Question about using vhf radios

[Mike Delisser]

This will sound stupid I know but my new boat has come with a VHF GME GX600 and as I've never owned a boat with a radio in it before I wouldn't have a clue which channels to use. Seeing it's there I thought I should get to know them befor I need to know them.
I asume as it goes to ch 16 when you turn it on then that is the emergency Channel.
My Q's are
1/ What are the working channels most rec anglers use to talk to each other around Moreton Bay?
2/ What channels do the trawlers use?
3/ On what channels will I find the Coast Guards that cover the Nth & South M Bay?
4/ Also the antenna is what I think you might call an emerg antenna, s/steel and slides out a little longer than a car antenna, can some one tell me what range this type of antenna would have?
Cheers
Mike

[Jeremy]

Mike, VHF is line of sight so the higher the antenna, the longer the range. Most units with 6' or 8' antennas seem to have a range of 20-30 km ship to ship and longer for ship to shore. Almost all VMR/CG stations I know if in SEQ use 73 for calling up and logging on or asking for assistance. Some of the working channels are (I think) 21, 77, 80, 81.
Sure someone else will know more
Jeremy

[russ81]

Hows it going mate


Be aware that you are supposed to be licensed to use a VHF I would recommend going and doing the cse most VMR or Coastguards run the cses I did mine through Ausfish member Subzero

The cse will equip you with everything you need to know about radios and radio proceedures it is also good for meeting others and learning a few things that you wouldnt find out in a book

I think at the time the cse testing and the handbook cost $100


Russ

[Mike Delisser]

I had a radio opperators cert and used them for about 10 years in the surf lifesavers using vhf & uhf, communicated inhouse with Sunshine Command, other clubs & Choppers on uhf and our beach mobile patrols & the tower on vhf.
Just no civilian experience on vhf and no Idea of which channels most anglers use.

[QF3 MROCP]

M62:

send me a PM after Dec 6th (I'm overseas before then) and I'll walk you through the local process of getting a radio certificate - IT'S NOT A LICIENCE. In the mean time have a look at this MSQ site:

http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Marine_radios/Marine_radio_contacts/

It has all the VMR & Coast Guard contacts for Qld.

Once you have identified the nearest one to the boat ramp your leaving from, go and talk to the radio operators and get a briefing from them as to their log on and off process. ALL the sites are different in their hours of operation and working channels.

Get the local Coast Guard member at their building to do an actual role play on land of a Log in and Log off call - you'll get a greater appreciation of the need.

Channel 16 is the calling and distress channel to use.

QF3 MROCP
Redcliffe

[QF3 MROCP]

Print these out for the short term:

[Jeremy]

ALL the sites are different in their hours of operation and working channels.

Can you tell me a CG/VMR unit which does not monitor ch73 between Mooloolaba and Tweed? Which units use channels other than 73 for log on/off? I have used ch73 to log on/off with Tweed, Seaway Tower, Southport, Beenleigh, Raby Bay, Caloundra and Mooloolaba, probably Bribie Island also.

Jeremy

[Richo1]

Commercial operators upstream of the Gateway bridge (CityCats etc.) and southern Moreton Bay (Barges and Water Taxis etc.) use CH 13, Downstream of Gateway Bridge, Brisbane harbour communications CH 12. Otherwise QF3's diagram is the go!

Regards,
Richo

[Jeremy]

Can you tell me a CG/VMR unit which does not monitor ch73 between Mooloolaba and Tweed? Which units use channels other than 73 for log on/off? I have used ch73 to log on/off with Tweed, Seaway Tower, Southport, Beenleigh, Raby Bay, Caloundra and Mooloolaba, probably Bribie Island also.

Jeremy

PM sent to QF3/MROCP asking them to respond to my question

Jeremy

[TheRealAndy]

Can you tell me a CG/VMR unit which does not monitor ch73 between Mooloolaba and Tweed? Which units use channels other than 73 for log on/off? I have used ch73 to log on/off with Tweed, Seaway Tower, Southport, Beenleigh, Raby Bay, Caloundra and Mooloolaba, probably Bribie Island also.

Jeremy

Most VMR and Coast Guard units have different preffered working channels. If in doubt call then on 16 and they will direct you to go to their preffered working channel.

[Jeremy]

Can someone define 'working channel' as applied to VMR/CG units? Are 'working channels' used for log on/off and other routine communications with boaties, or are they used for something else?

Can you give me examples of a VMR/CG station in SEQ which prefers to use a different chanel to 73 for log on/off?

Trying to get to the bottom of this.

Jeremy

[Taroona]

Try this link


http://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Home/Safet...adio_contacts/

[Jeremy]

useful link thanks. So there are 3 out of 16 from Tweed to Mooloolaba which don't list 73 as one of the VHF frequencies monitored, but I know for a fact that Raby Bay does monitor 73 because I have logged on/off with them on 73.

Still would like to know what a 'working channel' is. Is it different to a frequency monitored?

Jeremy

[Jeremy]

I note also that all 16 stations from Tweed to Mooloolaba monitor ch16 and ch67.

[Taroona]

All stations monitor 16 and 67 VMR and CG