I need to buy a VHF radio. Don't want to break the bank on it. If you went through a couple (or more) of models and have some grounds for comparision, could you share your good/bad experiences with particular models? Thanks
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Pretty Generic
I purchased a JRC DSC VHF on e-bay for $100 new. It works just fine, but may not have the clarity of my outside B&G. They do have to comply with some minimum requirements, so it's hard to go too wrong. IMHO, the volume of the speaker and clarity is most important. You can always add an external speaker, which I always did at the helm station before I had dual units. Rick D.
I purchased a JRC DSC VHF on e-bay for $100 new. It works just fine, but may not have the clarity of my outside B&G. They do have to comply with some minimum requirements, so it's hard to go too wrong. IMHO, the volume of the speaker and clarity is most important. You can always add an external speaker, which I always did at the helm station before I had dual units. Rick D.
Get a RAM mic
Mount the VHF downstairs near the nav station, and run a RAM mic to the cockpit. I've been happy with my Standard Horizon (w/Metz antenna on the mast) but like Rick said, there's a lot of good ones. You can't get one more powerful than 25W (regulations). If you're considering a GPS also, consider a VHF that can interface and transmit an emergency signal (if available in your area).
Mount the VHF downstairs near the nav station, and run a RAM mic to the cockpit. I've been happy with my Standard Horizon (w/Metz antenna on the mast) but like Rick said, there's a lot of good ones. You can't get one more powerful than 25W (regulations). If you're considering a GPS also, consider a VHF that can interface and transmit an emergency signal (if available in your area).
Options
We find we're often trying to use the radio when we're motoring into a harbor. The engine noise below makes it almost impossible to hear. We we end up using a handheld in the cockpit. The communication can be heard (or done) by the helsmsman, so everyone knows what's going on without having to increase stress levels repeating everything while trying to shout above the engine. One worry is dropping a handheld overboard, but a holder and lanyard solve that problem pretty easily. Hand-helds are cheaper than the whiz-bang nav-station units, and likely have less to go wrong. On the other hand, for emergencies, the range is better if you mount the radio in the cabin and pair it with a higher antenna. The question becomes how much range you may need - a portable may offer plenty, depending upon where you are. Of course, after the cabin goes under, you can still be talking on your portable. Sailing is all about options.
We find we're often trying to use the radio when we're motoring into a harbor. The engine noise below makes it almost impossible to hear. We we end up using a handheld in the cockpit. The communication can be heard (or done) by the helsmsman, so everyone knows what's going on without having to increase stress levels repeating everything while trying to shout above the engine. One worry is dropping a handheld overboard, but a holder and lanyard solve that problem pretty easily. Hand-helds are cheaper than the whiz-bang nav-station units, and likely have less to go wrong. On the other hand, for emergencies, the range is better if you mount the radio in the cabin and pair it with a higher antenna. The question becomes how much range you may need - a portable may offer plenty, depending upon where you are. Of course, after the cabin goes under, you can still be talking on your portable. Sailing is all about options.
The single most important thing...
As already noted, your best bet for near-shore piloting (harbor entrances, moorings, bridges etc.) is a hand-held VHF because you can use it anywhere on deck. It helps to be able to see your objective as you're talking about it. My guess on reliable range is one to two miles (which coincidentally enough is about as far as you can identify a buoy with the naked eye). I prefer disposable batteries to rechargeables because if the batteries die in the middle of the harbormaster's final instructions and you don't have a freshly charged spare...you're screwed. For maximum VHF range, a fixed-mount unit with masthead antenna is the way to go. I'd worry less about the brand of radio and its features (they're pretty much all the same these days) and concentrate more on the antenna, the coax cable and connectors. The idea is to get as much signal down to the radio (more receiving range) and as much power to the antenna (more transmitting range). Old, damp, undersized cable and dirty, corroded connectors can easily consume half your radio's transmitting power. Peter H23 "Raven"
As already noted, your best bet for near-shore piloting (harbor entrances, moorings, bridges etc.) is a hand-held VHF because you can use it anywhere on deck. It helps to be able to see your objective as you're talking about it. My guess on reliable range is one to two miles (which coincidentally enough is about as far as you can identify a buoy with the naked eye). I prefer disposable batteries to rechargeables because if the batteries die in the middle of the harbormaster's final instructions and you don't have a freshly charged spare...you're screwed. For maximum VHF range, a fixed-mount unit with masthead antenna is the way to go. I'd worry less about the brand of radio and its features (they're pretty much all the same these days) and concentrate more on the antenna, the coax cable and connectors. The idea is to get as much signal down to the radio (more receiving range) and as much power to the antenna (more transmitting range). Old, damp, undersized cable and dirty, corroded connectors can easily consume half your radio's transmitting power. Peter H23 "Raven"
WHAM and "base VHF"
I agree with the WHAM solution over the handheld, but it's not a cheap solution. In case you're not aware, a WHAM mic is a wirless microphone to your regular VHF base unit. You get the portability of a handheld VHF radio, but the range of your base unit with its mast mounted radio. The down side is the price. You'll pay as much for the WHAM mic as you do for the handheld VHF radio, and you have the expense of a WHAM enabled VHF base unit as well. Another plus though, is that most WHAM enabled units have other features as well such as DSC and and GPS interface.
I agree with the WHAM solution over the handheld, but it's not a cheap solution. In case you're not aware, a WHAM mic is a wirless microphone to your regular VHF base unit. You get the portability of a handheld VHF radio, but the range of your base unit with its mast mounted radio. The down side is the price. You'll pay as much for the WHAM mic as you do for the handheld VHF radio, and you have the expense of a WHAM enabled VHF base unit as well. Another plus though, is that most WHAM enabled units have other features as well such as DSC and and GPS interface.
VHF handheld with disposable batteries
The Raymarine 101 has a rechargeable NIMH pack. But, if you need to, you can use AA disposable batteries in the same pack, no tools required. This radio is larger and heavier than many other models, but has the BEST transmit audio of any VHF handheld I've tested. Excellent receiver also, but I've not found a radio with poor receiver performance in a while. The only reason I don't own the Raymarine is that it only has 250mw (1/4 watt) of receive audio, and that's not enough for me to hear the bridge tender talking back to me while I have the motor running. My current handheld (darned if I recall what it is!) has 650mw of audio, and I consider that to be marginally adequate. For my "day job", I'm a radio tech (30+ years now) here at the Rocket Ranch. Bob
The Raymarine 101 has a rechargeable NIMH pack. But, if you need to, you can use AA disposable batteries in the same pack, no tools required. This radio is larger and heavier than many other models, but has the BEST transmit audio of any VHF handheld I've tested. Excellent receiver also, but I've not found a radio with poor receiver performance in a while. The only reason I don't own the Raymarine is that it only has 250mw (1/4 watt) of receive audio, and that's not enough for me to hear the bridge tender talking back to me while I have the motor running. My current handheld (darned if I recall what it is!) has 650mw of audio, and I consider that to be marginally adequate. For my "day job", I'm a radio tech (30+ years now) here at the Rocket Ranch. Bob
Uniden Oceanus with WHAM
I purchased the Uniden and WHAM wireless mic for use aboard my Hunter 33.5. It works great having the wireless mic in the cockpit, clipped to your belt, or anywhere else within 30 or 40 yards of the vessel. The price isn't too bad if you catch them on sale. I believe list price to be about $290 for the pair. West Marine just introduced a private label of the Uniden and it is on sale now for $10 less then the competition. My only problem is that the 900 MHZ link from the base unit to the remote has a slight time delay or "VOX" type circuit on the retransmission from the base to the remote. The end result is if the station you are receiving keys their mic and starts talking immediately, the first word may be chopped off. I usually have to tell people I am talking with to count to 1 after they key the mic and start talking.
I purchased the Uniden and WHAM wireless mic for use aboard my Hunter 33.5. It works great having the wireless mic in the cockpit, clipped to your belt, or anywhere else within 30 or 40 yards of the vessel. The price isn't too bad if you catch them on sale. I believe list price to be about $290 for the pair. West Marine just introduced a private label of the Uniden and it is on sale now for $10 less then the competition. My only problem is that the 900 MHZ link from the base unit to the remote has a slight time delay or "VOX" type circuit on the retransmission from the base to the remote. The end result is if the station you are receiving keys their mic and starts talking immediately, the first word may be chopped off. I usually have to tell people I am talking with to count to 1 after they key the mic and start talking.
ebay
hey not for nuthin........I bought a Standard Horizon Intrepid VHF for $120 **NEW** and the RAM mic for the cockpit for $75 **NEW** and they are great. You can find great deals on marine electronics if you look hard enough. As for what works best, the Ram mic in the cockpit has been invaluable!!! I also have an ICOMM handheld which serves as a great backup or when dinking around an anchorage but the Ram mic allows the user to have 25 watts of power out in the cockpit where it is much quieter when the motor is running and when singlehanding I don't have to go below to use it.
hey not for nuthin........I bought a Standard Horizon Intrepid VHF for $120 **NEW** and the RAM mic for the cockpit for $75 **NEW** and they are great. You can find great deals on marine electronics if you look hard enough. As for what works best, the Ram mic in the cockpit has been invaluable!!! I also have an ICOMM handheld which serves as a great backup or when dinking around an anchorage but the Ram mic allows the user to have 25 watts of power out in the cockpit where it is much quieter when the motor is running and when singlehanding I don't have to go below to use it.
Speaking of Handhelds...
My handheld is a Raytheon 100 which is a decent unit but which I have always cursed for minimal battery time. I actually think the batteries were never any good. Anyhow, Steve Dion suggested a source for battery replacements. I sent the power pack to them. The original battery capasity was *supposed* to be 600mAh. The replacement will be 2250mAh, and will use the same charger. That ought to do it, and for $30. That's way less than Raymarine. (BTW, this one also has an adaptor for AA batteries.) Rick D.
My handheld is a Raytheon 100 which is a decent unit but which I have always cursed for minimal battery time. I actually think the batteries were never any good. Anyhow, Steve Dion suggested a source for battery replacements. I sent the power pack to them. The original battery capasity was *supposed* to be 600mAh. The replacement will be 2250mAh, and will use the same charger. That ought to do it, and for $30. That's way less than Raymarine. (BTW, this one also has an adaptor for AA batteries.) Rick D.
For Gord May
I have Uniden Handheld VHF that uses either disposable alkaline batteries (x9) or rechargable nicads. I use the alkalines and they last all season as I only use the handheld as a cockpit backup and for emergency comms. The radio cost about $100 and is not submersible, so I keep it in a waterproof wrap. West Marine has the same radio under their brand name. Very happy with this unit.
I have Uniden Handheld VHF that uses either disposable alkaline batteries (x9) or rechargable nicads. I use the alkalines and they last all season as I only use the handheld as a cockpit backup and for emergency comms. The radio cost about $100 and is not submersible, so I keep it in a waterproof wrap. West Marine has the same radio under their brand name. Very happy with this unit.
Handheld with disposable batts (for Gord May)
West Marine's Horizon handheld, Under $100, It came with NiCads and charger as well as a pack for disposable AA's. This is a tough little radio with good clear audio. It's not waterproof, but that's OK...Ziploc freezer bags come in boxes of 30. Peter H23 "Raven"
West Marine's Horizon handheld, Under $100, It came with NiCads and charger as well as a pack for disposable AA's. This is a tough little radio with good clear audio. It's not waterproof, but that's OK...Ziploc freezer bags come in boxes of 30. Peter H23 "Raven"
Icom handheld
Icom makes a handheld that uses either nicad of throwaway double AA batteries,has good service for repairs.Have had mine for several years with no problems.
Icom makes a handheld that uses either nicad of throwaway double AA batteries,has good service for repairs.Have had mine for several years with no problems.
Advantage of Using Standard Battery Sizes
There is an advantage of using electronics or flashlights that use standard batteries and that is one can use Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries in lieu of akaline or NiCds. While the batteries cost more initially, there are several advantages such as more ampre-hours and no memory. Another advantage is one doesn't have to buy a particular radio charger (I have two Icom chargers and they're expensive). One NiMH charger will work for all your electronic needs. Link: http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/batteries/bt-nimh-main.htm
There is an advantage of using electronics or flashlights that use standard batteries and that is one can use Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries in lieu of akaline or NiCds. While the batteries cost more initially, there are several advantages such as more ampre-hours and no memory. Another advantage is one doesn't have to buy a particular radio charger (I have two Icom chargers and they're expensive). One NiMH charger will work for all your electronic needs. Link: http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/batteries/bt-nimh-main.htm
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