Garmin 530HCx Questions

[jeo556]

A buddy of mine gave me a used Garmin 530 HCx this afternoon prior to scouting some hunting land and we planned on using the GPS capabilities as well as the radios during the day.

I was able to communicate with his unit and my unit said that there was incoming signal, but I could not hear anything. I did have the volume turned up so I cannot figure out what the problem is.

FYI, I do not have a manual until I print one up tomorrow so I figured that I'd ask to see if anyone had any input. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: Garmin 530HCx Questions

JEO,

You stated you were "communicating" - I take it you were receiving coordinates from the other unit. The radio receive audio is seperate from the digital receiver.

I have one, but not with me. The following is based on my failing memory.

o Check receiver/receive audio operation by using a WX (weather) channel (1-7). You can also check volume.
o Volume - you said was up
o Squelch - check that it's not too "tight". Set about 50% scale.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

ADD: Let us know what you found.

 

[Puma]

Re: Garmin 530HCx Questions

Assuming you're both using Garmin Rino radios and that by "communicating" you mean he can hear you but you can't hear him, you might want to check the following:

Make sure you're both on the same channel
Make sure you're both set to simplex (not repeater)
Make sure you're both using the same CTCSS code ("channel code")
Check the squelch level
Check the volume

To do the first three, use the "Page" key on the side of the radio (below the transmit button) to get to the "Radio" page (among other fields, it should show "Channel" and "Code"). If you're both using Garmin units, make sure these match and the channel doesn't have an "R" (for repeater) after it.

To check the volume/squelch, press the "Volume/Squelch" button on the front of the radio. Use the rocker control (the thing in the middle of the radio that move left/right and up/down) to set the volume (about mid-way to start) and the squelch (turn it down until it makes a static noise, then turn it back up until it stops -- after you make sure it works with the other radio, you can adjust it up a bit).

If this is as clear as mud, here's a link to the manual (the Rino 520HCx and Rino 530HCx work the same way)...

http://www.weatherconnection.com/manuals/Rino520HCx_OwnersManual.pdf

Hope this helps...