"Gary" wrote in message
news:KSSxg.247001$IK3.35406@pd7tw1no...
Roger Long wrote:
I just bought a Quest GX 1255S, not because I plan to start yacking at
vessels that don't give way (see other threads) but so I'll have
something with more range than the handheld when I cruise downeast in a
couple weeks.

The instructions say to have the standing wave etc. checked out by a
radio technician after installation. Is this just CYA by the
manufacturer or is it a must do? I suspect it will cost nearly as much
as the radio the way these things go and I've got a couple weeks to try
and raise some distant boats to check the range.

The coax running through my cabin and up the mast is pretty old but the
antenna and loading coil(?) at the top are brand new.

Would somebody please refresh my memory on the proper procedure for a
radio check? I think I remember most of the other stuff.

Is there a good on-line site describing marine radio procedures?

Just don't do it on 16. Here on the west coast the Coast Guard will do
one for you on 22a.

Gary

A radio check on 22a? First of all, calling the CG for a radio check won't
tell you much, since they can receive very poor signals. Second, 22a is
reserved for when the CG needs more information from a boater when it's not
an emergency. Typically, any other channel besides 16 is allowed. I believe
they prefer 9.