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Posts: 412
Location: Waukesha, WI | having a bit of an issue on the new boat with the new VHF Marine radio and 8 foot antennae. Can I volt meter stuff to see why things aren't working between antennae and radio? |
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Posts: 5874
| Not really. The only thing you migh be able to check is for a short between the center conductor and the shield of the cable. You should try to find an Amateur Radio club in your area. They should have, or know somebody that has, an SWR meter. They will be able to help you troubleshoot the problem. |
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Posts: 412
Location: Waukesha, WI | Thanks Shep.
On a related note, I asked the dealer about powering the VHF marine radio which has a 6A in-line fuse from the 3A protected electronics bus that my locators and trollmaster are connected to. They told me to replace the 3A fuse with 5A. Trying to transmit with the VHF Marine radio blew the 5A. I don't have a comfort level with upsizing the fuse size to 5 much less 7.5A. Should it be OK since the locators and trollmasters have in-line fuses as well provided the wiring is of a suitable gauge? |
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Posts: 107
Location: milwaukee | I would not upsize the existing fuse just for your marine radio. The boat manufacturer fused that circuit at 3A for a reason.
Power your marine radio directly from a battery: starting or trolling motor, shouldn't matter. The fuse should be as close to the battery terminal as possible.
Or connect to that electronics bus ahead of the 3A fuse, again with your radio fuse as close to the bus as possible.
I can help with the SWR meter, and I'm local to you. Put the boat on the water this weekend and I'll bring it, along with my rods and baits! |
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Posts: 412
Location: Waukesha, WI | EsoxRookie - 7/29/2008 2:51 PM
I can help with the SWR meter, and I'm local to you. Put the boat on the water this weekend and I'll bring it, along with my rods and baits!
LOL. We might be able to arrange that. Have to watch the water temps. |
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Posts: 5874
| Well? |
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Posts: 107
Location: milwaukee | We couldn't hook up because the 4 letter word that starts with 'W' and ends with 'K' interfered with my weekend. But my offer to help stands, and we've been in PM contact to try to arrange something this week after W@$K or this upcoming weekend.
I'm sure one of us will advise on the outcome! |
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