VHF Radios

[ELM]

I know I'm a little late in race with this but the topic is one I'm interested in as I alway head out alone. Just had a quick look at Bias Boating and I'm after an opinion on this unit? Is it just a toy or would it do the job for PPB and WP??

http://www.biasboating.com.au/p-1911-di ... radio.aspx

PS - I know nothing about VHF or UHF radios! LOL

Hi Daniel
I am no expert, in fact know Jack Sh!t but here is my take on it. I think you will find most boats carry VHF as it is a designated marine radio, all Coastgaurd, Water Police, and most of the Yacht Clubs monitor VHF. All major shipping is also controlled on VHF and you also get regular weather updates so for a safety perspective, VHF is your best option.

UHF is more for land use though a lot of fishing boats carry them to chat because it is not greatly desired on VHF (chat that is). That radio you have linked has a very small aerial and think it would need pristine conditions to reach 5km as stated in the add, also I would not consider a waterproof rating any less than IPX-7 (submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes), even with that rating most things "waterproof" actually take on water sooner or later, specially from powerful splash and movement through the water. I have had 3 Pelican cases all IPX-7 and they have all taken on water on the kayak, look at all the so called "waterproof" camera's that have failed when introduced to kayaking. That radio has no rating at all so expect it's life expectancy to be very short out there.

We have not gone ahead with the purchase of the radio we are talking about yet, so it's not to late to jump in if you wish, a fairly reasonable price I think and from the reviews that I have read of fairly good quality for the price.

[bilby]

What i have heard from a boaty mate, is that all big vessels have both 27meg and VHF, they use VHF as there main form of communication but always have a 27 meg on as backup etc, i do believe that on the 27 meg band it does have hourly weather updates, 27 meg is monitored by the coastguard but on a voluntary basis, so you can't guarantee it going to be monitored when needed. I think for our intended use ie in an emergency a VHF is the best if you only had one radio, as we know all Government dept. will be monitoring VHF distress calls.
Cheers Bilby.

[Babylon]

Just picked up Radios very nice Guy asked are you Eddie i said do i look like an Eddie
he said no but i told him i know him Cheers Jim

[bilby]

Did you get my pm Ed ??
Cheers Bilby.

[Babylon]

Everybody have there radios yet .
I am onto my second one allready picked it up today first one giving back Jimbo

[bilby]

What happened Jimbo, don't just give us half a sad story. It wouldn't have anything to do with the charger would it ??????
Bilby.

[Babylon]

PM sent Bill.cheers Jim

[Babylon]

Hi all make sure the plug is secure in back of radio when charging
i even put rubber band around it to make sure it doesn't slip out cheers Jim

[Widsa]

Yep, rubber band is the quick solution.
I will make up some adaptors that you can just heatshrink onto the existing adaptor jack.

The male jack needs to be longer.

Ill let you all know when its done.

They do work well though.

[Babylon]

So how many did we end up buying guys I got 3 Jim