Spectra Fail 001

posse401 · Post by **posse401** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:04 pm

I was using my VHF spectra today in my vehicle and noticed it had been quiet for a while. I tried to transmit and it wouldn't and flashed "FAIL 001". No RX no TX.... it was working fine prior to this. Anyone shed some light on this for me and what I can do if anything to fix the problem?

Thanks.

thebigphish · Post by **thebigphish** » Sun Sep 12, 2004 8:18 pm

VCO lock, if it started out of the blue, the VCO has failed.

This is VERY common problem, and is FREQUENTLY posted about. please search on it.

Will · Post by **Will** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:38 am

True the "Fail 001" indicates a VCO failure but it probally is the synth section on the RF board. I had eleven of them in my little shop in the past couple of months, and all of them had the same basic problem. I fixed them and they went back to the BatBoard members fully functional at full factory specs.

This is a common problem now that the radios are getting up there in age. Most often the caps leak and distroy the traces under the chip.

posse401 · Post by **posse401** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 12:16 pm

So this is definately something I have to take to a shop to deal with?

larryepage · Post by **larryepage** » Mon Sep 13, 2004 1:45 pm

I'd go the shop route, or to someone like Will with experience making the repairs. The boards have very fine traces and multiple layers. And I'd move pretty fast...if the caps have failed, the damage may still be going on...

Regards,

posse401 · Post by **posse401** » Tue Sep 14, 2004 9:58 pm

Anyone have an idea on how involved this repair will be and an estimate of the repair costs (ballpark)? Obiviously worth it to repair I would hope for this radio, but just don't want to drop dead at a service quote if I am forwarned.

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 1:38 am

I know what other shops charge, and are you sitting down?? Even if the shop can work on or even know anything about Spectras, $125 to $400.

The last several with the Fail 001 I repaired (for BatBoard members) were in the range of $35 to $65. And that included certifying them to factory specifications.

williamh · Post by **williamh** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 4:52 pm

what would you charge to align one ??? had the same problem .. i replaced the board myself but i know it needs to be aligned ...

williamh

Will · Post by **Will** » Fri Sep 17, 2004 9:48 pm

wiliamh,

What board did you replace?

fireman1910 · Post by **fireman1910** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 11:41 am

My spectra is showing same thing but, it's only on a couple of channels and I have no problems with tx and rx on the other channels.

williamh · Post by **williamh** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 12:02 pm

Will wrote:wiliamh,

What board did you replace?

here is the number on the board i replaced

HRN6001C

VHF Receiver Board

Will · Post by **Will** » Sun Sep 19, 2004 11:27 pm

Williamh,

" here is the number on the board i replaced, HRN6001C
VHF Receiver Board"

Just need to adjust the squelch.

williamh · Post by **williamh** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 4:17 pm

the squelch adjustable from the front panel ??

Will · Post by **Will** » Mon Sep 20, 2004 10:21 pm

Squelch adjustment thru the Alignment menu in the control head.
Setting the squelch using the press MON until the radio beeps, may not stay set when radio is powered off and back on.

Other that that, how is the radio working now?

williamh · Post by **williamh** » Tue Sep 21, 2004 6:50 pm

not too bad . the receive sensitivity seems a little low too me ...

the other spectra, i have ( motorcycle version ) has a little bit better receiver than the one i am using now .. but i needed a secure radio.