Archive for November, 2009
Let’s compare CB Radios…
I just looked up a review site on the internet which looked at the different brands of CB Radios. It showed that of the top 5 positions in customer 
ratings when they took a look at CB Radios were taken by Cobra and Midland, with Cobra edging out Midland by 3 to2. Cobra has been around a long time and their product has evolved along with the passing of time. I remember having one installed in my car back further than I really want to remember. Now hand held CB Radios are available with a full 40 channels, plus the NOAA weather channel. This unit may not have the sound quality of a base unit, but the compact size of it allows for concealing it easier in your car or boat so as to not be such an easy, tempting theft item. Many good customer reviews available on this product.
…But There Are Just So Many Channels!
When using your VHF Radio (either hand held VHF Radio or fixed unit), it’s sometimes overwhelming when trying to decide what frequency is the correct one to be monitoring.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Yes, it’s Thanksgiving Day 2009. Another year has passed and the holiday season is upon us. If you have plans of hitting the waterways with your friends this next year, now would be a great time to consider the importance of what I’ve been talking about the past few days….having the proper communication equipment on board. With VHF Radios becoming so inexpensive, the small investment in your water safety would be priceless if it were ever needed.
My hope is that you all had the opportunity to get together with friends or family today – and maybe you are actually in a climate (unlike me) that you can get out on the water and enjoy the day!!
Wondering if you need a Radio Permit or License?
The answer to this dates back to the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This act simply states that recreational boaters are permitted to have and to use a VHF Marine Radio, EPIRB, and marine radar without having an FCC ship station license.
An FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is required for boaters having an HF radiotelephone, a VHF transceiver and traveling in foreign waters, or where fitting of a marine radio is required by law (in the case where your boat is 20m or longer). Yes, there’s a fee for this permit, but it’s a lifetime permit and no tests are required in applying for this license.
If in doubt, you can always contact the FCC and ask. FCC forms are available by writing to the FCC, P.O. Box 1050, Gettysburg, PA 17326 or by calling the FCC Forms Distribution center at (202) 418-3676 (toll free number is 1-800-418-FORM).
Just Who Needs a VHF Radio Anyway??
It is true that if your vessel is less than 20m (65.6 feet) in length, you are not required to have a VHF Radio on board. However, before you purchase anything in the line of equipment for your boat, make sure a VHF Marine Radio is on the top of your list!
If you plan to venture more than a few miles offshore, there are a few things that should be strongly considered. First would be an HF or mobile satellite telephone. Second, would be an emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB. And the third item should be a second VHF Radio (possibly a Hand Held VHF Radio) or cellular telephone as well. With this equipment, you will be able to receive high seas and weather warnings which may have to be reacted to quickly. Most satellite telephones are becoming more affordable and as a result are becoming more common on a lot of boats. Remember – your radio is a very large part of your life insurance policy.
Do I need to monitor my VHF Radio constantly?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security monitors who does what and who answers to whom. Over the years, there have been many near collisions which have been averted by working VHF marine radios turned to the proper channel.
Those channels that are most common are …
Why Not Host a Boat Party?
Viral Internet videos are a distinctly 21st century phenomenon. It seems that once a few dozen people view such a video and deem it funny or thought-provoking enough to pass to others, it catches on like wildfire. Such was the case with the Saturday Night Live digital short “I’m on a Boat,” which featured T-Pain and was performed in that artist’s usual Auto-Tuned style.
The video wasn’t just a hit because of its humor, however. The general sentiment spoke to people on a basic level. Being on a boat really is more fun than staying on land. Having a good time on a boat is often as easy as installing a marine subwoofer, cranking up the tunes and packing some tasty food and beverages. The choice between a regular party and a boat party is really no choice at all.
What Can A Subwoofer Do For Me?
It’s all about quality!
Listen To The Music (All of it!)
Since all speakers are rated as to what sounds they can produce and replicate them effectively, you must consider what quality of speakers you will want when preparing a sound system on your boat.
Besides the obvious of needing marine speakers or marine subwoofer speaker, you need to consider what frequency of these speakers fit your need. Frequency determines just how many high notes as well how many low notes you will be able to reproduce on your system. In order to achieve the broadest spectrum, you need only to shop wisely. This could mean the difference between hearing your sound on a speaker the quality of your telephone receiver, or hearing ALL the music with all its treble and bass notes it was intended to include.
Give Your Speakers Room to Breathe!!!!!!!
When installing your marine speakers on your boat to connect with your cb radio, VHF Radio, or Marine Radio for your entertainment on the water, make sure to allow enough room BEHIND the mounting service to allow them to dissipate the heat generated by them. This will allow for proper cool down.
The larger speakers will always have the better sound performance, but along with this, comes the need to consider allowing them the proper room to work properly. This includes, but is not limited to, plenty of space – usually the largest space possible for the larger speakers. By following this simple rule, you will save your speaker cables from melting from the excess heat generated.