[Paddlewise] VHF radios

Although the Apelco 520 specs out at an operating temperature of -20 C
(approx. 0 F), myself and two other paddling buddies of mine have found we may
as well turn the darn things off in air temperature of less than 40 F!
Absolutely unacceptable!  We paddle here on Lake Michigan (Milwaukee) year
round, at first I thought they didn't work below 10 F, then it warmed up to 20
and they still didn't work.  Yesterday it was 40 F and still no workie.  One
has already returned his to Boat U.S. (even though purchased in mid-December
no hassle return), I'll most likely do the same--but I'm going to call
Raytheon first, or email them.

Problem is that there is no volume at these temperatures.  At room temperature
(approx. 65 F) everything comes in nice and loud.  Let it cool down and you
have to hold it up to your ear to hear anything, and it is not because of the
noise of the wind and waves.

Really disappointing since I like nearly everything else about the radio,
size, weight, submersible.  Would be nice if the default power was 1 watt,
with ability to change upward, rather than the other way around.

Anyone have similar temperature related problems with their VHF?  Or, do other
radios operate better at lower temperatures?
***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List
Submissions:     paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subscriptions:   paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net
Website:         http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/
***************************************************************************