VHF Radios

i probably mixed something up it has been a while since i got my fcc grol...too many different bands i have a hard time remembering the propagation on each of them sorry...maybe im thinking of a different band i would have to look it up...

i probably mixed something up it has been a while since i got my fcc grol...too many different bands i have a hard time remembering the propagation on each of them sorry...maybe im thinking of a different band i would have to look it up...

You probably didn't mix things up.  With a higher power units (up to 25W) commonly found on boats, you can get the 22 miles.  The 22 miles is like a theoretical limit.  VHF operates on "line of site" and you loose line of site somewhere between 20-25 miles due to the curvature of the earth.

Hah!  I just did a little Google search and came up with this.  It jives with what both  you and I are saying.

http://www.boatus.com/boattech/vhf.htm

-Allen

Reception works great as that doesn't depend on your transmit power.  Try a radio check from your home.  I bet you won't even register as a blip on the radio spectrum to the CG tower.

-Allen

Good point Allen. 

So, if you're broadcasting a Mayday a mile or two from shore are you relying on ship traffic in the area to relay your message?

Reception works great as that doesn't depend on your transmit power.  Try a radio check from your home.  I bet you won't even register as a blip on the radio spectrum to the CG tower.

-Allen

Good point Allen. 

So, if you're broadcasting a Mayday a mile or two from shore are you relying on ship traffic in the area to relay your message?

Quite possible.  I guess it would be good to know where all the coast guard receivers are.  Also the harbormaster at all ports will be monitoring channel 16 as well.

I wonder if someone has put together such a map with overlay or the reception range from a 5W transmitter.   

-Allen

although it is possible to transmit more than 22 miles or watever it is if you get into ducts or it happens to bounce of the ionosphere...anyways thanks for clearing that up cause i knew i remembered that number for some reason but i couldn't remember why lol...also i am not exactly sure of where they are located but some areas have land based relays basically to make the distance able to be transmitted to the coast guard station greater...but ships are required to monitor channel 16 so hopefully if you did have to use it somebody would hear...there are also ships with relay systems also but i am not sure exactly how that works

that uniden looks pretty compact and waterproof i might have to get one of those...i have never used a uniden vhf but i have used uniden CB radios before and they never break lol...

i should probably concentrate on getting a yak first 

on the other hand there is some safety equipment i will need before i get my yak

Not a jab at you Richard by any means.  I just like having my own toys to play with.

didnt take it as one, Yar, just fessin up to being absent minded at times..

I just picked up a Standard Horizon HX850S at West Marine. Looks cool, submersible, floats, has GPS with a "uh oh" button for the CG. I think it'll work good, we'll see.
Is there a manual or something on USCG/ maritime radio protocol so I don't cheese anyone off more than necessary with my new toy?

Is there a manual or something on USCG/ maritime radio protocol so I don't cheese anyone off more than necessary with my new toy?

Not sure if this is what your looking for, but here is a brief one:

http://www.coastalsailing.net/Cruising/Seamanship/Radio/RadioBasics.html

That'll do nicely! Thanks for the link.

Hey, since kayaks don't have names like power boats, how do you identify yourself if you have to call the Coasties?

Hey, since kayaks don't have names like power boats, how do you identify yourself if you have to call the Coasties?

Brian was nice enough to post this in another thread on this subject:

"Quote
   1.  If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.
   2. Distress signal "MAYDAY", spoken three times.
   3. The words "THIS IS", spoken once.
   4. Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.   [[Note: I would describe yourself.. "small gray fishing kayak"]]   5. Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.
   6. Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.
   7. Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).
   8. Kind of assistance desired.
   9. Number of persons onboard.
  10. Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.
  11. The word "OVER"


Brian"

So, if no name, just use a brief description. Gotcha, thanks for your help.