wHICH VHF RADIO DO YOU LIKE?

[Fish N Dreams]

I was wondering which type of vhf radio people have and what they do and do not like about each one. I am looking to buy one now and I can't decide. I like the portability of the handheld but I worry that that lack of distance could be a problem. I fish mainly in the Columbia but I think I will eventually try to go out into the ocean but I doubt I will go out to where I can't see land.

[ 02-17-2003, 06:00 PM: Message edited by: Looking For Keeper ]

[Drachir]

I'm in the same dilema right now. The handhelds are easy and convenient, but lacking in power. The fixed models are great for clear transmission & reception, but a pain to mount in an open boat. What To Do??? graemlins/1zhelp.gif

[Pete]

I don't have an open boat, but my Ratheon (Apelco) 52 has seen a lot of water and it keeps on blabbering! :smile:

[Small Fry]

I have an older shakespear and I can sit in the driveway in Hillsboro and talk to boats on the Columbia from Saint Johns to Saint Helens.

I looked to see what it would cost to replace when I did an insurance quote and I think one like it power wise was about $179.00

[Gus Orviston]

Portable Garmin 752... water proof. and I take it with me when I go on other people's boats. Too many people aren't equipped with VHF and I took it upon myself to bring it with me.

Waterproof and portable...

As for distance I could pick up Astoria Coast guard at the jaws in T-mook Bay...I am sure it can't transmit back to astoria from Tmook, but nice unit all around for a hand held.

gus

[ 02-17-2003, 07:21 PM: Message edited by: Gus Orviston ]

[ibeanfishin]

VHF works on line of site for transmissons.

[Lured In]

Does anyone have any experience with the Uniden line of radios? I have been looking at the Solara (i think) model. It runs about $120.

Any other feedback? I know lots of the Salty Dog's folks have radios. How about sharing the wealth the us freshwater guys? :shrug: :wink:

[MarlinMark]

This really is a salty dog question. Not necessarily in topic but that group has the experience. Maybe one of the mods can move it and we can all get the answers we need.

Mark :cheers:

[spooner]

It's all in the antena. get the right antena for your boat. some antenas have a wide range and some have a narow range the wide are ment for sail boats, they dont have the range but they work when the boat is leaning over. and the narow are for more for land base aplacations and they have a longer range but they wont work on a rocking boat I cant remeber how they are mesured but the dealer will know.(maybe)hope this helps

[Hanapa'a Time]

Just bought an Icom IC-M45A, smaller than the Unidens same features same price. Size was an issue. Weather resistant, not water proof.
Not using in an open boat. Went with the 5' antenna, better than the 3', but not quite as good as the 8'. Should still be able to get 10 to 15 miles range. Just my experiences. Hope this helps.

[Fishful Thinkin']

Looking For Keeper

I've been in the communication electronics business as a technician for over twenty seven years. (That means I'm old)
graemlins/eek13.gif
I have watched radios mature and then de-evolve to their present state of microchip technology. Hey whatever the bloody things work.
:sick:
The things you want to base your opinion on are;
1. The functions you want.
2. The power output. (Limited by the FCC)
3. Finally the price you want to pay.

They are really all the same other then that.

However with that said, you should have the radio professionally installed. (If you don’t happed to have a wattmeter that is)

Any professional tech will tell you that you need to perform an impedance match between your radio and the antenna.

This is easily done with a wattmeter, powermeter or what ever you’re particular output meter wants to call itself.

1. You connect the meter in line between the radio and the antenna according to the instructions on your meter.
2. You then key your radio with the mic switch.
3. You note the power output on the meter.
4. Then you adjust the antenna in its holder up or down/in or out and repeat steps 1-4.

You set your antenna to the setting which gives you the most power out. That point will be the most efficient match for your radio/antenna. It is also the point where your antenna will have the least standing waves which will harm your radio.
(Some radio/antenna combos have adjustments built into the antenna or radio to accomplish this which makes it easier)

The fact is that almost all of the problems people have with their radios are due to improper installation (impedance matching) of their antenna. It can cause poor reception, short radio life and even trouble with the FCC.

If you have any trouble getting good reception on a radio you installed you’re self give me call. I might be able to set it right. (I might have to barrow a wattmeter somewhere though?)

My phone # (503) 533-9276. Good luck.