boat to shore communication

Sounds like you want to move quickly.

The legal options are amateur radio, citizen's band radio,
and GMRS. Amateur radio and GMRS require licenses, the
latter is obtained for only a fee, the former requires an exam.

You don't say what kind of boat. A high-gain antenna on the
boat and/or high power would probably give you the range you
need with GMRS. It is a UHF system. FRS would probably not
do the trick, as Doug suggested.

Do a web search on GMRS and you'll get all your questions
answered.

There is a news group of sometime questionable protocols
that might be willing to help you determine whether CB radio
would work for you. It is rec.radio.cb. Give it a try.

Good luck

Chuck








Del Cecchi wrote:
> I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on shore over
> distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to some medical issues I
> have.
>
> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug into 110 for
> cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand helds if that would have
> the range. Does anyone have experience with the range of VHF Handhelds?
>
> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a boat unit, a
> battery and a charger?
>
> Unfortunately there is no cellphone coverage in the area. At least not with
> our carrier.
>
> del cecchi
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

On Wed, 4 May 2005 14:30:19 -0500, "Del Cecchi"
<dcecchi.nospam.TakeThisOut@att.net> wrote:

>I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on shore over
>distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to some medical issues I
>have.
>
>I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug into 110 for
>cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand helds if that would have
>the range. Does anyone have experience with the range of VHF Handhelds?
>
>Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a boat unit, a
>battery and a charger?

Yes, or just a 12-Volt DC supply. Look at the radios in marina dock
offices. They are standard fixed mount marine radios.





Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the
simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry.
- Richard Dawkins, "Viruses of the Mind"
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

On 2005-05-04 3dsm68FjvsU1.RemoveThis@individual.net said:
>There is a news group of sometime questionable protocols
>that might be willing to help you determine whether CB radio
>would work for you. It is rec.radio.cb. Give it a try.
>Good luck

Nah I wouldn't suggest using cb for anything, maybe cb'ers for target
practice. HEre's why. THe original poster says:
>Del Cecchi wrote:
>> I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on
>>shore over distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to some
>>medical issues I have.
>> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug
>>into 110 for cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand
>>helds if that would have the range. Does anyone have experience
>with the range of VHF Handhelds? >
>> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a
>>boat unit, a battery and a charger?
NO cell phone coverage in the area, get a regular marine unit for the
cabin, forget the charger unless you want battery backup. Even then
get a 12 volt dc power supply to power the radio and/or float charge
your battery so that you have the radio powered even if the cabin
loses electrical power from mains service. YOu can install a decent
antenna on the roof of the cabin or somewhere else and have 10 miles
or so easy.
CB it's all according. Sometimes 10 miles can be a push if you've got
the skip rolling good and some loudmouth redneck yelling "how 'bout it
skipland!!!" when you're trying to talk between you. AT ten miles
without a good gain antenna at both ends chances are good you're going
to be fighting to be heard over the trash.

gO marine vhf or gmrs. YEs both require some licensing, but it's well
worth it in the long run. Ham has the same thing with rigs, not many
vhf/uhf rigs made to run off a/c mains power, so in those cases a
decent power supply to power a mobile and a decent base station
antenna will be better investments than a cb radio for reliability.




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

--
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

<0junk4me.TakeThisOut@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
news:3wfee.2309$Wq.102@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>
> On 2005-05-04 3dsm68FjvsU1.TakeThisOut@individual.net said:
> >There is a news group of sometime questionable protocols
> >that might be willing to help you determine whether CB radio
> >would work for you. It is rec.radio.cb. Give it a try.
> >Good luck
>
> Nah I wouldn't suggest using cb for anything, maybe cb'ers for target
> practice. HEre's why. THe original poster says:
> >Del Cecchi wrote:
> >> I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on
> >>shore over distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to some
> >>medical issues I have.
> >> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug
> >>into 110 for cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand
> >>helds if that would have the range. Does anyone have experience
> >with the range of VHF Handhelds? >
> >> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a
> >>boat unit, a battery and a charger?
> NO cell phone coverage in the area, get a regular marine unit for the
> cabin, forget the charger unless you want battery backup. Even then
> get a 12 volt dc power supply to power the radio and/or float charge
> your battery so that you have the radio powered even if the cabin
> loses electrical power from mains service. YOu can install a decent
> antenna on the roof of the cabin or somewhere else and have 10 miles
> or so easy.

And the fact that there is a big fine if you get caught isn;t a factor?

> CB it's all according. Sometimes 10 miles can be a push if you've got
> the skip rolling good and some loudmouth redneck yelling "how 'bout it
> skipland!!!" when you're trying to talk between you.

Skip isn;t a possability at 10 miles. Groundwave only.


> AT ten miles
> without a good gain antenna at both ends chances are good you're going
> to be fighting to be heard over the trash.
>
True, so install a good antenna.

> gO marine vhf or gmrs.

GMRS is legal, marine isn't.

> YEs both require some licensing, but it's well
> worth it in the long run.

License or not, marine is illegal for the proposed situation.

> Ham has the same thing with rigs, not many
> vhf/uhf rigs made to run off a/c mains power, so in those cases a
> decent power supply to power a mobile and a decent base station
> antenna will be better investments than a cb radio for reliability.
>
>
>
>
> 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
>
> --
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

Doug Dotson wrote:
> <0junk4me.RemoveThis@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> news:3wfee.2309$Wq.102@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>
>> On 2005-05-04 3dsm68FjvsU1.RemoveThis@individual.net said:
>> >There is a news group of sometime questionable protocols
>> >that might be willing to help you determine whether CB radio
>> >would work for you. It is rec.radio.cb. Give it a try.
>> >Good luck
>>
>> Nah I wouldn't suggest using cb for anything, maybe cb'ers for target
>> practice. HEre's why. THe original poster says:
>> >Del Cecchi wrote:
>> >> I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on
>> >>shore over distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to
>> some >>medical issues I have.
>> >> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug
>> >>into 110 for cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand
>> >>helds if that would have the range. Does anyone have experience
>> >with the range of VHF Handhelds? >
>> >> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a
>> >>boat unit, a battery and a charger?
>> NO cell phone coverage in the area, get a regular marine unit for the
>> cabin, forget the charger unless you want battery backup. Even then
>> get a 12 volt dc power supply to power the radio and/or float charge
>> your battery so that you have the radio powered even if the cabin
>> loses electrical power from mains service. YOu can install a decent
>> antenna on the roof of the cabin or somewhere else and have 10 miles
>> or so easy.
>
> And the fact that there is a big fine if you get caught isn;t a
> factor?
>
>> CB it's all according. Sometimes 10 miles can be a push if you've
>> got the skip rolling good and some loudmouth redneck yelling "how
>> 'bout it skipland!!!" when you're trying to talk between you.
>
> Skip isn;t a possability at 10 miles. Groundwave only.
>
>
>> AT ten miles
>> without a good gain antenna at both ends chances are good you're
>> going to be fighting to be heard over the trash.
>>
> True, so install a good antenna.
>
>> gO marine vhf or gmrs.
>
> GMRS is legal, marine isn't.
>
>> YEs both require some licensing, but it's well
>> worth it in the long run.
>
> License or not, marine is illegal for the proposed situation.
>
>> Ham has the same thing with rigs, not many
>> vhf/uhf rigs made to run off a/c mains power, so in those cases a
>> decent power supply to power a mobile and a decent base station
>> antenna will be better investments than a cb radio for reliability.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> 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
>>
>>

Seems like there's a hole in the market here boys! Who's gonna be the first
to plug it?



--

--
Digital Photo-charts fo all UK areas.
Remove 'nospam' to reply.
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

"Dennis Pogson" <dennisnospam_pogson DeleteThis @ntlworld.com> wrote in message
news:3Okee.20679$5A3.5594@newsfe4-win.ntli.net...
> Doug Dotson wrote:
>> <0junk4me DeleteThis @bellsouth.net> wrote in message
>> news:3wfee.2309$Wq.102@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
>>>
>>> On 2005-05-04 3dsm68FjvsU1 DeleteThis @individual.net said:
>>> >There is a news group of sometime questionable protocols
>>> >that might be willing to help you determine whether CB radio
>>> >would work for you. It is rec.radio.cb. Give it a try.
>>> >Good luck
>>>
>>> Nah I wouldn't suggest using cb for anything, maybe cb'ers for target
>>> practice. HEre's why. THe original poster says:
>>> >Del Cecchi wrote:
>>> >> I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on
>>> >>shore over distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to
>>> some >>medical issues I have.
>>> >> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug
>>> >>into 110 for cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand
>>> >>helds if that would have the range. Does anyone have experience
>>> >with the range of VHF Handhelds? >
>>> >> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a
>>> >>boat unit, a battery and a charger?
>>> NO cell phone coverage in the area, get a regular marine unit for the
>>> cabin, forget the charger unless you want battery backup. Even then
>>> get a 12 volt dc power supply to power the radio and/or float charge
>>> your battery so that you have the radio powered even if the cabin
>>> loses electrical power from mains service. YOu can install a decent
>>> antenna on the roof of the cabin or somewhere else and have 10 miles
>>> or so easy.
>>
>> And the fact that there is a big fine if you get caught isn;t a
>> factor?
>>
>>> CB it's all according. Sometimes 10 miles can be a push if you've
>>> got the skip rolling good and some loudmouth redneck yelling "how
>>> 'bout it skipland!!!" when you're trying to talk between you.
>>
>> Skip isn;t a possability at 10 miles. Groundwave only.
>>
>>
>>> AT ten miles
>>> without a good gain antenna at both ends chances are good you're
>>> going to be fighting to be heard over the trash.
>>>
>> True, so install a good antenna.
>>
>>> gO marine vhf or gmrs.
>>
>> GMRS is legal, marine isn't.
>>
>>> YEs both require some licensing, but it's well
>>> worth it in the long run.
>>
>> License or not, marine is illegal for the proposed situation.
>>
>>> Ham has the same thing with rigs, not many
>>> vhf/uhf rigs made to run off a/c mains power, so in those cases a
>>> decent power supply to power a mobile and a decent base station
>>> antenna will be better investments than a cb radio for reliability.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> 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
>>>
>>>
>
> Seems like there's a hole in the market here boys! Who's gonna be the
> first
> to plug it?
>
>
Yes, it seems as if there is no solution. VHF is unlawful, GMRS is too
expensive and won't go far enough if I understand correctly, at least
without a elaborate base station. CB is the only hope, and it is reportedly
still overpopulated with obscenity and lunacy.

It is only an 18 foot fishing boat on a lake in northern Minnesota.

del cecchi
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

On 2005-05-05 dennisnospam_pogson.RemoveThis@ntlworld.com said:
>>> CB it's all according. Sometimes 10 miles can be a push if
>>>you've got the skip rolling good and some loudmouth redneck
>>>yelling "how 'bout it skipland!!!" when you're trying to talk
>between you. >
>> Skip isn;t a possability at 10 miles. Groundwave only.
True but the skip can easily overwhelm the ground wave station you're
trying to hear at 10 miles.

>>> without a good gain antenna at both ends chances are good you're
>>> going to be fighting to be heard over the trash.
>> True, so install a good antenna.
YEs but I'd still suggest something vhf or uhf.

>>> gO marine vhf or gmrs.
>> GMRS is legal, marine isn't.
YEs there is the problem of the shore station on marine vhf.

>>> YEs both require some licensing, but it's well
>>> worth it in the long run.
>> License or not, marine is illegal for the proposed situation.
in the market here boys! Who's gonna be
>the first to plug it?
HEre in the states we've got the new Murs service on vhf. DOn't know
how that would do you for a 10 mile range but with a decent antenna on
both ends it might work. YOu could probably use your same marine vhf
antenna for the murs frequencies.
YEs indeed a hole in the market, but I wouldn't ever want to depend on
cb for anything except maybe running up and down the highway and
communicating with the vehicles within a mile or two of me. Have seen
times when to get ten mile range I had to put a little more fire in
the wire than the legal 5 watts.



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

--
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

It is a piece of cake for 2 meter amateur. I suspect that I could coach a
10 year old in to passing the test in 3 or 4 hours. Adults should take half
that long.

You could also declare yourself to be a marina and hang a little sign on
your cabin that says so. That can lead to legal marine VHF.

Finally you can declare your cabin to be the vessel SS Cabin and install a
VHF. If questioned always claim you are communicating from the skiff moored
at the dock. Put a handheld in a skiff if you really want to be careful.
The probability of being nailed in a rural lake setting is so just below
that of the almighty reaching from the sky with a lightning bolt and smiting
you.

For the record it is illegal ...but then so are a number of the other
rewarding things in life.

Jim Donohue



"Del Cecchi" <dcecchi.nospam.TakeThisOut@att.net> wrote in message
news:3dsm68FjvsU1@individual.net...
>I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on shore over
>distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to some medical issues I
>have.
>
> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug into 110
> for cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand helds if that would
> have the range. Does anyone have experience with the range of VHF
> Handhelds?
>
> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a boat unit, a
> battery and a charger?
>
> Unfortunately there is no cellphone coverage in the area. At least not
> with our carrier.
>
> del cecchi
>
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

In article <3Okee.20679$5A3.5594@newsfe4-win.ntli.net>,
"Dennis Pogson" <dennisnospam_pogson.RemoveThis@ntlworld.com> wrote:

> Doug Dotson wrote:
> > <0junk4me.RemoveThis@bellsouth.net> wrote in message
> > news:3wfee.2309$Wq.102@bignews4.bellsouth.net...
> >>
> >> On 2005-05-04 3dsm68FjvsU1.RemoveThis@individual.net said:
> >> >There is a news group of sometime questionable protocols
> >> >that might be willing to help you determine whether CB radio
> >> >would work for you. It is rec.radio.cb. Give it a try.
> >> >Good luck
> >>
> >> Nah I wouldn't suggest using cb for anything, maybe cb'ers for target
> >> practice. HEre's why. THe original poster says:
> >> >Del Cecchi wrote:
> >> >> I am looking for a way to communicate from boat to my spouse on
> >> >>shore over distances of less than 10 miles. This is due to
> >> some >>medical issues I have.
> >> >> I have looked at VHF radios, but there seem to be few that plug
> >> >>into 110 for cabin use. I could just go with a couple of hand
> >> >>helds if that would have the range. Does anyone have experience
> >> >with the range of VHF Handhelds? >
> >> >> Any suggestions for a unit for the Cabin? Or do I just get a
> >> >>boat unit, a battery and a charger?
> >> NO cell phone coverage in the area, get a regular marine unit for the
> >> cabin, forget the charger unless you want battery backup. Even then
> >> get a 12 volt dc power supply to power the radio and/or float charge
> >> your battery so that you have the radio powered even if the cabin
> >> loses electrical power from mains service. YOu can install a decent
> >> antenna on the roof of the cabin or somewhere else and have 10 miles
> >> or so easy.
> >
> > And the fact that there is a big fine if you get caught isn;t a
> > factor?
> >
> >> CB it's all according. Sometimes 10 miles can be a push if you've
> >> got the skip rolling good and some loudmouth redneck yelling "how
> >> 'bout it skipland!!!" when you're trying to talk between you.
> >
> > Skip isn;t a possability at 10 miles. Groundwave only.
> >
> >
> >> AT ten miles
> >> without a good gain antenna at both ends chances are good you're
> >> going to be fighting to be heard over the trash.
> >>
> > True, so install a good antenna.
> >
> >> gO marine vhf or gmrs.
> >
> > GMRS is legal, marine isn't.
> >
> >> YEs both require some licensing, but it's well
> >> worth it in the long run.
> >
> > License or not, marine is illegal for the proposed situation.
> >
> >> Ham has the same thing with rigs, not many
> >> vhf/uhf rigs made to run off a/c mains power, so in those cases a
> >> decent power supply to power a mobile and a decent base station
> >> antenna will be better investments than a cb radio for reliability.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> 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
> >>
> >>
>
> Seems like there's a hole in the market here boys! Who's gonna be the first
> to plug it?
>
>
>
> --
>
> --
> Digital Photo-charts fo all UK areas.
> Remove 'nospam' to reply.
>
>

There isn't a hole in the market, there is a Giant Regulatory Roadblock
for noncommercial Maritime Shore Stations. They are not LEGAL by ITU
Regulation, not just in the USofA.


Bruce in alaska
--
add a <2> before @
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

So to summarize, with the possible exception of CB there is no legal way for
me to keep in contact while out fishing that is affordable and likely to
work. However, since I am pretty well off in the boonies with no Coast
Guard and few federal officials I could likely get away with VHF, since it
would really be difficult to distinguish my "base station" from another
boat, and boat to boat communication is perfectly all right. Besides by
the time they tracked me down summer would be over.


del
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

On Thu, 5 May 2005 10:01:06 -0400, "Glenn Ashmore" <gashmore RemoveThis @cox.net>
wrote:

>
>
>
>"Rodney Myrvaagnes" <rodneym RemoveThis @attglobal.net> wrote
>>
>> Yes, or just a 12-Volt DC supply. Look at the radios in marina dock
>> offices. They are standard fixed mount marine radios.
>
>Marinas, radio repair shops and other businesses engaged in servicing boats
>on the water can apply for a land based marine VHF station license but
>individuals can't. It is illegal for a private individual to transmit on
>marine VHF frequencies while ashore, period. The penalties are pretty
>serious and as with the self appointed newsgroup police we have recently
>been infected with here, there are plenty of self appointed airways police
>out there just itching to turn you in.

I was not engaged in legal advice, just practical.

But I wonder just how many people are sitting listening to all
channels in Northern Minnesota, just hoping to hear a violation? And,
on hearing some heinous act, such as speaking French, calling the
nearest USCG station hoping they will send a helicopter to chase down
the culprit?

I have overheard some hilarious conversations on Channel 06 within
range of Station Jonesport. Often it sounded as if a fisherman's wife
was calling him from home about some household matter. If they had
used 16 the CG would have told them to take it to a working frequency,
but on 06 they wouldn't hear it ordinarily, nor care if they did.

But of course, I had no way of knowing where the actual transmission
took place.

I have also heard fishermen in New Hampshire waters conversing in
French on a [shudder] international channel. The unspeakable crimes
that go unpunished every day!!


Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a

The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the
simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry.
- Richard Dawkins, "Viruses of the Mind"
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

Since Ch 06 is a safety channel, you generally get chased off pretty
quickly if engaging in idle chitchat. We used to use Ch 6 while traveling
in a group and one of our group is retired CG.


"Rodney Myrvaagnes" <rodneym.TakeThisOut@attglobal.net> wrote in message
news:qb3o71tck10idfm97l26fqbr9da4ngd7ls@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 5 May 2005 10:01:06 -0400, "Glenn Ashmore" <gashmore.TakeThisOut@cox.net>
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>
>>"Rodney Myrvaagnes" <rodneym.TakeThisOut@attglobal.net> wrote
>>>
>>> Yes, or just a 12-Volt DC supply. Look at the radios in marina dock
>>> offices. They are standard fixed mount marine radios.
>>
>>Marinas, radio repair shops and other businesses engaged in servicing
>>boats
>>on the water can apply for a land based marine VHF station license but
>>individuals can't. It is illegal for a private individual to transmit on
>>marine VHF frequencies while ashore, period. The penalties are pretty
>>serious and as with the self appointed newsgroup police we have recently
>>been infected with here, there are plenty of self appointed airways police
>>out there just itching to turn you in.
>
> I was not engaged in legal advice, just practical.
>
> But I wonder just how many people are sitting listening to all
> channels in Northern Minnesota, just hoping to hear a violation? And,
> on hearing some heinous act, such as speaking French, calling the
> nearest USCG station hoping they will send a helicopter to chase down
> the culprit?
>
> I have overheard some hilarious conversations on Channel 06 within
> range of Station Jonesport. Often it sounded as if a fisherman's wife
> was calling him from home about some household matter. If they had
> used 16 the CG would have told them to take it to a working frequency,
> but on 06 they wouldn't hear it ordinarily, nor care if they did.
>
> But of course, I had no way of knowing where the actual transmission
> took place.
>
> I have also heard fishermen in New Hampshire waters conversing in
> French on a [shudder] international channel. The unspeakable crimes
> that go unpunished every day!!
>
>
> Rodney Myrvaagnes J36 Gjo/a
>
> The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the
> simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry.
> - Richard Dawkins, "Viruses of the Mind"
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication 

In article <3e1cj8Fmid2U1.DeleteThis@individual.net>,
"Del Cecchi" <dcecchi.nospam.DeleteThis@att.net> wrote:

> So to summarize, with the possible exception of CB there is no legal way for
> me to keep in contact while out fishing that is affordable and likely to
> work. However, since I am pretty well off in the boonies with no Coast
> Guard and few federal officials I could likely get away with VHF, since it
> would really be difficult to distinguish my "base station" from another
> boat, and boat to boat communication is perfectly all right. Besides by
> the time they tracked me down summer would be over.
>
>
> del
>
>
>

Well Yes, all that you state is true, but a Person with an Ounce of
PERSONAL INTEGRITY, wouldn't violate the Law just for convience.
Actually you could very easily just get yourself a Business Radio
Service License, and use Land Mobile VHF Radios and be perfectly
LEGAL, in all respects. I am suprised no one else came up with that
option. It is what Business Radio Service is all about. You will not
get your own Private Frequency, but a shared frequency with PL would do
you just spiffy.....


Bruce in alaska once an FCC Field Agent.........
--
add a <2> before @
 >> Stay informed about: boat to shore communication