VHF Radio Help

[sandman]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Does anyone have the frequencies for each marine channel that we could program into a scanner to monitor the channels? I would like to monitor the frequencies to learn proper usage prior to purchasing.

 

[sandman]

Re: VHF Radio Help

This Digital device that you connect with GPS and MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identifier) sounds like something I would love to learn more about. Any suggestions where I could read, and learn more??? Also, which GPS units are capable of this connection and technology? Are there "grouped" or "bundled" GPS/radios that do all of this?

 

[singerjr]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Trollhole,<br /><br />The three footer Shakespear, is that the one they call the Bass Boat antenna. All metal (stainless) with wire coming out the bottom for flush clean installation?<br /><br />

 

[sandman]

Re: VHF Radio Help

I found the frequencies for some of the marine channels if anyone is interested. The distress channel #16-156.8 MHz; #22A-157.1 MHz; channel #13-156.65 MHz; Channel 6-156.3MHz; Channel #70-156.525 MHz Digital Selective Call (DSC).<br />I got these from the U.S. Coast Guard. <br />Enjoy!

 

[araiha]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Sandman,<br /><br />Terms of importance:<br /><br />National Distress System - unified system of being able to recognize and respond to DSC distress calls - Not fully operational yet, but should be by 2003/4 (We are behind international sked on this issue)<br /><br />IMO - International Maritime Organization - Body of United Nations that develops safety at sea standards for professional maritime operations<br /><br />GMDSS- Global Maritime Distress and Safety System - IMO requirements for oceangoing vessels for safety and communications<br /><br />NMEA 0183- National Marine Electronics Assoc - Standard for communications between pieces of nav equipment <br /><br />DSC - Digital Selective Calling - function added to VHF (and MF/HF) radios to do many things including the automated distress call with an added position, your indentifier (MMSI) and nature of distress.<br /><br />MMSI - Maritime Mobile Service Identifier - unique code assigned by the FCC (and now Maritel) to you that is published and allows the rescuers (Coast Guard) to know who you are. This is transmitted with the distress call<br /><br />I have taken the professional mariner course for operating that equipment (among many), called GMDSS. <br /><br />Any GPS that has a NMEA 0183 output can be interfaced with a VHF (but the VHF must have the DSC capability)<br /><br />This is exclt technology, but anyone desiring to use it, needs to become familiar with it. False distress calls are a FEDERAL OFFENSE and could cost someone else their life.<br /><br />Where to read about this...<br /><br />US radionavigiation pub 117 (NIMA - National Imaging and Mapping Agency)<br /><br />British Admiralty Pubs<br /><br />Several marine catalogs have a good description of parts of this.<br /><br />Go to FCC.GOV (Lead US agency for DSC)<br /><br />Do a search for 'DSC' <br /><br />email me for questions...<br /><br />Andy

 

[araiha]

Re: VHF Radio Help

The above was a fast sketch of a 2 week school.

 

[sandman]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Hey Alaskaskiff:<br />Thanks, I look forward to trying to understand the good information. All information is appreciated. I look forward to trying to absorb it!<br />Have a great day!

 

[troyo]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Well, here's an update.....<br />I bought the Shakespeare speacial featured on the marine mega mall here, paid 159.00 for radio, antennae and mounting bracket and I couldn't have been happier. I had looked at this unit at a couple of local stores, West Marine and Boaters World, and the radio alone was about 2 bills. Plus, it was a lot higher quality than the units I had looked at for about the same price. The only thing I didn't like, was to connect the coupling to antennae wire, I had to solder it. However, Shkespeare sells a PL259-EZ connector which is solderless. antennae mounted, unit installed, just have to wire and test it

 

[12Footer]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Sounds like a great deal,and Shakespeare is one of the best names in the antenna field.<br />Is it a 5/8whip? (full length).<br />Yes, the do leave that connector off on purpose, for the covenience of routing the coax...I would advise against using the solderless quick connectors,as they are lossy,and can fail overnigt in that environment, due to corrosion. But it should work fine unti you can get a real PL259 fitting soldered on. But at any rate, congrats on the new rig. I hope it never HAS to be used "in an pickle".