VHF - is it just me?

[Colvic Watson]

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?

 

[sailorman]

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?

try Ipswich Ch 68

 

[Cantata]

......Anyone know where the CG aerial is I'm trying to contact?

The aerials are at Walton, Bawdsey, Bradwell and Shoebury.

 

[Colvic Watson]

try Ipswich Ch 68

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?

 

[sailorman]

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?

why not say that then

 

[nauticalnomad]

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?

go 5 miles out and radio foxs

 

[Cantata]

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.

 

[Habebty]

Or call Levington/Shotley?.

VHF reception for coastguard is a bit dodgy in Ipswich Haven but ok for Harwich VTS??

 

[maby]

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...

 

[Yeoman of England]

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.

 

[Koeketiene]

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.

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?

 

[Yeoman of England]

Not necessarily by design but by location. The aerial at Walton is only 40ft above HW. Griz Nez is over 300ft above HW !!!

 

[Koeketiene]

The aerial at Walton is only 40ft above HW.

Guapa's aerial sits 64.3ft above sea level

 

[nigelm]

Guapa's aerial sits 64.3ft above sea level

Are you bragging again

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Nah, just telling us that he never gets Guapa good'n heeled over....

 

[Sixpence]

Nah, just telling us that he never gets Guapa good'n heeled over....

Must admit I've not been sailing on Guapa but I've been on FC and Morgana when the windows were being washed on the move

I'm sure Jim did it on purpose on our first trip out just to see me fall over at the wheel

 

[Athene V30]

when the windows were being washed on the move

How else would you wash windows?

 

[sailorman]

Must admit I've not been sailing on Guapa but I've been on FC and Morgana when the windows were being washed on the move

I'm sure Jim did it on purpose on our first trip out just to see me fall over at the wheel

you would not want Guapas windoz in the water

 

[Koeketiene]

Are you bragging again

What do you mean; 'again'?

Nah, just telling us that he never gets Guapa good'n heeled over....

Gunwails haven't been under water yet.

Must admit I've not been sailing on Guapa but I've been on FC and Morgana when the windows were being washed on the move

Washing windows?
Sorry, not my department

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

you would not want Guapas windoz in the water

Err... Yeah... Hadn't thought about that!!!!

Now that would be properly heeled over!!!!