LETTERS “Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.” A.J. Liebling
In its continuing endeavor to share its press, SOUTHWINDS invites readers to write in with experiences & opinions. Email your letters to editor@southwindsmagazine.com ICOM RADIO DEFECTIVE MICROPHONE CABLES I am having problems with the insulation jackets on the microphone coiled cables. I have two Icom VHF M-602s (microphone model # HM-136B) onboard. One is mounted in a covered recessed pocket in the cockpit; the second is mounted at the below-decks navigation station. We also have one Icom HF Marine M-802 (microphone model # HM-135) installed at the below-decks navigation station. The cockpit location is protected from direct sunlight, rain and sea spray. Obviously, the below deck installations are completely protected as much as physically possible on a sailboat. The insulation jackets are crumbling and falling off in pieces. I am not talking about normal use wear and tear. I am talking about the insulation crumbling and falling off the cable while it is hanging at rest in the microphone clip. The below-decks VHF is a very lightly used radio. The first time it happened, I noticed what I thought were cockroach or bug droppings on the navigation desk. Much to my amazement, I discovered the cable on the HM-136B microphone connected to the VHF M-602 was falling apart! This turned out to be the first incident. I am now dealing with the same issue on the third of the three Icom radios on board. I am interested in knowing if other cruising boats are having the same problem and how Icom resolved their issues. When I bought our 44-foot CSY walkover in 1992, I did an initial refit, including the installation of a VHF and a SSB Icom radio. I sailed for 14 years with no problems with either radio, including the microphones. Between 2006 and 2009, I did a complete refit including upgrading and replacing all the electronics. Based on my previous experience with Icom radios and favorable reviews of Icom radios by other cruisers, I installed two Icom VHF 602s and one Icom HF 802. I also installed one Icom Command Microphone HM-127B. And, I carry two Icom handheld VHFs onboard. I had to replace the microphone on the first VHF M-602 in February 2010. Surprisingly, this was the VHF installed below decks at the navigation station (a totally protected radio). Since I hadn’t even left the dock yet, this radio had never been used. After numerous phone calls, I was finally able to secure a warranty replacement. In July 2010, we left Fort Lauderdale and headed north up the ICW. At this time, the microphone cable on the second Icom VHF M-602 installed in the cockpit began to crumble and fall apart. We spent many hours taping and patching the cable together. When we reached D.C., our first order of business was to contact Icom. After several phone calls, I was finally able to talk directly to the service administrator. I explained the problems we were having with the microphone cables and our opinion that this was an obvious manufacturing defect. Lori agreed to replace the microphone upon receipt of the 8
May 2013
SOUTHWINDS
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