Re: VHF trouble
Assuming that your radio worked well before you worked on the cables, the most probable cause is the anntena cable. I would suggest the following in order to locate the problem:<br /><br />1) In order to make sure the internal audio circuits of the radio are OK, try to set the "squelch" to one extreme or the other. At some point you should hear the noise of the audio circuit on the speaker. This is a test just to know if the audio circuits are working.<br /><br />2) If audio is OK, then you better check if the problem is the antenna. A trick I always use is to get a piece of cable (no matter the type of cable, just a normal copper cable with its insulation, with a lenght of 2 or 3 ft), stripp the insulating a bit on one extreme, and then insert it in the central hole of the female connector for the antenna on the radio unit. This will serve as a rudimentary antenna (dont expect quality reception) and will allow for some reception if your radio is in good condition. Scan through the channels and if you are lucky you will hear something. DONT TRY TO TRANSMIT. Transmitting using a bad antenna can damage the radio unit. Many radios now have a circuitry to protect the unit when no antenna is connected, but it is better not to mess with it.<br /><br />3) If the reception trick works, then you have a problem in your vhf antenna. The most common problem is the cable or the male connector. Check the soldered union in the center of the pin. The coaxial cable has a central conductor which enters the pin and then it needs to be soldered. Check also for hard bending, which can also cause the central conductor to broke.<br /><br />I am also assuming that power to the radio unit is OK as you say that it turns on. However, check that it has good ground.<br /><br />If nothing works....take your radio unit to a technician.
