VHF radio handset cords, Ray215, Ray230, Ray240, Northstar NS100, others?

[hughespat57]

So on several threads recently people have been having issues with there black box VHF radios and multi-function microphone/heads.

Most often that the cords haven't held up to UV and weather exposure and fall apart. These black box radios are often tied into multiple stations (intercom, fly bridge), DSC GPS NEMA-0183, external speakers and hailer horns.

While the obvious solution is to replace with a newer VHF with similar features (and maybe more) that adds so many complications and expense. Is the external speaker compatible, replacing multiple stations, update or change GPS? NEMA 2000 or NEMA-0183? Helm and console mounting modifications and so on.

It really should not be that difficult to renew the cord if everything else still is working just fine.
An 8 wire cord can be had for about $15, its the various unknown end connectors that are the issue. Plus disassembly and reassembly.

So my proposal is that I tinker on these types of things all the time. If anyone is willing to provide me a unit to repair and investigate the components I would be more than willing. As most boats are down for the winter this is also a good slow time to do this.

If the headset unplugs I would only need that. With the Raymarine Ray230 it would be the head and the bracket/pocket. If anyone has old removed equipment to donate that would provide me the ability to bench test after the repair.

 

[hughespat57]

FYI -
I can also reset the MMSI on:
most Standard Horizons with the RAM mic plugs, that's were the USB adapter connects.
NorthStar NS100 - if the firmware version is correct
Ray230/240 if you have the original factory CD (or if anyone can provide that CD)

 

[mdolesh]

Awesome idea! Following this thread.

 

[JimG]

I should have an old NS100 to donate. I looked at replacing the cord but saw that the connector and pins would be difficult to source. Another common problem with them that mine had, is the mic holder slot breaking out. So I just replaced the radio with a black box from iCom.

 

[Highliner]

I have a Raymarine 215 and my cord was going bad. I like the radio, it has DSC, and it works great so I bought an 8 conductor curly cord from eBay and replaced it. I didn't have the pins for the connector in the handset so I direct soldered to the board. The connector that raymarine uses to plug into the radio is a switchcraft en3c8f. If I were to do it again I would source the pins for the handset to make the job easier. It would also make it indistinguishable from a factory repair. Total cost was maybe $25

 

[nealtrombley]

Just installed the new vesper marine cortex
The standard ram mic was hard to hear
Plus I have monitoring and ais

 

[hughespat57]

Just installed the new vesper marine cortex
The standard ram mic was hard to hear
Plus I have monitoring and ais

A beautiful unit no doubt, all the latest bells and whistles. And there are similar from every major marine supplier.

but you just proved my point $1800 (and that doesn’t include extra stations, external speaker or installation)
or $25 for a repair?
Just not in many of our budgets

 

[nealtrombley]

A beautiful unit no doubt, all the latest bells and whistles. And there are similar from every major marine supplier.

but you just proved my point $1800 (and that doesn’t include extra stations, external speaker or installation)
or $25 for a repair?
Just not in many of our budgets

I understand.. but a top end VHF is $300 plus , AIS is $800-1200 and a monitoring system is $500+ monthly fees, this one has basic monitoring for free I still have my Standard down below linked right in , this was so easy to install, all NMEA 2000 and works great with my Garmin 7612 and on my phone and Ipad.. anchor watch is the best feature,

 

[b_arrington]

I understand.. but a top end VHF is $300 plus , AIS is $800-1200 and a monitoring system is $500+ monthly fees, this one has basic monitoring for free I still have my Standard down below linked right in , this was so easy to install, all NMEA 2000 and works great with my Garmin 7612 and on my phone and Ipad.. anchor watch is the best feature,

Yeah, the Vesper Cortex vs. standard VHF is like comparing an iPad to an Etch-a-sketch. It's a totally different tool with a huge feature set. You only go that route when you want a number of advanced functions. It makes sense when you want those (awesome) functions, and can get it in a single product vs. multiple products.

But, there are still times when all you need is an Etch-a-sketch.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Pat, I have been looking for a new cord for a working NS100 for some time, now. No luck. I even called CB repair shops - no joy. If you're still looking for more work I'd be happy to send you mine. There would be no rush to get it back to me.

 

[hughespat57]

I’ll PM my address

 

[nealtrombley]

Final install done on the new vhf
That’s a wireless phone charger by Scanstrut next to it

 

[William Miller]

Have you done a ns100 yet?
I bought a spare mic a few years ago with is starting to lose the plastic coating on the cord.

 

[Havana Shamrock]

The cortex unit is Awesome!,, no way I’m relying on soldering 8 tiny pins to save my butt this unit does everything from vhf/AIS/ anchor watch/ intercom/ remote sensors for water,etc.
When it comes down to safety guys throw out the 20 year old radios already and spend $300 on a new one.
Boating is expensive we all knew that going into this.
Also the only cords I’ve had trouble with was Raymarine and northsatar not one of my ICOM radios have given me trouble. I have 5 and ICOM has been my only radio for the last 3 boats.

 

[Stray Current]

Damn, I wish I hadn’t pitched my ns100 or I’d donate it as a tester

 

[hughespat57]

Sorry been negligent responding here...

I have a unit from @Lazy Daze that I am finishing up.
I found suitable 10 conductor cords for just $10.
The microphone end for his Northstar NS100 was pretty simple.
I have been hung up trying to source replacement radio end plug. His is in good condition but they are over molded.
Likely I will just have to go with splicing the old connector on and sealing with adhesive heat shrink.

The connector seems to have been custom for Northstar, I have come close but the pin pattern is just slightly different.

 

[techmitch]

Sorry been negligent responding here...

I have a unit from @Lazy Daze that I am finishing up.
I found suitable 10 conductor cords for just $10.
The microphone end for his Northstar NS100 was pretty simple.
I have been hung up trying to source replacement radio end plug. His is in good condition but they are over molded.
Likely I will just have to go with splicing the old connector on and sealing with adhesive heat shrink.

The connector seems to have been custom for Northstar, I have come close but the pin pattern is just slightly different.

This may not be the one you need, but you can send them a pic and sometimes they have it and it's just not on the web site or they can find it for you. As you can see by the price, they are quite proud of their connectors. Also if you check the rest of their site you can see tons of connectors used in both auto and marine applications. You can search by application or by cavities/pins.

https://connectorexperts.com/i-31644612-ceta1148.html?ref=category:1261636

 

[hughespat57]

it is 10 wire but actually a 12 pin connector, 2 positions are not used and are blank
The diameter is 11mm+/- and there is a small key notch opposite the cord at the ruler 6mm mark.

at $100 for the connector it becomes not worth it, for 10 or 20 ok, 100 may as well start think replacement.

 

[J.Wilt]

I have a Raymaine 230 you can play with if you want.

 

[techmitch]

it is 10 wire but actually a 12 pin connector, 2 positions are not used and are blank
The diameter is 11mm+/- and there is a small key notch opposite the cord at the ruler 6mm mark.

I tried...

at $100 for the connector it becomes not worth it, for 10 or 20 ok, 100 may as well start think replacement.

View attachment 105646

Hence why they stopped making/repairing them.