Kevin,

Most handhelds will transmit power is between the ranges of 1 to 5 watts,
the 1 wattage for short distances and 5 watts longer distances. Most Fixed
mount VHF will transmit using at 25 watts of power, with a setting for low
wattage 1 - 5 watts for short distance broadcasting.

My understand is the Coast Guard will actually broadcast at a much stronger
wattage than 25 watts and will have a tall antenna placed on the tallest
land mass or building available. I have always heard that the low wattage
handhelds will be able to receive the Coast Guard broadcast without any
problems, but the Coast Guard will not be able to receive the low wattage
units for anywhere near the distance of the higher wattage units.

Kevin, if your theory is correct, why do the fixed mounted units use 25
watts, if the 5 watts are adequate to insure an adequate broadcast than can
be received from the maximum distance of the LOS based upon the
broadcasting and receiving antennas? If the 5 watts will travel just as far
as the 25 watt broadcast? Why doesn't the 1 watt broadcast travel just as
far as the 5 watt broadcast?

I am always willing to learn, so help me understand the theory of low
wattage transmission verses higher wattage transmissions.




wrote in message
oups.com...

Lord Reginald Smithers wrote:
Kevin,
With the low wattage output of a handheld you will not be able to come
close
to 30 nm.
even with an external antenna.


See Bill's reply, he's right.