This Quest GX 1255S is a very decent VHF with selective digital calling.

Once your radio is installed you should call your local coast guard on the
proper channel for voice testing. In my area we use 12 and 14 other area use
22A. To get the best out of this radio you should replace your coaxial cable
and connectors. I prefer the RG8 cable and the solder type connectors. If
you have never installed connectors with soldering get someone that knows
how to do it because it is no fun to go up and down the mast to re - do a
connections. As for testing the Digital Selective Calling you have to
connect your VHF to your GPS. Then you have to register your VHF with the
Coast Guard. They in turn will enter the information of your boat and VHF in
their data banks. After you can test your VHF with them. When they receive
your call a little window will appear on their digital radar showing your
position, name of your boat and any safety equipment you may have listed.

As a safety precaution you should check for any Electro Magnetic
Interference with transmitting. You compass course should read correctly and
your autopilot should steer accordingly. The older produced autopilots were
not as well shielded as the new one and sometime when transmitting the
autopilot compass behaved erratically.


"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