I recently noticed that multi-band marine VHF radios are available. Some offer receive on aircraft frequencies as well as Tx/Rx on FRS and Marine VHF. I was under the impression that for a marine VHF radio to be (FCC) type approved,it could only be usable on marine channels. Has the FCC changed that rule recently?
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Changing Channels
Bill, The FCC classifies a VHF radio for marine use as any device that is capable of Tx/Rx in the marine band frequencies. Although you may have a radio that is capable of Tx/Rx outside of that band, such as I do, (HAM radio Operator), you are only allowed to use the frequencies that you have a permit to use. Unless it is a life threatning situation. So even though the radio transmits on 2 or 3 bands, you are only allowed to broadcast on 1. But yes the radio is considered a Marine radio. Hope this helps
Bill, The FCC classifies a VHF radio for marine use as any device that is capable of Tx/Rx in the marine band frequencies. Although you may have a radio that is capable of Tx/Rx outside of that band, such as I do, (HAM radio Operator), you are only allowed to use the frequencies that you have a permit to use. Unless it is a life threatning situation. So even though the radio transmits on 2 or 3 bands, you are only allowed to broadcast on 1. But yes the radio is considered a Marine radio. Hope this helps
Multi-Band VHF Handheld
For two years I have had a Standard Horizon HX-451 multi-band. My comments: 1. I like to take the radio to bed so I can check the weather first thing at dawn and I clip it to a bracket by my V-berth. 2. I then turn to the news on AM before getting up. 3. The unit does not seem to have a very long range 4. The family radio and MRS channels are only fads and are BORING, BORING, BORING. I never use them 5. I have on occasion listened to the airline channels but they are BORING, BORING, BORING. 6. It is well made and rugged. I have not yet installed the barometer chip. 7. If I transmit standing behind and too close to the helm, it sends my auto-helm crazy and we suddenly swing to port 40 degrees. Very awkward. The one thing I like is the AM/FM. Peter
For two years I have had a Standard Horizon HX-451 multi-band. My comments: 1. I like to take the radio to bed so I can check the weather first thing at dawn and I clip it to a bracket by my V-berth. 2. I then turn to the news on AM before getting up. 3. The unit does not seem to have a very long range 4. The family radio and MRS channels are only fads and are BORING, BORING, BORING. I never use them 5. I have on occasion listened to the airline channels but they are BORING, BORING, BORING. 6. It is well made and rugged. I have not yet installed the barometer chip. 7. If I transmit standing behind and too close to the helm, it sends my auto-helm crazy and we suddenly swing to port 40 degrees. Very awkward. The one thing I like is the AM/FM. Peter
they are marine vhf, the only other tx band
(that's what counts) is FRS and anyone can use that. We find it very useful since it's illegal to use a marine vhf on shore, but you can use the frs band to keep track of shore parties, kids, etc and only carry one radio.
(that's what counts) is FRS and anyone can use that. We find it very useful since it's illegal to use a marine vhf on shore, but you can use the frs band to keep track of shore parties, kids, etc and only carry one radio.
buying a multi band radio
I would like ot ask, If I do not have the licence(yet) is it a good idea to purchase a multi band radio? I have the VHF licence, I am looking at HAM/ 2M licence in the near futur. I was thinking of getting a Multiband radio (ICOM 706) My question is: Can I actually purchase these without a licence (tx/rx)? Is it a good idea? Or should I purchase a VHF and add a separate unit later? I was thinking I could probably learn a lot with the radio before even getting the course for the licence. thx in advance. a.
I would like ot ask, If I do not have the licence(yet) is it a good idea to purchase a multi band radio? I have the VHF licence, I am looking at HAM/ 2M licence in the near futur. I was thinking of getting a Multiband radio (ICOM 706) My question is: Can I actually purchase these without a licence (tx/rx)? Is it a good idea? Or should I purchase a VHF and add a separate unit later? I was thinking I could probably learn a lot with the radio before even getting the course for the licence. thx in advance. a.
Alain Pascal !!!
I have cut and pasted a response to a similar post a while back. Here it is... Consider getting a HAM Radio operators license. Now easier than ever to get. Restrictions and testing have really eased up to try to maintain a dying hobby. Anyway, I recently crossed the Gulf of Mexico with some friends from Tampa bay area to Galveston, Tx. There exists a free volunteer service to mariners on HAM frequency 14.300 MHz. For more info on this this service go to mmsn.org Anything from weather reports to making phone calls for you to plotting your course and position on a chart and leaving notes for others (friends and family ) to see on the internet (shiptrak.org). For an example of this, go to shiptrak.org and key in my call sign KC5SDI and you will be able to see the mesages we left for our friends and family. It sure took the worry out of a lot of peeople when we were way way out of normal communications range. Now to address some of your other questions: 1) 2M HAM Radio is about as useful/useless as a cell phone, depending on distance. I personally would not waste my money on it. But thats just me. Dont mean to start a major debate. 2) You dont need a HAM license to purchase a HAM band Radio. Anyone will take your money. Also, I dont know of any SSB HAM band radios that also have VHF Marine Band. I dont keep up with HAM Radio, but i think the ICOM 706 is a SSB HF radio. If its the one I'm thinking about, a lot of its price is because of its size. I may be wrong , not sure. Anyway, I think you will love HF HAM Bands, especially when traveling Good luck in whatever you do.
I have cut and pasted a response to a similar post a while back. Here it is... Consider getting a HAM Radio operators license. Now easier than ever to get. Restrictions and testing have really eased up to try to maintain a dying hobby. Anyway, I recently crossed the Gulf of Mexico with some friends from Tampa bay area to Galveston, Tx. There exists a free volunteer service to mariners on HAM frequency 14.300 MHz. For more info on this this service go to mmsn.org Anything from weather reports to making phone calls for you to plotting your course and position on a chart and leaving notes for others (friends and family ) to see on the internet (shiptrak.org). For an example of this, go to shiptrak.org and key in my call sign KC5SDI and you will be able to see the mesages we left for our friends and family. It sure took the worry out of a lot of peeople when we were way way out of normal communications range. Now to address some of your other questions: 1) 2M HAM Radio is about as useful/useless as a cell phone, depending on distance. I personally would not waste my money on it. But thats just me. Dont mean to start a major debate. 2) You dont need a HAM license to purchase a HAM band Radio. Anyone will take your money. Also, I dont know of any SSB HAM band radios that also have VHF Marine Band. I dont keep up with HAM Radio, but i think the ICOM 706 is a SSB HF radio. If its the one I'm thinking about, a lot of its price is because of its size. I may be wrong , not sure. Anyway, I think you will love HF HAM Bands, especially when traveling Good luck in whatever you do.
Hi Sailor Tony
Thank you for the information, Yes part of all this is personal interest, I think I just like to accumulate those little cards for VHF licence, power boating licence, etc...! Regarding the HAM radio etc. I heard somewhere that without the licence you could receive but not transmit therefore my question regarding the ability to purchase without the licence. Anyway, I will certainly visit the links you provided thx again. a.
Thank you for the information, Yes part of all this is personal interest, I think I just like to accumulate those little cards for VHF licence, power boating licence, etc...! Regarding the HAM radio etc. I heard somewhere that without the licence you could receive but not transmit therefore my question regarding the ability to purchase without the licence. Anyway, I will certainly visit the links you provided thx again. a.
Alain.......The hardest part......
The hardest part of getting a HAM Radio General Class licence is the MOrse Code. Radio Shack (If you have one up there) has the best learning tapes. Dont remember who actually put them out. If you can get the Morse Code to 5 words per minute, you got it made. If you have any physical impairments that would hamper your learning the code, a physicians letter will waiver that portion of the test. A 100 Watt radio will get you talking around the world.
The hardest part of getting a HAM Radio General Class licence is the MOrse Code. Radio Shack (If you have one up there) has the best learning tapes. Dont remember who actually put them out. If you can get the Morse Code to 5 words per minute, you got it made. If you have any physical impairments that would hamper your learning the code, a physicians letter will waiver that portion of the test. A 100 Watt radio will get you talking around the world.
Ham License
The best bet for ham license preparation is the Gordon West book and CD. The CD will turn your computer into a teacher, test you, and you can repeat lessons and tests. It really works to learn both code and theory. Exams in the US are given by volunteers and very user friendly. Anbody cruising should have their ham license and ham SSB radio. We use ours for the ham cruising nets and also for internet e-mail from down here in Mexico. Most contacts for e-mail use only 10 watts (saves batteries). As mentioned before, phone patches are available from participating hams. All of this is free. Try http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=4 for additional info on the materials and volunteer exams. We give exams for the FCC down here in Mexico and get lots of cruisers licensed. Jack N1IY
The best bet for ham license preparation is the Gordon West book and CD. The CD will turn your computer into a teacher, test you, and you can repeat lessons and tests. It really works to learn both code and theory. Exams in the US are given by volunteers and very user friendly. Anbody cruising should have their ham license and ham SSB radio. We use ours for the ham cruising nets and also for internet e-mail from down here in Mexico. Most contacts for e-mail use only 10 watts (saves batteries). As mentioned before, phone patches are available from participating hams. All of this is free. Try http://www.w5yi.org/catalog.php?sort=4 for additional info on the materials and volunteer exams. We give exams for the FCC down here in Mexico and get lots of cruisers licensed. Jack N1IY
Canadian Ham Licencing, etc
I sometimes use my 2 Meter radio when I'm sailing, rag chewing with other Hams on a local repeater. I have been planning on installing a 10 Meter rig, using a shortened vertical from the stern. The HF bands are not at there best right now, but sometimes there is some interesting DX on 10. Alain- The Canadian Ham requirements are different from the US ones. While the basic theory and regs are very similar, the question pool is different. There are only 2 theory tests for the Canadian Ham licence; at least that was the case in 1993. Like in the US passing a 5 WPM code test gets you on HF. Without it you are restricted to VHF and up. There are study guides for the Canadian Ham theory tests available from RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada). Any good code tape can help you learn Morse code. I found that listening to W1AW helped me the most though. It is really worth getting a Ham licence and a fun hobby. Bill Ogilvie VE7MIT/WO6N
I sometimes use my 2 Meter radio when I'm sailing, rag chewing with other Hams on a local repeater. I have been planning on installing a 10 Meter rig, using a shortened vertical from the stern. The HF bands are not at there best right now, but sometimes there is some interesting DX on 10. Alain- The Canadian Ham requirements are different from the US ones. While the basic theory and regs are very similar, the question pool is different. There are only 2 theory tests for the Canadian Ham licence; at least that was the case in 1993. Like in the US passing a 5 WPM code test gets you on HF. Without it you are restricted to VHF and up. There are study guides for the Canadian Ham theory tests available from RAC (Radio Amateurs of Canada). Any good code tape can help you learn Morse code. I found that listening to W1AW helped me the most though. It is really worth getting a Ham licence and a fun hobby. Bill Ogilvie VE7MIT/WO6N
Icom 2 meter ht
I recently purchased an Icom m88 handheld marine vhf rig with a 20 channel limit for 2 meter capability. Great little radio. This legally solves the dilema of calling to and from shore using the vhf. When within range of an echolink repeater I can call literally around the world on only 2 meters. I'am presently working on my general ticket. A libation while sailing and enjoying a great QSO, It just dont get any better. Echolink nodes 44449 and 3928 73, Best regards Bill KI4GSV S/V Tumbleweed
I recently purchased an Icom m88 handheld marine vhf rig with a 20 channel limit for 2 meter capability. Great little radio. This legally solves the dilema of calling to and from shore using the vhf. When within range of an echolink repeater I can call literally around the world on only 2 meters. I'am presently working on my general ticket. A libation while sailing and enjoying a great QSO, It just dont get any better. Echolink nodes 44449 and 3928 73, Best regards Bill KI4GSV S/V Tumbleweed
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