Possessed VHF Handheld

[SkiprJohn]

I posted the same question on a different thread but got one response only.
I have a Garmin 720 VHF that turns on automatically (on its own) ten minutes after I power it down using the power button. I read the instruction booklet but can't see where this could be a feature.
Anyone have any suggestions? Currently I just take the battery pack loose to turn it off completely.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[GordMay]

Either the Power Button is kaffed, or you've answered your own question (possessed of evil spirits).

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by SkiprJohn

I posted the same question on a different thread but got one response only.
I have a Garmin 720 VHF that turns on automatically (on its own) ten minutes after I power it down using the power button. I read the instruction booklet but can't see where this could be a feature.
JohnL

I can't see where this could be a feature either. Perhaps you have got a female VHF (cannot keep quiet)
Maybe an automatic sleep function is turning the VHF on rather than off. Try disconnecting all power (remove the battery pack) for a couple of days and see if that resets the situation.

[Ex-Calif]

Good idea noelex. Maybe there is a reset button to kill nvm as well. Look under the battery...

I reckon the switched is stuffed. I am assuming it is a press and hold to on/off. (What was wrong with rotary switches?)

If you are a handyman you could disconnect the switch and see what happens. $2 at Radio Shack could exorcise the demons.

[Daddy's Dream]

Could it be a multifunction on/off button. Meaning push the button to turn it on and push and release the button to turn off. However, could pushing and holding the button put it in different mode/function?

Just an idea. Good luck with it.

[btrayfors]

I think you've got one of those Garmin VHFs which run Windows. The "automatic" turn on is an undocumented feature, in line with many others from MickeySoft :-)

[MidLandOne]

Have you tried holding the power key down for a couple of seconds when you power the radio off?

[04 Marine]

John,

How old is your Garmin? Within the radios circuit boards there is a small battery that powers up the portion of your radio that remembers programs you've inserted via the keyboard and a number of internal functions. Once that starts to go, generally about 5 years post manfacture, they will act up. However, I'd vote for your rotary on...off...volume switch as potentially being bad or corroded and not really shuting the radio down. If it's out of warranty, take the radio covers off and give it a good cleaning with electronic spray cleaner and then blow it out with canned compressed air, both are available at Radio Shack.

Glen

[ajman]

I would ask Garmin:

Search Support

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Ajman,
Well, that is just plain too simple. I was going to do that as the last option since the radio was a gift and several years since purchased I was just waiting to see if others had experienced similar situations.
Very good suggestion.
Thanks
JohnL

[SkiprJohn]

Thanks for all the input. I'll let you know if there is a solution or I'll just continue pulling the battery pack to turn it off.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[svHyLyte]

Your unit may be failing due to the formation of microscopic "whiskers" on the solder connections of the circuit board(s) (see Chemical & Engineering News: Science & Technology - Stopping the Tin Whisker Stalkers ) resulting in short circuits. While it may be contra-intuitive, I have had some success restoring the functionality of older electronic devices by bathing the backs of the boards in a mild acid solution (such as "Whink"), followed with a light brushing with a stiff nylon brush--such as an old tooth brush with the bristles cut down--which may work by knocking back any whiskers that have formed. (Follow this with a light dialectric spray.) How effective this might be in your case is entirely a craps shot but, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

FWIW...

s/v HyLyte

[David M]

It could have a little moisture in it. This can't possibly be a feature. If its possible, I would open it up and spray it out with some CRC electronics cleaner before the moisture does damage.

[SkiprJohn]

Congratulations Noelex 77,
On many occasions I've sought and sought for a good answer to a problem and even gone to much expense on repairing things that should have been thrown out. In the case of the possessed VHF though I tried the simplest solution first. I pulled the battery pack for a few days. It now does not come on automatically after 10 minutes. I powered it up on the weather channel then held down the on/off button for a couple seconds. It stays off. Whoopee!!!
Thanks for all your input.
Kind regards,
JohnL

[noelex 77]

Thanks John my head will start swelling soon.