VHF usage.

[Peppermint]

Now I know I've got no mates but is it unusual that I last used my VHF to transmit on anything other than CH80, a year ago.

That was to respond to a request from Solent CG regarding an EPIRB false alarm.

I know I'm supposed to make Solas reports but I'm a bit old fashioned about that.

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[jimi]

Disgraceful

.. you're not getting your money's worth, you obviously need to catch up by doing a few radio checks ... just off to see if my mobbie works by dialing 999.

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[Sybarite]

I may have used mine half a dozen times in 14 years.

John

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[bedouin]

I know the feeling.

Earlier this year I got the distinct impression that everyone was ignoring me - it took me 3 months to realise that the VHF set wasn't transmitting /forums/images/icons/laugh.gif

These days I even tend to use the mobile phone more than CH80 for talking to marinas.

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[Peppermint]

Funny that. They'll ignore CH80 but people are conditioned to answer the phone. In the Solent CH80 is a madhouse anyway.

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[MarkJohnson]

Just returned from my first trip to Brittany. VHF is almost totally dead there. Just the occaisonal weather forecast.

I have gone to all the expense of getting a DSC radio, and doing the course. Never received a DSC call yet, and don't have anyone elses MMSI number to call.

I use VHF for passage reports to Coastguard, the Swansea CG is always friendly, but others in the area who deal with commercial shipping sometimes give the impression that you should not bother them.

Mj


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[Mirelle]

Don\'t carry one

since we are just doing family pottering, until the brats are bigger, thereby saving twenty quid a year.

I will probably buy a DSC job if we go further afield, but it's hardly a priority, so I'm waiting for prices to drop.

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[jerryat]

Hi John,

Yep, I'm just the same as you and have hardly used it for years. Oddly enough, we were debating just a couple of days ago whether we'd actually bother to replace the fixed set if and when it eventually dies. I have no interest (or particular faith) in all the DSC hype, have a mobile for coastal comms (keeping head down now!!) if needed and a superb HF transceiver for the distance stuff.

Haven't done a formal radio check for years either, as I have a Vitronix Autumatic Performance monitor which tells me if the signal isn't zapping out into the ether, and do a single post-launch check with friend's boats.

Like many other Forumites, I'm totally fed up with the repetitive rubbish jamming the channels so, I'm somewhat ashamed to admit, often don't switch it on at all.

Good sailing!



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[mirabriani]

"Feeling ignored?"


A man walks into the doctor's surgery and says "doctor everyone keeps ignoring me" Doctor "Next patient please"

Briani

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[l'escargot]

Likewise. Listen to the local weather (when I can find it since they messed around with the channels and became "flexible" with the timings!). Last transmitted two years ago for a marina berth.

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[castaway]

Hi Mark

Thats interesting 'cause having just returned to the Solent from the empty waters of the South West (actually only as far as Salcombe!) And the only voices I heard on CH16 apart from CG were in French..

All best Nick.

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[Boathook]

Re: VHF usage. re jerryat

Like you I do not normally turn the VHF on in the Solent or surrounding area. When crossing the channel it is normally on as it is quieter on the other side (including the CI). Sometimes use it to tell the CG that we are crossing the channel especially when the visibility is poor.


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[Birdseye]

Re: VHF usage. re jerryat

fascinated that you can all remember the date on which you last used your radio. mustn't be much happening.

<hr width=100% size=1>this post is a personal opinion, and you should not base your actions on it.

 

[Peppermint]

Re:For me it\'s logged

how organized is that?

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[Peppermint]

Re: Are you all

doing your SOLAS reports though?

Or are you ignoring it unless your doing something out of the ordinary?

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[MarkJohnson]

Exception to the rule no doubt. Try listening in France (Brittany is my limited experience)

Despite all the comments, the VHF should be on in case of an emergency, you might be in a position to save a boat or whatever.

regards

Mark J

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[TonyD]

Re: Are you all

What's a SOLAS report? I know what SOLAS is, but I didn't realise we had to produce reports - only passage plans. Have I missed something? (asleep in class again I suppose!)

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