VHF transceiver testing

[Roy Udwin]

I had a situation this past weekend where I needed to call for assistance using my handheld VHF. I called on Ch 16 a few times and got no response from the called party.

I then contacted them via cell phone. According to them they heard my radio call and they responded. Since I hear radio traffic all the time (including from them) I have to assume my receiver is OK. Since they heard me it seems my transmit is OK too.

I do have another handheld VHF at home and would like to conduct some tests between the 2 radios. I am aware that generally land to land communications on marine VHF are prohibited but would it be ok to do it for testing purposes (not on Ch 16 of course)?

Roy

 

[Maine Sail]

I had a situation this past weekend where I needed to call for assistance using my handheld VHF. I called on Ch 16 a few times and got no response from the called party.

I then contacted them via cell phone. According to them they heard my radio call and they responded. Since I hear radio traffic all the time (including from them) I have to assume my receiver is OK. Since they heard me it seems my transmit is OK too.

I do have another handheld VHF at home and would like to conduct some tests between the 2 radios. I am aware that generally land to land communications on marine VHF are prohibited but would it be ok to do it for testing purposes (not on Ch 16 of course)?

Roy

Ray,

Depending upon where you are you can try the SeaTow automated radio check if they offer it. Here in Portland it is channel 27..


The other party may have had their TX on the low power 1 watt setting not the 5W or 25W settings or they may have a bad coax connection or the wrong antenna.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Not sure what you mean by "testing" at home but I certainly would have no problem with doing that in your situation. If you feel uncomfortable with it because of the prohibition, just bring both handhelds down to the boat and perform your tests there.

Sounds to me from your desc the squelch may have been inadvertently closed on your handheld

 

[Roy Udwin]

Ray,

Depending upon where you are you can try the SeaTow automated radio check if they offer it. Here in Portland it is channel 27..


The other party may have had their TX on the low power 1 watt setting not the 5W or 25W settings or they may have a bad coax connection or the wrong antenna.

Yes - I did know that Sea Tow was rolling this out but it wasn't in my area when I last checked... until I checked again today after your response and it is now available. So I will try this next time I am at the boat.

Thanks

Roy

 

[Roy Udwin]

Not sure what you mean by "testing" at home but I certainly would have no problem with doing that in your situation. If you feel uncomfortable with it because of the prohibition, just bring both handhelds down to the boat and perform your tests there.

Sounds to me from your desc the squelch may have been inadvertently closed on your handheld

What I meant by "testing" was send my son a mile or so away and try to communicate between the 2 radios.

Anyway I will try the Sea Tow automated system next time I am at the boat.

Thanks for your response.

Roy

 

[Ron20324]

Perhaps you were on a channel designated with numbers only, trying to call a radio with a letter in the channel des - or visa versa? Like, 78 to 78A?

 

[Forrest15112]

How far away were you from the other station? Your handheld antenna is a compromise in efficiency. The other station, if a base, most likely had a higher performance antenna and better reception. They could have heard you but you may not have heard them. On the other hand, if you were within reasonable range and normally hear chatter, I suspect the squelch as well. I hate to suggest something so simple, but it would explain everything. I would still check it out at least a mile away from the other rig.