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Topic: Handheld vhf radio?  (Read 2891 times)

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yakyakyak

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If you try to do a radio check on 16, most of the time it will be ignored as it is typically used for emergency call or harbor specific approach (I could be wrong).  Try 9, 11, 69, or 68 (depending on where you are).   
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Tinker

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I purchased a Standard Horizon HX300 from West Marine.  While I can scan and hear talk  on a number of channels, I'm not certain I can transmit. I've tried a number of times asking for a "Radio Check" and no one, at least from what I can hear, is responding.  I'm not certain I'm doing this correctly.  Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

If you haven't solved the problem, try adjusting the squelch.  I had the same problem about receiving transmissions with my HX 870 until I figured that out - with help from technical support, of course.   :smt001


Baitman

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  There's three transmit level selections  on my Horizon. " H  M  L"  ( some radios have only High or Low )  High will usually transmit about 5 miles with a handheld.    The higher the antenna, the farther it will transmit.   Land masses can block the transmission.     I usually start out using the Low level. Talking to your buddy a few hundred yds away only requires low transmit level.  That way you're not adding to the communication chatter on that channel needlessly..   It gets annoying listening to two people talk frivolusly on a channel you're trying to keep open for more important communication.    If you're not getting any responses,, increase your transmit level..     
    " Radio Check on 69 Please "     or maybe add your location.. "  at the harbor entrance"    That narrow's down the field a bit... 
    :smt006
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Kayakfish7

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Is there affordable quality radios I'm thinking of trying salt
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Ebayfisher

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Guys, thanks for all the advice and tips.  I was formerly a bay windsurfer and never felt compelled to get a VHF.  I think I was lucky I never needed assistance....I had friends that had several rescues from the coast guard.  Now, I typically kayak the bay alone and will soon venture out to the ocean so I believe its imperative I have a VHF.


Ebayfisher

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Today, I fished the Berkeley Flats and had a visit from Dept. of Fish & Wildlife.  After the usual questions I asked if they could help determine if my VHF radio works.  I guess DFW operates on channel 22A. And sure enough I was able to transmit and receive.  :smt001


Kayakfish7

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Random question may have been asked before but is a vhf used on all bodies of water including freshwater rivers and lakes?
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SlackedTide

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It all depends if you like chit chatting with ur fishing buddies and if you like yelling at people on land...I would honestly say a floating vhf radio should be standard if fishing alone in salt.
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NowhereMan

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It all depends if you like chit chatting with ur fishing buddies and if you like yelling at people on land...I would honestly say a floating vhf radio should be standard if fishing alone in salt.

Yes, but it's also important to remember that a VHF radio is "line of sight", and there needs to be somebody within that limited range to hear it. A PLB or something similar might be wise if you are alone in a remote location.

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Kayakfish7

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So using my vhf in freshwater is not unheard of
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MooMoo Outdoors

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So using my vhf in freshwater is not unheard of

I use vhf in freshwater all the time.
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