Ray55 VHF receiver died after 4 years

[pkrawetzky]

Has anyone else had a problem with the receiver dying after only 4 years of use? I found threads on others sites which seem to make this a common problem. Transmits just fine. The testing device I have doesn't indicate an antenna problem. Very disappointed in Raymarine quality.

[skipmac]

Cannot comment personally on Raymarine VHFs but the first VHF I bought 35 years ago was a Standard Horizon and have stuck with the brand ever since. Still have a 30 year old S-H handheld and a 20 year old regular unit that both work like new.

Hear the same from most other S-H owners so see no reason to buy anything else although ICOM owners report similar results.

[pkrawetzky]

Funny I have a SH GPS and its running strong. May have to rethink what to replace the Ray55 with although I just installed a remote to the 55 last year. Very disappointing.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by pkrawetzky

Funny I have a SH GPS and its running strong. May have to rethink what to replace the Ray55 with although I just installed a remote to the 55 last year. Very disappointing.

Guess mean funny as in $#!@#$#!! instead of funny haha.

I've always though the idea of a remote in the cockpit sounded good in theory but the ones I looked at were expensive, seemed like something complex potential to break and no redundancy so just use a handheld in the cockpit. 99% of the time in the cockpit I'm mainly interested in short range communication anyway and if I need long range can go down to the nav station.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Guess mean funny as in $#!@#$#!! instead of funny haha.

I've always though the idea of a remote in the cockpit sounded good in theory but the ones I looked at were expensive, seemed like something complex potential to break and no redundancy so just use a handheld in the cockpit. 99% of the time in the cockpit I'm mainly interested in short range communication anyway and if I need long range can go down to the nav station.

The remote for our SH AIS radio is $83, ruggedly built, gives us graphical AIS info and every function available on the main radio. The remote is practically the only interaction we have with our radio anymore. I think it is a great deal.

Mark

[pkrawetzky]

@colemj what brand/model do you have?

[colemj]

Originally Posted by pkrawetzky

@colemj what brand/model do you have?

Standard Horizon GX2150 with the RAM3 remote.

Mark

[pkrawetzky]

So I purchase a testor which has an RX test feature. Set the radio to Ch72 as stated in the testor instructions. I'm supposed to hear a tone on Ch72 with the squelch wide open. No tone.

I really can't believe the lack of quality for a Raymarine product. Very disappointed and I think I will let them know that. Not that it will make a difference.

[Fireman_Bob]

Hi,
I had the same problem with my Ray55 and found the fix. There's 2 filters in the receiver that are prematurely failing. I replaced mine and the radio works again.
If anyone's interested, I can perform the fix for a nominal charge (a lot less than RM charges) and quick turnaround.
Thanks,
Bob