Simrad HS90 VHF Handset cable

[Nandan]

I have a Simrad VHF and the rubber insulation on the Handset cable is crumbling and falling off.

The VHF is installed inside the boat near the chart table so doesnt see much UV.

Simrad says the cable is not a replaceable part and I need to change the whole handset

 

[longy]

An issue with several companies. No good fix. Tape is ugly & comes off leaving a gooey mess. Heatshrink is too stiff & can't get small enuff size over ends. Perhaps experiment with liquid rubber? But the rest of the cover is failing also

 

[Nandan]

The rubber insulation just starts crumbling away as soon as you touch it or try to clean it.

Its probably just poor or improper vulcanised material used

I wonder if it is a common problem or just me

 

[HotSnail]

I think it's a common problem. I have a Simrad with a simple handset (just a mic with cannel and a speak buttons) and the insulation is also disappearing. I made a repair with vulcanizing tape but it just continues. Curious if the cables are custom or if you could find a replacement and have fun with a soldering iron and a screwdriver...

 

[ryley]

do you think something like plasti-dip would be flexible enough for this?

 

[SASSAFRASS]

It's common, have two different icoms with the same issue.  Icom did a recall swap on 802 mics for a year or so but I think it's still a issue.  My guess is it's not a proprietary plug on it.  I would take to a electronics place and see if they can replace the cable.  You may end up with a non vulcanised plug bit it would have the same IP rating.

 

[SASSAFRASS]

Looks like lots of replacement mic cables out there, I would stop by a local Ham radio place and have them take a look. I know the icom command mics are crazy expensive would guess simrad is the same.  Probably get a cable for $20-30 plus instal.

 

[Nandan]

I was in touch with Simrad Customer Service(APAC) and was told that the cable is not a replaceable part and only option is to replace the whole handset with the cable for $350 which is ridiculous

Cost of cable isn't more than $25 at most

 

[SASSAFRASS]

Unless they are doing something wierd, like Garmin does and the cable construction is the same, IE conductors shield etc don't see why it couldn't get replaced. It may be soldered directly to a board in the handset but that's unlikely. Well worth stopping by a ham radio place or electronics shop to see what they think.

 

[Callahan]

Sugru . Moldable rubber. https://sugru.com/buy?keyword=sugru&device=c&advar=Brand-04&msclkid=4d42cc43064b15d8db8593f1904e82a4&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Sugru-BA-US-Brand-Search EM&utm_term=sugru&utm_content=US-Brand [1%3A1]

used it on old ipad2 cable. Works well.

 

[Robc]

I thought these were no longer in production?

did they say they had stock?