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From: <MJAkayaker_at_aol.com>
subject: [Paddlewise] HX150S VHF
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 14:19:17 EDT
I know the Standard HX350S VHF radio has often been recommended here on 
Paddlewise.  The HX150S model is some $130 less in price.  Has anyone had any 
experience with this model.  I do not mind giving up some "ease of use" 
features but are there any "safety" related differences with this model 
(range, water resistance, reliability, etc).  I would appreciate any 
information on these models or suggestions on things to check before purchase.

Mark J. Arnold
MJAkayaker_at_aol.com
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From: Bob Denton <gulfstream_at_flinet.com>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] HX150S VHF
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 14:28:12 -0400
I've had the 150 for a few years with no problems what-so-ever.

cya

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
[mailto:owner-paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net]On Behalf Of
MJAkayaker_at_aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 06, 2000 2:19 PM
To: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net
Subject: [Paddlewise] HX150S VHF


I know the Standard HX350S VHF radio has often been recommended here on
Paddlewise.  The HX150S model is some $130 less in price.  Has anyone had
any
experience with this model.  I do not mind giving up some "ease of use"
features but are there any "safety" related differences with this model
(range, water resistance, reliability, etc).  I would appreciate any
information on these models or suggestions on things to check before
purchase.

Mark J. Arnold
MJAkayaker_at_aol.com
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From: Christine Allison <sailnut_at_asan.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] HX150S VHF
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 13:30:00 -0400
Let me say that Dave Krugers comment is exactly on the mark in respect to
the utility of VHF radios.  Although I am new to kayaking I cruised for
years with a VHF radio and found it's greatest utility to be for weather
monitoring and communication with bridges and marina's.

I do feel that here in the north east a ten mile range is a bit pessimistic
I would think that 20 miles (to the Coast Guard) is more realistic.

If the primary usage of a VHF would be to summon aid I think you would be
better off with a EPIRB or perhaps a cell phone (in a good waterproof bag.)

Richard Smith

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From: Dave Kruger <dkruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] HX150S VHF
Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2000 18:23:21 -0700
Christine Allison wrote:
> 
> Let me say that Dave Krugers comment is exactly on the mark in respect to
> the utility of VHF radios.  Although I am new to kayaking I cruised for
> years with a VHF radio and found it's greatest utility to be for weather
> monitoring and communication with bridges and marinas.
> 
> I do feel that here in the north east a ten mile range is a bit pessimistic
> I would think that 20 miles (to the Coast Guard) is more realistic.

I was not very clear, I fear.  My comments referred to a **handheld** 3W or 5W
VHF, operating the usual rubber ducky antenna -- from water level, not a 25W
VHF driving an 8 foot whip off a boat mast.

In my experience, 8 miles is about it from beach to beach, handheld to
handheld.  If one of the handhelds is in the hands of someone sitting in a yak,
on the water, the range is less.  Yak to yak, both paddlers on the water, three
miles is about all I have been able to get.  

Finally, I have reliably gotten 10 miles when I had a **clear shot** to a CG
repeater (normally on a tall peak), but a clear shot is many tiems impossible
here.  YMMV, but I bet it can't beat these figures, if you are talking about a
handheld VHF.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Jerry Hawkins <jhawkins_at_cisco.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] VHF
Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2000 09:09:58 -0700
At 06:23 PM 06/07/2000 -0700, Dave Kruger wrote:
>In my experience, 8 miles is about it from beach to beach, handheld to
>handheld. ...Yak to yak, both paddlers on the water, three
>miles is about all I have been able to get.  [Mainly favorable opinions.]

Funny how people criticize the VHF, despite its clear value in certain situations.  Three miles, eight miles, ten miles -- I carry a whistle (ok, two whistles) which are audible maybe 1000 metres in calm weather and 100 in wind.  I carry a flashy light which is visible maybe 2000 metres on a clear night and maybe 200 in the rain.  I carry handheld and popup flares which can be seen for about the same and last just seconds.  A VHF which can be heard 3 - 10 miles and actually give 2-way communication is a tremendous advantage over other systems.

I hope if I ever use the thing for more than a weather radio, it is to call for help for someone else.  Until that day it is just part of the padding behind my seat back.  Would I ever go out in more risky conditions because I have a (cell phone / VHF / GPS / whistle / flare / kitchen sink)?  No.  Do I feel a little more like I belong on the Bay, with a properly equipped boat?  Yes.

jerry.
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