Archive for January, 2010
Think Spring!
I know I’ve lived in this area too long to think that spring is right around the corner. However, this “January thaw” is really enjoyable. We have actually seen temps into the upper 30’s F this past week. Just about the time we get used to it, we will have another winter storm moving in this weekend. Old man winter is still alive and well. Use this time wisely to both tune up your engine as well and making sure that all of your communication devices are up to par. Remember – as captain of your boat, you are responsible for those on board with you. Take a minute to assess your boating safety needs. A very inexpensive item such as a Marine VHF Radio (or a Hand Held VHF Marine Radio) can make the difference between a safe outing and a tragic one. Enjoy your day on the water!!!
Use of VHF Marine Radios strongly discouraged in the UK…
It really is baffling to me how, in this day and age, when everyone apparently has the same goal of marine safety in mind, can some areas of the world require the use of a VHF Marine Radio and in other parts of the world they are strongly discouraged or forbidden from use. Fact is, it’s a law to carry one on all larger vessels in most parts of the world. Regulators consider the VHF Radio to be of such importance that the helmsman of every commercial vessel and every vessel greater than 20m LOA is required to stand watch on Channel 13 when entering locks. This allows Channel 16 (tuned in on another radio on board) to be exclusively used for monitoring any emergency broadcasts from the Coast Guard. Channel 13 then is used for communicating with other vessels in the area when taking turns entering the locks. The only place that I can think of where another channel is utilized for this purpose is in the lower Mississippi River where they monitor channel 67 instead of channel 13.
VHF single direction broadcasts…
Typically, communication can only take place in one direction at a time. That is to say, you must transmit your message and then release the “transmit” button on your VHF radio and wait for the other person to respond. The position of the “transmit button” (depressed or released) determines whether your unit is ready to transmit or receive communication. This type of ‘one way’ communication is called “simplex”. Now, there are “duplex” units available and the majority of the channels are set aside for this type of communication as it allows both receiving and transmitting simultaneously. Weather, of course, still operates on a “receive only” mode.
Marine VHF Combines Transmitter and Receiver
The VHF Marine Radio features a built in ability to both transmit and receive communications. Typically they operate within a frequency range between 156 and 174 MHz. Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international calling and distress channel. Transmission power ranges anywhere from 1 to 25 watts. What does this mean in terms of distance when one broadcasts? If the broadcast is from a tall antenna to tall antenna, that signal could be picked up as far away as 60 nautical miles. If you are using your VHF Radio on a small boat, your range will probably only be about 5 nautical miles.
Nice to be needed…
Now is the time to outfit your vessel with a VHF Marine Radio if you don’t have one. This is the one main communication tool that every boater should always have on board. It is widely used for collision avoidance and can prove to be very useful and critically necessary in the case of an emergency. You really can’t afford to be without one of these very affordable radios nowadays. If you don’t have an emergency, the likelihood that someone you know or are acquainted with will have an emergency at some time. If you are properly equipped, you will very likely be able to relay information to the proper authorities and aid in the rescue of a stranded vessel which may not have this type of equipment on board.
CB’s can be a real asset…
Imagine if you will, riding through the nature trails on your ATV. Sure would be nice to have means of communicating with the “outside” world if the ATV your on decides to break down for some unknown reason. That’s why it’s always important to carry with you a hand held CB Radio.
Essential Marine Communication
When you are out on the water, communication is one of your most valuable tools. While the open seas provide the opportunity to experience nature at its most serene, it is important to have a safety line that keeps you connected to civilization. VHF marine radios provide this much-needed safety net.
VHF stands for very high frequency. The frequency range for VHF is 30-300 MHz and provides a reliable connection for a variety of communication. These are the same frequencies that are utilized in FM radio, TV and other long-range devices.
Blast Your Tunes Without Destroying the Speakers
On a sunny summer day, there’s nothing better than sailing with the open seas with music blaring. But people who love to blast their music should be wary of blowing their speakers. If you overexert your audio system, it can result in permanent sound quality reduction. If you’ve ever heard somebody’s radio that constantly sounds like it has static or interference, it is most likely the product of blown marine speakers.
If you’re purchasing a used boat and the speakers are already gone (or on their last legs), it’s a good idea to invest in a new sound system. A 2 channel amplifier is a great device for operating both a left and right speaker. These are a popular choice among people looking to keep a particular sound system for any significant amount of time. As a rule of thumb, the more powerful the amplifier, the longer your system will produce high quality sound.
VHF Basics
When I purchased my first boat, I put little thought into the peripheral items that I would need. After making my initial down payment, I had little money left over for inner tubes, water skis and other accessories. One item that I was told was essential, however, was a VHF radio.
While on the water, VHF radios are the most reliable means of communication available. They allow you to have correspondence with other vessels and the mainland. The signal is designed to work very well within a relatively localized area, ensuring a true and reliable connection.
Why not improve work efficiency?
I can’t remember how many times I heard pages going over the speaker system trying to find a shop foreman so he could be of service to someone in the office that just happened to come in off the street for a need. Many times he would come to the office only to find out that the question that was asked takes him back out onto the shop floor to see if we had a certain product in stock. If a CB Radio had been used for communication, both steps could have been accomplished with one sweep of the broom so to speak. Much time is needlessly wasted in industry nowadays because of very similar situations. Don’t find yourself in the same predicament – take advantage of the technology available in today’s world for our everyday use!!