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Old 30-08-2012, 04:45   #1
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VHF Won't Turn On

VHF has been working fine. Left the boat for the day and left it on. Came back and it was off, and now won't turn on. Checked all connections, no corrosion. I have 12.6 v to the fuse and out the other side. As soon as I hook the lead up to the radio, there is only 4.5 - 6 volts at the fuse. Disconnect the radio, and 12.6 v, connect, low voltage. I changed the fuse to the same size, and also to a larger size and same thing. I have 12.8 at the dedicated breaker. I have continuity along the complete lead. There is butt connectors about 4" from the radio after the fuse so I can check to there. Radio fried? Why low voltage if radio is fried?
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Old 30-08-2012, 04:52   #2
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Re: VHF won't turn on

a broken wire, or corroded joint or dry contact would account for there being current till you put a load on it re wire if nessacary
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Old 30-08-2012, 04:57   #3
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Re: VHF won't turn on

What Atoll said!
You have a high resistance join, wire or connector somewhere in the circuit; radio is probably fine.
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Old 30-08-2012, 05:06   #4
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Re: VHF won't turn on

From breaker to 4 " outside of radio is good, thought the same thing but everything is clean, not a sign of corrosion. I will run a temp unfused line from breaker right to radio to conform, also the ground, but there is not a single sign of corrosion. I thought that something would have happened inside the radio, beyond my expertise. No lightning, blue, cloudless shy yesterday.
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Old 30-08-2012, 06:00   #5
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Re: VHF won't turn on

Checking voltage is not a reliable way to check power to a radio or any other electrical device. With nothing drawing power from the wire you can show voltage even if there is a very bad connection in the circuit but as soon as you try to power the device the bad connection won't allow power (amps) through and the voltage will drop. Exactly the symptoms you are seeing.

Could be something else but I'll bet it's a bad connection somewhere.
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Old 30-08-2012, 06:07   #6
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Re: VHF won't turn on

Try substituting a dummy load (12V Incandescent Lamp) in the radio circuit, and checking voltage drop. No significant drop - Radio problem.
Try feeding the radio with a short wire pair of wires, directly from battery. Radio operates, wiring problem.
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Old 30-08-2012, 06:50   #7
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Re: VHF won't turn on

Problem solved; bad breaker. Connected to hot side of breaker, works, connected to protected side, doesn't work. Wired directly to hot buss bar, not too concerned as there is an inline fuse. New breaker when I get to a place where I can get what I need. First time I have ever seen a breaker act like that. I have never had one go bad, let alone have resistance like that.

Thanks
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Old 30-08-2012, 07:10   #8
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Re: VHF won't turn on


i have had electromagnetic breakers go bad after they have tripped a few times,the contacts get tarnished and give a dry contact.
best get a few spares
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Old 30-08-2012, 07:12   #9
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Re: VHF won't turn on

Great to hear you resolved the problem.

Good chance you will see another 2 breakers like that soon - (things happen in threes )
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