VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

[MercilessMike]

Well going to drop the coin this weekend on a new VHF... Looking at the Ray 100 Handheld or Ray 45 permanent mount...still not set in stone on which model.<br /><br />What do you have/use or have friends that have/use. pluses, minues .. TX power RX sesativity, ALL opinions welcome.<br /><br />Thanks, <br /><br />MM

 

[12Footer]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

I sure would like to talk you into the Ray45.<br />It is an older design, but is tried and true.<br />The fixed rig will have 25watts RF output,which is far better than 2 or 5watts of the HT unit. Also, I would urge you to spend most of your greenage on the antenna. Go with the longest shakespeare, prefeably a full length whip if you have the room for it. Mount it as high as possable.<br />Have the standing wave ratio (SWR) checked after the install to ensure there are no shorts in the coax,and that the antennna is properly tuned. Any ham radio guy can help you there, and any marina or boat shop that you purchase your antenna from will probably lend you the meter,if you know how to use it, or assist in checking it.

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

Been leaning towards the 45, qulity radio it apears to me, they are getting cheaper by the day, looks like the DCS technology is going to catch on and prices on non equiped will drop. Yes on then antenna, thats where you get your signal. Was probably going to go with a loaded coil design.(easier to tune).<br />That little Ray 100 handheld throws a good signal on fresh batts,,, 15 miles!! But with the perm mount always have lots o power. I am glad we see eye to eye on the Ray 45, your opinion is well respected!<br /><br />Have relatives coming in December, they have freinds in your town, may be seeing you then !!!<br /><br />Mike

 

[JB]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

I agree with everything 12Footer said, Mike, particularly the antenna. Even my cheap Uniden performs like a champ because it has a superior antenna.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

I ordered the Ray 45, Not the atenna yet, Seems most fiblerglass 8 footers (no pun 12ftr) are 6db gain, coil loaded SS whip 3ft 3db gain, with te added power of the fixed mount 25W vs 5W, may just go with the 3ft loaded cail atennan, then add a 5ft extension to it.<br />WHat are your thoughts guys ??<br /><br />Any paticular mode or place to buy,<br /><br />I usually surf boatus, West, Cabales, overtons and boatfix<br /><br />Here is alink you may find interesting, It is called "The mother of all maritime links, IT LISTS EVERYTHING.. just an FYI<br /> http://www.boat-links.com/boatlink.html#top <br /><br /><br />Thanks in advance gentlemen,<br />Merciless Mike

 

[rwise]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

Mike<br />I have not done much with marine radios, but I have done a lot of cb radios (to much trash now) get the better antenna to start with, if you try to change the length of the loaded antenna the SWR will not be right. If the SWR is to high it can damage the xmiter and will recieve poor!<br /><br />Richard

 

[fishthebay]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

Stay away from Icom. They are JUNK and will get water damage even if not in the water.

 

[12Footer]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

Icom is one of the best you can buy, and are priced accordingly. Personally, I don't think they warrant the extra cost.<br />You can buy a full length whip for 30 bukz,but they are terible. They werk fine for about 3 months, then corrode and fall apart. Whatever antenna length you get, get a name brand (Antenna Specialist, Shakepeare,Icom ect.) .Steer clear of the generics. I learned this the hard way.

 

[MercilessMike]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

Looking at the 8 foot shakespere 6db gain looks like it will fit the bill. The ray45 is WATERPROOF with a 3 yesr warranty, should be here by monday. Only drawback is a short cord for the mic. but I will remedy that. <br /><br />Thanks again all !!!<br /><br />MM

 

[DP]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

I am running the RAY45 on my Montauk and have tried the Shakespear 8' and 3' SS whip. I am now using a "Digital Antenna" 4 footer and it performs circles around the Shakespears. Take a look at their web site <br />****

 

[fishthebay]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

I had an ICOM handheld that was waterproof. I had it for less than 3 months and all the terminals around the battery corroded and broke off. I didn't even have this thing near water, just in my backpack that I take with me when fishing.<br /><br />West Marine didn't warranty the product, because they said it was water damaged, but hey this thing was suppose to be waterproof and never saw the water.<br /><br />I wrote ICOM and they didn't send me a new one and wanted $150.00 bucks to fix mine.<br /><br />I only paid $150.00 bucks so I am not please at all with ICOM.

 

[Firewood]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

I too am looking at VHF radio's. I now own a boat large enough to venture offshore.What kind of range do you get on average? What is Single Side? I planned on putting a 8' whip on top of the hard top and mounting the radio on the underside of the hardtop. But what do I do with 20 extra feet of cable? can it be trimmed?<br />Thanks Guys-

 

[12Footer]

Re: VHF RADIOS's ...Opinions

The cable can be shortened in 2'4" incriments. But try to mount the antenna as far away from the rig as practical. Expect a reliable range of 20miles on high power (25Watts).<br />I reccommend you go with the 8foot whip, and have the SWR checked at a radio shop or ham radio operator.<br /><br />Also, when installing anything electric or electronic, get the ground potential checked. You may have to put a bigger zinc on your boat to compensate.<br />"Single side band" or SSB is a totally different beast. They operate on a much larger antenna,and lower frequency. They have unbelevable range, but are also unbelievably costly, and require a licsence from FCC. <br />VHF and SSB are different modes too. VHF is FM or Frequency Modulated,meaning the frequency itself varies with the voice.<br />SSB is Amplitude Modulated, meaning,the level of the voice changes the level of signal. The bottom line is ;<br />VHF is good for reliable comunication for 20miles,and high quality audio. Less paperwork,and cost.<br />SSB is good for reliable communications for 80 miles,subject to atmospheric influences ,can sometimes communicate around the world.