Radio Check / VHF Tips & Rules

[AlmostAmos]

Do you guys turn on your radio & ask for a radio check when you first get on your boat? Every day? What channel?

Last weekend, my Dad & I were both out on the bay in DIFFERENT boats. I was in my DLV. My setup is new and I haven't tested everything thoroughly. He sucked some sand up in his outboard & it overheated/shutdown. He was trying to call out on his VHF - problem was, NOBODY could hear him - including me. I was only a mile or two away from him. Anyway, he managed to limp back to the creek & flagged me down. He gave me a "Why the hell weren't you monitoring 71?!?! WTF!".

So, I immediately yelled over to him - give me a shout on 71. He keyed his mic & mine just clicked. I couldn't hear him talking @ all. I pick up everyone else just fine (from MILES away). Just two weeks ago, I was talking w/ a captain who was 14 miles away from me & he could hear me loud & clear.

SO, I got on my radio immediately after the issue w/ my Dad & asked for a radio check on Channel 9. NOBODY returned the request. So, I was thinking - what the hell is the "correct" way to ask for such a thing? Should I be doing it on a channel that the CG monitors?

All weekend I listened to idiots TALKING on the emergency channel about beer/fish. The coast guard was pretty busy explaining the rules to these morons.

Any tips/rules you guys can give on using a VHF properly? How do YOU know if your VHF will be working when you need it.

BTW - I have a ICOM M304 w/ a Digital Antenna 528 (4' Fiberglass) mounted on the grab rail over the console. The M304 is connected to my 540s GPS for DSC.

-AA

[brokebeach5011]

I have a handheld also.I let my wife help me check it at the house from time to time.

[Beckcl]

http://www.boatingsafety.com/vhf1.htm See this article. Be sure and checkout the other parts to the article at the bottom of the page.

I think you should ask for a radio check everytime you go out.

[burgessm84]

Nice summary with sample conversations:
http://www.seakayak.ws/kayak/kayak.nsf/1/55C2AC6DE56618898525735500740A6E

Good licensing info:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=licensing&id=ship_stations

Details on what each channel is for:
http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_bandplan&id=ship_stations

[capt bruce]

your 304 should tell you on the screen what each channel is for, if you need a radio check you should call for sea tow on chan 16 they will direct you to another working chan then they will give you a radia check

[CFISHN]

I have this SWR Meter with TX test tone it's EZ to use , cost around $35 / " eBay "and requires acoax jumper cable
http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/accessoryshow.asp?menupick=ART-3

http://www.google.com/products?q=Shakespeare+ART-3+-4079&hl=en&scoring=p