VHF Channel 37 or M

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Rafiki

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I am staying overnight where the tender uses the above channel (West Mersea). The problem is that my fixed VHF ( Lowrance Link 8) doesn't appear to have it. It is not listed in any of the various channel lists in the manual, but only in the back of the manual as a "D3-Special Channel, UK, Chart EUR Default", but no indication how to program the set to get this channel.

On the other hand my very old XM2000 handheld VHF doesn't mention this channel in the list of channels in the manual, but it does work on the device itself.

Does anyone know what is special about this channel or even better knows how to programme it on my Lowrance VHF.

Andrew
 
I think you'll have to have your Link8 programmed by a dealer. Technically it's channel 37A (sometimes called M1) and it's a simplex channel used in the UK only for yacht clubs, marinas, etc.
 
I don’t know about Lowrance I’m afraid but on a Garmin you can add it yourself as a private channel option.
 
Rafiki said:
I am staying overnight where the tender uses the above channel (West Mersea). The problem is that my fixed VHF ( Lowrance Link 8) doesn't appear to have it. It is not listed in any of the various channel lists in the manual, but only in the back of the manual as a "D3-Special Channel, UK, Chart EUR Default", but no indication how to program the set to get this channel.

On the other hand my very old XM2000 handheld VHF doesn't mention this channel in the list of channels in the manual, but it does work on the device itself.

Does anyone know what is special about this channel or even better knows how to programme it on my Lowrance VHF.

Andrew
Click to expand...

I've downloaded the instruction manuals ... I cant see how to do it !

You do have it set to the International channel set ( INT in the display not the USA or CANadian set ? If bought in the UK it should be set ! .......... Not that I can see how to change that setting !

UK suppliers advertise it as having M1 and M2 !
 
Hold down CALL for 1 second. You should see setup menu
scroll to UIC - what is it set to and what are your choices?
(You likely want ITL unless there is a UK option)
Below UIC you should have CH NAME - can you see 37, 37A, M, M1 or P1 in that list anywhere (like others say not in numerical order!)
 
My Standard Horizon radio was somehow shipped without uk channels, only found out year later but dealer had to send it back to Standard Horizon to be reprogrammed to uk spec, they did not know how this happened but did say all uk radios should come programmed with M1 and M2
 
My SH (an early UK model) uses 'N0 (zero) for 37 and N1 for 80.

The club launchman is not permitted to answer the mobile phone while operating the launch. Leave a text and they will pick it up when back to the hammerhead.
 
pvb said:
Doesn't that apply only to road vehicles?
Click to expand...

Well that is the law. But if you were risk assessing the process would you consider the risks perhaps similar and conclude if you don't allow your vehicle drivers to talk on phones (allegedly it causes the same level of distraction as legal alcohol limit when just hands free) you shouldn't allow a 'high speed' boat with an unguarded propellor to do the same. That doesn't mean using a radio is safe but here are some thoughts:

- Is the phone waterproof? If you need both hands quickly you can let go of the radio and not worry about it getting wet.
- You need to hold the phone to your ear (I'm assuming it hasn't got bluetooth, if it does it will be cr@p in the wind!). That means you become single handed. On PB2 course you are taught 1 hand on wheel, 1 hand on throttle at ALL times.
- Radio traffic expects delays between messages. Phone traffic does not.

In my experience its almost impossible to use a VHF in a RIB while doing 30kts even as crew. Engine noise and wind noise force you to stop. A phone may differ...
 
ShinyShoe said:
- You need to hold the phone to your ear (I'm assuming it hasn't got bluetooth, if it does it will be cr@p in the wind!). That means you become single handed. On PB2 course you are taught 1 hand on wheel, 1 hand on throttle at ALL times.
Click to expand...

Following that rule would mean that the launch operator couldn't use a VHF either...
 
I don't know the reason which actually came about the decision (members don't have a problem with it) but generally phone calls come in at busy VHF times and cause difficulties e.g. when taking a phone call, several VHF calls can come in at the same time, vice versa whilst at the same time delivering or collecting peeps alongside. Some times conditions need care. Believe me at weekends it can become very busy. Mid week generally there is no problem and the launchman can pick up text messages from members once he has gone back to the hammerhead.
 
pvb said:
Following that rule would mean that the launch operator couldn't use a VHF either...
Click to expand...

Most launches have the VHF on a speaker, so they only need a hand to reply. Most water taxis get plenty of chance to reply while customers are faffing about embarking or disembarking, or they can knock it into neutral mid harbour etc, I've used a fair few water taxis and never felt using the VHF has been done in a risky way.
USing the VHF on a club RIB, we have a 'crew' but it's almost always best to stop or idle to talk.
 
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