Re: [Paddlewise] VHF Radio - Line of Sight Limitations

Doug:
Keep in mind that VHF is "Line of Sight".  Regardless of the power rating, 
sitting in a kayak with a hand held VHF radio with short rubber duck 
antenna will make for short transmit distances.   You will find that even 
talking to another kayaker over a short distance may become a 
problem.  Increase in transmission power is of little help in these 
cases.  The USCG has repeater stations that cover a large area and that 
really improves your ability to communicate with them and the 
reverse.  Some time ago (quite a bit actually) I was a Medivac Pilot, 
Training Officer, Communications Officer, etc.  We flew a lot of mountain 
rescue in Washington state and the state provided us with VHF radio's in 
our helicopters and portables for our medics to talk to hospitals, Park 
Service, Sheriff's Department, Coast Guard, etc.  We were always limited by 
line of sight.  When in the air, the transmission power was amazing from 
10,000 feet, but on the ground the portables were all but useless in uneven 
terrain over very short distances or just about anywhere in the mountains.

I purchased a Standard HX350S over a year ago and have been very pleased 
with it.  My decision point on buying a radio was right after two people 
died of hypothermia and drowning North of Point Mugu, California in a party 
of six paddling an out rigger.  I was out that day and the weather was 
great, but it was a bit cool.  They weren't prepared in more than a few 
ways and it cost two people their life.

The HX350S has held up great and holds a charge well.  I think you would 
really like the radio.  Also, remember to totally discharge the batteries 
and then fully recharge.  This will help keep the batteries from taking a 
set or memory.  The instructions on this radio don't recommend charging for 
more that 12 hours.  I have found that if fully discharged that it is about 
14 hours to max charge.  Also, don't rely on the "charge indicator" on the 
radio.  It is only approximate and once you begin the down side discharge 
on nicad batteries they go real quick.  The AA's will actually last longer, 
but aren't nearly as cost effective or convenient.  You may wish to top off 
the charge if you haven't used the radio for a few weeks, without 
discharging.  You might wish to pick up a floating neoprene case from West 
Marine to round out the ease of use and protect against loss.  Water proof 
does not float.

Regards
Fred
Ca Kayaker

At 12:05 AM 2/2/2000 -0800, you wrote:
>I know VHF's have been talked about over and over on this list, but I have
>a very specific question. I may be able to get a good deal on a waterproof
>Standard HX350S, and I was wondering if it is a good radio.
>
>I have never used VHF's before, in terms of actually having my own, but
>after the Storm Island rescue, it became apparent to me I do need to
>finally break down and buy one.
>
>Any thoughts?
>
>BC'in Ya
>Doug LLoyd
>
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