GP344R / EX600 - SMA antenna connector loose
Posted: Sat May 07, 2016 5:29 am
I have just acquired a European GP344-R VHF radio. This looks like an EX600 but is a waterproof design and has an SMA antenna socket rather than the usual arrangement.
However, the SMA socket is loose - I cannot tighted the antenna as the SMA socket is not locked in place and goes around.
Any idea what's wrong with the socket - is it just unsoldered from the PCB or has something cracked off. The radio is working OK and is TXing OK when the antenna is in the correct position but when I wobble the antenna the connection is failing and you can see the output drop on a simple signal strength meter - although its not dropping to zero ( I don't think) so it may be a ground issue rather than an SMA center pin issue?
Any ideas?
However, the SMA socket is loose - I cannot tighted the antenna as the SMA socket is not locked in place and goes around.
Any idea what's wrong with the socket - is it just unsoldered from the PCB or has something cracked off. The radio is working OK and is TXing OK when the antenna is in the correct position but when I wobble the antenna the connection is failing and you can see the output drop on a simple signal strength meter - although its not dropping to zero ( I don't think) so it may be a ground issue rather than an SMA center pin issue?
Any ideas?