the silly questions, but I'm a newbie when it comes to coastal boating. Just want to be preparred.

 

[NYBo]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

Yes, some handheld GPS units have NMEA 0183 output. Check your owner's manual.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

This might be a dumb question, and I'll have to look at mine when I get home to see if there is an output jack on it, but is it possible that a handheld GPS would be able to plug into the VHF to provide the coordinates?

Sorry for the silly questions, but I'm a newbie when it comes to coastal boating. Just want to be preparred.

I use an old eTrex Venture handheld gps with my vhf radio and it works great. The eTrex Venture has the green plastic case and a B&W screen. If my old handheld has the necessary output to work with a vhf, then I am optimistic that most other handhelds will work, but you should check your owners manual. I did have to buy a special cable to get everything working. The cable was easy to find with a Google search.

 

[Boatist]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

Every GPS I have seen has had a way to output the to a radio. Most do not come with the cable to connect but can buy on line.

Yes Standard is a fine radio and will work very well.

I want to get a new radio also but when I buy will get one that is DSC Class D.
It has a seperate radio for channel 70 distress so to me is a little better but at more cost.

 

[Darin Jordan]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

I want to get a new radio also but when I buy will get one that is DSC Class D.
It has a seperate radio for channel 70 distress so to me is a little better but at more cost.

So something more like this??

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...toreNum=10103&subdeptNum=10251&classNum=10252

Not that much more $$$. If there is a good value in having the additional capability, I'm usually willing to pop for the extra $$$.

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: VHF Radio - LCD Blank, may need some recommendations for a new one...

Just remember, it doesn't matter good your radio is if you have a crappy antenna. Invest in an SWR meter to check your antenna installation.