Radio (VHF & 27Mhz) testing

[Gumby_III]

Hi all

I live in Mudgee which is 3 to 4 hours drive from the coast. I have an upcoming trip to 1770 and plan to spend some time out around the reef weather dependant. I keen to make sure the radios are working before getting there to find they are not working and have to find a replacement and waste valuable fishing time.

Any suggestions how I can do this given not too many other boats with VHF radios in the area?

Cheers
Mark

[gazza2006au]

Wasnt 27 phased out around 10 years ago?

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

[scottar]

Wasnt 27 phased out around 10 years ago?

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

No Gazza. They still sell them. Their use is not as prevalent these days as VHF has become much more affordable but they are still around.

[scottar]

Hi all

I live in Mudgee which is 3 to 4 hours drive from the coast. I have an upcoming trip to 1770 and plan to spend some time out around the reef weather dependant. I keen to make sure the radios are working before getting there to find they are not working and have to find a replacement and waste valuable fishing time.

Any suggestions how I can do this given not too many other boats with VHF radios in the area?


Cheers
Mark

Probably the best thing you can do is see if there is a communications specialist in your area. Even if they don't do a heap of marine they should have the test equipment to check the antennas (SWR meter), a RF power meter to check the power output of the set and if they are a good tech centre an IFR or similar that can check receiver sensitivity.

[gazza2006au]

Thanks Scott i thought 27mhz was phased out when it was no longer being listen to by rescue

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

[blacklab]

It's been a 2-3 years since my boat has been off the water, but St Kilda here in Melbourne was still answering and monitoring 27 meg then. would check in as I drove past them heading out......

Col

[scottar]

Rescue still listening. VMR NSW website

https://www.marinerescuensw.com.au/b...y/marineradios

[chris69]

Have a go at trying to pick up some truckies since your hours from the coast ,just say your wanting a radio check and ask them were they are.

[gazza2006au]

We picked up a funny bloke one time on the radio he had the best sense of humour he called us the skull cleaner lol..

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

[Noelm]

Not too sure trucks will have marine frequencies, most marine rescue bases will continue to monitor 27m until their equipment fails, then it's out the door, that said, as long as there is someone else within range, the set is still useful.

[blacklab]

Scott, that's right, nsw coast still monitor 27 meg.
There was a recent rescue on the bar at Eden, and the coast guard responded to the call on 27 meg. I'm still considering putting my old one back in, the talk even 10 years ago was that it was being phased out, but I don't honestly think it will be.....

Col

[gazza2006au]

Last i recall reading about 27mhz was on fish raider 10 years ago and marine rescue had a date that they were no longer listing to 27mhz everyone was freaking out because back than it wasnt clear and everyone thought u needed a license to use vhf

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

[scottar]

Not too sure trucks will have marine frequencies, most marine rescue bases will continue to monitor 27m until their equipment fails, then it's out the door, that said, as long as there is someone else within range, the set is still useful.

That far inland - I would say zero chance. Some truckies that either pick up from commercial fisho's or are keen boaties may do but they will be on the coast.

Scott, that's right, nsw coast still monitor 27 meg.
There was a recent rescue on the bar at Eden, and the coast guard responded to the call on 27 meg. I'm still considering putting my old one back in, the talk even 10 years ago was that it was being phased out, but I don't honestly think it will be.....

Col

If people keep buying them, they will keep making them. If production stops due to lack of sales - then they will die a natural death over time.

Last i recall reading about 27mhz was on fish raider 10 years ago and marine rescue had a date that they were no longer listing to 27mhz everyone was freaking out because back than it wasnt clear and everyone thought u needed a license to use vhf

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

You do need a license Gazza unless it is an emergency. It's not illegal to have one in the boat or use one in an emergency without a license. Any other time it is illegal to transmit. That said, the only time anyone seems to police it is if someone is being an ass and causing issues for a VMR on a regular basis.

[gazza2006au]

Yeah i will put a vhf in my big boat over the 27mhz just since i will be out near shipping lanes i'd inagine if something went wrong and we send out a destress we will get help quickly but dont think i will get a vhf license i cant remember all the requirements plus if your registered and forget most of the information on using it prob cop a fine

Sent from my SM-G900I using Ausfish mobile app

[Ronje1]

If you haven't gone yet (corona virus restrictions may intervene) use VHF. There are 2 long range VHF marine repeaters in the area. 81 will give you Marine Rescue Bundaberg and 82 will give you MR Round Hill and MR Gladstone. There's also an emergency VHF marine radio on Lady Musgrave Is on Ch 81. Used to be a "break the glass" job to use.

Qld Dept of Transport ( maritime) has Ch16 long range after hours back to Gladstone Harbour control.

The 2 repeaters are on pretty good hills so you'll have no trouble reaching either from out wide.