How do I choose a VHF radio?
How to Choose a VHF Radio for Your Boat
- Fixed or handheld options. VHF radios are available in either fixed or handheld options.
- Water damage and corrosion protection.
- Range requirements and antenna length.
- Timely weather alerts.
- Consider DSC capability.
- Benefits of GPS.
- Final thought.
Which marine VHF radio is best?
Best Sellers in Marine Two-Way Radios
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How far will a 6 watt VHF radio transmit?
The 5 watt radio can reach up to 12 miles or more. Some handheld radios have 6 watts which can reach up to 20 miles in the right conditions.
Does a VHF need an antenna?
VHF antennas are a crucial part of your VHF installation. The main purpose of a VHF antenna is to provide a radiator for the power that the transmitter in the radio produces and to radiate this energy in the correct direction.
What VHF channel should I use?
Federal Communications Commission regulations require boaters having VHF radios to maintain a watch on either channel 9 or channel 16, whenever the radio is turned on and not communicating with another station. All non-emergency traffic should be communicated on another channel (not channels 9 or 16).
How far will a 50 Watt VHF radio transmit?
Double this to give 11.2 miles. This assumes that both stations are at the same height above sea level. If one station is higher than the other, the answer will be greater than 11.2 miles. Providing that there are no obstacles between the two stations (buildings, hills, mountains, etc.)
How do I increase my VHF range?
How can I expand the range?
- Elevate your antenna. Antennas are a vital solution to achieve clear communication not only within base stations, but in temporary and mobile situations as well.
- Invest in a rebroadcast system.
- Increase power.
When to use a VHF radio on a boat?
If your vessel is above 20 feet, you’re highly advised to use the best VHF marine radio. This piece of marine equipment can save lives as it transmits signals and enables you to communicate with other boaters and rescuers. Choosing between multiple options can be daunting when you are buying a marine VHF radio for the first time.
What should I look for in a VHF radio?
Besides providing information about location on the display, GPS utilizes several other functions of the marine VHF radio: DSC calls with automatically included coordinates, GPS compass, waypoint navigation, and date/time information. You should look for a GPS receiver with 66 channels for more accurate and reliable information.
Who are the manufacturers of VHF marine radios?
Today there are four manufacturers that dominate the VHF marine radio market: Most of the marine radios are built in Japan, who is a leader in marine electronics today. Our favorite ones and most advanced marine VHF radios are built by Icom and Standard Horizon, who offer a variety of handheld radios and fixed mounted marine radios.
Which is better a VHF or two way radio?
If you have a larger boat, a fixed VHF is a better choice since it will have more power output = longer operational range (up to 25 Watts of transmitting power), the ability to place external antenna which adds even greater transmitting distance. The AIS, hailer and other features are typically limited to fixed mount two way radios as well.