Bargain priced VHF ?????

see the attached link to online sales

http://www.uniden.com/docs/store/itemlist.cfm?cattype=prd&prodcatselect=7

Just before Christmas in a rush of blood I bunged my credit card in the puter and a parcel promtly arrived in the post not long later containing a white model mc1020

cost me aprox 70 quid including postage

These are yank returned new units, they look excellent on the mantlepiece and the kids love playing with it

as I'll probably never get around to fitting it for 6 months I cannot report on wether this was a good idea or not, perhaps I should have gone for one of the handhelds which do look a bargain ?

I'm sure the white colour will match my console superbly if they ever get to meet each other

Incidently, came straight through the post no mention of customs duty ?

Oh I now need an arial, but as these cost in the Uk almost what I payed for this unit I'll wait until i can pick up a better price than 50 quid at the chandlers

Please all note my wanted ad for arial in ads section,

anybody totally bored and fancies fitting a vhf into my rib in Fareham area please feel free to help yourself

Oh and please some clever clogs dont tell me it wont work in the UK or something else trivual like that ! LOL

That would totally destroy me and I would become the latest Ribnet laughing stock

Great site. Has very good bargains and already placed an order. Much much cheeper than LBS

CHEERS;)

better looking than mine and costs 45 quid !

As supplied by Trotters independent traders !

This may seem a very stupid question but as someone who is just about to order a VHF for the rib....... Are all vhf's weatherproof if you leave them behind on the boat in a marina situation......... you know what I mean.

Answers on a postcard etc.....:eh:

MATIBOY
Excellent site - thanks for the tip!!!

Greetings Matiboy
The American arm of the company I used to work for (just been RIF'd:( )used the Uniden and Hummingbird radios in the work boats and FRC's offshore.
From memory the Uniden lasted a reasonable length of time.
The Hummingbird has a great warrentee if in the USA, they die after a while but if you call them up there's a replacement at the dock waiting for you!! Any where else in the world float test it with a sinker they are not a great radio in the quality RF sence, but you can't beat the price and service.
Have you looked at the Standard.
Both are weatherproof not waterproof, as with all equipment don't let water sit on the unit as atmospheric changes can suck it past the seals. Unless you've visited DS Developments or the like.
Most will go to international settings instead of USA/CAN using a button press combination.
Have fun, I'll stick to the Icom
Jelly

Matiboy

Do make sure that it has an option to switch to International channels as the VHF channels used in the US are not quite the same. They are, however, close enough to fool you into thinking it is working -- right up until you need to transmit!


Scotty

Not all VHFs are weatherproof. Don't assume that it will be unless is specifically says so! Most weatherproof units (and even some "waterproof" ones) are only ptotected on the front so make sure it's mounted into a console where it will be reasonably dry.

Until a few years ago the Humminbird used to be the only real choice for RIBs as there were no other reasonably priced waterproof VHFs. The weatherproofing on them is OK, but the receive and transmit quality is pretty dire. I wouldn't buy one again. The Navico/Simrad VHFs look good, although pricy.


John

with this sort of unit it will be quickly detachable from its mounting which was also supplied, with plugs for wire detachment

clearly you would need to detach the unit when leaving boat, for both theft reasons and no it will not be waterproof / condensation proof

I always detach all the console electronics and bung into the lockable console, cant see the point of having phone, vhf, fish finder and gps knicked when you go for a spot of lunch !


but hopefully a bit of a bargain

JK

I emailed company prior to ordering and they assured me it could be used in the uk, si time will tell ?

Seeing as I've just passed my VHF licence course, I'd better think about a fixed set (I had a handheld from my sailing days).

Are these £70 sets worth a punt? I bought my GPS from a dealer in Alabama a couple of years ago and that's great.

Could anyone who tests one of these Unidens or Solaras put a test report on the site.

Cheers

we've got a uniden h/h set - different model though see reply on buy and sell under vhf antennas

Hmm thought I got away with tax bit on this purchase, bill came through the post this morning for 19 quid vat

vat seemed to be picked up through fedex system, but no other import duty

So total purchase price 90 quid

oh well-think positive, still a bargain.:)

Well I bought a icom 503Euro with dsc.It was purchased in the u.k as it needed a U.K mmsi number.It was cheaper in the states but couldnt get the European model

.And if i had then they would not give me a mmsi number that I could program into this set.
So what Im saying is be careful on purchasing vhf from another country as you may not be able to register it as a vhf set for the liscence you need to operate it with in the U.K.

It is the same for ssb.as at present the icom 802 whillst available
in the states cant be used on a European boat.Icom are bringing out the 801euro which has ledgeslation for use and is C.E. marked for europeam use.?

Good luck Bargain hunters.

J.K The simrad is a good set,but not sure weather you can recieve DSC whilst transmitting,therefore I went for Icom 503 as it has two ariels so as to be able to recieve dsc imfo and transmit at the same time.

Crazyhorse

those on the site and the subject of the thread were non dsc-no problems obtaining licence. The early dsc sets available in boaters world and other american boating supermarkets when we last looked over there included some very iffy looking distress button covers that quite literally fell off when we prodded them and I would not risk the spec or the mmsi complications. We bought a non dsc icom fixed set which was dearer than the dsc sets on display.
The previous owner of our little searider told me that his humminbird vhf had come from the states in his suitcase one trip. When it went wrong (now there's a suprise!) it went to uk agents for repair and came back sporting a "CE" sticker on the back of the casing!

Are you saying that one can use none ce marked sets or that they will be upgraded to ce marked status after a repaire.Or that these sets are ok for use in a open rib and that they will be supplied with a mmsi number if required.I.e they are legal over here and that it is ok to use them legaly.?

In my opinion besides the boat and life aids the most important piece of kit is your vhf.

I would not dream of trying to do this on the cheap.

Crazyhorse?

I will look into this as a set that may not work is a danger and no matter how many get upset by my comments then if it stops one person buying a set that doesnt work when it matters and be most needed then it is worth while.

I will let you know weather the sets are legal and weather there will be any problems using them on a u.k boat.Legaly and what the script is liscence and ce marking..

If everything is ok then either way I will report back my findings.

Crazyhorse

I'm saying exactly what I said in the reply. that the RCA will issue a licence for a non dsc set cos they do not ask for details of what the set is.
I said I would not get a dsc set from america cos there may be difficulties with the mmsi.
The anecdote about the CE mark is just that - a story about an event that happened and made the owner of the radio laugh a little.

Whilst we are at it there seems to be some confusion over the CE mark. The ce mark is applied by the manufacturer or first importer into the community, to show that he has taken steps to ensure, and has compiled a technical file to show, that the article complies with any european directives which are relevant to that item, be it a boat, a toy, personal protective equipment, medical device, low voltage electrical equipment etc. etc..It is only confirmation of that. It is not type approval for the RCA, it is simply coincidental that radio equipment is also subject to the electro magnetic compatability directive.
How did we ever survive growing up with the perils of this world without european directives? What with lead soldiers, the sharp edges on tin toy cars, and non ce marked boats I should have been dead years ago.

Are you saying that the rca will issue a liscence for a none approved set?Is this set approved?

I agree that ce marking is a real pain and that it does not mean that the equipment is good for its intended purpose.

But are you saying that these sets can be used over here.It is not a trick question as untill I ring the radio communications agency and find out I genuinly dont know.Everything may be hunky dory and you may of found a real bargain.What I am saying is I personaly would be carefull with bargains with re constituted american vhf sets maybe none ce marked and wetherproof? on ribs.

Thats my point and as far as legals go ,I will comment on that when I can get the imfo.

Cheers crazyhorse

Its taking some time as Im told that the mca have the list of approved vhf sets.Rca have said that they run a check on the liscence to make sure that a set conforms.It may have a wheel mark on it as well as a ce mark,evidently a ce mark is not a guarantee that a set conformes with type approval.

The good news is the that a common garden cane out of the garden and some sticky tape to attach the set to the garden cane,and a felt tip pen can be used in the meantime to display the Distress flag,bye attaching the set to the top of the garden cane and waving it about to attract attention to you if your in distress.

Thats the good news I will let you know weather the set is legal in the mean time.

All the best Bargain hunters:)

Originally posted by crazyhorse
......as Im told that the mca have the list of approved vhf sets.


Is there a possibility to obtain this list and publish it in the Forum??
Not that I do not think that other USA made VHFs don't work in Europe (think about US vessels/crafts coming into Europe. They all have USA made marine equipmet onboard and not EU made and all work PERRFECTLY!!) but it will be usefull to know.

I have asked the MCA for the imfo will let you know when it arrives.I also have asked the MCA on the implications of CE catergories for Ribs and the implications for us,when that comes in wrighting I will update the appropriate thread .

Its a lark.

Crazyhorse:)

FIRST CLASS MATE :cool: ;) will be waiting to see what will transpire and I'm sure that it will be VERY INTERESTING for some LOLOL :D:D

electrical experts know what I should look for when purchasing this illusive arial for my VHF which fell off the back of dell boys three wheeler, which probably wont work anyway judging by the above threads !!

What type, assuming it will be mounted on my stainless arch ?

What's the frequency stuff mean they always quote, etc ?

Why cant I go to a radio ham shop explain what I want, which is basicly a wiggly metal thing and a tv arial lead and buy the bits to put one together ? Is this pos ?

Without being an expert on electronics I think that if you take the VHF or write its type, frequency and other data is got on it they will give an aerial (but better take the unit with you). However, with all VFHs there is also a min length of wire required between the VHF and the aerial (I think). So do you have the manual??
Just wait a few mins to see what someone else says just in case I'm wrong. Electronics is not my thing but always keen to assit LOLOL:cool:;) :)

Mateboy

I truley hope your set gives you constant pleasure.A vhf ariel for marine use that is the right length and designed for the jobee will cost about £25/£30 quid.Any chandler will supply you.

The main thing is please make sure you use plenty of sealent or if possible mount it in a place that will not get to wet.Take a handheld with you and a emergencie ariel if possible.

Sorry to be a bit of a kill joy.

But its one of the most important pieces of kit in my humble opinion, and I have lost all coms before at a critical time 3am off a lee shore, and if it wasnt for my back up hand held could of been in the mire.

All the best Crazyhorse:)

The standard marine vhf frequencie for channel 0 is 156.00 the standard marine vhf ariel is designed for around this band width.

Please dont try and get a coathanger and use this as well.?;)

the fibreglass arials can be purchased for about 25 + quid as you say, but for mounting on an A frame I have been advised to purchase the flexible wire ones which seem double the price

Any thoughts as to which type is preferable ?

The ability to unscrew the arial for clearance seems to me to be the deciding factor

PS will a plastic coat hanger work !!! Couldnt find a wire one in the cupboard

Cheers

Guys... my 10p's worth...

Electricaly a marine VHF aeriel is a marine VHF aeriel - designed for and tuned @ factory for the appropiate frequency(s) which will work internationaly. A ham radio supplier / CB shop etc. etc. will be able to get / make / supply one but best to get one from a chandlers, complete with the correct connector - either already fitted or kit of parts for home assembly.

Any aeriel will be tuned / designed for 'centre band' and everything either side of this is a comprimise, Marine VHF is approx. 155 > 159 MHz, so the aeriel will be designed with about 157MHz as it's optimum frequency, but the ineffeciency 2MHz either side is very small.

The length of coax is not critical - the whole idea of coax is that electricaly it is 'invisable' to the radio, which is why you can't use TV coax to extend a VHF etc. etc.

The connector on fixed VHF's is (always in my experience, but could be others) a PL 259, this can be adapted to a BNC as usually found on a handheld VHF if required - i always carry an adapter 'coz using the handheld on the big aeriel could be useful some day!

Er... thats about all on the technical side - hope it helps rather than confuses!

Further to someones comment about fibreglass type whip aeriels i have two of these on the A-Frame (circa £25) for over a year with no problems, plenty of rough-sea use. I've seen the smaller flexiable (called a RIB raider i think) - about £50-£60, but it would want to be right on top of the A-frame since it is considerably shorter than the conventional white marine VHF aerials you see.

Regards

Daniel

UPDATED: Thought i should add that operating a radio transmitter without an aeriel is very likely to damage it (blow-up RF output amplifier).

Having re-read what i wrote, the frequencies i have mentioned (155-159) could be fractionaly inaccurate, i think marine VHF receive on the duplex channels is higher (165MHz ish) but the examples serve to illustarte my point about frequency comprimise!

Dosn't the "Licence" just apply to the vessel, allowing a radio to be used on-board. I don't think the RA require any details about your radio.

However it is illegal to "Take into service" a radio that does not meet the specs.

I have some info on DSC radios at

http://www.ribpanther.co.uk/faq.html

The info below was found on the RA site at

www.radio.gov.uk


Maritime radio equipment falls under either the EU Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive 99/5/EC, the UK Radio Interface Requirements or the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 1999.

In order to avoid causing harmful interference to other authorised users, it is important that all radio equipment operates in accordance with the relevant technical parameters. In addition, in the case of equipment used in a maritime environment, radio equipment needs to be able to operate satisfactorily under the conditions likely to be encountered on board a ship at sea and to be compatible with other radio systems used on board the vessel.

Under the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000, which implements the R&TTE Directive in the UK, it is a legal requirement that all radio equipment (with certain specific exceptions) meets certain essential requirements. It is the responsibility of any person who places radio equipment on the market or takes it into service to ensure that the requirements of the R&TTE Directive are met. It must be marked with the CE marking which means that a written declaration of conformity by the manufacturer has been drawn up for it, together with information for the user on the intended use of the equipment (e.g. Maritime radio).

The R&TTE Directive replaced the type approval regime and came into force on 8 April 2000; prior to this time it was still a legal requirement for Maritime radio equipment to be type approved under section 84 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. The R&TTE Directive also has a one-year transition period, during which equipment already covered by a type approval certificate may continue to be placed on the market and taken into service. No new type approvals have been issued since 7 April 2000. After 7 April 2001 only equipment that complies with the R&TTE Directive may be placed on the market, though equipment already type approved may continue to be taken into service. Moreover, such type approved equipment already taken into service would satisfy the terms of the licence.

In addition, it is the licensee's responsibility to ensure that all Maritime radio equipment to be covered by a licence granted by the Agency meets the relevant UK Radio Interface Requirement. UK Radio Interface Requirements provide a high level description of spectrum use (frequency range, channel spacing, output power, technology to be used where appropriate), licensing regime, etc. Details of the relevant UK Radio Interface Requirements can be obtained from the Radiocommunications Agency, telephone 020 7211 0211.

One of the exceptions mentioned above is that of Maritime radio equipment within the scope of the Directive 96/98/EC (the 'Marine Equipment Directive'). This is implemented by the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 1999. This equipment is not within the scope of the R&TTE Directive but must meet the requirements of the Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC. This equipment will bear the "ship's wheel" marking rather than the CE marking.

I use to use a USA set and the only bug is to remember to set it to international as they power up on USA frequency If you are having problems I will be happy to give you a hand give me a PM or mail me at john@ribdromedary.co.uk

John :)

Well I have to thank you all for putting the time in on this subject,as we all know a ifi vhf is a danger rather than a asset.I contacted the rca and they told me the liscence does require some radio details and that they should cross refrence these facts,in practice maybe they arnt that thurough though?I explained that sureley if they granted a liscence for a radio that wasnt type approved then they would be responsible and they felt it was the owners responsibility,to make sure the radio would comply?And that if it was a contributri reason for a subsequent insurance claim? then the law would prevail.


Withought prejudice .It is my opinion that you may get away with a none type approved set on your boat,The problem is that weathere we realise it or not as far as the sea goes and the regulations go and vhf sets then a reliable type approved set is of paramount importance.

Mateboy you have had some stick over this and if others make different decisions with regardes vhf then it has been worth everybodys imput,whatever there views.

Thanks for bringing up a important subject

Good ribbing Crazyhorse :)

Ps I will Still will find out weather it is on a type approval list or not

Its fairly clear that its the users responsibility from my earlier post? - I'm sure the RA will only complain if it starts to bugger up other radio equipment nearby - which could cause problems with a mayday rescue etc etc.

Jools

Under the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000, which implements the R&TTE Directive in the UK, it is a legal requirement that all radio equipment (with certain specific exceptions) meets certain essential requirements. It is the responsibility of any person who places radio equipment on the market or takes it into service to ensure that the requirements of the R&TTE Directive are met. It must be marked with the CE marking which means that a written declaration of conformity by the manufacturer has been drawn up for it, together with information for the user on the intended use of the equipment (e.g. Maritime radio).

...think that the matter of having a VHF onboard is so complicated. We operate ships and it seems that the rules are less stricked for vessels that they are for small craft.
I will personally obey and stick to the rules that apply for vessels rather than all this.
All this stuff looks very starnge to me.

yikes, boating is complicated

picked up from the boat show a free motorboating magazine which was a special giving advice on which boat to buy and how to start in boating

having read it I am surprised anybody would buy a boat, first buy yourself a boat for a small fortune, then try and understand all the thousands of bits of safety gear you need to buy for another 10 grand

then off to night school to learn how to use your new toy

no wonder there are a lot of jetskiers and windsurfers around

back to the VHF issue,

earlier quote by jools

"Its fairly clear that its the users responsibility from my earlier post? - I'm sure the RA will only complain if it starts to bugger up other radio equipment nearby - which could cause problems with a mayday rescue etc etc."


what happens when an american yaght with my vhf on board sails across the pond to the UK, are they by using their vhf
buggering up other equiptment and breaking some law ?

there must be lots of american boats in the uk using american equiptment at any one time

Hmmm confused

I agree with you 100+100%
Have also made the same points as jools previously.
I think that all this rules regs are just made for the naive I say to buy products that are highly overpriced from this mafia gang called small boat chandlers.
In short a VHF works as a VHF in the same frequencies as all VHFs work everywhere else in the world. FULL STOP!!! There is no difference!!!
I would like to ask if any one has been stopped EVER by an official anywhere in the World (not only in the UK) and has been asked has whether his VHF got a CE marked or if the VHF has been purchased in the UK or in Uganda?? I would be interested to know. I haven't been stopped any where. NEVER!!!
Also when one applies for a VHF licence for his boat does the licence ask whether you bought the VHF from USA, UK, GR, SAfrica, Australia or Singapore or if the VHF is CE marked?? Don't think so;)
So keep it simple guys and stop lying the pockets of the shopkeepers with your hard eraned money!!:)

Manos,

No-one is ever going to ask if it is CE marked since this is not a legal requirment. In the UK, type-approval is required. The rest of the world i don't know about. American products will be type aproved.

CE marking only applies when buying - resellers can not sell non CE marked stuff. Of course CE marking does guarantee type-approval though!

Does that make anything clearer?

Daniel

I know all what you say and the point I'm trying to make is
what is all this fuss about??
People can use any VHF they like, it can be made anywhere in the World, approved by any authority in the World and as long as is made by a reputable manufacturer and is a VHF (i.e. working within the VHF frequencies) it does not make any difference does it? No official will ask for type approval would they??
So if one can buy a cheaper VHF from the US, SAfrica etc (which they can) then buy it from there. Is not a problem if it does not have a CE mark and is not type approved no one will ask about that EVER.

The bottom line is you buy a piece of equipmet thats not type approved for use in Europe and your knakered, if it couses a problem.I.e if it doesnt work when you need it or couses something further to happen,you may have insurance implications and everybody else on you back,depending what happens?.

It is your responsibility to check?I am of the opinion that the RCA cant get off the hook that easily and if they have given you a liscence for a None type approved radio then they are also open to serious critisism at best.

My personal advice .Dont do a VHF on the cheap,what may seem a bargain could end up the most expensive piece of equipment you ever owned.

Crazyhorse:)

OK I see what you are saying. But can you tell me the difference of a (say) Icom VHF whichg is made for the US without a CE mark and an Icom VHF with a CE mark.
I have both same type and there is NO difference between them and the same has also been advised by an electronics expert. We actually took both sets appart and all the bits have the same codes etc.
So what is all this fuss about?? :)
I say GO CHEAP!!! if you can without risking it LOLOL =)
Bet you won't agree with me :cool:

Buying a new Icom none ce marked vhf which is type approved in Europe and ce marked in Europe,is very diffrent than buying a weatherproof?.reconstituted,Yankee Uniden,none ce marked or wheel marked vhf for £75 from a cb supplier,in the states on speciel offer.?:yawn:

I thought the difference between USA and European type vhf's were the A channels.

My understanding of this is that the USA radios have 01A, 02A etc, and these are simplex and not duplex.

They also come equipped with 10 weather channels, which are no use to anyone unless you like to listen to TV antenna installers in the London area.

As for type approval, several boatowners in Poole had problems a couple of years ago following an inspection by the authorities.

I'll go for the cheap. FULL STOP:p

Manos your the only guy I know who can have a two way conversation on a none duplex channel.:)

GREEK THING
LOLOL:p =)=):D:D:p

Yep sure is.:D LOL

You'll be getting a cheap cheap VHF then LOLOLOL=)=):D:D

Guys
Trying very hard not to get dragged into this debait on CE approval of radios etc.

If you are going to buy a radio abroad make sure you can change it to International frequencies, thats the most important bit, without the INT frequency range you get problems in communicating - Which to my mind (to an ex comms engineer) is the sole reason for having that box of ticks in the first place.

Have fun and play safe.
Jelly

While I was in Greece forgot to mention that I found a shipchandler that sells second hand portable and fixed VHFs (no GMDSS) between Euro 185-300.
With GMDSS Euro 250-500. All products come with 1 year guarantee and they are all CE marked.
I also forgot to keep the details of the shop :eek: but have asked a frined of mine and will have that soon if any one is interested.

I wouldnt buy any stock if I was you Manos.;)