Yeasu 2M Problem

[CalebATC]

Over the last couple days, I have noticed something strange with my Yaesu FT-1900R. I just purchased it about 2 weeks ago, and I don't know why it is doing this. I ordered it new from Universal Radio.

Every time, usually when listening to a frequency outside of the 2M band, the frequency will start blinking. After that, you cannot hear anything on that frequency, or any other frequency. Before this starts, usually it sounds like a wind rushing sound, and the S-Meter flickers. Then, I tried switching to the WX channels.... same thing, frequency S-Meter goes crazy, wind rushing sound when hearing the broadcast, then nothing. The screen flickers a little at the same time too, along with the S-Meter. Sometimes, when hearing a regular 2M station, Public Safety, or WX channel, it will start the wind rushing sound, but not loose signal. The wind rushing sound is only present when the squelch is open. My antenna, and power supply are fine. It does this when connected to a battery too. It does not transmit when doing this either. It shows the S-meter, but nothing coming out. Tested it on other scanner.

So, I tried to troubleshoot.
1- SWR Is fine
2-Connections tight
3-Amp/Battery voltage OK.
4-No RF interference or other interference
5- Voltage remaining stable

I do not know what is causing this, and why. It seems like it may be a problem inside the radio, possibly on the motherboard.

So, has anyone heard of this?

73,
Caleb

 

[ffemt601]

Over the last couple days, I have noticed something strange with my Yaesu FT-1900R. I just purchased it about 2 weeks ago, and I don't know why it is doing this. I ordered it new from Universal Radio.

Every time, usually when listening to a frequency outside of the 2M band, the frequency will start blinking. After that, you cannot hear anything on that frequency, or any other frequency. Before this starts, usually it sounds like a wind rushing sound, and the S-Meter flickers. Then, I tried switching to the WX channels.... same thing, frequency S-Meter goes crazy, wind rushing sound when hearing the broadcast, then nothing. The screen flickers a little at the same time too, along with the S-Meter. Sometimes, when hearing a regular 2M station, Public Safety, or WX channel, it will start the wind rushing sound, but not loose signal. The wind rushing sound is only present when the squelch is open. My antenna, and power supply are fine. It does this when connected to a battery too. It does not transmit when doing this either. It shows the S-meter, but nothing coming out. Tested it on other scanner.

So, I tried to troubleshoot.
1- SWR Is fine
2-Connections tight
3-Amp/Battery voltage OK.
4-No RF interference or other interference
5- Voltage remaining stable

I do not know what is causing this, and why. It seems like it may be a problem inside the radio, possibly on the motherboard.

So, has anyone heard of this?

73,
Caleb

The wind rushing sound is from not having the squelch properly adjusted. As far as the flashing I am not sure , but I would consult your manual.

 

[CalebATC]

No, the squelch is set.

For example, I was listening to the police last night, there was a wind rushing sound every time a transmission was made, and it got worse and worse. Then, it started blinking. Nothing heard after that.

 

[kayn1n32008]

Sounds like the PLL is unlocking.

 

[wyomingmedic]

It sounds like it may actually be malfunctioning. As was said, the PLL may be unlocking at a certain temp or something. If I were you, I would send it in for repair or replacement.

I have has similar things happen around here while mobile in lightning storms or when the humidity is terribly low. The will sound like a huge water rush until the static dissipates from my antenna (or the building lightning finally arcs). It will drown out very strong FM stations, but it usually only lasts for 30 seconds at a time. I doubt this is your problem, but it was worth a shot,

WM

 

[N8IAA]

You have a PM

CalebATC, you have a PM.
Larry

 

[appalachianscanner]

Re

Sounds like the PLL is unlocking.

I second that

 

[CalebATC]

I second that

What do you think?

I am going to try a CPU reset. Hopefully that helps. It only does it sometimes though. Usually after a while of listening. And no matter how long after, I can turn of and on the power supply, still does it.

I'll take a video of it next time.

Thanks for all the help,
Caleb

 

[CalebATC]

Alright, got it on video

Check it out: YouTube - FT1900R Problem

This is exactly what it is doing.

 

[ffemt601]

I would say there is a hardware issue with the radio. Has it been modified in any way?

 

[CalebATC]

I would say there is a hardware issue with the radio. Has it been modified in any way?

No, I wouldn't know how to if I wanted lol. I have only had it for about 2 weeks.

 

[ffemt601]

No, I wouldn't know how to if I wanted lol. I have only had it for about 2 weeks.

I would check with Universal Radio about returning it if its only been that long and get a new one.

 

[KB1UAM]

have you tried moving it to another room or section of the house?

 

[CalebATC]

have you tried moving it to another room or section of the house?

Well, when I had it hooked up to the battery, it did it too. I thought it was maybe just because the voltage was dropping or something. But, when I got the power supply, I realized that wasn't the case.

I think what was said was correct, it must be something with the temperature. I just got back home, and it is fine.

 

[N8IAA]

Well, when I had it hooked up to the battery, it did it too. I thought it was maybe just because the voltage was dropping or something. But, when I got the power supply, I realized that wasn't the case.

I think what was said was correct, it must be something with the temperature. I just got back home, and it is fine.

Have you done the reset yet? I am betting that there is something wrong with the PLL or another board in the radio. Send it back to Universal and either get a new one, or get your money back. Check the link in your PM.
Larry

 

[CalebATC]

Have you done the reset yet? I am betting that there is something wrong with the PLL or another board in the radio. Send it back to Universal and either get a new one, or get your money back. Check the link in your PM.
Larry

Yes, reset it. Still does it. I'll call them Tuesday.

Thanks for the help all!

 

[N1BHH]

Have you measured the actual voltage of your power supply? What type/brand/model of power supply are you using? I have an FT-2900R and I couldn't run mine mobile at 70 watts with the engine off, had to have the engine running, With the engine off I was getting just 12.1 volts but running it was about 13.6, so I would check that first. Running it at home on my 32 amp power supply was/is no sweat. What is your antenna, where is it and what kind of coax? Also check the RF Squelch setting. I don't know what the menu number is, toggle between off and on. Make sure all your connections are tight.

 

[CalebATC]

Have you measured the actual voltage of your power supply? What type/brand/model of power supply are you using? I have an FT-2900R and I couldn't run mine mobile at 70 watts with the engine off, had to have the engine running, With the engine off I was getting just 12.1 volts but running it was about 13.6, so I would check that first. Running it at home on my 32 amp power supply was/is no sweat. What is your antenna, where is it and what kind of coax? Also check the RF Squelch setting. I don't know what the menu number is, toggle between off and on. Make sure all your connections are tight.

All the connections are tight. I am using RG-8X. I made sure there was no gashes, cuts, etc. in the wire, all clear.

But, you said it. It does it both, on the power supply, and the battery. I'll give the RF squelch a try, although I don't think it will work.

See, what I thought at first was I had a loose power supply connection. Well, I went back and did that over again, and still bad.

Thanks,
Caleb

 

[kb0nly]

Flashing frequency on a Yaesu is PLL Unlock... Send it in and get it repaired/replaced under warranty. A few 1900's have had this problem, but its not very common from what i have seen so far.

 

[CalebATC]

Flashing frequency on a Yaesu is PLL Unlock... Send it in and get it repaired/replaced under warranty. A few 1900's have had this problem, but its not very common from what i have seen so far.

Ok, thanks for the info!

It would be my luck that I get the bad one......