On Tue, 19 Aug 2003 10:58:28 -0400, "JAD"
wrote:

I hear boats MILES away talking to other stations within sight of them. I
hear boats MILES away talking to the guy on the dock with a portable (within
view) to ask if there is a slip available for dining. I hear calls to the
marina for service....and the marina is 10-15 MILES AWAY....and SO is the
maritime station!

I am able to complete 95% of my communications on VHF with the LOW POWER
SETTING.....I wish other boaters would be aware of how they interfere
unnecessarily by not using low power whenever possible. ALL CALLS should be
tried on low power FIRST!

FIND THAT SWITCH and USE IT!!!!!!

Whew! ....that feels better. I'm probably preaching to the choir here on
the NG though......


Since I do a lot of sailing in NY Harbor, I monitor VHF13 all the
time. If I turn on scan I also get 16, 22, and 3 WX alarms.

13 is automatic low power on all radios AFIK. I still hear
conversations 15 to 20 miles away, somewhat depending on weather.

Most of the people that bother you are probably using high power
unnecessarily, but some may not.

I leave my radio on low power all the time. I only switch if I fail to
make contact.



Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a


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