What type of VHF?

[malliadan]

hi there this is my first post

when buying a VHF what are the specs that need to be cinsidered ?

Daniel

[skip]

Are you looking at a handheld VHF (limited range 3-4 miles) or a fixed 25W VHF with external antenna?

If it's a fixed VHF then definately by a DSC VHF as they are now the norm, and good brands are Icom and Raymarine amongst others.

Then you start moving to a feature list like waterproof or splash proof, functionality of the MIC (inbuilt keys/functions etc), NMEA inputs for GPS positioning etc.

Give us some more info on what you need

[bigboy]

skip i have both a fixed vhf and also a handheld vhf. With the handheld i tried a radio check with valletta port control from 15 miles away from the grandharbour. Result was that i made contact with them without any problems.

[skip]

Kane 15 miles out isn't a good test for a handheld. Reason being is that Turetta sits very high up offering a very clear line of sight on the East coast out from Grandharbour. I guarantee that if you try and call another vessels which has an antenna the same height as you off the sea you will not reach him past a few miles. Larger vessels stand a better chance and ground stations which have their antenna's highly elevated are the best.

To compare I managed to call Valletta Port from 42nm ESE out from Grand Harbour but there's no way you will get anything like that on the West coast, or up North.

http://members.toast.net/boatguy/vhfant.htm

[bigboy]

when in distress it is them you need to call skip.

[skip]

Yes but you won't always manage to reach them, that's my point with a handheld. Weather conditions also effect transmission and if someone transmits over you with a more powerful VHF you're buggered.

DON'T rely on a handheld for anything beyond 6nm max.

[malliadan]

i was looking at a fixed one, and after seeing this discussion i will definatly buy a fixed one, i am not planning to go further but anything can happen right!

so what tips do you give me for a fixed one? Brands? prices?sellers? etc.

thanks in advance
Daniel

[camkev]

Cobra are very good,you can find them at white sails in ta xbiex opposite black pearl.They have good prices.

[shanook]

I keep the hand held in the emergency box. Just in case I end up in the water I even have a hand held gps. Whats the use of communicating without knowing your position. I consider a hand held instead of shouting it is only useful with someone u can practically see (another boat or plane) but not for communicating with anyone outside the 2 mile range.

[skip]

Historically the best Marine VHFs are - ICOM (Medcomms) www.medcomms.com.mt

Very Good as well Raymarine - (RLR Ltd) www.rlryachting.com Ask for Matthew or Darius and a forum discount

Cobra and President should be cheaper so shop around, compare features etc.

The Gaffer has an ICOM that is awesome, I have a Ray54E on my boat

[malliadan]

i was surfing ebay and found this cobra what you think?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COBRA-MARINE-FIXED-VHF-RADIO-FREE-DELIVERY_W0QQitemZ140361286752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_BoatEquipment_Accessories_SM?hash=item20ae2f4460

Daniel

[camkev]

Check with white sails for the price,cause i dont think there is a lot of difference!

[malliadan]

ok thanks a lot guys

Daniel

[malliadan]

i went to white sails and seen the  COBRA MR F80 which is very nice i liked it a lot, the price is 230eu, its a brand new VHF packed with a lot of features.

what do you think about it?

tomorow i am going to MEDCOMs to see the ICOM IC-M411  cause today they where still packed in boxes.

just a small remark i surfed the ICOM website and couldn't find the 411 model, could it be because it is a discontinued model?

thanks
Daniel

[skip]

Think you were looking in the wrong place

http://www.icomuk.co.uk/categoryRender.asp?categoryID=3780&productID=677&tID=647