VHF radios

[round]

I think that it might be time to get some more safety gear and a VHF seems to be a good investment to me, especially as they start at £50.

What power should I get? Has anyone got real experience of what range and power are really required? Is a 2w handheld sufficient in North Wales even though it might not be good enough for a more adventurous trip to the Scottish islands?

Handhelds start at 2w and go up to about 7w while fixed sets are 25w. The aerials on the handhelds are probably very inefficient, which probably makes more difference than the transmit power (+3dB aerial gain equivalent to doubling power.) It is difficult to get gain information for the tiny aerials that come with handhelds, but it is probably pitiful. I have seen a recommendation of a fixed aerial coupled to a handheld as being the idea solution for a kayak. This seems to make sense. It also has the advantage that if you drop the handset overboard, it doesn't sink!

Thanks in advance for any ideas or opinions.

At the moment I plan to just listen, except in emergency, but would like to attend a course and get a license. Does anyone know of any courses coming up?

Does anyone routinely transmit trip plans to the coastguard etc, or do you mostly listen only?

David

[surfmaster]

H David,I use a plastimo sx200 handheld vhf radio its a 1watt /5watt output and I have no problems communicating with the coastguard at Liverpool even from my home in fleetwood.The coastguard uses an antenna array placed on top of Blackpool tower for the weaker signals so never any problems.I have used it on the east coast to contact humber coastguard from Flamborough head also no problems.The sx200 is fully waterproof and comes with a mains charger and a car charger.As for obtaining a vhf radio license I got mine about 30 years ago at the nautical college Fleetwood where they used to do a 1 day course every month,I would think they still do it but dont know where you are or if there is a course nearer.This radio is on offer at MAILSPEED MARINE for £83.99 With free postage.You can use an external antenna but need to change the coax plug ,but I have never needed one .Regards steve

[round]

Thanks for the advise surfmaster. I think I might go for one of those. The Icoms are far more expensive, but the Plastimo seems to have all the core features and Mailspeed's price is excellent.

David

[bryan]

Not to hijack the thread. I am also looking at doing the coarse have checked out the Fleetwood option mentioned by surfmaster above. The price is £145. anybody know were i can find it cheaper in Lancashire.

Thanks

[kerny]

Bryan , Debdale park outdoor centre gorton Manchester £85 all in .

[kerny]

Guys , if you add the area where you are from on your profiles it helps a lot with the questions that your are asking it doesn't have to be the exact location it could be North West or Greater Manchester etc.

Kind Regards,

Kerny.

[round]

Location added. Perhaps I am thick, but it took me a while. It is easy to forget that not everyone here lives between Anglesey and Llandudno!

While I'm here, how waterproof is the Plastimo radio Surfmaster? Have you been swimming with it yet? Do you use a waterproof bag as well, or do you trust it? I found a review of the Midland Pacific by a kayaker, who said it didn't survive a single accidental swim. Not exactly my definition of waterproof and definitely off my list! Worse yet Midland were completely unsympathetic, so I won't be buying anything of theirs. Plastimo are a proper watersports company and so I have higher hopes of them.

David

[mikebelluk]

I've had a Standard Horizon HX270E for 3 yrs now, waterproof but don't float like the Icoms. Great battery life too. Well recommended if you can get one. Later 280 model for sale at £93 here:

www.bosunslockerchandlery.co.uk/5480/Standard-Horizon-HX280E-Handheld-VHF.html

[kerny]

I've got one of these ,fantastic battery life , fully waterproof. Well worth the extra money for a good piece of kit.

www.marine-super-store.com/posit/shop/index.php?selectedpartno=99146504++++++++++++ also 6 watt output.

[surfmaster]

Mines been in the water a couple of times but I have always kept it in a waterproof bag to be safe although plastimo say it can withstand 30 mins submersion at 1metre

[bryan]

Thanks Kearny

Theres a coarse coming up in Nov. Will have to give them a ring.

www.manchester.gov.uk/info/1081/outdoor_activity_centres/1808/debdale_outdoor_centre/8

[kerny]

bryan its nice and easy to get too for you , M60 come off at Denton follow sign for manchester mile and half turn right at lights where Mcdonalds is .