Re: [Paddlewise] VHF range vs power

     Fred Brown wrote ---
     
     
So, I've read some stuff that marine VHF (150-160MHz) is only good for 
line-o-site.  Burch says max typical line of sight is10mi. (he wasn't 
clear on statute or nautical).  My question; Aren't those 1W max (vs 5W) 
handheld "waterproof" tranceivers sufficient and save $100?
     
I'm not trying to incite a human life vs $100 debate . . .  just looking 
for the the facts.
     
     From my experience and understanding of these units --- and following 
     up on the responses to your post from Scott and Dave --- there are a 
     couple of issues you raise.  But, if I read your question right, you 
     really want to know if it's worth a $100 difference to get a little 
     more power --- assuming power equals distance, which is not always an 
     appropriate assumption in the world of VHF --- or to get five watts vs 
     one watt.
     
     First --- and this does not address your question --- the "selectable" 
     five watt/one watt radios allow you to "select" <down> from five to 
     one in a busy harbor or other area if you're trying to communicate 
     only with other vessels or stations close aboard.  Some channels are 
     automatically reducued to one watt for that reason, and the radio 
     operator cannot "select" to go up to five watts --- just won't work, 
     and shouldn't.  
     
     More to your point, from a quick literature search --- catalogs, 
     mostly --- the least expensive, non-waterproof radios I can find run 
     around $140, although there are undoubtedly cheaper specials to be 
     had.  You get one watt TX power, a pretty weak battery, and you'll 
     have to bag it to use it in a kayak (~$20) --- and replace the bag 
     periodically.  For about $100 more, you can buy a JIS-7 spec 
     "submersible" --- a more demanding spec than "waterproof" (and you can 
     probably dig out the extensive thread we had on this a while back, if 
     you want) --- VHF with five watts power, a better battery and, 
     depending on the brand, an automatic weather alert system.  You'll get 
     better range with the five watts, longer use with a nicad battery, and 
     true "submersibility".  (ICOM's M-15 (~$330) and Apelco's 520 (~$265) 
     are in that category, although the M-15 does not claim the weather 
     alert in my catalogs.)  So you're not just buying "watts" with the 
     extra $100+ --- you're getting a lot better radio that will not need 
     further protection from the elements and --- at least with the Apelco 
     --- the weather alert feature, which, in coastal areas subject to 
     sudden weather changes, t-bumpers or tornadoes, would be a gotta-have 
     in my book.
     
     So it's more than just an issue of $25 per watt, Fred.  The $100 
     difference --- especially if you keep the radio for five years and 
     replace the bag on a realistic annual basis --- is pretty small, and 
     maybe approaches $0 in reality.  You're probably better off with the 
     more powerful and truly "submersible" VHF with weather alert in the 
     long run.
     
     Joq
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