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Author Topic:   handheld vs fixed vhf?

detra posted 08-08-2002 11:03 PM ET (US)
I know I'll probably catch hell for this, but I currently run w/o a radio, and would like to remedy this. I know I need a submersible unit (73 nauset owner) but what are the advantages of a fixed vs handheld?
bocadrew posted 08-08-2002 11:15 PM ET (US)
With fixed, you wont lose it, you wont drop it in the water, you wont forget it, you dont have to remember to charge it, and you get better reception. I of course use a handheld. If you dont have a radio,make sure you at least have a cell phone.
Dick E posted 08-08-2002 11:47 PM ET (US)
POWER:
Handheld transmit with 5 watts.
Fixed transmits with 25 watts
Get yourself an 8 foot antenna too.
EddieS posted 08-09-2002 01:47 AM ET (US)
Fixed is the way to go. Remember that VHF reception and transmition is basicly line of sight. The higher you can get your antenna off the water the greater distance you will be able to use the radio. A handheld not only transmits at a lower power 5 watts but your antenna is only as high as your head. Dont skimp on your antenna! 8db gain is the way to go. Shakespeare makes a number of good models, if you can afford it go with the more expensive units they have better elements and will get better reception than the cheap ones with coax. I think the centenial 5101 is a decent compromise.
Icom m402 = 160.00
Centenial 5101 = 50.00
Ratchet mount = 30 to 40.00
Total cost $250.00
This could be the difference between life and death of yourself and whoever else you have on board. Use the handheld as a backup, not as your primary radio.
My .02
Ed
triblet posted 08-09-2002 10:40 AM ET (US)
I've got one of each. The handheld is handy
for listening to the chatter while I'm driving
down, and for yacking while I'm kicked back
on the bow locker between dives. But if I only
had one, it would be a console mount.
An 8' antenna will make a huge difference on
a handheld. A buddy of mine did that and was
amazed at how much more traffic he hears.
Chuck
Bertramp posted 08-09-2002 11:13 AM ET (US)
I agree with the comments regarding the benefits of a fixed vs. a handheld, however I only use a handheld. The reason being that I use my boat (15' sport) as a runabout and skiboat. I am always within sight of shore and an easy paddle of shore and I have the handheld and a cellphone. For any real running ...... go with a good fixed !
Taylor posted 08-09-2002 01:32 PM ET (US)
Handheld or fixed vhf. Yes, both. I have a handheld aboard, and a fixed mount on my workbench getting ready to be mounted. So much to do before I head north!
detra posted 08-09-2002 08:42 PM ET (US)
thanks for the expert advice.
detra
lae posted 08-09-2002 09:22 PM ET (US)
Taylor,
That's right. You and I talked about your trip at Blake. Curious minds want to know. Did your trip prep start with an all out assault on the blackberries. Refresh my sixties mind with the details.
Larry
bmclernon posted 08-10-2002 06:38 AM ET (US)
'76 Montauk
I to am torn in the handheld/fixed mount VHF issue, or better, antenna choice and mounting options.
My problem with the fixed mount is rigging the antenna so I won't be tripping over cable in the cockpit or interfering with the deployment of the bimini.
My area of operation is the Chesapeake mid-bay region. I have considered a shorty 3db unit clamped on the console, then someone says the 8' 6db units are the only way to go. Anybody got the hot setup for this location/installation.
I do carry a cell phone with DNR emergency numbers programmed for now.
Thanks,
Mac :-)
Clark Roberts posted 08-10-2002 07:50 AM ET (US)
Having a fixed plus a handheld has some particular advantages... like when I go ashore for something and leave wife in the boat... we can keep in touch and save needless "walk backs" to boat...
simonmeridew posted 08-10-2002 11:35 AM ET (US)
Detra:
get a good fixed, wire it in solidly (suggest icom 402), and send for a 4 foot Digital Antenna. (http://www.digitalantenna.com/) you won't be sorry.The fold down bases work if you think about the bimini and how you'll swing it. Not a bad idea to pack a handheld for standby use, though my setup has never failed, Mr. Murphy comes to visit sometimes
simonmeridew
triblet posted 08-12-2002 12:16 AM ET (US)
bmclernon: Mount the antenna on the aft-most
part of the starboard side rail and run the
coax up the tunnel into the console. Be
sure to drain the tunnel well before you
pull the cable so you don't get the end of
the cable salty.
Clark: you got a shore station license?
It's not legal to operate the handheld from
shore unless you do, and they are hard to
come by. A cell phone or FRS
radio is a better choice for that sort of
operation.
Chuck
triblet posted 08-12-2002 12:27 AM ET (US)
In California, a cell phone 911 call goes to
the highway patrol. See if you can track
down the areacode and seven digit number for
the interesting local 911s. I have this for
Monterey 911 in the speed dial on cell phone.
This can cut about a minute out of response
time because you don't have to wait for CHP
to answer, and then wait again for local
911 who will actually handle that call.
For the Monterey boaters: Monterey 911 is
1-831-646-3911
It's also to have the numbers for the local
CG station, harbormaster, TowBoatUS (or
whatever), Department of Fish and Game
poacher hot line, DAN (if you're a diver),
and such.
BTW, CHP is the right place for normal cell
911 calls. A couple of years ago I was
driving on the freeway when an SUV coming
the other way ran off into the median, got
sideways and rolled several times. I had
the cell phone up and had started dialing
911 before it quit rolling. I think cell
phones have helped cut medical repsonse to
highway accidents by several minutes. BTW,
everyone (a half dozen or more) in the SUV
was belted in, everybody was fine except one
elderly lady who was simply scared stuff.
Chuck
pglein posted 08-17-2002 10:56 AM ET (US)
Cell Phones: revoltionizing emergency response, but yes, it really helps to have the number for your local 911 (really funny to ask someone, "what's the number for 911?")
Land Use: Sure it's technically not legal, but the rules and enforcement regarding the use of VHF have been drastically relaxed in the last few years. Just make sure when using it for non Ship2Ship conversations that you speak in code (pretend you are two boats) and for god's sake don't use a Channel 16 or even 9. Also, it would be a good idea to keep the conversations short. A good alternative for this kind of use is a couple handheld 2ways. The new Garmin Rhino is by far the best, with it's built in GPS.
Mounting: Since Whalers offer limited mouting options, you may want to use a RAM Mount. They allow you to remove the radio quickly and easily when you're not on the boat (especially useful with a lack of security on an open boat). They make a ton of mounts for hundreds of applications, even antenna mounts.
http://www.ram-mount.com

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Author	Topic: handheld vs fixed vhf?
detra	posted 08-08-2002 11:03 PM ET (US) I know I'll probably catch hell for this, but I currently run w/o a radio, and would like to remedy this. I know I need a submersible unit (73 nauset owner) but what are the advantages of a fixed vs handheld?
bocadrew	posted 08-08-2002 11:15 PM ET (US) With fixed, you wont lose it, you wont drop it in the water, you wont forget it, you dont have to remember to charge it, and you get better reception. I of course use a handheld. If you dont have a radio,make sure you at least have a cell phone.
Dick E	posted 08-08-2002 11:47 PM ET (US) POWER: Handheld transmit with 5 watts. Fixed transmits with 25 watts Get yourself an 8 foot antenna too.
EddieS	posted 08-09-2002 01:47 AM ET (US) Fixed is the way to go. Remember that VHF reception and transmition is basicly line of sight. The higher you can get your antenna off the water the greater distance you will be able to use the radio. A handheld not only transmits at a lower power 5 watts but your antenna is only as high as your head. Dont skimp on your antenna! 8db gain is the way to go. Shakespeare makes a number of good models, if you can afford it go with the more expensive units they have better elements and will get better reception than the cheap ones with coax. I think the centenial 5101 is a decent compromise. Icom m402 = 160.00 Centenial 5101 = 50.00 Ratchet mount = 30 to 40.00 Total cost $250.00 This could be the difference between life and death of yourself and whoever else you have on board. Use the handheld as a backup, not as your primary radio. My .02 Ed
triblet	posted 08-09-2002 10:40 AM ET (US) I've got one of each. The handheld is handy for listening to the chatter while I'm driving down, and for yacking while I'm kicked back on the bow locker between dives. But if I only had one, it would be a console mount. An 8' antenna will make a huge difference on a handheld. A buddy of mine did that and was amazed at how much more traffic he hears. Chuck
Bertramp	posted 08-09-2002 11:13 AM ET (US) I agree with the comments regarding the benefits of a fixed vs. a handheld, however I only use a handheld. The reason being that I use my boat (15' sport) as a runabout and skiboat. I am always within sight of shore and an easy paddle of shore and I have the handheld and a cellphone. For any real running ...... go with a good fixed !
Taylor	posted 08-09-2002 01:32 PM ET (US) Handheld or fixed vhf. Yes, both. I have a handheld aboard, and a fixed mount on my workbench getting ready to be mounted. So much to do before I head north!
detra	posted 08-09-2002 08:42 PM ET (US) thanks for the expert advice. detra
lae	posted 08-09-2002 09:22 PM ET (US) Taylor, That's right. You and I talked about your trip at Blake. Curious minds want to know. Did your trip prep start with an all out assault on the blackberries. Refresh my sixties mind with the details. Larry
bmclernon	posted 08-10-2002 06:38 AM ET (US) '76 Montauk I to am torn in the handheld/fixed mount VHF issue, or better, antenna choice and mounting options. My problem with the fixed mount is rigging the antenna so I won't be tripping over cable in the cockpit or interfering with the deployment of the bimini. My area of operation is the Chesapeake mid-bay region. I have considered a shorty 3db unit clamped on the console, then someone says the 8' 6db units are the only way to go. Anybody got the hot setup for this location/installation. I do carry a cell phone with DNR emergency numbers programmed for now. Thanks, Mac :-)
Clark Roberts	posted 08-10-2002 07:50 AM ET (US) Having a fixed plus a handheld has some particular advantages... like when I go ashore for something and leave wife in the boat... we can keep in touch and save needless "walk backs" to boat...
simonmeridew	posted 08-10-2002 11:35 AM ET (US) Detra: get a good fixed, wire it in solidly (suggest icom 402), and send for a 4 foot Digital Antenna. (http://www.digitalantenna.com/) you won't be sorry.The fold down bases work if you think about the bimini and how you'll swing it. Not a bad idea to pack a handheld for standby use, though my setup has never failed, Mr. Murphy comes to visit sometimes simonmeridew
triblet	posted 08-12-2002 12:16 AM ET (US) bmclernon: Mount the antenna on the aft-most part of the starboard side rail and run the coax up the tunnel into the console. Be sure to drain the tunnel well before you pull the cable so you don't get the end of the cable salty. Clark: you got a shore station license? It's not legal to operate the handheld from shore unless you do, and they are hard to come by. A cell phone or FRS radio is a better choice for that sort of operation. Chuck
triblet	posted 08-12-2002 12:27 AM ET (US) In California, a cell phone 911 call goes to the highway patrol. See if you can track down the areacode and seven digit number for the interesting local 911s. I have this for Monterey 911 in the speed dial on cell phone. This can cut about a minute out of response time because you don't have to wait for CHP to answer, and then wait again for local 911 who will actually handle that call. For the Monterey boaters: Monterey 911 is 1-831-646-3911 It's also to have the numbers for the local CG station, harbormaster, TowBoatUS (or whatever), Department of Fish and Game poacher hot line, DAN (if you're a diver), and such. BTW, CHP is the right place for normal cell 911 calls. A couple of years ago I was driving on the freeway when an SUV coming the other way ran off into the median, got sideways and rolled several times. I had the cell phone up and had started dialing 911 before it quit rolling. I think cell phones have helped cut medical repsonse to highway accidents by several minutes. BTW, everyone (a half dozen or more) in the SUV was belted in, everybody was fine except one elderly lady who was simply scared stuff. Chuck
pglein	posted 08-17-2002 10:56 AM ET (US) Cell Phones: revoltionizing emergency response, but yes, it really helps to have the number for your local 911 (really funny to ask someone, "what's the number for 911?") Land Use: Sure it's technically not legal, but the rules and enforcement regarding the use of VHF have been drastically relaxed in the last few years. Just make sure when using it for non Ship2Ship conversations that you speak in code (pretend you are two boats) and for god's sake don't use a Channel 16 or even 9. Also, it would be a good idea to keep the conversations short. A good alternative for this kind of use is a couple handheld 2ways. The new Garmin Rhino is by far the best, with it's built in GPS. Mounting: Since Whalers offer limited mouting options, you may want to use a RAM Mount. They allow you to remove the radio quickly and easily when you're not on the boat (especially useful with a lack of security on an open boat). They make a ton of mounts for hundreds of applications, even antenna mounts. http://www.ram-mount.com