VHF radio - PA/Hailer feature distinction?

[garyk]

I’m looking to purchase my first VHF radio. One feature(s) I can’t get a clean answer on is - is there a difference between a ‘PA’ and a ‘Hailer’.

Some of the radios have a PA external speaker jack (Uniden Oceanus).

Another (Uniden Polaris) has a PA/Hailer function.

What’s the difference?

What I would like is a jack or line-out to an external passive speaker; using the 25w output of the radio to drive the speaker. Seems simple?

Any opinions on the Polaris and/or Oceanus are appreciated too. (The boat where I'll be installing the radio is just a little 18' Hewes that spends most of its time in the Columbia, ocean use is limited to a mile or so beyond the Tillamook jetties)

[Mark Mc]

Let's look at the different options. An external speaker jack is just that; it only allows for a remote speaker for you to listen to the radio.

A PA / Hailer allows you to do two things (1) use the system like a bullhorn to talk to your passengers (usually on a larger boat) and talk to a boat alongside you (this is the PA public address). It also allows the radio to deliver the pre-programmed sound signals at the required intervals when you run in the fog. This is extremely valuable! (2) the hailer allows you to listen, such as for other boats' fog signals or just the sounds of another boat. It amplifies outside sounds. So instead of sticking your head out the window while running in the fog, you turn on the hailer and close the windows and stay warm.

The external hailer / PA device is a specific device, not an ordinary speaker. Well worth getting a radio & the speaker, if you have an enclosed wheelhouse boat and especially for when you run in the fog.

p.s. - Often the large charterboats have them; it allows the skipper to eavesdrop on the passenger conversations on the back deck. So be careful what you say!!

[ 08-07-2003, 11:18 AM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

[Lucky Luke]

Ray, you're to much! Keep up the good work!

[Snapshot]

the skippers should know what they are being called without the hailer turned on. If they are getting the crew into fish, turn on the speaker, if not, well they know who is being called what.

As for me an my crew, we just say it face to face. And they they have to walk home. :grin:

*Fish only bite wet hooks*

[garyk]

Mark Mc, Understood. Thanks for clearing that up. BTW, even the electronics salesman got thrown off by the difference. They were puzzled as to why when they plugged into the speaker jack, they couldn't speak through that remote speaker.

As I later learned, the PA connection is a little pin connecter located on the power-plug. And that while the radio outputs 25watts, the PA circuit is a fraction of that (5w), thanks again for the help.

[ 08-08-2003, 10:08 PM: Message edited by: garyk ]

[Thumper]

Gary --- Imagine using that loud hailer on the green line at the mouth of the Lewis. That would get you some respect, and probably some lead too. :grin: