I have read several different posts and information on the range of a handheld VHF radio, but I want to ask: “Based on the antenna height at the Coast Guard Stations in Charleston and Port Royal, about how far out is a handheld radio effective?”
Basically is it effective 5 miles, 8 miles, 10 or even 15 miles? I would venture that based on the limited wattage and the minimal antenna height (roughly 6’) that they would not be effective up to 15 miles, but from experience what type of range has anyone gotten?
Thank you, I know that it may be a repeat of a topic, but a search yeilded no tangible results.
I believe you are thinking right when you mention the “limited wattage” of a hand-held.
I’ve never tested to see how far my handheld would reach, but I would expect the wattage to be the most limiting factor. Our FireDept issued handhelds work “reliably” on land for about 10-12 miles from the repeater tower. After that you are hit-r-miss.
VHF is basically line of site… As the earth curves, you need a higher antenna (at least on one end) and generally higher wattage (and/or a directional antenna). However, antenna height at one end of the other is pretty much a requirement.
I was able to reach CG sector Chas from about 18 miles out from the jetties on my handheld once. Hope I never have to again, but its nice to know I at least have that range.
I am not sure of the answer to your question but depending on how far out you are going I would not want only that as a means of contact in case of an emergency.
Goes without saying a handheld VHF offshore should only be used as a back-up. If you have to use it and are in the need of help, usually you can get another boat and they can relay any message to the Coast Guard.
VHF reception offshore is a bit of a hit or miss. I’ve picked up crazy distances before and other times not been able to get a boat 10 miles away, however, this could have been b/c there radio was off or volume down.
Thanks everyone. It is about what I have been thinking. With the line of sight I know that you can calculate it using the height of the CG tower and using the earth’s radius, but I really didn’t want to have to break out the old calculus book to figure it out.
The best bet would be to just go a purchase a hard mount model. Safety is the important factor and none of us should take a short cut on safety. The one time that we may really need our safety equipment and do not have it, we probably won’t get a second chance.
VHF reception offshore is a bit of a hit or miss. I’ve picked up crazy distances before and other times not been able to get a boat 10 miles away, however, this could have been b/c there radio was off or volume down. jtm’s quote
I usually look at the forecasts once a week or when the radio sounds “hinky”. Once you get used to looking at them, look for the maps and areas with “U” These are the unstable areas that can extend out 500nm or more. If you run any distance offshore, thern I suggest you take a peak at the forecasts.
This is sometimes why the radio picks up ( and xmits) some days better than others.
Mike7653; They call that Bouncing the Skip!
Skywave
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For the satellite terminal company in Ottawa, see SkyWave Mobile Communications.
Radio waves (black) reflecting off the ionosphere (red) during skywave propagation.
In radio communication, skywave or skip refers to the propagation of radio waves reflected or refracted back toward Earth from the ionosphere, an electrically charged layer of the upper atmosphere. Since it is not limited by the curvature of the Earth, skywave propagation can be used to communicate beyond the horizon, at intercontinental distances. It is mostly used in the shortwave frequency bands.
As a result of skywave propagation, a signal from a distant AM broadcasting station, a shortwave station, orduring sporadic E propagation conditions (principally during the summer months in both hemispheres)a low frequency television station can sometimes be received as clearly as local stations. Skywave propagation is distinct from groundwave propagation, where radio waves travel near Earth’s surface without being reflected or refracted by the atmospherethe dominant propagation mode at lower frequencies, and line-of-sight propagation, in which radio waves travel in a straight line, the dominant mode at higher frequencies. Most long-distance shortwave (high frequency) radio communicationbetween 3 and 30 MHzis a result of skywave propagation. Since the early 1920s amateur radio operators (or “hams”), limited to lower transmitter power than broadcast stations, have taken advantage of skywave for long distance (or “DX”) communication.
Contents
[hide] 1 Explanation
2 Other considerations
3 History 3.1 Discovery of skywave propagation
3.2 Marconi
Mike; We used to have a Base Station CB set in Alaska. When the conditions were right you could talk to New Zealand! The military, uses a bounce shot off the Troposphere.
Easy mentioned “being able to reach another boat”. I think that is an important thing to consider. Maybe one of the big sporties could hear you and relay your message to the CG if needed.
