Hello all, My vhf (APELCO VHF 5160 Compact Transceiver) has developed a buzz when transmitting. I am sure that it is original equipment (I have a '96 P42) so I replaced it with an identical radio I got on iCrate for $30 to fit into the existing hole. Radio works but I still have the buzz. I'm thinking antenna now but would appreciate and additional input or ideas before going up the mast. Thanks MG
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Who knows
Any other equipment on the same circuit as your VHF? If so... try turning other equipment off... might not be the radio. Polarity, ground, cable, antenna. I am not much of an electrician. I am sure there are some pretty smart dudes on this post that will have you with an Ohm meter in your hand before its all over.
Any other equipment on the same circuit as your VHF? If so... try turning other equipment off... might not be the radio. Polarity, ground, cable, antenna. I am not much of an electrician. I am sure there are some pretty smart dudes on this post that will have you with an Ohm meter in your hand before its all over.
shorepower connected?
If you are testing it with the shorepower connected, that could be why you're getting a buzz. Solution: unplug.
If you are testing it with the shorepower connected, that could be why you're getting a buzz. Solution: unplug.
When transmitting?
It buzzes when you transmit, but not when receiving? Do you mean that you're being told by someone reciving your transmission that you transmit a buzz with your voice? Or do you mean that the radio emits an audio buzz that you can hear when you key the microphone, but the buzz isn't transmitted over the air?
It buzzes when you transmit, but not when receiving? Do you mean that you're being told by someone reciving your transmission that you transmit a buzz with your voice? Or do you mean that the radio emits an audio buzz that you can hear when you key the microphone, but the buzz isn't transmitted over the air?
only two reasons
why this would occur. Low voltage on transmit or an RF loop causing feedback. Check voltage WHILE transmitting. If that isn't the cause, check RF ground conductivity (not the DC ground) and all connections for corrosion including the transmission line connections.
why this would occur. Low voltage on transmit or an RF loop causing feedback. Check voltage WHILE transmitting. If that isn't the cause, check RF ground conductivity (not the DC ground) and all connections for corrosion including the transmission line connections.
Buzz
I only get the buzz when transmitting. It happens at the dock with shore power and when under way. I was told by other boaters that they could hear it when hailing or when on any other channel. I tested it using a handheld and talked to myself. There are no other radios or other electrical devices on that curcuit. This just started a few months ago.
I only get the buzz when transmitting. It happens at the dock with shore power and when under way. I was told by other boaters that they could hear it when hailing or when on any other channel. I tested it using a handheld and talked to myself. There are no other radios or other electrical devices on that curcuit. This just started a few months ago.
Coax to antenna?
RF Feedback sounds like a good possibility. Let's see, you replaced the radio and tried transmitting at sea and by hooked up to AC dockside. That leaves only the DC input going low while transmitting and perhaps a broken shield on the coax line or RF connector. The radio would still receive in both conditions, but may have problems when transmitting. Is there and way of trying a different antenna and feedline? If you know any ham radio operators that work 2 meter VHF, they may have a mag mount antenna for you to try. Temporarily place the antenna as far from the radio as you can get. I doubt you have a metal to place it on, but you could try something like a cookie sheet. Try transmitting for a short duration and check for buzz with your handheld receiving. If that doesn't stop the buzz, check the DC voltage at the radio while transmitting as suggested by Don. Good luck.
RF Feedback sounds like a good possibility. Let's see, you replaced the radio and tried transmitting at sea and by hooked up to AC dockside. That leaves only the DC input going low while transmitting and perhaps a broken shield on the coax line or RF connector. The radio would still receive in both conditions, but may have problems when transmitting. Is there and way of trying a different antenna and feedline? If you know any ham radio operators that work 2 meter VHF, they may have a mag mount antenna for you to try. Temporarily place the antenna as far from the radio as you can get. I doubt you have a metal to place it on, but you could try something like a cookie sheet. Try transmitting for a short duration and check for buzz with your handheld receiving. If that doesn't stop the buzz, check the DC voltage at the radio while transmitting as suggested by Don. Good luck.
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