my brand new VHF handheld does not work

[massimofinance]

I bought a Standard Horizons HX 370S at West Marine, went down to the shore, and tried it out. I get the weather no matter where I am (even in the house, miles from the shore) but nothing else. I turn the squelch down to 00 (per the manual) then start up until the noise clears, which is generally at 01. I then hear nothing, no noise, no talk, nothing. I tried channels 16,9,68,24. Nothing. This is on Long Island Sound, standing on a dock going out into the sound.<br /><br />Am I doing something wrong? Thanks!

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Maybe there's just no one talking? Does it scan? Gotta be someone out there........... Season's still early though. Try radio checks on 9 or whatever the towing companys use in that area.

 

[massimofinance]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Thanks for the response. How would I know if it scans? there is a SCAN feature, but you need to program the channels into it, and I have not done so yet.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Get out the directions, add all the channels to "scan", when you do hear someone, cut in on that channel for a radio check. Can be pretty quiet this time of year, for what you're trying to do.

 

[AaronG]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Still a little early in the season. Most likely people aren't talking much yet.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

That's a great radio! I believe the default (factory setting) for scan is all channels. Or maybe I added all channels and had to take most back out?!? (sounds like something I would do)<br /><br />Try monitoring channels 9 and 13 and 16.

 

[PeteHarris]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Make a call on channel 16 along the lines of "Any coast guard radio, Any Coast Guard radio ... this is <Boat Name> with a radio Check" If anyone can hear you they are REQUIRED to answer.

 

[Boatist]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Do not ask for a radio check on channel 16. This is not allowed. Very unusual for it to here weather channels but not the marine band. I would set it to scan 16, 22, 68, 69,71,72 and listen in the middle of the day on weekends.

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: my brand new VHF handheld does not work

Make sure you are set on USA channels, not Canadian, or International (& not on CB, oh thats right you decided against that!) Just Kidding. But really check your settings, & I will say there is a lot less traffic on the air because of cell phones, the fishermen don't give away their positions when talking to each other. Good Luck, Joe