VHF - Needs 13.5 volts???

[bluedolphin]

Hi, all! My 1972 22-2 As has a Quest VHF with distress signal capability. And the manual states that it needs 13.5 volts to operate. I only see 12.5 volts on my batteries when the boat is running. Does that mean that the VHF can not transmit or receive because my batteries put out only 12.5 volts when running? Do I have any other options? Thanks.

[JimCt]

12.5V will work fine.  What they may mean is not to exceed 13.5V.  (Check if the instructions were printed in China.  Sometimes their choice of words is a little off the mark.)

[bluedolphin]

Thanks, JimCT. The unit is a Standard Horizon Quest+ GX1256S, and the manual is printed in the Marine Division of Vertex Standard in California. The specs state: Input Voltage ......13.8 VDC +- 20%. Maybe the 20% plus or minus means 12.5 VDC should be ok.

[GoneFission]

Yes, anything from 11 to 17 volts will work.  Below 11 volts, the unit will still work, but it will cause the output transistors to overheat if you transmit much.  At about 9 volts, the unit will probably no longer operate if it has a microprocessor.  However, I've seen these things continue to receive down to 6 volts - just don't count on it.