Re: [Paddlewise] VHF questions

Rob Nevitt wrote:
> 
> I'm a sea kayaker and I've narrowed my search down to 2 models at this
> time: Uniden HH940 & Icom M3A.  [snip]
> 
> The basic difference between the 2 are power output & power source
> options.  The HH940 is 1w output and rechagable, the M3A is 1/5w output
> and will take alkalines.  Also, the HH940 is listed as "weatherproof".
> 
> Does anyone have any opinions as to how significant these choices are?
> How much difference will a 5w output make, how likely is it that I will
> need it?  I like the idea of being able to use alkalines, how long will
> a rechargable typically last: enough for 5-6 days use?  I've seen
> varying claims as to "weathertight" "weatherproof" "weather resistant";
> how credible are these claims?

1. Weatherproof means it will die if you dunk it.  "Submersible" may mean
the mfr will replace it when it dies, or it MAY mean the radio is truly
waterproof.  Very difficult to achieve in a HH VHF, especially one powered
by alkalines (see below).

2. 5W will not be enough when you really need to reach out.  1W is plenty
90 % of the time.  Because we work on the deck -- so the antenna is only 3
ft off the water -- the range of a HH VHF is very limited while you are in
your cockpit.  If you are on the beach, you can improve your range
enormously by moving higher and/or using one of the more efficient
antennas.

3. NiCads suck for HH VHF's,  **if the HH VHF is your ONLY means for
summoning help.**  Folks on powerboats or sailboats, who typically have a
25W VHF unit and a good antenna placement, typically only use the HH VHF
for docking and incidental communication boat-to-boat when they are on deck
(sipping margaritas, I hope!).  Nicads eventually lose their capacity, and
subtly, so you may think you have a good set, but do not.  Unless you ONLY
use the radio for day trips, alkalines are a much better power source.  If
the set in the radio dies, you can just plug in the spares you carry.  A
spare Nicad pack may be just as bad as the original.  (Been there;  done
that;  I used to fly RC model airplanes, and NiCad failure was by far the
dominant cause of equipment-related crashes.  If you intend to **rely** on
a NiCad pack, you must cycle it and test it regularly.  Otherwise, it may
develop a problem, unbeknownst to you.)  The other downside to NiCad power
is that the capacity is very limited -- for other than a one- or two-day
trip, it is likely that you will not have enough capacity with just one
battery pack.  OTOH, some folks on long trips have successfully maintained
their NiCads by a solar-powered charging setup.)

The downside to alkaline power is that it is extremely diffcult to make a
battery pack which takes alkalines that is SUBMERSIBLE.  Bottom line:  you
MUST keep the radio in a radio bag, and you have to protect the radio bag
from abrasion or puncture.

4. ICOM is a very respected brand.  I favor the MC 10A, which is cheaper
than the model you are looking at, but I think the M3A may have a more
compact profile (a real advantage).  Whichever you buy, have it checked out
at the local marine electronics service center.  Rodgers Marine, in
Portland, OR, will do this as part of the purchase, if you buy the radio
there.  They do mail order.

Not affiliated with ICOM, or Rodgers Marine.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR


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