VHF Radio Help

[LVChris]

I have been searching the net for help with the use of my VHF Radio. It came with the boat, but no manual. I Just got stuck on the wtaer and attempted to use it with no success. AT one time I was on my cell phone with the park rangers and they asked me to transmit, they could hear nothing from me.



So some questions:

How can I determine the model number so I can find the op manual?
Where can I find the proper operating procedures for a marine radio (never had one before)
Where can I find a channel list, so I know which channels I should/ shouldn't be using.

TIA,

 

[shrew]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Can you receive on the VHF? Either WX or any Channel? There's usually tons of chatter on 16 and 68. I do not recommend doing a radio check on 16. If you can recieve, arrange to be on a working channel with a friend and continue testing. At least if you can receive then you know you have a partially working radio and VHF antennae.

Speaking of which, I took a quick look at your boat pics. Where is your VHF antennae?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: VHF Radio Help

the model number should be on the back but it's an old one. You may find a "Standard (brand)" radio manual on line. Not too different.

Is your antenna hooked up?

Next time you're out, get another boater to test it with you. You want to be at least 100 yards apart (a weak transmit will work with a boat/radio close by but not at distance).

Ask someone on YOUR lake what the contact/hail channels and LEO channels are--they may not be the same in other places or coastal waters. There may also be a channel used by fishermen.

One basic instruction: when you reach someone on the hailing channel (here it's 16) you both switch to another channel for a conversation so as not to jam up the hailing channel.

 

[LVChris]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Can you receive on the VHF? Either WX or any Channel? There's usually tons of chatter on 16 and 68. I do not recommend doing a radio check on 16. If you can recieve, arrange to be on a working channel with a friend and continue testing. At least if you can receive then you know you have a partially working radio and VHF antennae.

Speaking of which, I took a quick look at your boat pics. Where is your VHF antennae?

You can see the antennae in this pic.

http://nollboat.shutterfly.com/pictures/667

 

[LVChris]

Re: VHF Radio Help

the model number should be on the back but it's an old one. You may find a "Standard (brand)" radio manual on line. Not too different.

Is your antenna hooked up?

Next time you're out, get another boater to test it with you. You want to be at least 100 yards apart (a weak transmit will work with a boat/radio close by but not at distance).

Ask someone on YOUR lake what the contact/hail channels and LEO channels are--they may not be the same in other places or coastal waters. There may also be a channel used by fishermen.

One basic instruction: when you reach someone on the hailing channel (here it's 16) you both switch to another channel for a conversation so as not to jam up the hailing channel.

Thnks for the info, will try the hailing channel. Yes antennae is hooked up I believe since I can hear others and get the weather.

 

[NYBo]

Re: VHF Radio Help

That's an older Standard Horizon radio.

The most likely problem is the antenna or its cable. See if you can hook the radio up to another known-to-be-good antenna.

Here is a table of the channels. Note that you are required to monitor channel 16 when your radio is on and not engaged in communication on another channel
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtvhf

 

[LVChris]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Thanks NYB0, I checked the antenna cable and found it to be loose. I will try 16 next time I am on lake and see if she works now.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Also check the pressel switch on the mike. (push to talk switch) They can easily fail.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: VHF Radio Help

usually when you can receive the weather channel and boats that are close by but you can't send it's usually the antenna.On the radio screen when you key the mike you should see the letters tx light up. If it does you know it is probably the antenna. The connector might be corroded

Go here and click on owners manual. They have a lot of diff. model manuals to choose from.All you need to do is look on the back for your model
www.standardhorizon.com/

 

[NYBo]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Here's a cool way to get a radio check without clogging up channel 16:
Sea Tow Automated Radio Check Service

 

[LVChris]

Re: VHF Radio Help

Let me give a shout out to the wonderful folks at Standard Horizon! This is an older model radio (GX2330S Nova) and the manual was not on their website. A quick email to them with a pic and they responded with the model number, and a request for my address so they could snail mail me a copy. No questions, no charges, just great customer service! I wish everyone would treat their customers this well.