VHF Radio problem

[jimski2]

My radio failed to receive and transmit. Went to Cabelas and grabbed a new one, installed it and it Did not work. Checked the supply voltage and found it at 6 volts. Pulled a fuse and it appeared to be partially blown. Went and bought new fuses. Still had 6 volts. Fuse block voltage was 13 volts going in and 6 volts going out. Moved the supply line to another fused terminal with the new fuse and had 13 volts to the radio. Now I read the new radio instructions. Below 8 volts the radio will receive but not transmit. I had the weather radio but no transmission capability. So make sure you use 10 gauge wire for your radio and sealed fuse holders. You will save bucks and a couple hours on a hot and humid summer day sweating like a pig.

[jimski2]

More thoughts on the radio were if your engine battery fails to start due to dead battery, most likely your radio will fail you for assistance. An auxiliary battery for your electronics could be your salvation. Mechanical connections corrode over time and fail, so soldering connections could be a good idea.