I have a one year old Raymarine 218 vhf which has been transmitting properly however the receiving has been spotty. I can sometimes only get about 1 mile reception. Lately even the one mile reception has a habit of breaking up. Transmission remains strong according to the recipients. Now I can only receive from my handheld unit but canot transmit at all. Any ideas?
Boating - Raymarine - Ray218 Vhf Radio
Answers & Comments
The main cause for lack of reception or transmit distance is the PL259 connector on the antenna coax that plugs into the back of the VHF. Check to make sure this connector is a high quality, marine grade connector. If it screws on and the coax shield is not soldered to the connector I recommend replacing the connector and soldering it. If the problem still exists I would try a different antenna to see if this is the problem. It is possible that the radio itself has a problem, but check these other issues first. Raymarine has a 3 year warranty on their VHFs so you could send it back for a no charge repair if the antenna doesn't solve your problem.
Good luck!
Using a SWR meter like BIRD ,Check the forward and reverse power consumed with a 25 watt element if you seem to have a reflected power beyond 2watts in the reverse direction of the element then surely you need a check on the PL259 connectors and the cable ,replace it ,should the symptoms persist change the antenna ,on the contrary if your SWR reading are good then the problem is lkely to change the Squelch potentiometer on the set further more there could be alikely element weak in the receiver circuit .......Good luck
Hi! Did you guys ever find the problem? I am having the same problem! Was working great but the receiving stopped a few days ago? I can only hear if I have the SQ to zero! If somebody could send me some ideas it would be greatly appreciated! My email [email protected]
Stephane
Also have the same problem with my 218 vhf. Transmitting is o.k. but recieve only powerful ransmitters. When the sq is set on zero (noise all the time) the reception is much better.
I have exactly the same issue - have bought 2 x new antenna and fitted - same problem - can only recieve from supper powerful stations - I know the transmitt is ok as I can toggle remote repeaters and listen to it on the hand held - am taking 218 to the raymarine repair shop - it also is about 1 year old but has never preformed well