VHF radio question (testing it)

M

mars bar

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
395
With this boat I purchased came a VHF radio and antenna. In the front are 4 buttons which were loose I fixed the plate. I hook power to it and get static. Do I need to be near water to get the range closer? I'm familiar with CB radios but never owned a VHF.:confused:
 
T

Tiki35

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 23, 2007
Messages
89
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

Is the antenna cable screwed into the back of the radio?

What make/model of radio is it? If it doesn't have a red distress button on the front, you are going to want to upgrade it to a newer one.
 
Tacklewasher

Tacklewasher

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
1,588
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

First.

You need a [FONT=Book Antiqua, Times New Roman, Times]Restricted Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate (maritime) in order to use a VHF radio in Canada. You need to go through a Canadian Power Squadron for the course etc. It's $60, and three nights. Pretty easy as I passed mine last week with one mistake.

Technically, you should not be using the radio unless you are on the water (you can be fined for this) so it is hard to test it out. I guess you can turn it on and listen to the weather channel.

The newer units are much more useful as they can talk to a gps etc. and transmit your location in distress.

But without the Certificate, you shouldn't use it.
[/FONT]
 
mphy98

mphy98

Lieutenant
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Oct 20, 2008
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Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

would a us resident need that as well? coming up in a couple of weeks and would like to know?
 
Tacklewasher

Tacklewasher

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
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Messages
1,588
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

mphy98 said:
would a us resident need that as well? coming up in a couple of weeks and would like to know?
Click to expand...

Not sure.

It seems the US has more stringent standards than Canada for VHF (and they are obeyed about the same in both countries) in that I can go with just a certificate and don't need a station license or call sign. So if you have vhf license and a call sign, you will be fine.

Just got my MMSI in the email today.

Side note (and this is not meant to be political). The course book is the 2007 edition. In it they talk about Canada and the US setting up a reciprocal agreement so I would not need a license in the US. The book also says the process was back-burnered after 9-11. It still has not been done so I can't (legally) use my radio in the US.
 
M

mars bar

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
395
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

Where do I take this Power Squadron course I love education.
 
D

dan t.

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 28, 2008
Messages
1,131
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

just google canadian power squadron, easy course and very informative:D
 
Tacklewasher

Tacklewasher

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 18, 2002
Messages
1,588
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

mars bar said:
Where do I take this Power Squadron course I love education.
Click to expand...

Canadian Power Squadron offers a lot of courses, including a boating course recognized for the safe boaters card.

The one I'm talking about is the Maritime radio course. Basically, they hold the course on behalf of Industry Canada and is the only way to get the certificate.

Like Dan said, just google Canadian Power Squadron. They have chapters most places there is water.
 
tallcanadian

tallcanadian

Captain
Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
3,245
Re: VHF radio question (testing it)

i have a vhf radio that i use to listen to our local rcmp and ambulance, etc. there is a squelch setting, at least on mine, under where the mic fastens into. there are two long screws that have to be removed. then unplug the mic. there are two settings. one for blocking and unblocking channels and the other for squelch. hope this helps. i also receive our local search and rescue, coast guard and fire department. i use it only as a scanner.
 
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