paul salliss
Well-Known Member
Looking for a quick bit of advice. Is there any real advantage either way of handheld as opposed to hard wired systems assuming you buy high end quality products please
VHF device's
- Thread starter paul salliss
- Start date
mlines
Well-Known Member
Hardwired tend to have higher power capability and, by default because of the installation, better aerial. They also run for longer as they are powered by the boats system.
Handhelds are portable and can be moved around.
Handhelds are portable and can be moved around.
Bathdave
Well-Known Member
Th aerial height above the ground makes a huge difference to the broadcast range
The rule of thumb I apply is if you can see it they can hear you.
On a sailboat with the aerial at the top of the mast the range i get a broadcast range of well over 30 miles, with the handheld may be a handful of miles.
Mobos have lower aerial heights but the same principles apply - the height will always be higher than a handheld.
The rule of thumb I apply is if you can see it they can hear you.
On a sailboat with the aerial at the top of the mast the range i get a broadcast range of well over 30 miles, with the handheld may be a handful of miles.
Mobos have lower aerial heights but the same principles apply - the height will always be higher than a handheld.
maby
Well-Known Member
Assuming that you are talking about 2-way VHF radios, then as mlines says, it comes down to power output and, consequently, range. Handies typically have a maximum output of 5w which, coupled with the small antenna and low altitude of the antenna, will severely limit range. Our fixed DSC radio can output 25w into a full size antenna at the top of the mast - if I ping Solent Coastguard with a DSC test message from our berth in Southampton centre, I always get a response. Our Standard Horizon DSC handie outputs a maximum of 5w into a compact antenna - the range for a successful DSC test message is just a few miles.
If you can only afford one, then I would go for a fixed installation. The combination of a fixed and a handie is ideal if the budget will run to it.
If you can only afford one, then I would go for a fixed installation. The combination of a fixed and a handie is ideal if the budget will run to it.
paul salliss
Well-Known Member
Thanks all and makes sense. I know what to do. Cheers
oceanfroggie
Well-Known Member
Fixed > 25nm range
Handheld 4-6nm range
Personally on a mobo I'd recommend both. The HH as your backup because it has batteries, can also go in the grab bag, and can also be used when going ashore from anchorages on your anchor.
Handheld 4-6nm range
Personally on a mobo I'd recommend both. The HH as your backup because it has batteries, can also go in the grab bag, and can also be used when going ashore from anchorages on your anchor.
rafiki_
Well-Known Member
I use both. The fixed to monitor ch16, the handheld for back up and boat to boat.
Momac
Well-Known Member
I agree a handheld can have a reasonably good range . I bought my handheld (an Icom) in 2014 and use it frequently as I don't yet have a fixed radio at the flybridge. I thought the battery charging would be nuisance but I have found charging twice a year to be more than sufficient. Its not a DSC radio so I expect that helps with battery life.
One downside to a handheld is if you put it down the range becomes much reduced so you may not receive an incoming call . Therefore a fixed radio should be the first priority .
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One downside to a handheld is if you put it down the range becomes much reduced so you may not receive an incoming call . Therefore a fixed radio should be the first priority .
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Montemar
Well-Known Member
I have just bought a fixed VHF radio for all the reasons listed by others. More work to install but as it primarily has a safety function range and power win out. It also has AIS which is another asset.
