Marine VHF vs. VHF

[southkogs]

Aside from water resistance, is there a difference from a VHF radio and a Marine VHF radio? My only guess is that a marine VHF has a limited range of frequencies compared to a non-marine VHF.

I believe I'm correct that off the water you have to be licensed to operate a VHF radio, yes?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Marine VHF vs. VHF

You are close but with major differences

Marine Radio frequencies are different then regular frequencies available on amateur radio VHF

You can purchase (with the proper Amateur Radio License) a VHF radio but it might (depending on the model) be able to receive marine frequencies but NOT transmit on them.

For marine use you need a radio that will receive and transmit on 156.050 to 157.425
For amateur VHF the frequency range is 144.100-148.000

All the frequencies are controlled by the FCC and each has it's own power limits (in wattage) too.

I have my amateur license (General class) which permits me to operate on other frequencies but I still can not violate the FCC bandwidths. I can carry a smaller light radio that will blow away the marine band but will not communicate with marine band.

 

[Splat]

Re: Marine VHF vs. VHF

Bob is pretty much spot on.
I'll add that marine vhf radios will already come programmed with the marine 'channel' designations already set. That is 'channel 16' will already be set as 156.800 MHz so you won't need to program it. A off the shelf radio will require programming to get all the channels.

My ham gear is opened up as I participate in a lot of emergency preparedness, and also carry it while camping and bachpacking in pretty remote areas, so I can use it to transmit just about where ever I want should I ever need help. I often carry my ham radio hand held on my boat. I can talk to my local buddies, or talk on the marine band if I need to for some reason . This isn't exactly legal under parts 95 and 97 but sue me.

73 Bill

 

[southkogs]

Re: Marine VHF vs. VHF

Got it - thanks guys. I'm considering a small marine radio, but I also do work with a few emergency groups around here. Was wondering if I got my ticked could I kill two birds with one stone. Not a big deal though.

Appreciate the help.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Marine VHF vs. VHF

Got it - thanks guys. I'm considering a small marine radio, but I also do work with a few emergency groups around here. Was wondering if I got my ticked could I kill two birds with one stone. Not a big deal though.

Appreciate the help.

Go for it. Look up or ask around if there is an ARRL group in your area and ask about the classes. The biggest expense is buying the book and small time investment to take the classes. Well worth it and if/when you get into it..... you will be surprised on how easy it is.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Marine VHF vs. VHF

A marine radio will also automatically reduce output power to one watt on the channels where that power level is the maximum allowed.