Icom IC-M34 VHF radio for Christmas

Guys I just returned home after a month and a half in Colorado and sitting waiting for me were my Christmas presents. Got a bunch of stuff for my yak, knife, fish grabbers, leash, compuss, whistle, and a VHF radio. I have never has a VHF radio of my own and the one on the fireboat is a base station and is set to ch13- 16- and 21a. So those of you that have scan and duel or tri watch functions what do you set your radios to? My radio did not come with a handheld mic but has a port to add one as an accessory. Does everyone use their radios with or without a mic? Why did you chose to go with or without a mic. How do you attach your radio to your PFD? If you have any advice on how to set up my radio any advice is humbly accepted. I am sure as i go along I will have more questions I hope they don't show to great a level of ignorance on my part.

You must have been a very good boy this year.  Nice haul!

I love my M34!  I run it without the Mic only because I don't have one.  Would definitly make it easier to hail friends.

Most places I just scan 16, 22a and 69.  69 seems to be the channel NWKA'ers use the most.

When you're out at B10 scan 13 and twently... something also to get the commercial chatter.  Dang, I'll have to look up the second one.  Anyway, they're nice to monitor 'cause you can find out when the next floating city is going to be eclipsing you. 

-Spot-

Glad to hear you are back firebunker. I hope things went OK in CO.

I have no good  radio advice. I do not have a radio - yet, but I am hoping to get one soon so I will be monitoring your thread (and your channels too). Looking forward to hitting the water with you and your shiny new toys!

You must have been a very good boy this year.  Nice haul!

I love my M34!  I run it without the Mic only because I don't have one.  Would definitly make it easier to hail friends.

Most places I just scan 16, 22a and 69.  69 seems to be the channel NWKA'ers use the most.

When you're out at B10 scan 13 and twently... something also to get the commercial chatter.  Dang, I'll have to look up the second one.  Anyway, they're nice to monitor 'cause you can find out when the next floating city is going to be eclipsing you. 

-Spot-

Thanks Spot I just finished reading your post when you first got your Icom. Where do you put/mount/secure your radio to your PFD when your out on the water? Oops I meant 22a not 21a I should proof read my posts. My bad.

Glad to hear you are back firebunker. I hope things went OK in CO.

I have no good  radio advice. I do not have a radio - yet, but I am hoping to get one soon so I will be monitoring your thread (and your channels too). Looking forward to hitting the water with you and your shiny new toys!

Thanks PDX, The situation in CO had improved enough that I was able to leave. I just checked the Clack today for some steelhead action but she is high and fast. The Willy also looks blown out Maybe we can get out when the water drops. I have yet to try out the anchor set up I made and have enough new gear that I am sure I can get into trouble.

Wow! Good take down. Good for you.

I don't use an add on mic. Seems like unnecessary gear to get in the way and keep track of and one less tangle to worry about. Near my neck no doubt. I do however have a short tether about 8 inches long clipped to the left shoulder strap of my PFD. The belt clip of my radio is then clipped into a small horizontal strap sewn high on my left chest. This works great for me. Out of the way and don't have to move it to use it. If i do unclip it, the tether insures it stays with me and still out of the way. Stayed put through all my huli's so far.
I would like to know more about good setup too. Currently I use the tri watch 9,16,69. 69 being the home channel. Occasionally hit scan when the notion takes me.

Have fun with the goodies!