Stupid VHF radio?'s

FishBowl · 08-22-2005, 04:21 PM

We have a new to us VHF radio in the boat and still not to sure how to work the #@$% thing. Saturday we did a radio check with the CG and got a response right away and gave us the bar conditions and visability. Ok I got it figured out and away we go. Tune in later in the morning and switch it to 78 and we don't hear a peep? So I chime in and ask for any reports? Still nothing and just figured that no one was wanting to talk to a newer salty dog

But after reading the board and hearing that the radio was squawking all weekend I am wondering if I am just a dunce and don't know how to work the darn thing?? I assumed that if I switch it to 78 and key the mike I am sending a signal or if not someone chime in here and please enlighten me on the use of one of these thing

With so much knowledge on this board I am sure one of the dogs can help us out.

Tim

kenai · 08-22-2005, 04:25 PM

One of my stupid human tricks was to get the radio in an international mode. There are actually 3 channel 78's, you want channel 78 alpha. 16 is always 16.

Billfisher · 08-22-2005, 04:49 PM

That's one of them... also make sure you're in High wattage mode. -D

CrazyFish · 08-22-2005, 04:54 PM

That and alot of the Garibaldi crowd use channel 68.

5 Salt · 08-22-2005, 05:04 PM

Could it the quality and height of your antenna that prevents your communication with Satly's out chasing tuner's. I often can bearly hear those 30-40 miles out when operating near shore.

Anyone got a comment/answer to this thought?

Mr. Fisherman · 08-22-2005, 06:28 PM

Also adjust your squelch. Turn it till you hear white noise then back it off just until it quelches (is quiet) This will allow you to hear the least amount of signal being broadcast that you can. The other tips above are good. You could also have your radio and antenna tested to insure they are functional.

yelloweye · 08-22-2005, 08:34 PM

Although this seems awfully foolish, I know folks it has happened to: be sure the volume is turned up.

FishBowl · 08-22-2005, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the replies. I will have to check on the multiple channel thing. I know about the squelch thing as I have had many CB's. I would think that I could key the mike and talk on whatever channel I pick?? Am I wrong on this?? The manual says I have to push the call button and then pick which mode to use? direct, ship to ship, and some other choices. It says I can dial the MMSI # and talk to anyone that I know their MMSI but I could barely remember mine long enough to set the radio up

I really wish someone with some first hand experience could send me some kind of help. This thing is probably going to end up like my lousy Okuma rod that snapped in half on a snag saturday,.... floating to Japan. I know better because I know you get what you pay for, and will not ever spend a dime on one of those lousy rods. I had another one that had a broken ceramic eye and kept cutting the line just hanging there with weight ?? Took loosing a nice halibut for me to figure out that it was NOT the tough line being crappy but this ******** new rod had this sharp eye cutting the line

Oh well I will know to buy good equipment next time.
Tim

08-22-2005, 09:57 PM

You are confusing DSC and MMSI with regular VHF use.

Some channels are restricted and others have specific uses.
This should help.

US VHF Channels

StickFish · 08-23-2005, 06:24 AM

Ok lets slow down before you throw your radio in the water. First lets find out what you have for a radio and what you have for an antenna? Brands and Model numbers

General rule of thumb is VHF is a line of sight frequency so if your antenna cannot see who you want to talk to you generally will no communicate - in short antenna height rules.

From the sounds of your radio check your radio appears to function - my first question is if you have accidently selected the International mode (that has already been suggested) - the frequencies assigned to channel 78 in Interntational is used in the US as a relay link for Am/Fm news broadcast stations.

If you're in the Portland metro area I'd be glad to come take a look and listen and test the standing wave ratio on you antenna. If you are not - find your local ham radio club and make some friends there will be someone in the club willing to help out

One piece of advice if you have a Shakespeare 5206 antenna - start off by getting another antenna - the Galaxey series is the only antenna of Shakespeare's worth looking at.

Now were talking!

PM me if you have any questions

73's De K7STW

Bait O' Eggs · 08-23-2005, 06:38 AM

I love icom products but on their marine radios they really messed up with allowing it to jump to 78 international with the flick of a button, but it takes and act of god, and a series of button pushes that requires the manual to figure out to get it back to 78 alpha, I spent part of Friday on international before I realized it was there, BIG 78, and a little bitty "intl" on the display that you dont see unless you look close.

That is my guess is what your problem is.

Undertaker · 08-23-2005, 11:26 AM

We heard what sounded like scrambled transmissions on 78 all day. Very annoying (can't evesdrop on a scrambled transmission). My guess was that someone was using something other than the Alpha channel. I'd start looking there.

FishBowl · 08-23-2005, 05:06 PM

Ok the model is lowrance LVR 850 as for not having line of site we were in the middle of around 50 boats the other day at the rock pile and I am sure someone had their radio on. The manual talks about the DSC calling and non DSC calling, I assume that non DSC is what the normal mode is. So it goes n to say the traditional way is to hail another vessel on channel 16 and ask to switch to say 78 or what ever channel you want that is open for recreational use.Is that right?? I am thinking that I have it in the wrong mode but would that keep me from hearing chatter from other boats? I think I understand how it is supposed to work but then again Keta may be right about me being confused

I checked out the link he has and I have the same stuff on the back of the manual. I really don't have a clue as to what that stuff is other than what channels are open for use. I guess I will just have to sit in the parking lot at South beach and try to figure this thing out. At least I know the CG will answer if I need them and I guess that is the main contact to have when out on the big blue but I sure wish I could get this figured out. The manual is not a lot of help????
Oh well I guess either I will or I won't

thanks for all the replies anyway.
Tim

StickFish · 08-24-2005, 05:54 AM

Some of the others can weigh in on the DSC calling, but to listen to the chatter on say 78 you would want non-dsc mode. Turn your radio on and see if it says USA on the display above the channel indicator number. On channel 78 it would be above the 7. If it says INT or CAN, press and hold the H/L and WX buttons to toggel it to USA. If you were in INT and on channel 78 you would have more likelyhood of hearing a sports radio news feed than you would a dog on the radio at sea. If the boat is in your driveway you can check it before you head to southbeach

Orca · 08-24-2005, 08:03 AM

Drop by my house on your way to the Coast (or whenever) and we will check the SWR and go over the radio and check transmission and reception with my boat and/or handheld. Just let me know. I am busy Tonight and Thursday night, and available otherwise. I could also meet you at the Crabtree Junction on Hwy 20 on Friday eve or this weekend.

FishBowl · 08-24-2005, 05:23 PM

Orca I would like to do that, I too am busy and will try to fish this weekend but I will send a PM and we will hook up thanks alot for the offer.
Tim