- Sep 25, 2016
- 1,255
- Boat Info
- 300 Sundancer 1994, trailered tri-axle LoadRite roller
- Engines
- Mercruiser 5.7 260HP Alpha One Gen II, twin
So on several threads recently people have been having issues with there black box VHF radios and multi-function microphone/heads.
Most often that the cords haven't held up to UV and weather exposure and fall apart. These black box radios are often tied into multiple stations (intercom, fly bridge), DSC GPS NEMA-0183, external speakers and hailer horns.
While the obvious solution is to replace with a newer VHF with similar features (and maybe more) that adds so many complications and expense. Is the external speaker compatible, replacing multiple stations, update or change GPS? NEMA 2000 or NEMA-0183? Helm and console mounting modifications and so on.
It really should not be that difficult to renew the cord if everything else still is working just fine.
An 8 wire cord can be had for about $15, its the various unknown end connectors that are the issue. Plus disassembly and reassembly.
So my proposal is that I tinker on these types of things all the time. If anyone is willing to provide me a unit to repair and investigate the components I would be more than willing. As most boats are down for the winter this is also a good slow time to do this.
If the headset unplugs I would only need that. With the Raymarine Ray230 it would be the head and the bracket/pocket. If anyone has old removed equipment to donate that would provide me the ability to bench test after the repair.
Most often that the cords haven't held up to UV and weather exposure and fall apart. These black box radios are often tied into multiple stations (intercom, fly bridge), DSC GPS NEMA-0183, external speakers and hailer horns.
While the obvious solution is to replace with a newer VHF with similar features (and maybe more) that adds so many complications and expense. Is the external speaker compatible, replacing multiple stations, update or change GPS? NEMA 2000 or NEMA-0183? Helm and console mounting modifications and so on.
It really should not be that difficult to renew the cord if everything else still is working just fine.
An 8 wire cord can be had for about $15, its the various unknown end connectors that are the issue. Plus disassembly and reassembly.
So my proposal is that I tinker on these types of things all the time. If anyone is willing to provide me a unit to repair and investigate the components I would be more than willing. As most boats are down for the winter this is also a good slow time to do this.
If the headset unplugs I would only need that. With the Raymarine Ray230 it would be the head and the bracket/pocket. If anyone has old removed equipment to donate that would provide me the ability to bench test after the repair.