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Best Handheld VHF?
Any handheld VHF recommendations?
Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? |
Best Handheld VHF?
Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? I've got a Uniden MHS 350 that seems to work well, is easy to use, and it's around $160 or so at West Marine |
Best Handheld VHF?
Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. |
Best Handheld VHF?
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Best Handheld VHF?
wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Need a waterproof floater (it'll get wet if I'm floating about in my pfd while I wait for a ride). Don't know what bells and whistles I could need. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Bryan" wrote in message et... wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Sorry but you will not get that with a handheld. 5 miles is tops. |
Best Handheld VHF?
" *JimH*" wrote in message ... "Bryan" wrote in message et... wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Sorry but you will not get that with a handheld. 5 miles is tops. BTW: I have the Standard Horizon HX260S and have been happy with it. I have seen them going for $100 on Ebay.....in fact I think I posted a link for you on that auction. The new model is the HX270S http://tinyurl.com/bl3ll |
Best Handheld VHF?
Bryan wrote: wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Won't happen without an external antenna. |
Best Handheld VHF?
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. wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Won't happen without an external antenna. |
Best Handheld VHF?
" *JimH*" wrote in message ... BTW: I have the Standard Horizon HX260S and have been happy with it. I have seen them going for $100 on Ebay.....in fact I think I posted a link for you on that auction. The new model is the HX270S http://tinyurl.com/bl3ll Well, I just tried to buy the HX270S off ebay, but apparently someone in my family has linked their userid and password to my credit card. So, until the kids get home or I can find my wife, I'm stuck. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Harry Krause" wrote in message ... Bryan wrote: " *JimH*" wrote in message ... BTW: I have the Standard Horizon HX260S and have been happy with it. I have seen them going for $100 on Ebay.....in fact I think I posted a link for you on that auction. The new model is the HX270S http://tinyurl.com/bl3ll Well, I just tried to buy the HX270S off ebay, but apparently someone in my family has linked their userid and password to my credit card. So, until the kids get home or I can find my wife, I'm stuck. A word to the wise. Many sellers of supposedly new electronic merch on eBay are selling B goods. I have never found that to be the case. |
Best Handheld VHF?
Bryan wrote:
wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Need a waterproof floater (it'll get wet if I'm floating about in my pfd while I wait for a ride). Don't know what bells and whistles I could need. If you are floating in your PFD and can manage to get the antenna 4 feet above sea level, your range would be about 2-1/2 miles to the horizon. VHF is "line of sight" so that would only increase if the receiving antenna is pretty high and/or close to you. Beyond that, you still need the power to transmit and receive that distance. 30 NM is out of the question. Bet on five, tops. Dan |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Thu, 08 Dec 2005 16:57:31 GMT, "Bryan" wrote: Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Need a waterproof floater (it'll get wet if I'm floating about in my pfd while I wait for a ride). Don't know what bells and whistles I could need. You ain't gonna get that with a hand held. Mile to maybe two miles in the best of conditions even at 5 watts. If you are that concerned about overboard and sitting and waiting, get a EPIRB or PLB are much better choices than a radio. Ain't gonna happen with a handheld though. Later, Tom Consider me better educated vhf. Now, what's PLB. |
Best Handheld VHF?
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Best Handheld VHF?
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. |
Best Handheld VHF?
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. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message ... 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. The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? |
Best Handheld VHF?
Kevin,
You may want to read this post. "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Thu, 08 Dec 2005 20:24:54 GMT, "Bill McKee" wrote: "Harry Krause" wrote in message ... wrote: Bryan wrote: wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Won't happen without an external antenna. You won't get a "dependable" 30 nautical mile range with a handheld, period. The CG should be able to talk with a handheld 30 miles away. Their antennas are tall and they have more power available. It is amazing at times how far away from the CG transmitter, you get reception. North of the Golden Gate, you get CG Monterey transmissions. You do not hear the boat, but the CG is loud and clear. And that is at least 60 miles distant. It's not that unusual for you to hear USCG because they use 1KW transmitters on tall towers with phased antennas. However, talking to a handheld 30 miles out defies physics and the inverse square law with regard to energy in free space. There is a HUGE difference between talking to a boat with some height on it's antenna ABOVE the surface of the water and attempting a chat with somebody using a 5 watt handheld ON the surface of the water. Without getting into a whole host of technical issues, just wave action alone would make it impossible with the signal being obstructed, antenna orientation with reference to the body and then there about a bizzillion technical issues like signal ground effect, small antennas, yada, yada, yada... In short, it's not only a dumb idea to only rely on a handheld that far out, it's impossible from a technical standpoint. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Thu, 08 Dec 2005 20:24:54 GMT, "Bill McKee" wrote: "Harry Krause" wrote in message ... wrote: Bryan wrote: wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Won't happen without an external antenna. You won't get a "dependable" 30 nautical mile range with a handheld, period. The CG should be able to talk with a handheld 30 miles away. Their antennas are tall and they have more power available. It is amazing at times how far away from the CG transmitter, you get reception. North of the Golden Gate, you get CG Monterey transmissions. You do not hear the boat, but the CG is loud and clear. And that is at least 60 miles distant. It's not that unusual for you to hear USCG because they use 1KW transmitters on tall towers with phased antennas. However, talking to a handheld 30 miles out defies physics and the inverse square law with regard to energy in free space. There is a HUGE difference between talking to a boat with some height on it's antenna ABOVE the surface of the water and attempting a chat with somebody using a 5 watt handheld ON the surface of the water. Without getting into a whole host of technical issues, just wave action alone would make it impossible with the signal being obstructed, antenna orientation with reference to the body and then there about a bizzillion technical issues like signal ground effect, small antennas, yada, yada, yada... In short, it's not only a dumb idea to only rely on a handheld that far out, it's impossible from a technical standpoint. I would think a satellite phone would be a better bet. |
Best Handheld VHF?
Bill,
The signal strength still needs to be strong enough for the CG to receive the signal. Is it your theory that the CG can receive the 1 watt transmission just as strong as the 25 watt transmission because they have larger antennas and better receivers? "Bill McKee" wrote in message ink.net... "Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message ... 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. The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? |
Best Handheld VHF?
I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could
pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. "Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message ... Bill, The signal strength still needs to be strong enough for the CG to receive the signal. Is it your theory that the CG can receive the 1 watt transmission just as strong as the 25 watt transmission because they have larger antennas and better receivers? "Bill McKee" wrote in message ink.net... "Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message ... 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. The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? |
Best Handheld VHF?
Without pictures, kevin will not be able to understand much about it.
"Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message . .. Kevin, You may want to read this post. "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Thu, 08 Dec 2005 20:24:54 GMT, "Bill McKee" wrote: "Harry Krause" wrote in message ... wrote: Bryan wrote: wrote in message oups.com... Bryan wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? The internal electronics are all about the same, regardless of brand name. That changes the equation a bit. Almost any major brand will be built well enough to withstand normal use and even some abuse, so you're down to deciding how many, and which, bells and whistles you want and which models are the most ergonomically usable for you as an individual. Range and the degree of water-resistance will also be major considerations. My thoughts: Is this handheld going into a ditch bag, or intended for use merely as a backup to a hard-wired system? In that case, the fewer the gizmos, gadgets, fancy tricks, and electro magics built in- the better. You wouldn't want to be without a radio in an emergency because some peripheral, non-essential toy feature crapped out and took another circuit down in the process. If the handheld is going to be the primary radio aboard the boat, you might want to opt for some of the fancier features.......but the previous paragraph could also apply just as easily in that case. Primary and ditch. Need dependable 30 NM range maximum. Won't happen without an external antenna. You won't get a "dependable" 30 nautical mile range with a handheld, period. The CG should be able to talk with a handheld 30 miles away. Their antennas are tall and they have more power available. It is amazing at times how far away from the CG transmitter, you get reception. North of the Golden Gate, you get CG Monterey transmissions. You do not hear the boat, but the CG is loud and clear. And that is at least 60 miles distant. It's not that unusual for you to hear USCG because they use 1KW transmitters on tall towers with phased antennas. However, talking to a handheld 30 miles out defies physics and the inverse square law with regard to energy in free space. There is a HUGE difference between talking to a boat with some height on it's antenna ABOVE the surface of the water and attempting a chat with somebody using a 5 watt handheld ON the surface of the water. Without getting into a whole host of technical issues, just wave action alone would make it impossible with the signal being obstructed, antenna orientation with reference to the body and then there about a bizzillion technical issues like signal ground effect, small antennas, yada, yada, yada... In short, it's not only a dumb idea to only rely on a handheld that far out, it's impossible from a technical standpoint. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Fri, 9 Dec 2005 13:27:52 -0500, " *JimH*" wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. Not possible. Why not? |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Harry Krause" wrote in message ... *JimH* wrote: "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Fri, 9 Dec 2005 13:27:52 -0500, " *JimH*" wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. Not possible. Why not? Tom previously explained. -- Alternative energy: New locations to drill for gas and oil. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Harry Krause" wrote in message ... *JimH* wrote: "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Fri, 9 Dec 2005 13:27:52 -0500, " *JimH*" wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. Not possible. Why not? Tom previously explained. Sorry, I missed that. I will be seeing my friend next weekend and have him give me his reason for thinking otherwise. |
Best Handheld VHF?
On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:31:02 -0500, Harry Krause
wrote: *JimH* wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. ================================================== Total BS. If you get 10 miles with a handheld you are doing well. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Wayne.B" wrote in message ... On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:31:02 -0500, Harry Krause wrote: *JimH* wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. ================================================== Total BS. If you get 10 miles with a handheld you are doing well. I am not talking about ship to ship. I am talking about ship to Coast Guard. So why is that total BS Wayne? |
Best Handheld VHF?
On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:40:34 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote: On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:31:02 -0500, Harry Krause wrote: *JimH* wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. ================================================= = Total BS. If you get 10 miles with a handheld you are doing well. Well...it really depends on antenna height and gain. You certainly are NOT going to get a 10 mile range on a rubber-duck antenna, but 5 VHF watts on a high mounted, high gain antenna could do very well over flat seas. I also heard a few years ago, that the CG has solar powered, buoy mounted, VHF repeaters throughout the US Great Lakes. I haven't seen any documentation to prove this, but if that's the case, your NASA buddy may be right. __ "It's just about going fast...that's all..." http://home.columbus.rr.com/ckg/ |
Best Handheld VHF?
On Thu, 08 Dec 2005 06:31:21 GMT, "Bryan"
wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? =============================== Just got an EMAIL on this one. Their price is $109, $40 under MSRP. Looks like a good value to me, just ordered one. http://www.pyacht.net/cgi-local/Soft....htm?E+scstore or http://tinyurl.com/a2ewj |
Best Handheld VHF?
Netsock wrote:
On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:40:34 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:31:02 -0500, Harry Krause wrote: *JimH* wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. ================================================ == Total BS. If you get 10 miles with a handheld you are doing well. Well...it really depends on antenna height and gain. You certainly are NOT going to get a 10 mile range on a rubber-duck antenna, but 5 VHF watts on a high mounted, high gain antenna could do very well over flat seas. I also heard a few years ago, that the CG has solar powered, buoy mounted, VHF repeaters throughout the US Great Lakes. I haven't seen any documentation to prove this, but if that's the case, your NASA buddy may be right. __ "It's just about going fast...that's all..." http://home.columbus.rr.com/ckg/ I know for a fact that you can 'receive' transmissions from a distance with a handheld. A couple of years ago I was sailing around the outer reaches of our harbour when I started receiving transmissions from a Canadian Naval ship directed to another ship. Nothing was within sight, but I could clearly hear the navy insist that the boat stand down so they could board for inspection and the other captain insisting that he couldn't because the owner was somewhere in the states and the ship was a private vessel...etc etc. We lost the signal as we sailed back into the harbour for our home run. |
Best Handheld VHF?
The statement of "If you get 10 miles with a handheld you are doing well"
Is probably correct for receiving. Transmitting is below that range. Where I sail we have repeater stations. When transmitting on channel 27 (used by the Coast Guard to transmit up river using repeater stations) we are able to exceed the normal range. One interesting thing is, at times, we (from Rothesay, New Brunswick) hear the US Coast Guard broadcasting from South West Harbor, Maine. We can hear the May Day, PAM PAM and security messages clear as a bell. The distance is about 150 miles. The only explanation I can think of is that it could be caused by bouncing radio waves. Or the fact that we can only received the May Day, Pam Pam and security messages may be that the US Coast Guards are broadcasting on High Power? What the you think. "Don White" wrote in message ... Netsock wrote: On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:40:34 -0500, Wayne.B wrote: On Fri, 09 Dec 2005 13:31:02 -0500, Harry Krause wrote: *JimH* wrote: I was told by my friend, an electrical engineer with NASA, that the CG could pick up the transmission on my 5w handheld most everywhere on Lake Erie. ================================================ == Total BS. If you get 10 miles with a handheld you are doing well. Well...it really depends on antenna height and gain. You certainly are NOT going to get a 10 mile range on a rubber-duck antenna, but 5 VHF watts on a high mounted, high gain antenna could do very well over flat seas. I also heard a few years ago, that the CG has solar powered, buoy mounted, VHF repeaters throughout the US Great Lakes. I haven't seen any documentation to prove this, but if that's the case, your NASA buddy may be right. __ "It's just about going fast...that's all..." http://home.columbus.rr.com/ckg/ I know for a fact that you can 'receive' transmissions from a distance with a handheld. A couple of years ago I was sailing around the outer reaches of our harbour when I started receiving transmissions from a Canadian Naval ship directed to another ship. Nothing was within sight, but I could clearly hear the navy insist that the boat stand down so they could board for inspection and the other captain insisting that he couldn't because the owner was somewhere in the states and the ship was a private vessel...etc etc. We lost the signal as we sailed back into the harbour for our home run. |
Best Handheld VHF?
No, but bigger, better antennas help. How much power does a satellite
downlink use? "Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message ... Bill, The signal strength still needs to be strong enough for the CG to receive the signal. Is it your theory that the CG can receive the 1 watt transmission just as strong as the 25 watt transmission because they have larger antennas and better receivers? "Bill McKee" wrote in message ink.net... "Lord Reginald Smithers" Ask me about my driveway leading up to my manor. wrote in message ... 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. The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Wayne.B" wrote in message ... On Thu, 08 Dec 2005 06:31:21 GMT, "Bryan" wrote: Any handheld VHF recommendations? Looking for quality, functionality, affordability, ... Which and why? And best recent price you've seen? =============================== Just got an EMAIL on this one. Their price is $109, $40 under MSRP. Looks like a good value to me, just ordered one. http://www.pyacht.net/cgi-local/Soft....htm?E+scstore or http://tinyurl.com/a2ewj I bought the hx270s off ebay for $114 including shipping. I'll let you know when I get it! Bryan |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote wrote ... Another interesting phenomena is wind sheer at this set of frequencies. If the prevailing wind is from the right direction, sometimes you can hear conversations and calls from as much as 200 miles distance - sometimes even more. It happens in the spring and fall more than any other time. Hey Tom, I've never heard of wind significantly effecting EM wave propagation. Do you have a reference handy? I'd like to understand it and google came up empty. -rick- |
Best Handheld VHF?
On Mon, 12 Dec 2005 02:13:23 GMT, Shortwave Sportfishing
wrote: When the weather is right, WTTK in Boston is obliterated by WFPG in Atlantic City, NJ - usually short duration until the front passes. Happens with WEEI, 103.7 by WMGM also in Atlantic City, NJ. Several New York stations and one in PA when it all is right. It does happen. You just have to pay attention and listen for it. ============================ I always thought that was Tropo Ducting along the coast. |
Best Handheld VHF?
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... On Sun, 11 Dec 2005 17:44:44 -0800, "-rick-" wrote: "Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote wrote ... Another interesting phenomena is wind sheer at this set of frequencies. If the prevailing wind is from the right direction, sometimes you can hear conversations and calls from as much as 200 miles distance - sometimes even more. It happens in the spring and fall more than any other time. Hey Tom, I've never heard of wind significantly effecting EM wave propagation. Do you have a reference handy? I'd like to understand it and google came up empty. Of course it does - how do you think Doppler radar measures wind speed? Or radar for that matter? Um... I thought by measuring the change in time or carrier phase/frequency associated with a reflection, certainly not by measuring attenuation associated with wind. I will admit that they are at higher frequencies, but it happens all the time at lower frequencies. It happens mostly in the Spring and Fall along pressure/wind fronts, mostly those moving from south to north. For example, where I live, several radio stations that I like to listen to are marginal in terms of signal strength - in particular at the 96.9 frequency. When the weather is right, WTTK in Boston is obliterated by WFPG in Atlantic City, NJ - usually short duration until the front passes. Happens with WEEI, 103.7 by WMGM also in Atlantic City, NJ. Several New York stations and one in PA when it all is right. It does happen. You just have to pay attention and listen for it. No references? -rick- |
Best Handheld VHF?
Bill McKee wrote: The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? A friend of my brother's who lives close to the PA-NY border built a Beverage Antenna on his hill, and can receive CG transmissions from Key West, FL!! |
Best Handheld VHF?
Kevin,
The question is can he talk to the Key West CG? wrote in message ups.com... Bill McKee wrote: The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? A friend of my brother's who lives close to the PA-NY border built a Beverage Antenna on his hill, and can receive CG transmissions from Key West, FL!! |
Best Handheld VHF?
wrote in message ups.com... Bill McKee wrote: The CG has a higher antenna and better receivers? A friend of my brother's who lives close to the PA-NY border built a Beverage Antenna on his hill, and can receive CG transmissions from Key West, FL!! Is that one of those Southern things. Where they stack the beer cans into a tower? Then hook up the antenna leads to it? Cool. |
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