Silva S15

Rupert Bear · 28 March 2004, 16:16

I have read vague things here about the lack of quality of these radios but since there was nothing specific and mine seemed to work fine I didn't pursue it.
However mine has now packed up, tried it today and although the DSC call was being picked up by CG and I could hear them calling me, I couldn't talk to them. The "TX" was only operating for a second or so before chucking it when the ptt was pressed.
I am going to try an alt aerial first but suspect it will be going back under warranty, anybody heard of this fault before?

seafariskye · 28 March 2004, 18:20

I to am now on my second set, and judging by the way things are going with it, will soon be on my third, or another make.

The set is good, and also so is the price, but the problems i have had are -- the display goes completely, dual/memory scan/watch, does not work well at all, and yesterday, it went to whatever channel it thought it wanted to -- ok if you wanted to choose lottery numbers, and that is about it??

I had no probs with silva taking it back, and replacing with a new one, and it is easty to do?? i would send it back, and almost gaurantee it is not your aeriel that is the problem.

Yours

Pete

Barry Montague · 28 March 2004, 19:45

your lucky
i bought a s10 squelch control didn't work sent back to Silva end of january and still waiting for a replacement been told end of march ? a friend has one it works but although waterproof screws on han mike has surface rust only been on the water twice ?
Barry

Hightower · 28 March 2004, 20:05

That's dissapointing

as I bought a S10 at LBS and will be fitting it in the next few weeks, Ho Hum things to look foward too!

Andy

Rupert Bear · 29 March 2004, 09:12

I called Silva this morning and have been told "several weeks" for a replacement. None too happy with this as it means diving with no radio on board in case of problems.
It hasn't been good week, my dog broke the connector on the back of my plotter when I had it off the boat and my new bottle rack still hasn't turned up. Ordered nearly five weeks ago it was supposed to take a week or so, then two weeks, no I don't have a clue when. I am in the process of cancelling and going elsewhere rather than wait any longer.
And then all my lights have chucked it as well.
Oh well, I suppose that is what happens on small ribs taken out in crap weather over the winter, roll on the summer!

Jon Brooks · 29 March 2004, 09:39

I know an Icom dealer very closed to you that has stock of all our kit.
They are doing a very good deal on M21 hand helds at the mo.

At least it means you could get on the water.

Hope that may help

Kind regards

Rupert Bear · 29 March 2004, 13:03

I don't really want or can afford a handheld, getting my almost new VHF fixed is more in line with what I am after. I am just disapointed that they can not do it quickly.
I guess the local place would be Ardfern?

Jon Brooks · 29 March 2004, 13:06

I can understand your frustration
Was just hoping it may help you out whilst your radio-less.

Ardfern is who I was thinking of.

Regards

Rupert Bear · 29 March 2004, 13:19

I have been out once or twice a week since November but expected everything to last a bit longer before starting to disintegrate, especially when everything was new at that time and it is not a club boat.
I can borrow a handheld from work if necessary but my plotter is now going away for repair for several weeks as well. Generally I had a bad weekend for bits breaking and things going bang and I am still fuming!

marknj · 29 March 2004, 18:38

I know they should be better, but for the price I am not supprised that these cheap sets die on a rib

Barry Montague · 07 April 2004, 19:12

just an update
phoned silva friday told me the s10 were due in on monday 05/04 phoned silva today still havent arived so without radio and they cannot give me a dilivery date
surley uk silva should know whats happening and should endevour to let people know whats happening

Ian · 07 April 2004, 19:28

I don't understand people who don't want/have a handheld VHF. After the tragedy off Barmouth this week, it may well have been a happier outcome if one of the two victims had a h/h in an aquapac round his neck. A fixed unit is useless under the water. My h/h goes round my neck after the lifejacket goes on and it goes where I go, wet or dry.

Barry Montague · 07 April 2004, 19:37

i agree a hand held is usefull and is a back up i will have to get one as a back up but my point is i have been waiting for a replacement radio since febuary
and have been let down i am off to Devon on saturday morning and the chance of me getting a h held before i go is slim due to work and the easter weekend if silva let me know that they were unsure of delivery i could of got something sorted hence lack of customer support by silva

Ian · 07 April 2004, 19:42

Sorry Barry I was replying to an earlier post and this weeks events just brought it to mind.
Hope you get sorted for your trip, have a good one.

Barry Montague · 07 April 2004, 19:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Sorry Barry I was replying to an earlier post and this weeks events just brought it to mind.
Hope you get sorted for your trip, have a good one.

will do Ian
you have fun this weekend
i will travel up one weekend and join you on the water
Barry

simmons0 · 07 April 2004, 22:14

There seems to be a bug shortage or Silva S10's at the moment. Ive tried a few people now and nobody has them in stock. Ive ordered mine and was told id have to wait a ''week or so''.

Rupert Bear · 07 April 2004, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

I don't understand people who don't want/have a handheld VHF. After the tragedy off Barmouth this week, it may well have been a happier outcome if one of the two victims had a h/h in an aquapac round his neck. A fixed unit is useless under the water. My h/h goes round my neck after the lifejacket goes on and it goes where I go, wet or dry.

A fixed radio has 5 times the power output of a handheld and far greater range because of this and the superior aerial plus links to the GPS for DSC distress calls. Having the choice of the two I would always go for the fixed unit. Even in the future if I buy a H/H I would have it powered from the boat battery and able to link into the main boat aerial rather than round my neck to make sure it would operate effectively as the H/H battery packs don't last long if not used regularly.
This is bearing in mind the main use of my RIB, diving and is the result of my experiences over the years with both types for that use. Some of the places on the west coast that I operate a H/H would not have the range to talk to anyone anyway.

Rupert Bear · 15 April 2004, 11:07

Silva still don't have S10's or S15's in stock. I bought the S15 because I intended originally to fit the navtex aerial but could never get hold of one. Since I don't use it and I can't get a replacement S15 for my broken one yet they have agreed to give me an S10 and an S12 handheld instead, at least the handheld is in stock and I will be able to get out with some sort of radio.
They seem to have massive supply problems, i coldn't get an S15 for nearly two months when I first ordered and never did get the Navtex aerial. I have now been waiting nearly three weeks for the replacement for my S15 which gave up the ghost after 4 months use.

Mike B · 15 April 2004, 11:25

Sounds like a significant supply issue !

If anyone is still interested in getting hold of a new S10 or S15 give Marinescene in Cardiff a try. I was in at the weekend I think they had both on display. 0800 5420988.

Can't remember prices but they seemed reasonable.

Cheers

Mike

Daniel · 15 April 2004, 11:40

Not trying to be smug in the wake of others troubles but i learnt some time ago to buy nothing but Icom or Simrad for handheld or use on an open boat. Anyone considering a VHF of anykind for RIB use should disregard the price...it's the most essential peice of equiptment you'll own. If you can't afford it save up the fuel money by not going out for a month and then when you do go out you will do so with peace of mind.

Anyone know where i can get a list of MMSI's for the CG's? I had to call Dover CG several times yesterday and CH16 was very, very busy...would, i think, have been better to use DSC...