VHF Suddenly needs to warm up??

[L124C]

My West Marine VHF radio has worked fine for years. Suddenly nothing happens when I turn it on. If I leave it on for 10 or 15 minutes it suddenly comes on and works fine. It doesn't make any noise (like the beep it usually makes when I turn it on). I simply look over and see that it's suddenly on. I know the power supply is good. Probably not worth fixing (if I could even find a place to fix it). I just wonder what could be wrong. Feels like the old days of tubes!

[Gladrags1]

Sounds like you may have a loose connection inside the VHF or, more likely; corrosion in the wires making the connection to your wiring harness. Try disconnecting the radio, cleaning the connections with sandpaper and reconnecting the radio. If that doesn't work, its probably internal and you'll probably have to replace the unit.

Tod

[L124C]

Originally Posted by Gladrags1

Sounds like you may have a loose connection inside the VHF or, more likely; corrosion in the wires making the connection to your wiring harness. Try disconnecting the radio, cleaning the connections with sandpaper and reconnecting the radio. If that doesn't work, its probably internal and you'll probably have to replace the unit.

Tod

Nope. Took it apart, and power is getting to the circuit board. Everything is clean. Wiggled connections, and nothing. Strange. Oh well, time too go shopping!

[L124C]

I inadvertently left the radio switched on (though it was off). About a week later, it suddenly came to life! I have since discovered that if I disconnect the power source without moving the On/Off/Volume switch, I can turn it on and off at will. Obviously a switch issue. Very strange!

[MARC2012]

Might be able to just change switch.marc

[SlowButSteady]

How old is it? Ever since the 21st anniversary of my 29th birthday I've need a bit more warming up before I can get going too.