VHF Radio

[treich]

I realize from posts here that VHF is practically never used on the lake. My boat came with one, and thinking I may take it to the bay sometime I'd like to know it works. I have requested radio checks several times with no response. (No surprise there - they are annoying!) But I also have never heard any transmission, even though I usually leave it on "scan" when I am on the boat. Only thing I ever hear is a carrier that breaks the squelch - but no audio - on channel 24.

Is it probable that my radio is working OK, in spite of the above? Is the area just completely empty when it comes to VHF? Any idea what the carrier on channel 24 is?

Thanks

[catfishking]

You should heard the weather anywhere. I would check radio antenna connector soldering sometimes they need resoldering or replaceing when I was going to the bay a lot I started wondering why my vhf never worked and other boats I knew tryed to contact me on there but never heard them so I got a new plug and installed it and work good as new after that. YouTube. Soldering vhf antenna plug lots of videos on there how to do it.

[treich]

I failed to mention that I can hear the weather band channels, so I think the antenna is ok. Just that I have never heard any talk on the other channels. Guess there's just nobody there.

[mwardncsu]

I think a few guys in the Blackwater use it though I don't remember what chanel but cell phones have pretty much replaced the VHF on the lake

[catfishking]

The weather channel s would pick up when my antenna plug was messed up. I would still look at that what happens is the solder corodes at the end.

[31Airborne]

With the advent of cel phones I think you'll find VHF kinda taking a second seat in freshwater areas. I still keep one on board but, like you, use it mainly to listen to weather reports.

[Gator]

Aug 12, 2017 15:48:47 GMT -5 treich said:

I realize from posts here that VHF is practically never used on the lake. My boat came with one, and thinking I may take it to the bay sometime I'd like to know it works. I have requested radio checks several times with no response. (No surprise there - they are annoying!) But I also have never heard any transmission, even though I usually leave it on "scan" when I am on the boat. Only thing I ever hear is a carrier that breaks the squelch - but no audio - on channel 24.

Is it probable that my radio is working OK, in spite of the above? Is the area just completely empty when it comes to VHF? Any idea what the carrier on channel 24 is?

Thanks

24 is a recreational channel. You should be able to get the automated radio check from Seatow on channels 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 84.

If you are on the coast, where VHF is more prevalent, 16 will get you a radio check but I'd recommend 9 if you are a recreational guy.