The Kayak Forum is Sponsored By
|
|
|
| |
Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: two-way radios
Posted By: Craig Bumgarner In Response To: two-way radios (Mike Hamilton)
Date: Tuesday, 14 November 2000, at 1:30 p.m.
Mike: After all the good advice you have given this board, it is nice to offer something back for a change.
We use both VHF handhelds and Motorola two way radios in our marina business. The VHF handhelds work good over a distance of about a mile and should have no problem with communicating with lead and sweep paddlers in a group. Waterproof models are available. I don't know about hands off models. It is perfectly acceptable to use specific conversation channels, such as 68 for personal chatting. Never use channel 16 for anything other than hailing an unknown vessel or for an emergency. Other channels have specific purposes that should be respected. Channel 9 is an alternative hailing channel that is less serious than using 16. A radio with a scan feature is handy so you can keep track of channel 16 and others of interest while in standby.
Two Way radios, such as the ones made by Motorola (In our experience to date, they make the best stuff so far) are good, but seem to have a slightly shorter range, about a 1/2 mile max. I haven't seen waterproof ones, but they are likely to exist. In many cases, they are lighter than VHF radios. They may be marginally less expensive for similar quality. Our 2-ways are around $200 each. We seldom have a problem with them unless they are dropped overboard which is instant death.
If it were me, I'd be using waterproof marine VHF handhelds for your purpose. Better range, more versatile, plenty of waterproofing options, the ability to use with other vessels for emergency or even conversation (Hey you, ferry boat operator? Do you see us? Don't run over us OK?). They are heavier, but compared to a VHF plus a 2-way, they are lighter by themselves and serve both functions, I wouldn't think you would go without a VHF if you had the 2-ways, eh? VHF would still be needed. VHF is, however, not private so you need to watch your language and keep chatting civil. Others WILL be listening, so speak nicely about that ferry operator.
Craig
| |
Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board is maintained by Nick Schade - Guillemot Kayaks with WebBBS 5.12.
|
Kayaking Technique |
|
|
|
