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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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VHF Question

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John P
Captain

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USA
324 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/10/2005 : 14:43:48

So, I was going to ask about troubleshooting my Uniden VHF (lights come on, but no volume or station display), however I was looking through the boat documents and realize the VHF is 21 years old! I think it is time to replace it for something more modern.

Any suggestions that will not totally break the bank?

'84, C-25, SR/FK, #4663, "ILLUSIONS", Chazy, NY (Lake Champlain)
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/illusions

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2005 : 15:17:00

If I was gonna buy a fixed-mount VHF today, I'd look for one with full RAM
features (remote access microphone).
Makes talk/listen and radio controls accessible in the cockpit. Extra bucks,
but worth it if you need to talk/listen a lot.

If your communications needs are occasional and short-range,
I'd consider a waterproof handheld... probably an ICOM.

Edited by - on

John P
Captain

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USA
324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2005 : 16:59:44

Thanks Bruce.

Mine does work. Just checked it and realized I could not hear anything because it was switched to Ch-16 and there was no traffic. Did not matter where I tuned to. With switch on, you are always at 16. Had I read the OM a little closer I would have seen that. Still thinking of getting a handheld as well.

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ddlyle
Captain

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302 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2005 : 22:21:07

Either a handheld or one with remote mike is good.
Most of the time when you're using the radio ... you are also IN the cockpit, AND maybe navigating TOO.
(not to mention emergencies).

Your old radio might have a scan feature where it'll scan all frequencies so you can hear other traffic to see if it works.

If your marina has a radio they might monitor 16 (or you could ask them).
It's not unusual to call out on 16 for a radio check.
It's wise to test your radio so you know it works when you need it.
You can also hail a commercial vessel on 16 as a test.
However, usually you will be directed to another channel so as to keep the chanel 16 airwaves open for emergencies.
16 should not be used for idle chit chat,
but you can use the other chanels for that if you don't go to extremes.
Be sensitive to others on the same chanel.
I need to get an FCC license!!

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2005 : 22:46:15

"I need to get an FCC license!!"

They are no longer required for non-commercial vessels operating in US waters only. If you enter Canadian or Mexican waters you are required to have one.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2005 : 23:19:10

Got a RAM for my West Marine 500...(I think its a Uniden).....but no squelch control on the RAM......

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 01:14:03

Someone told me that if you own a VHF and are on the water you MUST monitor 16 and respond to emergencies. I never turn mine on unless I want to tell another boat I want to meet them somewhere.

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John P
Captain

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USA
324 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 07:36:47

I am wondering how many people use the hand held version. And how long the batteries last? Do these come with chargers?

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 09:37:54

"And how long the batteries last? Do these come with chargers?"

Battery life varies wildy by mfg and model. The Icom I have will operate for at least 15 hours in listen mode. (I've tested it)

Virtually all the radios will come with chargers.

Edited by - on

Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 11:18:10

While on this subject...where would you mount a new antenna for your VHF (other than on top of the mast)? Mainly for Bay and some coastal sailing. Also, would you utilize the 3 or 8 foot antenna?

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 14:48:54

There are a variety of 'clamp on' rail mounts that would work nicely on the stern or bow pulpits.

The shorter antenna has a wider radiating pattern to keep you 'in contact' while heeling. The Taller antenna has a narrower ratiating pattern.

If you're 'aimed' at your target, you get more effective power (gain) with the taller antenna... however, while heeling you're beaming your signal off into space on one side of the boat and down into the water on the other.

To visualize it, imagine a doughnut slid down over the antenna. Wherever you see doughnut, you've got signal.

The short antenna projects a big fat raised doughnut. The tall antenna projects a skinny cake doughnut. There is the same amount of dough (power) in each doughnut... but one is more dense than the other.

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 15:08:59

Frank,

As you know, the FM marine band radio is a piece of safety equipment that is not required by Federal or state rules. If you have one on your vessel, it is appropriate to monitor channel 16 to assist boaters in distress. One thought though, if you here a distress call, you are obligated by custom and "law of the sea" to respond as best you can. obviously, if your radio isn't on, you can't here the call and therefore have no obligation.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2005 : 15:43:55

Like Al mentions, if you have it on, you need to monitor channel 16. But there isn't any rule that says it has to be on.

An interesting note on the license - US does not require one for vessels that aren't required to carry them. Nor Does Canada, but if you sail in international waters or foreign waters the US requires a license? Seems a bit odd.

In many areas Recreational to recreational boater hailing should take place on Channel 9. You should only hail USCG and Commercial vessels on 16 and switch over to another channel upon making contact. This varies by Coast Guard district.

There's tons of other interesting stuff here -
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/boater.htm

As well as a list of all the channels and their uses here

http://www.marinewaypoints.com/learn/vhf.shtml

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