VHF verses 27 meg
Submitted by C.P on Tue, 2015-11-24 16:08
My 27 meg radio is out of action - can't figure out whats wrong
So may need to get a new one - again (the boat has had two already)
I think one of the reasons the radios keep failing is because the little 4.5 mtr tinnie get bashed about in all but the calmest of seas. The radio gets shaken up.
So its a general question - grateful for any info
What are the differences between VHF & 27 meg?
Is a VHF more likely to be damaged by the shuddering?
Is a hand held any use or is the range too little?
bleicester
Posts: 219
Date Joined: 10/09/14
VHF vs 27 Mhz
Both are relatively cheap and easy to use. While 27Mhz is a little cheaper, VHF should get clearer reception. Both require line of sight to work effectively.
You will need a licence to operate VHF - Short Range Operator Certificate of Proficiency (SROCP) so there's additional cost there (about $150).
Also from safety perspective I've recently installed a VHF unit for their DSC capability. It was a simple process to connect the radio to my GPS and now the radio can use DSC to send my co-ordinates to marine resuce in a distress situation.
In relation to your radios failing it is more likely to be due to water ingress than shuddering. Can you mount the radio in a less exposed area. I'm assuming you've already checked fuses and wiring issues.
Error 404
Fish not found
C.P
Posts: 345
Date Joined: 04/01/12
Thanks bleicester
Thanks for the feed back
Yes Ive checked everything I can think of
The unit is situated under the dash & its a pretty dry boat.
However, the hand piece is exposed & could have got some water in it.
The unit currently can receive but not transmit, so water in the hand piece is a possibility.
carnarvonite
Posts: 8665
Date Joined: 24/07/07
Latest radios
Not sure about 27 meg but the latest VHF radios usually can survive being dunked in water up to a metre deep.
If you are thinking of holidaying up north of Geraldton you will need a VHF as there is rarely anyone using 27 meg
C.P
Posts: 345
Date Joined: 04/01/12
Thanks carnarvonite
Is there much difference in range capability?
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
VHF has a better range
VHF has a better range
opsrey
Posts: 1200
Date Joined: 05/10/07
Repeater station
does any one know if Rottnest got the VHF repeater station installed?
I was told a few years ago Rotto was to get a VHF repeater so radio operations could be made from further West
Starbug
Posts: 563
Date Joined: 27/08/09
CH81
CH81