VHF frequencies - USA & UK

[Capn Pugwash]

Just a thought (forgive me if I am talking horsemanure).

VHF is 30Mhz to 300Mhz but are there any discrepancies if I use a "USA" VHF set in the UK? I believe Channel 16 is an international distress frequency but there are also some oddities I have noticed with US channels (Ch63A & 72A etc)

Sorry again if I am confusing the hell out of everyone!

 

[Talbot]

The frequencies seem very similar between UK and USA frequencies, but the biggest difference is whether the frequency is simplex/half duplex, or fully duplex. You dont need to worry about this that much as a lot of sets are available with both sets of freq available.

 

[Hugh Foulis]

Some of the UK Channels are different to the US channels in that they are duplex channels in the US and not UK. Duplex means that the xmit frequency and the rx frequency are different; these are programmed (or programed if its a USA set)into the set so that if you select say ch 54 it will tune the set to xmit on a frequency and rx on a slightly different frequency. Using a USA set in the UK may mean that you cannot hear the reply.
I have a link somewhere to a comprehensive list of channels and their allocated frequencies including the USA channels that are different and I shall post it tomorrow when I get back to the office. Regards

HF

 

[1317]

My VHF is 25 years old and came with "INT" and "USA." The above responses about simplex etc. are correct IMHO.

 

[vyv_cox]

One unexpected bonus of using a USA set in UK is that it will receive channel 0, allowing you to earwig Coastguard/lifeboat/helicopter traffic. Probably illegal but can't be as bad as using a mobile phone in your car /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Hugh Foulis]

Capn, the link you need is www.solentwaters.co.uk click on the radio frequencies list and it gives you channels, frequencies, wether simplex or duplex and what they are used for. It also explains simplex and duplex a bit better than me,

Regards HF

 

[steveallan]

But the penalties can be a lot higher in the (unlikely) event your set is checked by the authorites.

 

[vyv_cox]

Unlikely indeed. The next time will be the first, in 20 years of cruising.

 

[Capn Pugwash]

[ QUOTE ]
Capn, the link you need is www.solentwaters.co.uk click on the radio frequencies list and it gives you channels, frequencies, wether simplex or duplex and what they are used for. It also explains simplex and duplex a bit better than me,

Regards HF

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Hugh , great bit of info - much appreciated


Steve

 

[SimonJ]

I use a US set, which is necessary if you go there from UK!
The ICOM set has a switch to select USA/European/ Canadian channels as necessary for your location. This is standard on most USA supplied VHFs. Plus you have weather channels for N America.

 

[Bilgediver]

The USA VHF frequencies are not configured exactly like the International frequencies.

Most USA VHF have both USA and International so if you are thinking of getting a VHF in the USA make sure it has INternational and also that once International is selected it always defaults to this,


This is a list of USA frequencies in the USA Here

YOu will note that many of the duplex fequencies ie 20 22 etc have an A suffix. These frequencies are used as simplex and not duplex. Some USA boating radios only have the A suffixed frequencies and so would be unsuitable for talking to harbour control in this country on say channel 20 where duplex is required.

Another problem is that some channels default to low power and one of these is 67. This of course is the last thing you want.

You may find VHF in the USA with CE marking but this DOES NOT mean they are UK type approved which is a separate issue. Buy at your peril


John