How to Troubleshoot VHF Radios

Boaters use VHF.

VHF (very high frequency) radios function at frequencies under 300MHz. You are likely to come across this type of radio most often in a marine environment. Boaters use VHF. UHF (ultra high frequency) radios are used in walkie-talkie applications like the FRS (Family Service Radios) that groups use to communicate with each other. As with all radios, most problems are due to power supply and to RF (radio frequency) interference.

Instructions

1. Charge the radio or replace the batteries with fresh ones before any boating expedition if you have experienced transmitting or receiving problems. Many radios are not designed to transmit while being charged—the charger doesn’t supply enough power.

2. Lower the power setting if the radio won’t transmit at its full power setting. The batteries may be depleted and not supplying enough power for full power, but could provide enough for the reduced power setting.

3. Try to maintain line-of-sight to your correspondent if you run into transmit issues. You may well get better performance on deck than down below, where the radio could be subject to RF blocking from the motor or other metal obstructions.

4. Move outside if the radio keeps stopping on certain frequencies when scanning. Electrical interference could be causing the problem. If the problem continues on deck, try turning off appliances and gear to see if that helps. Microwave ovens can be particularly problematic. Look for any other sources of RF like televisions and fish finders and try turning them off. Start nearest the VHF radio, but remember that your fish finder’s transducer is an electrical device and is likely under the vessel nowhere near the fish finder display.

References

• Uniden Solara DSC Fixed Mount VHF Radio