paulmbowers 236 Posted January 5, 2020 A few riders were gratified that I was recently silenced on the radio- I had some close-proximity communications abilities, but there was clearly something wrong. Or something right, depending on your unique point of view. Here's what I discovered: Under the antennas on the Baofengs there's a threaded brass collet around the antenna connector. The collet holds the connector tight to the radio's chassis to minimize transferred antenna movement to the circuit board. That collet can become loose with repeated antenna movement. My collet loosened over time, and it appears the connection of the antenna to the main board of the radio became compromised. You may wish to check your own collets to avoid this issue. Sadly for some, I've replaced the radio and I'm back up and singing better than ever. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PbdBlue 46 Posted January 5, 2020 Loose collet? They have pills for that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bagstr 287 Posted January 5, 2020 https://www.shars.com/slotted-type-e-er40-collet-wrench Or Similar - https://www.google.com/search?ei=p3ASXvPQGtD8tAXajI7AAQ&q=collet+socket+wrench&oq=collet+socket+wr&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.33i160j33i299.27810.29960..32064...0.0..0.126.533.2j3......0....1..gws-wiz.......0j0i22i30.VePw-hQhmGE Sets the mind to wondering what wrench will help the job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted January 6, 2020 Easy with a pair of needle nose pliers to engage the slots. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted January 11, 2020 Here's a cool design- to tighten the collet on your Baofeng, just pull the volume control knob straight off. Underneath? The "socket wrench" that perfectly fits the tabs of the collet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PbdBlue 46 Posted January 11, 2020 You need one of these AOER Silver X-Key Repair Tool Destuffing for Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkie Motorola GP-300 GP-88 GP-328 GP-328plus Puxing PX777(PX-777) PX-777plus PX-328 Baofeng UV-5R WOUXUN HYT TYT PUXING Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YS7DQBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.XLgEbFEDN848 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted January 12, 2020 46 minutes ago, PbdBlue said: You need one of these AOER Silver X-Key Repair Tool Destuffing for Two-Way Radio Walkie Talkie Motorola GP-300 GP-88 GP-328 GP-328plus Puxing PX777(PX-777) PX-777plus PX-328 Baofeng UV-5R WOUXUN HYT TYT PUXING Radio https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YS7DQBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_.XLgEbFEDN848 Oooo. I like tools. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSM8 360 Posted January 13, 2020 On 1/11/2020 at 4:27 PM, paulmbowers said: Oooo. I like tools. Well yeah ya do I mean look at all the ones you hang out with on this site (note I too am part of that menagerie of peeps) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dress4Less 162 Posted January 13, 2020 My wife hates it when my collets loosen around my antenna... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted January 14, 2020 What's a Baofeng 🤪✌ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulmbowers 236 Posted January 14, 2020 6 minutes ago, KTMrad said: What's a Baofeng 🤪✌ it’s from the 21st century. I understand. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KTMrad 508 Posted January 14, 2020 25 minutes ago, paulmbowers said: it’s from the 21st century. I understand. 🤣🤣✌ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites