VHF Radios

[Frank_NK28]

Curious if members here have a VHF radio on board their boat, either hardwired or handheld? Do we have emergency capabilities in the province on our waterways should we need them? I am considering ordering a handheld for when fishing, especially on bigger waters like Cold Lake but if we do not have the support systems in place then it's kind of a waste of $ to invest in one.

[Drewski Canuck]

I have both a Uniden handheld as well as a marine hardwired unit.

You are wasting your time with the handheld. Range is about 2 - 3 miles. Wattage is too low and antennae is too short.

On the 25 watt fixed mount with a 5 foot whip anntennae, range is an honest 20 - 25 miles.

However it makes no difference. There are so few users inland that you are better off with a sat phone if you really need to call for help.

Drewski

[Sea Hawk]

I agree with Drewski. A radio is great to have at the coast but not here in Alberta.

[Frank_NK28]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. What do you think of a Zoleo?

[WayneChristie]

I just got a Uniden handheld just for a backup, I also got a 4 foot long antennae for it. I need to learn Spanish, sure get a lot of skip coming up from Montana

[Frank_NK28]

Originally Posted by WayneChristie

I just got a Uniden handheld just for a backup, I also got a 4 foot long antennae for it. I need to learn Spanish, sure get a lot of skip coming up from Montana

That's interesting. Any worth listening to like how is the current bite on Fort Peck Resevoir? LOL

[nimrod]

Originally Posted by Frank_NK28

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. What do you think of a Zoleo?

Zoleo uses, cell tower, also wifi, and satellite, to send a message, any one can get the message out

[JohninAB]

Never used it but from what I understand, the iPhone 14 models can send messages to 911 via satellite if cell and wifi coverage are not available.