VHF Radio check

Hello all,

I've got a new Standard Horizon handheld VHF that I've only had out on the ocean once, but heard nothing on channel 69/16 for the hour I had it on. After speaking with customer service they assure me it's working because I get the weather channel loud and clear, but I'd like to know first hand it's receiving and transmitting properly. I live in the South Bay and would love to do a radio check if I knew someone else who had one close by (I know, never use emergency channels). Does anyone have any suggestions to test this thing out before I head back to the salt? Thanks!

Look for a squelch setting bc I had adjust my iCom radio. It did the same thing yours is doing

Everyone who goes offshore on kayaks should seriously consider having redundant VHF radios - not to mention GPS and compass.  You can score a two pack of the small Cobras for like $89 - they work fine and provide great backup or are very compact as your primary unit.  Get another VHF and your testing problem is solved - you'll have a loaner for a friend too.

Best of luck. 

Grabbing another unit is definitely a possibility I didn't think about. Thanks, Eric.

Even if you test it on land, you still want to do a radio check when you launch. It can be a pain trying to get boaters to respond, but if you're persistent, that'll sometimes work. And in some places, there are other channels that can be used for the radio check (such as 11 and 9 in Santa Cruz).

Here's some discussion:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69180.0

It's technically an FCC violation to transmit from a marine band radio while on land. 

I agree with Eric, get a second radio.  Carry more compasses than you think you will need including one in your pfd, and make absolutely damn sure you are familiar with it and know how to use it.  Maybe even take an orienteering course at the local JuCo or wherever you might find one.

Had to adjust the squelch on my Standard Horizon, too.  Do that first.

Redundant radios?  Never in my life have I heard of that.  Not a bad idea, I guess, but I have a hard enough time remembering where I put one radio when I'm packing up to go fishing...  YMMV.

Had to adjust the squelch on my Standard Horizon, too.  Do that first.

Redundant radios?  Never in my life have I heard of that.  Not a bad idea, I guess, but I have a hard enough time remembering where I put one radio when I'm packing up to go fishing...  YMMV.

Out of curiosity, what do you have your squelch set at, Tinker?

Dude take it to BassPro or West Marine and do a radio check with one of their demo models. Just turn on one of their demos and set to channel 16 or whatever channel, then start talking into your radio lol...

Had to adjust the squelch on my Standard Horizon, too.  Do that first.

Redundant radios?  Never in my life have I heard of that.  Not a bad idea, I guess, but I have a hard enough time remembering where I put one radio when I'm packing up to go fishing...  YMMV.

Out of curiosity, what do you have your squelch set at, Tinker?

If it’s not one of the front button like mine then check inside the menu. If you still have the manual I would definitely check there bc every radio is a little different.

A second radio is pointless for me. I carry a ACR ResQLink as a backup to my VHF (which I only really use for the DSC distress signal function).

Thanks for the reminder to consider carrying a backup VHF, Eric. I just ordered one, and if nothing else it will be good to have if I take friends kayaking.

A second radio is pointless for me. I carry a ACR ResQLink as a backup to my VHF (which I only really use for the DSC distress signal function).

I carry one of those too, but not really the same as having a backup VHF (which, btw, I also have...)

Had to adjust the squelch on my Standard Horizon, too.  Do that first.

Redundant radios?  Never in my life have I heard of that.  Not a bad idea, I guess, but I have a hard enough time remembering where I put one radio when I'm packing up to go fishing...  YMMV.

Out of curiosity, what do you have your squelch set at, Tinker?

If it’s not one of the front button like mine then check inside the menu. If you still have the manual I would definitely check there bc every radio is a little different.

Check page 11 and 10(diagram) for squelch setting on your Horizon VHF below.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=12&ved=0ahUKEwio9sjz0_DbAhVhj1QKHWSKDsUQFghSMAs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.standardhorizon.com%2FdownloadFile.cfm%3FFileID%3D1163%26FileCatID%3D87%26FileName%3DHX370S.PDF%26FileContentType%3Dapplication%2Fpdf&usg=AOvVaw13lDQyUu84ai5PPG8L8xnf

A second radio is pointless for me. I carry a ACR ResQLink as a backup to my VHF (which I only really use for the DSC distress signal function).

Well, aren’t you special.