VHF - is it just me?

Rivers & creeks

Rivers & creeks

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We've just fitted a new fixed VHF but struggling to test it. I've used a HH 100 meters away and that confirms the set is sending and receiving but trying to call the Coastguard for a radio check isn't going well! Managed to get a "weak but readable" top of the tide yesterday but no other response earlier in the week. Being in Fox's we're rather hidden and the aerial is only at the top of the mizzen not the main. Any other ideas on how to check it? Anyone know where the CG aerial is I'm trying to contact?
 
The Lazy Kipper said:
We've just fitted a new fixed VHF but struggling to test it. I've used a HH 100 meters away and that confirms the set is sending and receiving but trying to call the Coastguard for a radio check isn't going well! Managed to get a "weak but readable" top of the tide yesterday but no other response earlier in the week. Being in Fox's we're rather hidden and the aerial is only at the top of the mizzen not the main. Any other ideas on how to check it? Anyone know where the CG aerial is I'm trying to contact?
Click to expand...

try Ipswich Ch 68
 
sailorman said:
try Ipswich Ch 68
Click to expand...

The trouble with that is it only tests the VHF at one mile, I need to know it will work 5 miles or more from the coast. If our nearest CG aerial is Walton then I'm probably OK if I only got them once. Do the other yacht masts in the marina interfere with VHF like they do Navtext?
 
The Lazy Kipper said:
The trouble with that is it only tests the VHF at one mile, I need to know it will work 5 miles or more from the coast. If our nearest CG aerial is Walton then I'm probably OK if I only got them once. Do the other yacht masts in the marina interfere with VHF like they do Navtext?
Click to expand...

go 5 miles out and radio foxs
 
CG aren't too busy at this time of year. For courtesy, when you're ready ring Thames first and explain you want to test a new radio, they will surely say 'yes of course you can', then just call 'em on 16 on high power, and if that works OK call them again on low power.
 
You really need an SWR/Power meter to check your antenna and connections. It will show up any poor connection or antenna mistuning. Try to borrow one since you will not need it very often. If you have no luck locally, PM me - I have two or three and could lend you one if we can work out a way to get it to you that doesn't cost as much as a new one...
 
VHF Coverage - Orwell

All,
For your info, the Ch16 aerial at Walton is a folded dipole facing directly to seawards off the mast. This creates a black spot especially at LW in the upper reaches of the Orwell. This applies to all of our radio sites creating difficult areas on inland rivers. Hope this helps.
 
Yeoman of England said:
All,
For your info, the Ch16 aerial at Walton is a folded dipole facing directly to seawards off the mast. This creates a black spot especially at LW in the upper reaches of the Orwell. This applies to all of our radio sites creating difficult areas on inland rivers. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...

FWIW: I catch Ostend Radio frequently whilst on the Orwell. Less often Gris Nez.
When crossing the Channel I have great difficulty catching Thames Coastguard even just beyond the Sunk; but do get Ostend Radio, Netherlands CG, Gris Nez, Dover CG and occasionally Great Yarmouth CG.
Is this by design?
 
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