As some of you already know, the antenna on the Aqualink unit is pretty easy to replace, thanks to the plug in type board connector that Jandy uses for the antenna wire. Well, the antenna on my PDA transceiver was still functioning but falling apart at the same time and not knowing the product very well, I just assumed that the antenna connector on the board was the same. I was disappointed to find out that the antenna wire (and cable shield) was soldered to the board. It is an expensive unit to replace and my local Jandy support person didn't offer any other avenues except a complete replacement.
Rather than spend the $600-$1000 to replace the entire unit or live with a functional eyesore, I decided to see if there was something I could do to fix it that would allow me to save some cash and get a nice/new working antenna in the end. I'm very happy to say that a local circuit board repair company completed the task for $60 and now I have a setup that is 100% functional and allows replaceable antennas from now on.
First, I purchased an antenna cable, removed the entire transceiver unit including housing and connection cable, and took everything to a circuit board repair facility by me (Electronic Fix in Tampa, FL). They removed the old atenna wire, removed the female end of the antenna cable I purchased, soldered in the new cable, and installed the male bulkhead coax end through the existing opening. The antenna (same replacement as I used on the Aqualink) just screws onto the male fitting, so it can be replaced without having to even remove the housing cover. I hope it helps someone here and Electronic Fix said they can accept shipments for work, so you can reach out to them directly if you need the same done. Great people there.
Old Antenna Cable/Antenna
Purchased Antenna Cable
Newly Installed Antenna Cable/Antenna
Rather than spend the $600-$1000 to replace the entire unit or live with a functional eyesore, I decided to see if there was something I could do to fix it that would allow me to save some cash and get a nice/new working antenna in the end. I'm very happy to say that a local circuit board repair company completed the task for $60 and now I have a setup that is 100% functional and allows replaceable antennas from now on.
First, I purchased an antenna cable, removed the entire transceiver unit including housing and connection cable, and took everything to a circuit board repair facility by me (Electronic Fix in Tampa, FL). They removed the old atenna wire, removed the female end of the antenna cable I purchased, soldered in the new cable, and installed the male bulkhead coax end through the existing opening. The antenna (same replacement as I used on the Aqualink) just screws onto the male fitting, so it can be replaced without having to even remove the housing cover. I hope it helps someone here and Electronic Fix said they can accept shipments for work, so you can reach out to them directly if you need the same done. Great people there.
Old Antenna Cable/Antenna
Purchased Antenna Cable
Newly Installed Antenna Cable/Antenna
