Whats the best way to test my VHF

[FullCircle]

The best advice I read was to get a handheld VHF, send the crew off in the tender into the wide blue yonder, transmitting and receiving to you, on the boat, at regular intervals. When the quality of the transmissions diminishes to an unacceptable level they can then return. You can judge the performance of your radio based on the distance they cover.
It would be safe to assume that would be the minimum range as most boat radios and definitely shore based radios would have antenae higher and with better performance than a handheld.

Handheld has a very limited range, and only 5w of power. Therefore your test is limited by the range of the handlheld braodacasting returns back to the boat.

 

[WightMistress]

Certainly in the UK you can call Coast Watch on Channel 65. They are very happy to take radio checks. It is best NOT to call the Coastguard for this even on their working channel and definitely NOT 16. So many times we have heard a Mayday going on and some dull witted person has pipped up for a radio check without LISTENING FIRST.

Some folk suggest calling the local marina on Ch 80, which is great but if you happen to be close by it isn't going to help a lot. they are also often busy.

 

[pvb]

Certainly in the UK you can call Coast Watch on Channel 65. They are very happy to take radio checks. It is best NOT to call the Coastguard for this even on their working channel and definitely NOT 16. So many times we have heard a Mayday going on and some dull witted person has pipped up for a radio check without LISTENING FIRST.

Some folk suggest calling the local marina on Ch 80, which is great but if you happen to be close by it isn't going to help a lot. they are also often busy.

Is there a reason you suddenly decided to post on a thread which is over 10 years old?