I had this problem earlier this year - it turned out to be caused by a
faulty connection in the wiring to the battery.

The problem took ages to diagnose (because I thought the VP3 had just died
of old age or had something wrong internally and so didn't test the
circuitry). I finally discovered the problem because the connection
deteriorated so far that the radio stopped working.

This one is quick and cheap to check, so I'd try it early on.

"Nick Gilbert" wrote in message
...
Hi There,

I have a VP3E that is giving nonsense characters on startup. Have flicked
all switches to no avail. Anyone seen this before? Is there anyone left
that
can service Peschges stuff?

Nick.