Re: [Paddlewise] VHF questions

In a message dated 1/11/1999 10:49:59 AM EST, BDenton_at_aquagulf.com writes:

<< 4.	Optimum performance from a fiberglass kayak would be obtained by
 mounting a 1/2 wave whip somewhere on the boat. The 1/2 wave performs well
 without a ground and should dramatically out perform an antenna mounted on
 the radio. A mag mount with a piece of ferrous metal under the deck or hatch
 cover may do the trick.
  >>

Bob,

I think this is exactly what I suggested only adding a 25 watt radio with
battery to boot.

I have used a simple 1/4 wave SS whip (approximately 18" long) very
successfully for years with marine VHF in appropriate applications.  The 1/2
wave whip you refer to is much more "powerful" which is really not a good
choice of words, but we will use it here to simplify things.

The advantage of the whip over the ducky by my experimentation is
overwhelming.  In fact, before we had cell phones available locally, I used to
spend a lot of time in the marshes.  A few mechanical breakdowns and nights
spent there caused me to look at VHF as the price was coming down from $500.00
+.  I bought a 25 watt and used it with much success.  To simplify matters
when going with friends, I mounted it inside a 50 cal ammo box with a new
motorcycle battery from Wal Mart in with it.  A Shakespeare 40" 1/2 wave whip
mounted to the outside of the ammo can was my link to the world through the
marine operator.  I first used the 1/4 wave whip, but since switched to the
1/2 wave after discovering it's advantages.  Of course, if you really want a
good antennas, buy one of the $200.00 Co-phased jobs.

The marsh I go into is bordered by the intracoastal waterway and this gave me
access to all it's traffic via radio. 

Cell phone now has replaced my "link to the whole world" but not my carrying
my 25W portable marine.  I still carry it.  I do have a 1 & 5 W HH, but seldom
use it unless it is to talk to another member of my fishing party.  I give
them the HH and I got the portable.

I got this idea from the radios we used with Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept as a
summer biologist.  They had enormous batteries about the same size as a ammo
box attached and we could talk all night without using up all the "juice"

I have found NiCads handy, but ONLY if I had a spare battery pack AND a way to
recharge it with me.  Not having that, I don't have a lot of faith in a small
battery pack for when push comes to shove.  I do carry my HH with me in canoe
or kayak WHEN in range of CG or Marine Operator towers OR to receive weather
transmissions.  I find that my HH receives WX at a much greater distance than
the $ 29.99 Radio Shack jobs which one would expect since it has a much more
discriminating receiver.

One thing to keep in mind with marine HH is if you are out of range, "you
ain't gonna talk to anyone!"

John LeBlanc

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