Great advice gents.
I was lucky enough to have married an electrical engineer, who has the ability and knowledge to do these recommended tests.
Not that I can't, but it sure helps to have her input...
Also luckly Dgax65, Doug, gave me a nice power cable in great condition which allowed me to get this thing working at all.
So Bing, you're right on, there is a major factor to the power cable, and it has indeed been replaced, allowing the FF to work at all.
And Ronbo, you're right on too, the unit didn't work properly until the connectors were completely free of corrosion (we soaked them in vinegar for almost a week to make 'em, shine again).
But I'm still getting the funky signal, at which point the wife suggested I ask my friends in 'the fishing club' as she calls BWE.
Thanks for the input guys,
Willy