Hand held VHF question

Does anyone know the avg range of the hand held VHF units?
Mine has 2.5/5 watt output and I use 5 watts.

Tried communicating with Joel and we were fading and lost contact.  I'm guessing we were 2-2.5 miles apart with very little swell and I tried to transmit at the top of a swell (does it matter?).

Also, I was hearing guys "right off Marina" loud and clear.  I'm sure they were using the typical boating VHF radios with the tall antenna at 25 watts.

Stuart

Yeah Stuart... I've experienced similar range with mine... When we were in the bay this winter, I was up toward the duck blinds and SCAllen was down by McNears and I could barely hear him... could hear him better if I held the radio up over my body.  Figure it was a little over 2 miles away.

I did notice when we launched at Moss for the derby that I had a tough time  getting a clear signal from you... much moreso than others... not sure if it was your signal or a microphone problem or what.

Erik

Stu - I heard you on the radio - I responded to you several times but it seemed as if you did not hear me at all.....wierd.

VHF is line-of-sight so the height of the antennae is critical.  Those big 8 ft whips you see on the PB's get the tip 12 to 20 ft above the waterline while the shorty on the handheld next to your ear is only about 2-3 ft above waterline.  Just think about vision-- how far would you see if you were 15 feet above the waves versus 3 feet above?

There is a way to increase the range of a handheld:

Install a whip antennae and cable it to the handheld.  I have done this with my icom.  It required removing the shorty antennae and attaching an adapter that connects to vhf cable running to a fixed mount whip antennae.  I mounted the whip antennae onto a pole to elevate it, base of the pole fit into a base for easy removal.

Kevin and Fred and Fred Fritz Marine Electronics helped me set this up a couple of years ago.  I still have everything so if anyone wants to check it out , let me know.  (Just please don't ask me to send pictures --I am totally frustrated with that experience...)  I'd even be willing to part with this stuff.

PS  Make sure you get a waterPROOF (not waterresistant) handheld if you are using it on a yak.  It hurts the wallet but remember the bucks don't matter when you really need your vhf--reliability is everything.

Thanks for the responses guys.  I didn't realize it was line of sight.  I thought I had a lot more range on the handheld.  

Next time, I'll have to try holding it above my head on top of a swell.

Stuart

PS, the waterproof VHF (Standard Horizon) has held up well for about a year or two.
The Nikon digital camera has not.  Trying to paddle closer to Joel on the 4th killed it.  Just a second or two in the wet prowler cockpit did it in.  I need to check out that waterproof camera Sean has.

Stuart

Stu-I was looking online and they have updated my camera with a 5.0 mp unit that is even more water resistant, it can even shoot undrwater.  Price is about the same.

Stu-I was looking online and they have updated my camera with a 5.0 mp unit that is even more water resistant, it can even shoot undrwater.  Price is about the same.

I gotta have one... that's what I've been waiting for... can you throw us a bone on the model number?

Stu-I was looking online and they have updated my camera with a 5.0 mp unit that is even more water resistant, it can even shoot undrwater.  Price is about the same.

With things like digital cameras and other consumer electronics, I prefer to by last years model at a lower price.  I find I just don't use all the bells and whistles.

I looked on ebay for Sean's camera but there are no listings...  bummer.

Isn't it illeagal to attach a new mast antennae to your handheld?  Or does it just void the warranty.....

MolBasser

i think this it it erik.ive had my eye on it also

new

http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-optio-wp-digital-camera.html

old

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/optio43wr.html

gto

i think this it it erik.ive had my eye on it also

new

http://www.opticsplanet.net/pentax-optio-wp-digital-camera.html

old

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/optio43wr.html

gto

speaking of VHF radios....if any of you needs an extra charger (wall plug or car lighter plug) for a Uniden Voyager model = I have an extra one.

I'm willing to part with it for a salmon fillet  

You need more salmon?!?!?      

YES....I want more   Now that I'm getting a vac. sealer for $30.00 at craig's list (thanks to Chuck) I can start storing more meat properly to HOPEFULLY last me till the next season  

What can I say...when it comes to salmon - I get greedy  

As mentioned, the whip antenna will help with signals, but not only because it's taller.  It's a tuning thing.  The taller whips are more efficent at radiating the RF energy than the stubby little shorty antennas.  The antenna (all of the them) have a length of wire wound up inside then. (some have the wire wound on the outside) The length of the wire is cut to a length "resonant" to the frequency used in the marine bands.  (160 somethingMHz) The stubby antennas at best are only 1/4 wave if that, but that 1/4~ is wound in such a small package (what, 2 to 3 inches) where as the whips are about 5' and taller?  Theres a little more of the antenna exposed than in a stubby.
   At 3am thats about the best way I can explain it.  (HAM radio operator general class ticket)