Marine Radio

[puddle jumper]

I was thinking of hooking up my marine radio in the house so i can check out the traffic out in the harbor. My question is can i use my C.B. radio antenna on my marine radio with out damaging it in the process. Im not a radio pro
and not sure if the antennas are different from one to the other.

 

[JB]

Re: Marine Radio

The antennae are different, you gotta use a vhf antenna but, more important, the law is different.

It is illegal to operate a marine VHF radio from a shore station without a license. Now if you are ONLY gonna listen, who cares?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Marine Radio

Agree with JB 100 percent.

CB operates on 27 MHZ or about 11 meters and needs a much different antenna.

Marine VHF operates on 156 MHZ or less that 2 meters.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Marine Radio

Agree, although if you're just listening, a quality CB antenna will work quite well. Don't try to transmit though or you'll fry your radio.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Marine Radio

Thanks for the replies. I thought the two antennas were different but not sure and i dont want to destroy my new radio with ignorance.
I knew about the licence law. I should just go and get it due to soon you may not be able to operate one soon with out it. In my neck of the woods
its kinda like car insurance "optional" at least that what it seems like. It just seems like a wast that ive got it stored away to keep it out of the weather when im not boating.

 

[Capt.Matt]

Re: Marine Radio

I have an Icom m45 in my home and one in my boat shed. I also live on a lagoon. I have a cheap shakespeare 8' vhf on my roof. Don't use the cb ant. on the vhf. I have transmitted from my house when I need to. I have relayed safety info between the CG and TowBoat/US, SeaTow and other vessels who cannot Hear each other talking. Capt.Matt