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Next: boat docking instruction software
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External
Since: Jul 12, 2005
Posts: 5
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(Msg. 1) Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:39 pm
Post subject: VHF Radio Range Problem
Archived from groups: rec>boats>electronics (more info?)
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I suspect that my Marine VHF radio is a little lacking in range, even on the
25W setting.
It's an older style Navico, I only get about a 10 mile range out at sea,
Yacht to yacht, although I can just reach the Coast Guard from around the
Eddystone (about 15 miles to the coast) This woulnd't seem so bad, except
my brand new ICOM M31 portable gives exactly the same range, both
tramistting and receiving, and that's using it down at deck level, and at
only 5W output! whereas my Main boat VHF has an aerial on the top of the
mast.
Does anyone have any thoughts about what range I can expect yacht to yacht
on a 32 footer sailing boat with mast head antenna with 25 Watts.
I am considering purchasing the ICOM M421, do you think this is the best
bet, or could the aerial be faulty. I have checked all the deck level
connections and these seem OK.
Tips and hints welcome.
Cheers,
John |
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External
Since: Jun 06, 2005
Posts: 1
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(Msg. 2) Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:39 pm
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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I had the same problem on my Pearson 303. I was told that the antenta wire
going up the mast had chaffed through and was shorting out. I replaced the
wire and now it works fine. It is the original radio from 1985 on the boat.
"MazingTree" <newsgroup1 RemoveThis @mazingtree.com> wrote in message
news:xw2pe.228361$Cq2.96196@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>I suspect that my Marine VHF radio is a little lacking in range, even on
>the
> 25W setting.
>
> It's an older style Navico, I only get about a 10 mile range out at sea,
> Yacht to yacht, although I can just reach the Coast Guard from around the
> Eddystone (about 15 miles to the coast) This woulnd't seem so bad, except
> my brand new ICOM M31 portable gives exactly the same range, both
> tramistting and receiving, and that's using it down at deck level, and at
> only 5W output! whereas my Main boat VHF has an aerial on the top of the
> mast.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts about what range I can expect yacht to yacht
> on a 32 footer sailing boat with mast head antenna with 25 Watts.
>
> I am considering purchasing the ICOM M421, do you think this is the best
> bet, or could the aerial be faulty. I have checked all the deck level
> connections and these seem OK.
>
> Tips and hints welcome.
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>
>
> |
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External
Since: Jul 12, 2005
Posts: 5
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(Msg. 3) Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 9:27 pm
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Ah that's encouraging. Another reply in UK.rec.sailing (didn't see the
electronics group!) concurs with this thought. I think I shall replace the
antenna and aerial, unless I can get the Vtronix Antenna apart to replace
just the cable. Sounds worth doing first anyway.
John
"Richard" <rick749.RemoveThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:3P2pe.8530$So7.3143@fe10.lga...
> I had the same problem on my Pearson 303. I was told that the antenta wire
> going up the mast had chaffed through and was shorting out. I replaced the
> wire and now it works fine. It is the original radio from 1985 on the
boat.
>
> "MazingTree" <newsgroup1.RemoveThis@mazingtree.com> wrote in message
> news:xw2pe.228361$Cq2.96196@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> >I suspect that my Marine VHF radio is a little lacking in range, even on
> >the
> > 25W setting.
> >
> > It's an older style Navico, I only get about a 10 mile range out at sea,
> > Yacht to yacht, although I can just reach the Coast Guard from around
the
> > Eddystone (about 15 miles to the coast) This woulnd't seem so bad,
except
> > my brand new ICOM M31 portable gives exactly the same range, both
> > tramistting and receiving, and that's using it down at deck level, and
at
> > only 5W output! whereas my Main boat VHF has an aerial on the top of
the
> > mast.
> >
> > Does anyone have any thoughts about what range I can expect yacht to
yacht
> > on a 32 footer sailing boat with mast head antenna with 25 Watts.
> >
> > I am considering purchasing the ICOM M421, do you think this is the best
> > bet, or could the aerial be faulty. I have checked all the deck level
> > connections and these seem OK.
> >
> > Tips and hints welcome.
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > John
> >
> >
> >
>
> >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Posts: 213
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(Msg. 4) Posted: Mon Jun 06, 2005 11:56 pm
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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In article <xw2pe.228361$Cq2.96196@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk>,
"MazingTree" <newsgroup1.TakeThisOut@mazingtree.com> wrote:
> I suspect that my Marine VHF radio is a little lacking in range, even on the
> 25W setting.
>
> It's an older style Navico, I only get about a 10 mile range out at sea,
> Yacht to yacht, although I can just reach the Coast Guard from around the
> Eddystone (about 15 miles to the coast) This woulnd't seem so bad, except
> my brand new ICOM M31 portable gives exactly the same range, both
> tramistting and receiving, and that's using it down at deck level, and at
> only 5W output! whereas my Main boat VHF has an aerial on the top of the
> mast.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts about what range I can expect yacht to yacht
> on a 32 footer sailing boat with mast head antenna with 25 Watts.
>
> I am considering purchasing the ICOM M421, do you think this is the best
> bet, or could the aerial be faulty. I have checked all the deck level
> connections and these seem OK.
>
> Tips and hints welcome.
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>
>
>
I would suspect the antenna and or coax cable in your case. Sounds like
a simple case of old tired coax, or detuned, ort failing antenna.
Here in the North Pacific, we usually are getting 50+ miles boat to
boat with 25 Watts and 10db antennas on 0ver 300 ton Coastal Freighters,
with some paths reaching out to 90+ miles. Of course your milage may
vary, as to Actual Tx Power, and Receiver Sensitivity, and Antenna
losses.
Bruce in alaska
--
add a <2> before @ >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Jun 22, 2003
Posts: 235
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(Msg. 5) Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:51 pm
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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If your boat is fiberglass or wood, make certain you have a ground plane for
the antenna. The earth connection of your transceiver needs to connect to
large matt or screen on the hull which is connected electrically with the
water. Some boat builders bond the screen into the deck. As a check, borrow
a VHF base station antenna and see if it performs correctly. If it does, you
have found your problem. Now fixing it, is another matter.
Steve
"MazingTree" <newsgroup1 DeleteThis @mazingtree.com> wrote in message
news:xw2pe.228361$Cq2.96196@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>I suspect that my Marine VHF radio is a little lacking in range, even on
>the
> 25W setting.
>
> It's an older style Navico, I only get about a 10 mile range out at sea,
> Yacht to yacht, although I can just reach the Coast Guard from around the
> Eddystone (about 15 miles to the coast) This woulnd't seem so bad, except
> my brand new ICOM M31 portable gives exactly the same range, both
> tramistting and receiving, and that's using it down at deck level, and at
> only 5W output! whereas my Main boat VHF has an aerial on the top of the
> mast.
>
> Does anyone have any thoughts about what range I can expect yacht to yacht
> on a 32 footer sailing boat with mast head antenna with 25 Watts.
>
> I am considering purchasing the ICOM M421, do you think this is the best
> bet, or could the aerial be faulty. I have checked all the deck level
> connections and these seem OK.
>
> Tips and hints welcome.
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>
>
> >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Oct 04, 2004
Posts: 56
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(Msg. 6) Posted: Tue Jun 07, 2005 7:51 pm
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Used my VHF for a 1300 nm contact today.
krj
Steve Lusardi wrote:
> If your boat is fiberglass or wood, make certain you have a ground plane for
> the antenna. The earth connection of your transceiver needs to connect to
> large matt or screen on the hull which is connected electrically with the
> water. Some boat builders bond the screen into the deck. As a check, borrow
> a VHF base station antenna and see if it performs correctly. If it does, you
> have found your problem. Now fixing it, is another matter.
> Steve
>
> "MazingTree" <newsgroup1 RemoveThis @mazingtree.com> wrote in message
> news:xw2pe.228361$Cq2.96196@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>
>>I suspect that my Marine VHF radio is a little lacking in range, even on
>>the
>>25W setting.
>>
>>It's an older style Navico, I only get about a 10 mile range out at sea,
>>Yacht to yacht, although I can just reach the Coast Guard from around the
>>Eddystone (about 15 miles to the coast) This woulnd't seem so bad, except
>>my brand new ICOM M31 portable gives exactly the same range, both
>>tramistting and receiving, and that's using it down at deck level, and at
>>only 5W output! whereas my Main boat VHF has an aerial on the top of the
>>mast.
>>
>>Does anyone have any thoughts about what range I can expect yacht to yacht
>>on a 32 footer sailing boat with mast head antenna with 25 Watts.
>>
>>I am considering purchasing the ICOM M421, do you think this is the best
>>bet, or could the aerial be faulty. I have checked all the deck level
>>connections and these seem OK.
>>
>>Tips and hints welcome.
>>
>>Cheers,
>>
>>John
>>
>>
>>
>
>
> >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 04, 2005
Posts: 8
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(Msg. 7) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 3:14 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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On 2005-06-06 rick749 RemoveThis @hotmail.com said:
>I had the same problem on my Pearson 303. I was told that the
>antenna wire going up the mast had chaffed through and was shorting
>out. I replaced the wire and now it works fine. It is the original
>radio from 1985 on the boat.
THat was my first thought. Check your feedline and the antenna, make
sure the feedline is good and your antenna system not corroded or
otherwise less than optimum. IF your antenna on the mast with 25
watts can't outperform your portable then you've got a problem
somewhere. I note you didn't say waht kind of antenna you were using
with the portable. However I'd do some real servicing to the antenna
system before I rushed out and bought a new transceiver.
Richard Webb, amateur radio callsign nf5b
active on the Maritime Mobile service network, 14.300 mhz
REplace anything before the @ symbol with elspider for real email
--
agood captain is one who is hoisting his first drink in a
bar when the storm hits. >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2004
Posts: 110
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(Msg. 8) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:11 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"MazingTree" <newsgroup1.DeleteThis@mazingtree.com> wrote in
news:Mqxpe.238515$Cq2.1735@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk:
> I wonder if you SWR meter can be purchased from the UK. I'm off to
> find out now!
>
> thanks,
>
> John
>
Sorry I didn't notice you were in the UK, John. If you know any ham radio
operators, they'll know, too, where to purchase a similar VHF SWR meter. >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2004
Posts: 110
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(Msg. 9) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:30 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Kees Verruijt <kees.DeleteThis@scanner391.net> wrote in
news:42a6afe9$0$12899$e4fe514c@dreader11.news.xs4all.nl:
> Of course, on our side of the Atlantic we've never heard of the bloody
> outfit...
>
>
Sorry for causing the confusion. You haven't missed anything having never
been in an overpriced West Marine store. >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Jul 12, 2005
Posts: 5
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(Msg. 10) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:33 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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The Antenna system is a Vtronix Great Hawk, the one with the Wind indicator
built into it. Since I first posted, I have spoken with their technical
man, and he was very helpful, and explained that it's fitted with a special
solderless connection to enable the cable to be unscrewed and checked. from
my description to him, it sounds like the aerial has been up the mast for a
long time though, so I may swap the antenna anyway, whilst I am up the mast.
He says it is possible after a very extended period of time for the antenna
to become faulty due corrosion and possibly water ingress.
John
<0junk4me RemoveThis @bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:Hotpe.63619$lQ3.690@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
>
> On 2005-06-06 rick749 RemoveThis @hotmail.com said:
> >I had the same problem on my Pearson 303. I was told that the
> >antenna wire going up the mast had chaffed through and was shorting
> >out. I replaced the wire and now it works fine. It is the original
> >radio from 1985 on the boat.
> THat was my first thought. Check your feedline and the antenna, make
> sure the feedline is good and your antenna system not corroded or
> otherwise less than optimum. IF your antenna on the mast with 25
> watts can't outperform your portable then you've got a problem
> somewhere. I note you didn't say waht kind of antenna you were using
> with the portable. However I'd do some real servicing to the antenna
> system before I rushed out and bought a new transceiver.
>
>
>
> Richard Webb, amateur radio callsign nf5b
> active on the Maritime Mobile service network, 14.300 mhz
> REplace anything before the @ symbol with elspider for real email
>
> --
>
>
>
> agood captain is one who is hoisting his first drink in a
> bar when the storm hits. >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2004
Posts: 110
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(Msg. 11) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:33 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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"MazingTree" <newsgroup1 RemoveThis @mazingtree.com> wrote in
news:6bxpe.238490$Cq2.237090@fe2.news.blueyonder.co.uk:
> solderless connection to enable the cable to be unscrewed and checked
I don't like it. Solderless usually means corroded within 5 miles of the
sea. >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 05, 2005
Posts: 84
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(Msg. 12) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:51 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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MazingTree wrote:
> I wonder if you SWR meter can be purchased from the UK. I'm off to find out
> now!
>
John,
Type "swr meter vhf site:uk" and up they pop. Most of them seem radio
ham oriented, but I was quickly able to find one that's GBP 29.95, which
sounds reasonable.
-- Kees >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 25, 2004
Posts: 110
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(Msg. 13) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:51 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Kees Verruijt <kees.TakeThisOut@scanner391.net> wrote in
news:42a6b179$0$12899$e4fe514c@dreader11.news.xs4all.nl:
> Type "swr meter vhf site:uk" and up they pop. Most of them seem radio
> ham oriented, but I was quickly able to find one that's GBP 29.95, which
> sounds reasonable.
>
>
Just make sure they are for the 156 Mhz range in their specs. Many ham
radio SWR meters are only for frequencies below 30 Mhz...the HF band. >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 05, 2005
Posts: 84
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(Msg. 14) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:53 am
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Kees Verruijt wrote:
> MazingTree wrote:
>
>> I wonder if you SWR meter can be purchased from the UK. I'm off to
>> find out
>> now!
>>
>
> John,
>
> Type "swr meter vhf site:uk" and up they pop. Most of them seem radio
> ham oriented, but I was quickly able to find one that's GBP 29.95, which
> sounds reasonable.
>
> -- Kees
Oops, that should have read ''Type "swr meter vhf site:uk" into Google''
of course...
-- Kees >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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External
Since: Apr 05, 2005
Posts: 84
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(Msg. 15) Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:37 pm
Post subject: Re: VHF Radio Range Problem [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)
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Larry W4CSC wrote:
> Kees Verruijt <kees.TakeThisOut@scanner391.net> wrote in
> news:42a6afe9$0$12899$e4fe514c@dreader11.news.xs4all.nl:
>
>
>>Of course, on our side of the Atlantic we've never heard of the bloody
>>outfit...
>>
>>
>
>
> Sorry for causing the confusion. You haven't missed anything having never
> been in an overpriced West Marine store.
>
In proper Dutch, "Watersport Mafia," is what we call the combined marine
stores over here in the Netherlands. I suspect this translates _real_
easy into English 
-- Kees >> Stay informed about: VHF Radio Range Problem |
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