5W VHF enough power

backlash442 · 03-06-2004, 03:07 PM

Not sure but I always thought portables only have a range of a few miles. It's the antenna.

WP · 03-06-2004, 03:10 PM

The antenna is everything with radios! Hand held have a hard time reaching out and touching someone, unless they are connected to a full size antenna. The same for cell phones, CBs, almost any two way radio. The hand held can work as a back up but I would opt for an antenna connected radio for my primary...and I do!
Dave

BUGLEMAN · 03-06-2004, 04:11 PM

I would be leary of an $80 radio. I wouldn't think one that cheap would be water proof and in the salt that seems to be a priority if you want to use it more than once. :smile:

TWB · 03-06-2004, 04:57 PM

It's in the power...hand held 5 watts, fixed radio 25 watts of transmitting power. And as said, the height of the antenna. Marine VHF is line of sight.

The portables are intended for close range ship to ship communication.

As good as the governments equipment is, they are not going to here your plea for help, 35 miles out, on 5 watts of power.

stick flicker · 03-06-2004, 06:34 PM

Thanks,I had the same aprehensions. I do have a whip VHF antenna, but the 5W power is the limiting factor.

stick flicker · 03-06-2004, 11:45 PM

I need a VHF and can't afford a real expenseive one. I saw one in cabelas that was about 80$ but its only a 5 Watt portable. Will that be enough to reach Newport Coast Guard from tuna town, or Chicken Ranch?

Chaps · 03-07-2004, 07:41 AM

If you shop the discount electronics sites on the web you can find new 25w fixed mounts for about $100- $110. I've bought high end used Icoms on Ebay for less than $100 and lesser brands can be had for $25-30

Silver Eagle · 03-07-2004, 08:23 AM

I have a hand held and it works great from the fly bridge to tell someone to change CD's in the main cabin. It really has limited Range, but like a CB its mostly Line of sight, nice if you fishing with someone and what to keep in contact, just make sure of your channels...Ray

CAPT KUJO · 03-07-2004, 11:27 PM

Truth is that cheapy hand held will reach the CG from the chicken ranch.....won't reach much any body else from there but the CG's repeters and tall towers get everything. SOmething is better than nothing!

CAPT KUJO

Reel Creel · 03-08-2004, 08:41 AM

Go get a new Icom for about $150 and you will have what your looking for, 25wats, water proof and you can trust the thing for a good 25miles.my 2 cents

Pilar · 03-08-2004, 09:25 AM

The height of the antenna above the water pretty much determines the range. Power can limit range but the horizon is like a brick wall for VHF radio. A hand held is 7' above the water. Range is limited to horizon at about 6-7 miles.

KJ is right, the man will hear you with his antenna mounted 1500 ft above sea level. You will not be able to recieve an answer though.

The handheld is good for an emergency and hailing a boat that is visible to you. Also it prevents the gopher routine of running in and out of the cabin to answer a hail from someone in your wolf-pack. You can just use the handheld instead of running inside to get the mike on the main VHF.

Spend the money on a decent radio like the ICOM IC-M402S. Now selling for less than $150, new. Includes DSC, scanning, water-proof, channel select on the mike and etc ... Also spend some more for a good 8' antenna. With that combo you should be able to hit 30 miles.

I have cheaped the radio for the last few years and until last summer you could hardly hail me or understand what I broadcast. Used, second hand, whatever. I "saved" the $150 every time I replaced a malfunctioning cheap radio and got crappy performance. Ask anyone here.

The new radio was worth every $. It paid for itself on 7/2/2003 when we called for a tow from the fishing grounds 20+ miles offshore.