Hand held VHF question
- Thread starter AADIVER
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Range Spange
Who needs range? If you're on the ocean, you need range. Handheld max power - usually 5 watts Ships radio max power - usually 25 watts Handheld antenna height - 6 feet in hand Ships radio antenna height - at least 25 feet at top of mast Handheld battery life - AA's or battery pack, unpredictable but probably 2 hours in use (transmiting
eceiving). Ships radio battery life - Deep cycle marine 12 volt - 2 days in use (more with multiple batts). A handheld is a backup, dingy radio or ditch bag equipment, not a substitute for a real VHF. A mounted VHF is only slightly more expensive and the extra hassle involved may save your life. IE: your offshore halfway to Catalina and you have a heart attack, fall in the cockpit and break your ribs, get in conditions too rough for a 250 or break the forestay at the masthead like I did on a 250, my previous boat. Who you gonna call 20 miles out?
Who needs range? If you're on the ocean, you need range. Handheld max power - usually 5 watts Ships radio max power - usually 25 watts Handheld antenna height - 6 feet in hand Ships radio antenna height - at least 25 feet at top of mast Handheld battery life - AA's or battery pack, unpredictable but probably 2 hours in use (transmiting
eceiving). Ships radio battery life - Deep cycle marine 12 volt - 2 days in use (more with multiple batts). A handheld is a backup, dingy radio or ditch bag equipment, not a substitute for a real VHF. A mounted VHF is only slightly more expensive and the extra hassle involved may save your life. IE: your offshore halfway to Catalina and you have a heart attack, fall in the cockpit and break your ribs, get in conditions too rough for a 250 or break the forestay at the masthead like I did on a 250, my previous boat. Who you gonna call 20 miles out?
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