Posts Tagged ‘VHF Radio’
VHF is not a direction, but a way to go…
It’s a given that having a VHF radio on board can be the difference between being safe and not safe! Part of that safety factor comes from being alerted 24/7 on the weather broadcasts and alerts from the US Coast Guard regarding any fast moving systems that may be coming your way. They make sure everyone is alerted in enough time to allow them to get off the water – or at least get to a marine refuge area. The NOAA weather channel broadcasts constantly also and will also alert you incoming weather systems. I know just how fast a calm sea can whip up into a frenzy. It really isn’t fun when you find yourself caught in something like that. Be safe and keep your passengers safe. Always have a VHF marine radio on board – either a hand held VHF Radio, or a fixed mount VHF radio. Who knows – maybe your life depends on it!! Happy Boater.
Did you know it could do this???
Maybe I’m not alone on this one, but how many times have you used a piece of equipment for quite an extended period of time (maybe even your cell phone) and someone else (usually a teenager) shows you something that your phone is capable of doing that you had no clue of??? Well, I’m willing to bet that the same hold true with your VHF marine radio. Did you know that for the past several years, VHF radios have required by certification some level of Digital Selective Calling (DSC) capability? These may include position polling or a variety of group calling options. If you have a mid priced VHF radio, you probably have the ability to connect to a remote microphone and use your VHF radio as an intership intercom. All these things make your life a bit easier and provide you with that added sense of security when on the water for the day with your friends. Happy Boater.
Need to communicate in a “dead spot”?
You know what I mean…..that cell phone sits there next to you (sometimes for hours) and doesn’t do anything. Then you suddenly remember something that you had to tell someone and you don’t have any signal! UGH! Now, wouldn’t it be nice if the person you were calling had a VHF (very high frequency) radio? Then you could call him/her on your hand held VHF marine radio (assuming you’re within approx 20 miles) and your call will go through since it doesn’t rely on cell phone towers. These type of radios have been very effective for even farmers since they have better penetrating powers and can be easily used in any type of terrain. One main drawback does exist with the VHF Radios. In spite of the fact that they seem to have the ability to clearly broadcast voice messages for the longest distances, the broadcasts can be terminated if you find yourself with a large obstacle such as a tall building or a high hill between you and the person you wish to speak to. This is because the broadcast signals travel in straight lines. Even with this drawback they have been proven to be very useful in even the day-to-day operation of many businesses. These radios (if equipped with a single side band) even have the ability to transmit digital data from one computer to another. The world we knew is changing rapidly. Let’s enjoy the new technology! Happy Boater.
Safety can be spelled “VHF”
Everyone is getting ready to launch their boats – after all it’s spring!! Necessities on board should include at least one VHF Marine Radio if your boating takes you into any larger body of water where there exists the constant possibility of a storm blowing up high waves quickly. On a smaller inland lake, I have a hard time justifying a VHF Radio, maybe, but certainly a CB Radio is nice so those on shore can get hold of you, or possibly a marine radio receiver with which you can enjoy your favorite music while having fun on the water for the day! Everyone’s needs are unique and have to be analyzed individually. Remember – even on the larger bodies of water, it isn’t required to have a VHF Marine Radio on board for smaller craft, but it sure is a great safety item to have on board! Nice to know that the USCG is monitoring channel 16 24/7 to insure your safety on the water. Be safe and have fun! Happy Boater.
Waterproof VHF Radio for fishing opener…
Maybe it’s just in the northland, but it sure seems like the odds are against us weather-wise when it comes to the fishing opener! It never seems to fail – cold, fog, wind, rain, and even snow a lot of times. Kind of “yucky” stuff. It’s good to be able to communicate with shore when out in the elements in case of an emergency so the natural thing to have along would be your hand held VHF marine radio. Not only is it small an convenient, but it is affordable and waterproof – at least down to a meter for 30 minutes. That certainly covers a rainy day on board – right? I hope all your fishing plans include a VHF Radio this season. Happy Boater.
No Test! What could be easier…
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f you’re worrying about having to take a test in order to own and operate a VHF Radio, you can put your mind at ease. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 allows boaters to own and use VHF Marine Radios without having an FCC ship station license. What does that mean??? It simply means that there is no paperwork required, no classes to attend, and no other hassles involved in purchasing and learning to use a VHF Marine Radio. What could be easier! Now – be aware that if your boat happens to be 65.6 feet or longer or if you plan to travel in foreign waters, you will be required to have a Radiotelephone Operator Permit. You will have to fill out the form to get the permit, but there are no tests or exams – only a 1-time fee which is good for life. Happy Boating!!
Consider a list of boating essentials…
When thinking about the next boating season, it may be wise to compose a list of essential equipment that you may want on board this year. That list doesn’t have to be long or involved, and will vary depending on what type of boat you have (i.e. fishing boat, yacht, speed boat, sail boat, etc). I’ll give you a few ideas you may consider…
Your list may include such items as life jackets, proper flotation device, ladder, VHF Radio, Paddles, GPS, proper ropes, navigation lights, maintenance equipment, marine charts, compasses, and last but not least, a “ditch bag” with flares and drinking water. As you plan, always plan for the safety of those you have on board and have fun!!
What if I use batteries?
If you are using a hand held unit – whether it’s a CB Radio or a VHF Marine Radio, you’re going to have to use batteries to make it work. A good point to remember when using your hand held VHF Radio is that the higher wattage setting you are using, the more power it will draw so don’t use more than you have to. Remember – you can very effectively communicate over 20 nautical miles with a hand held unit at only 1 watt. Some are finding that buying a radio that has the capability of running on standard alkaline batteries vs the “more popular” rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Why? Because (as we all know from using our cell phones) the lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can poop out on you when you need them the most whereas the standard alkaline batteries can be stored on board for a number of years with little or no loss of stored energy. Have a great day!!
How far can I talk?
Well – that’s a funny way to ask a question! It kinda stuck my funny bone when I wrote it, but that’s just what it boils down to, though, when trying to figure out just what kind of VHF radio to purchase for your boat. Keep in mind that even though the available wattage on your Hand Held VHF Radio may be somewhere between 3 to 6 watts, you may not have to use those higher settings. You very likely will be able to set your hand held VHF Radio to the One Watt setting and have the capability of providing reliable communication for a distance of up to 20 miles from shore at a height of about 1 meter above the water. I know in my boating experience, it’s rare that I needed more than those capabilities. It’s also a really great idea if purchasing one of the hand held VHF Radio units to maybe choose one of the upper end units which will give you flotation and submersible capabilities for the radio. That way, you can have one possible stored in your “abandon ship” bag if you have one. Happy boating!
No need to be costly to be safe!
As I look at the thermometer this morning, it’s hard to imagine that just a couple of months from now we will be thinking spring and the warmth of summer. The reality is, however that the temp is 5 degrees below zero right now and I find that the snow starts creaking under your footsteps as you walk on it. The snow will soon be gone and it will be time to launch you boat in the north country. Along with that comes the normal “checklist” which for everyone should include a VHF Radio. Now, a VHF radio doesn’t have to be a fixed unit, although that’s a nice way to go. A 
handheld VHF Marine Radio can serve quite nicely as the primary communication device on smaller boats. It can also serve as a backup for a fixed or mounted unit.