RE: [Paddlewise] VHF Radio

Power is exponential so 100 watts will only make a couple of units
difference over 10 watts, 1 watt difference would hardly be measurable and
could be more then compensated for in the antenna

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of ralph diaz
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2000 12:54 PM
To: Doug Lloyd
Cc: PaddleWise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] VHF Radio


Doug Lloyd 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.

As you know, you certainly have come to the right place in terms of
getting some good discussion.  The Standard HX350S is one of the
top radio choices for the many reasons elaborated on in PaddleWise a
little over a year ago.  The other good choice would be the Raytheon 102
which replaces the Apelco 520.  The Raytheon 102 does not pack the power
capacity of the Standard (which is 1100 whatchamacallits compared to the
Raytheon's 600) but can be remedied by the larger available battery pack
from the company's Raytheon 106 that brings it up to 1200 capacity.  In
fact, thinking out loud and considering where you paddle in more
isolated areas or away from things, the Raytheon 106 might be a better
choice yet. It broadcasts at 6 watts whereas the top strength of the
other marine radios is at 5 watts.  Perhaps that 1 watt may make a
difference between a perceptible signal and a non-signal, 15 percent or
so difference is 15 percent or so difference.

I personally like the Standard for my specific use.  It has a huge
display screen and what's more the items display on the whole screen and
not a small part of it as you see in other models that have the same
amount of "glass" (or pyrex or whatever the view screen cover is).  It
does seem like a mini-TV.  I am too vain to wear bifocals and the big
display suits that vanity.  I like that its default is to 1 watt rather
than 5 watt as is the Raytheon's default since I am in harbors and close
in waters where 1 watt should be enough and saves battery life.

The Standard also has several more programmable buttons so just hitting
a button gets you calling on a selected channel.  And, when you turn it
on and off, it starts up with whatever channel you were on last as
opposed to going to 16 which is what the Raytheon does.  These are small
things that may be important to some individuals and not others.

Again, I would however suggest you give serious consideration to that
one additional watt in power that you can get from the Raytheon 106,
which also comes with the bigger 1200 battery.  It is also a smallish
radio.  What with all the gear and gold bullion you carry from your
deceased aunt's estate, the lower weight and size of the Raytheon may
make a difference to you :-)

ralph

ralph
-- 
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Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter
PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024
Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com
"Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag."
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