For CG Auxiliary use I highly recommend a scanner and the SiTex combo for
non-hams desiring to have a stuck mike and SAR VHF DF. On the Oregon coast
and rivers we are finding calls for help on the Family Radio Service and
GMRS frequencies. Example: the guy was in the ocean, 25 miles from where he
thought he was. He had no idea what a marine radio was, and his cell phone
was outside a coverage area. He thought the FRS radios were a great buy for
two of them for under $50 at K-Mart. Thanks to an Auxilarist who had a VHF
scanner/DF in his van, and also on his boat, he was heard begging for help
on the FRS frequencies. For serious hams, there are better units available
in kit form or blank circuit boards if you do a Google search on Direction
Finding.
Doug, K7ABX, ADSO-CM South 13 CG Auxiliary
"William G. Andersen" wrote in message
news
Tntc.307$fo5.295@fed1read07...
One of the reasons I'm interested in having ADF capability is to find
transmitters on Marine VHF. I participate in Coast Guard Auxiliary Safety
Patrols of San Diego Bay. Besides the occasional child playing with the
radio, it's not unusual for a microphone to be stuck in the transmit
position. Having ADF would help in locating the source.
The buzzing would be annoying, but I don't expect to have the ADF in
operation at all times. I guess another option would be to have a second
radio just for the ADF and leave the volume turned low on that radio, to
use
it only for ADF and not for communications.
"William G. Andersen" wrote in message
news:R_2tc.29384$wa.27813@fed1read07...
Thanks to both of you for the information. Now, how do I explain yet
another
$500 worth of boating toys to my wife (the family financier)?...
"Jerry" wrote in message
...
I think that if you check closer you will find that the 525 uses an
Eight-element Adcock DF antenna in addition to your existing VHF
antenna.
I
have one and have found it to be reliable and accurate withing the
published
specs: +/- 10 degrees. This system does introduce a buzzing sound
into
your
audio that you may or may not find annoying. In an area with a lot of
radio
chatter going on, the buzz gets on my nerves and I will frequently
turn
the
ADF off. Normally I keep it on.
"William G. Andersen" wrote in message
news:_iJsc.21310$wa.12601@fed1read07...
Anybody use a SiTex 525 VHF/ADF Adapter?
I'm considering buying one but don't understand how it can work
using
only
my existing VHF antenna and can't afford to buy something that is
marginal
at best.
I've been on boats with a Polaris (spelling?) but they're hard to
find.