Re: [Paddlewise] Ch 16 and DSC

VE3JC John wrote:
> Hearing about the trend away from Channel 16 
> to DSC (Digital Selective Calling) for Distress calls, I naturally 
> wanted to find out what "kayak friendly" DSC-equipped radios were 
> available.

When I bought a VHF last year, I considered the same and decided that there are 
no practical solutions yet for the kayaker.  If DSC becomes mandatory in the 
Great Lakes region in the future, I'll have to buy something then and, 
hopefully, a suitable handheld will be available then.

> - One option was the Uniden Mystic, which is a rather large handheld 
> with built-in GPS.  This beast was not acceptable to me, for a couple of 
> reasons.  For one, I already had a GPS which I liked better than that 
> found in the mystic.

I didn't like the Mystic for a number of reasons, but the internal GPS was not a 
significant one.

I think that attaching an external GPS is a poor solution for a kayaker.  If you 
want an accurate GPS position sent, you need the GPS connected all the time. 
Connecting two cellphone-sized gadgets in this manner makes for a bulky, awkward 
device even if no cradle was required.

If you look at what is required for including an internal GPS (look up Garmin 
GPS15 for an example), it isn't that difficult for the radio manufacturer to add 
GPS location finding capability to a VHF.  The extra circuitry is small and low 
power.  The external functionality of the GPS doesn't have to be implemented, 
simplifying the interface.  You can carry a separate GPS for that.  I'd rather a 
VHF with GPS location capability and no GPS user interface than a VHF with a 
bulky two-function interface.


> Second problem 
> is that the HX471S does not have a removable antenna (as the VX-7R 
> does).

Another reason I prefer the slightly larger Icom units.

> - which gets me to wondering ... is there some compact, self-inflating 
> weather balloon that I could  keep on my pfd?

I'd rather get a VHF with removable antenna and make a roll-up J-pole.

BTW - line of site is not too restrictive in the Great Lakes.  Many areas are 
monitored by CCG with elevated antennae, so the line of sight is rather long. 
In other areas, you just have to hope that someone with a DSC-enabled VHF is 
monitoring and can either assist or relay.

Mike
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