Race Management: VHF Radios

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VHF Radios

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Race Management
Forum Discription: For race officers and competiors to discuss the topic
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4334
Printed Date: 27 Jun 25 at 8:36am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: VHF Radios

Posted By: Buzz
Subject: VHF Radios
Date Posted: 26 Jun 08 at 4:09pm

Can anyone recommend a good waterproof handheld vhf radio please? We have tried a couple of makes but after about a year they don't seem able to last an entire day on a single charge.

Replies:

Posted By: tmoore
Date Posted: 26 Jun 08 at 4:50pm

i think we use an i'com one at school. once we dropped one overboard and the next day picked it up from the beech and it still worked. so definately waterproof. how long they last, i dont know as we only sail in the afternoons. i would have thought mose would last a day unless in constant use etc.

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Landlocked in Africa
RS300 - 410
Firefly F517 - Nutshell
Micro Magic RC yacht - Eclipse

Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 26 Jun 08 at 5:44pm

The Entel 640 I think is the one we have at the SC, we trialled one from another member who had the hand mic, this was a great bit of kit but did have an issue with salt building up, so remember to wash them even if they didnt get submerged.

They arent cheap but have batteries that last for ages.

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Posted By: Ross
Date Posted: 26 Jun 08 at 10:33pm

Dont you need a license to operate a VHF? Get UHF's and you don't!

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Ross
If you can't carry it, don't sail it!

Posted By: radixon
Date Posted: 27 Jun 08 at 10:20am

Yep, doesn't bother me as I have one!

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Posted By: English Dave
Date Posted: 27 Jun 08 at 10:41am

We use Icom's as well. No batteries last for ever so we just have a rolling program of replacing a couple of the radios every year (we have 8). As the radios themselves take a fair battering it isn't cost effective to just replace the batteries.

Ross, UHF's are fine for inland work and personal comms. But if you are coastal your rescue boat needs to be able to coordinate with local shipping, the coastguard, harbourmaster, marina and lifeboat if need be. So you need VHF. (VHF also has better range for the same power - it's a laws of physics thing).

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English Dave
http://www.ballyholme.com - Ballyholme Yacht Club

(You'd think I'd be better at it by now)

Hurricane 5.9 SX
RS700

Posted By: Buzz
Date Posted: 01 Jul 08 at 4:05pm

Dave you are right I think a rolling replacement program is the way to go. We have used Icoms and were happy with them but found them a bit expensive.

We have to use VHF as we have four other sailing clubs in the harbour and we need to talk to each other to keep our courses separate if we are racing on the same day. We also talk to the Coastguard, pilots, lifeboat etc.

You do need a VHF license.

Thanks for all the good ideas.