Best VHF Radio - Icom's?

[BADFISH II]

I have an Icom IC-M1V (http://www.landfallnav.com/eicm1v.html)I got years and years ago. Haven't used it much, I know it works and works fairly well though.

If you look at icom's site here (http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/marine/handhelds/gm1600/default.aspx)you see the radios to the right are more expensive and less watts than the ones to the left - so I'm puzzled. the ICGM1600 is over $500 but only 2W - what gives?

My guess is that they're all close to the same - you can only pack so much puch (in terms of communication distance and clarity) in a handheld.

I'm curious though - what is it that determines (other than the obviously line of site and distance things) how strong a marine handheld's radio is? I always thought it was the wattage - 4w, 5w, 6w, etc. - is that true? Would it hold true that the handheld with the highest wattage would likely give you better communication from the middle of Mead?

I'm always thinking of contingency, and given recent events I'm thinking it makes sense to have a good radio. Mine may be fine but I want to check and make sure.

Kim - don't you know about this stuff?

So what's the best way to go if you're purely looking for signal strengh but need the compact size of a handheld? I know I touched on this a year or two ago but don't think I came to any other solution than keeping the one I have as it's pretty good as it is!

[BADFISH II]

Found this on boatus.com - sounds like the antenna makes more of a difference than the radio itself!

Hand-Held VHF Radios

VHF handhelds also offer many of the same features found on fixed-mount units. They offer portability in the same way a cordless phone allows more mobility at home. A handheld radio may be just what you need for use in a dinghy, small boat without electrical systems, or as an emergency backup for your boat's radio. Handhelds have a maximum output of six watts. Due to their short antennas, they have a limited range of five miles.

A significant increase in range can be achieved by connecting an external antenna or using a telescoping antenna mounted to the hand-held radio. Battery life varies with the size of the battery pack. Many models have optional battery packs with longer operating times, or greater transmitting power, or both. Some have battery saver circuits that turn off the receiver to save power. The battery life of a handheld can be increased by switching from full transmit power to one watt of transmit power. Handhelds are not DSC capable.

[kimswang]

We use VHF onboard our airplanes and yes, the antenna height got everything to do with it. Notice my two 8' on my radar arch?? The formula for distance with a VHF is the square of feet above water x 110 Due to the circumference of the earth (so any mountains or other obstacles will limit the range). A handheld on Mead will more than likely be enough. I have mine set to 5W but have the otion of using 2W if I want. The important thing is to have one, have at least one backup power source (I have three), and keep it clean/dry. I do not know if there is any repeaters on Mead (I know there is an antenna farm on Wilsons ridge...), if there was any VHF would be usable over the entire lake. In the summer months, you should be able to relay with other boats and be able to get your message to a ranger regardless of position on the lake. Keep in mind that if everybody had a VHF with battery saver on, nobody would hear you when you need it....

[BADFISH II]

Yeah - I figured you got that stuff BECAUSE of the antennas on your boat.

I'm looking into telescoping handheld antenna's - right now I just have the little 4 inch dealio that came with it, but I think from quickly looking that I can get an aftermarket antenna that telescopes - that would likely have a bigger impact than any new radio.

Thanks for the input Kim!

[STV_Keith]

You can get 25w marine fixed mount units. The Uniden Oceanus can be had on Ebay for around $125 these days...that's what I was going to add.

http://www.uniden.com/products/productdetail.cfm?product=OCEANUS%20DSC&filter=Fixed%20Mount

[kimswang]

You can get 25w marine fixed mount units. The Uniden Oceanus can be had on Ebay for around $125 these days...that's what I was going to add.

http://www.uniden.com/products/productdetail.cfm?product=OCEANUS%20DSC&filter=Fixed%20Mount

That's the one I have. Overkill for Mead only, but a great Radio...

[BADFISH II]

yeah but then I have to stick the big ass antenna's on the boat right? I would consider it if the antenna's could go on and off and stow away, so I only hook it up when needed.

[STV_Keith]

The bigger the antenna, the better. I'm sure you could use one of the removeable mounts and hide the antenna in the ski locker or something.

Here's a few options:

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?patH=-1|344|295760|69543&id=70975

http://www.walcottcb.com/wilson-meter-magnet-mount-antenna-300200b-p-398.html

[BADFISH II]

OK - I'm totally having flashbacks to the truck club days in high school and those giant cb antennas with the quick releases. If I get a 25 watt boat mounted unit and that first antenna that's only 10 in. tall is that going to cover a good part of Mead? Seems to me you have to have one of those giant 4 or 6 ft. tall monster antennas no?

[kimswang]

OK - I'm totally having flashbacks to the truck club days in high school and those giant cb antennas with the quick releases. If I get a 25 watt boat mounted unit and that first antenna that's only 10 in. tall is that going to cover a good part of Mead? Seems to me you have to have one of those giant 4 or 6 ft. tall monster antennas no?

For the range you do, not for the quality. I tried to keep it simple for you...:D

A mounted 25W will always perform better than a handheld 5W, an 8' antenna will always have a better range than a 4'...... For the lake, anything over 4' is overkill and a 10" seems a little short. The SS (thin ones with a bulb on) ranging at about 2' does OK if mounted a place where there is NO interference.... Keeping the antenna contacts clean is more important than anything! You can buy a mount so that you with a grip can lay the antenna next to the hull...

[kimswang]

Here is the mount:

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/mountshow.asp?findmount=5187

[DCfive]

Here is the mount:

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/mountshow.asp?findmount=5187


I have a rachet mount similar to that. It works perfect, I don't always have to have it extended. I think my antena is about 6'.

[BADFISH II]

Here is the mount:

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/mountshow.asp?findmount=5187

OK - think I got it - so in a perfect world for what I want (to be able to get help on the radio from LVHB beach if necessary) that mount, an oceanus, and a say 2 to 4 ft. antenna would be ideal?

I don't think my icom will get anyone if I needed help from LVHB beach, where we are most of the time when we go. I don't know though - never tried it. When we got towed we weren't far from LMM - so the cell worked fine luckily!

I think it may be cheap insurance considering... Certainly make me feel better! That and a paddle :rollinglaugh:

[kimswang]

OK - think I got it - so in a perfect world for what I want (to be able to get help on the radio from LVHB beach if necessary) that mount, an oceanus, and a say 2 to 4 ft. antenna would be ideal?

I don't think my icom will get anyone if I needed help from LVHB beach, where we are most of the time when we go. I don't know though - never tried it. When we got towed we weren't far from LMM - so the cell worked fine luckily!

I think it may be cheap insurance considering... Certainly make me feel better! That and a paddle :rollinglaugh:

Keep in mind that there is a cell phone tower with clear view to LVHB Beach.. Just look SSE..

[STV_Keith]

I keep waiting for the price of satellite phones to come down, and plans to be offered that are for service only (ie, you only pay when you use), but so far $30/mo is the cheapest plan out there. That would be the best option, IMO.