VHF radio not working when it rains

[cargarci]

I was out in the boat this last weekend and tried to use the VHF radio while it was raining. I could hear people talking on channel 16 but when I tried to do radio checks noone could hear me. I also tried on CH 13 for bridge lock and the guy could not hear me on the radio.

When the rain stopped the guy monitoring at the bridge could hear me but weak (I was about 60 ft away).

The radio works fine when not raining. What could be wrong?

 

[Splat]

Re: VHF radio not working when it rains

My initial thought is a bad or shorted antenna, or cable. When it rains your getting a short. I would disconnect the coax at the antenna and inspect it there. Look for corrosion and other such signs of water intrusion. Also inspect the antenna for cracks, mission.g rubber caps and that sorta stuff.

What type of antenna is it. We may be able to have you test it with a meter depending on the brand and model.

Bill

 

[Alpheus]

Re: VHF radio not working when it rains

When the rain stopped the guy monitoring at the bridge could hear me but weak (I was about 60 ft away).

Thats not working fine. I agree with the bad coax or antenna...

 

[Splat]

Re: VHF radio not working when it rains

The other thought would be the radio is transmitting fine, but with little or no modulation. This could be caused from something as simple as a collection of water on/in the mic grill preventing the radio from hearing your voice. Or perhaps a bad mic.

Did you happen to notice on the screen of the radio when you transmit is there a bar graph showing signal strength? Was it showing normal when you were having problems?

Bill