VHF radio loses GPS location

[Fishmagnet]

After anchoring, we like to keep our VHF radio on but turn off the chart plotter to save battery power. After about 10 minutes or so, the VHF alarm sounds with a loss of location warning. The only way to keep it from continuing to alarm is to keep the chart plotter turned on.

I've researched the manuals and suspect the radio doesn't have an internal GPS antenna. Is there a fix for this? Can I use my Vesper 8000 to provide GPS to the radio?

Thanks,
Mike and Mary Sanderson
2021 R27OB, SandHaven

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[SJI Sailor]

It would depend on the VHF model but there may be a menu option to select the GPS source. https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?faq=va3ugTAr1F4osCzrNKgSA7

It might (for example) be set to the chartplotter whereas setting it to an auto detect or Vesper (assuming it shows on the network, as I would imagine, not having one) would be better.

 

[Red Raven]

We keep our handheld radio on while anchored. It’s good to have a handheld radio on the boat anyway for backup and dinghy excursions anyway. The main VHF stays off unless underway to save power and for the reason you state.

Curt

 

[Submariner]

After anchoring, we like to keep our VHF radio on but turn off the chart plotter to save battery power. After about 10 minutes or so, the VHF alarm sounds with a loss of location warning. The only way to keep it from continuing to alarm is to keep the chart plotter turned on.

I've researched the manuals and suspect the radio doesn't have an internal GPS antenna. Is there a fix for this? Can I use my Vesper 8000 to provide GPS to the radio?

Thanks,
Mike and Mary Sanderson
2021 R27OB, SandHaven

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

If you add AIS to your boat it'll draw about 6 watts. As an added bonus it'll provide GPS positioning for your VHF radio even when the chart plotter is turned off. Your Vesper should be able to provide GPS positioning to your VHF radio.

Either that, or add a Garmin GPS 24XD GPS receiver. That also will provide GPS positioning to your VHF radio when the chartplotter is turned off and pulls even less than 6 watts.

https://www.letsgochannelsurfing.com/gps-external-antenna