Newbie Radio Advice

[mjbpjk]

Hi Guys,

For my new boat im looking at getting a Vhf radio for when im fishing the islands off port kembla.

My question is i used to have a 27Mhz radio which worked well for what i wanted to do but ive been told by others that if i want to venture much further i should have a VHF.

I signed up at the boat show for an eagle membership. ???
and i used to enjoy listening to the 27Mhz chanels.

Im looking at getting one of theses radios
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/UNIDEN-MC535-...QQcmdZViewItem

with this radio will i be able to listen to the same channels that i used to and take advantage of my membership or will things be totally different from now on.

Should i stick to a 27Mhz or buy the radio listed above

Thanks again for your continued advice

Cheers Pete

[russ81]

Hows it going mate

The short answer is no you will not to be able to listen to the same channels on a VHF

Personally I would suggest the VHF as you get less interference and greater range.

Cheers
Russ

[2DKnBJ]

As Russ has said you will not be able to listen to the same channels on the VHF.so why not have both radios in the boat.

Cheers Dazza

[fishingrod]

I assume that the "Eagle"membership is with the Coast Guard.

If you are fishing offshore it would definatly be good to have the 27Mhz radio AND the VHF as well. They are both totally seperate channels and bands.

GME used to have that exact Uniden MC535 radio rebadged with their sticker too. If you open up the GME is says Uniden printed on the circuit board inside anyway. They are a simple but effective radio and I have run many of them (branded GME) in several work boats over the years and never had a failure.

Note that you will need to purchase a VHF antenna to use that Ebay radio (cost $50-90). You cannot use your existing 27Mhz antenna.

Technically (legally) you need a operators licence to use the VHF. Its a once off test and a once off minimal cost that lasts you for life. The local Coast Guard could help you obtain this. The Eagle Call sign doesnt not automatically give you permission to use the VHF, I know many people do not have the licence and its not very well regulated.

Hope this helps
Rod

[finga]

It's a good idea to do the radio course. If you don't know a great deal (as was my case) a lot of questions are answered and correct procedures are learnt.
Well worth the day and $100odd
I run both in the big boat

[TOPAZ]

Russ,
Don't always assume that marine VHF has greater range than marine 27MHz.
In over 20 years of use of both bands with the Coastal Patrol, particularly under marginal conditions such as on the Murray River, when patrolling the Southern '80' Ski Race, 27MHz will leave VHF for dead.
VHF's greater range is usually due to the existence of the repeater system, and not inherently due to the characteristics of the band.
I would always recommend the use of BOTH bands where at all possible.
And folks, PLEASE maintain a listening watch on the emergency frequencies (VHF Channel 16, and 27.88MHz) AT ALL TIMES - you might be THE ONLY VESSEL to pick up a weak MayDay signal, and therefore save someone's life.
I know the rubbish you will hear is annoying, but both systems are primarily meant to be a SAFETY item - let's all regard them as such!

End of Sermon,

Richard.

[mjbpjk]

a big thanks to all that replyed,
Im gonna save the pennys and buy both.


cheers Pete