I need help on radio usage

[Scott in Portland]

I just bought a C-27 with a Standard GX-2310 radio. When I tried to hail a railroad bridge operator to find out when I could go through the only response I got was from another boater saying that they could all hear me but that it was obvious that I coulnd'nt hear them. He suggested that I was on a Canadian frequency or something. My guess is that the radio works and I'm just clueless.How should the buttons labeled R/D and H/L be set? What channels should I be on? Thanks and yes I will contact FCC or USCG for a little training .Thanks,Scott

 

[Bark]

Check the 'International' button

Some of the channels (22 for example) are effected by the international button on some radios. I saw a really great explanation of all that, and the difference between the settings, I think it was in Chapman's Guide to Piloting.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Channel 13

Hi Scott!I live in Portland too & I'm sure you already know this but just to double check, the railroad bridge & all commercial river traffic use Channel 13. Channel 13 is one watt so you have to be pretty close to the bridge before they'll hear you...ahem, if they CHOOSE to hear you, that is! ;-)BTW, I have a C-27 too. I'm currently at Tomahawk Bay but am considering moving to the slough. What's the name of your boat? Feel free to email me at ladonna@planetcat.net.See ya' on the river!LaDonna

 

[Bob Teeter]

Radio Usage

Scott,We have all been there. Using a vfh for the first time is no fun and to have one with no manual is a problem. It is a little dfferent than a CB and there is a radio protocol. There are several good books out for help and the FCC has a little sitck-on that I keep right under my radio.If you are new to boating in the Portland area, I would suggest that you contact one of the yacht clubs. It sounded like you may be on Jantzen Beach and if so, try someone from Tomahawk Bay Yacht Club. They are very friendly and welcome new boaters. I think that Jon Bake is the comodore this year and he could get you some help. The Vancouver railroad bridge operator is kind of unusual and will only answer you if you call him correctly (sometimes). I don't recall his call sign, but sometimes that is all he will answer to. Another person you may contact is John or Linda Villenueva. They both work for Columbia Crossings (Jantzen Beach moorages) and are former C27 owners. They now live on their C36 on the island. They would be willing to help you or at least give you someones name that could help.Good Luck,Bob TeeterC 42 215Camelot

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Bob's right, Linda & John are the best

Ultra nice people & lots of fun too!

 

[Gordon S.]

Radio Info

Scott, If you are starting from ground zero, suggest you visit the Coast Guard site at www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/boater.htmHere you will find basic radio information and links to more, including proper channel utilization. The H/L switch is High (25 watts) or Low (1 watt) transmitter power. Beware the INT/US switch if your radio has it. For communicating in the US the switch must be in the US position. If not, on the channels ending in an "A", such as 22A, you will have one way communications because the international channel is duplex (different transmit and receive frequencies) instead of the US standard of simplex (same transmit and receive frequency) on that channel. Best bet is to take a CG Auxiliary or Power Squadron course where radio procedure is explained. Good Luck,, Gordon

 

[Scott Lundberg]

Thanks for all your help

You guys are great!I have tried the suggestions that you gave and I am still incommunicado (sp). I am going to take the radio up to Rodgers Marine unless you have a better idea.Thanks again to all and especially LaDonna; what a great forum...this is how boating and the internet are supposed to work, nice people helping other people enjoy life a little more.BTW, I am in Tomahawk Bay also and my boat is unnamed. I am on same the row as the sailing club, right by the ramp, next to a J-24 called White Trash. Stop by!Thanks Again,Scott

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

I know exactly where you are

I've often chuckled strolling past White Trash! See you soon - although I'm changing moorages in mid November. LaDonna