VHF, Antenna and mounts

[actions]

Hi all,

Ok, I have a handheld VHF, Icom M33, but i've found that the range is not brilliant. For example when leaving the harbour i try and do a radio check with the coastguard but get no repsonse. The rib i normally go out with has a fixed Icom M411 and they get an instant repsonse. I'm guessing my 5w handheld and short aerial just doesnt cover the distance. So......

I'm looking at the M411, antenna and mounting system for the transom. Channel Ribs on here has kindly provided a quote of £196 ex Vat for the radio, pro mount, antenna and a 1" diameter stainless pole with transom fixings. Basically everything i need to set up a fixed radio.

My question is, is this the best route to go to get better reception and does anyone have any pics of a stainless pole and aerial option so i can see how it all looks. I dont have an a-frame you see.

I wouldnt bother with a fixed set but now we are sometimes ribbing out to 15 miles offshore i want to have best reception for safety reasons.

Any thoughts welcome Cheers, Matt.

[Channel Ribs]

[Erin]

You will benefit two fold. Firstly by having a 25w radio transmission and also by having a much more effective aerial. There is no alternative I can think of than getting a fixed set. Having said that, I am very surprised your local coastguard can't hear you (or you can't hear them) They obviously have very large aerials and powerful sets. 5w is still pretty powerful in terms of local transmission.

[actions]

Originally Posted by Erin

You will benefit two fold. Firstly by having a 25w radio transmission and also by having a much more effective aerial. There is no alternative I can think of than getting a fixed set. Having said that, I am very surprised your local coastguard can't hear you (or you can't hear them) They obviously have very large aerials and powerful sets. 5w is still pretty powerful in terms of local transmission.

Every now and again i can pick them up, but its very hit and miss. We have had our boats side by side and can hear them broadcasting on the fixed set but get nothing on my handheld but then sometimes they come through on both.

[treerat]

Used to have the ariel on the side on the consol, worked pretty well - no need for a pole then.

[actions]

Originally Posted by treerat

Used to have the ariel on the side on the consol, worked pretty well - no need for a pole then.

I did think of mounting it somewhere else, but think it would look better and not get in the way if its on the transom.

[SPR]

just a question, do you adjust your sqlech? so it is at lowest without noise?

regards

[actions]

Originally Posted by SPR

just a question, do you adjust your sqlech? so it is at lowest without noise?

regards

Hmmmmm. Just checked it, and the squelch was set at 6, so lowered it to 1, any lower (off) and it squelches away. Did my VHF course at the beggning of this year and cant remeber this be mentioned?

[SPR]

squelch alters the wave form of VHF radio, too much will weaken/distort the wave signal, hence lower range.

I teach squelch on my radio courses.

S.

[captnjack]

If you are not receiving from the coast guard side-by-side with a fixed mount...

The antenna on the handheld is probably bad.