Re: [Paddlewise] VHF range vs power

Jack_Martin_at_jtif.webfld.navy.mil wrote:

>      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
> *****

Actually I was comparing prices for "submersible" radios and quoted prices as
such.  I'm sorry I didn't state that.  I'm also sorry that  I missed a previous
"extensive" thread.  I'm a relatively new subscriber and was not aware of
paddlewise faq.  Maybe I should have done a Dejanews search first.

I have one of those big 1/5 W that I purchased for $100.  It requires bagging
and doesn't have weather alert.  I want something smaller, submersible for
emergency contact, monitoring traffic, and getting weather reports.  I'm
currently not interested in chatting.  In all likelyhood, I'll be getting a
nice ICOM or Alpeco. I just was thinking . . .really . . .that the handheld
vendors are catering to a market other than a "handfull" of kayakers.  The
extended altitude/range of the larger vessels may make good use of the extra
7dB of power but sitting below water surface (or swimming) may obviate the need
for more power.

Fred

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