Go Back   Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum > Main Category > Fishing Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-24-2023, 07:42 AM
Frank_NK28 Frank_NK28 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 796
Default VHF Radios

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.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-24-2023, 07:58 AM
Drewski Canuck Drewski Canuck is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 3,918
Default

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
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-24-2023, 08:56 AM
Sea Hawk Sea Hawk is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 290
Default

I agree with Drewski. A radio is great to have at the coast but not here in Alberta.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-24-2023, 09:18 AM
Frank_NK28 Frank_NK28 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 796
Default

Thanks for the info. Appreciate it. What do you think of a Zoleo?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-24-2023, 09:43 AM
WayneChristie's Avatar
WayneChristie WayneChristie is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 12,772
Default

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
__________________
Dinos
681

Shove your masks and your vaccines
Non Compliance!!!!!!
"According to Trudeau, Im an extremist who needs to be dealt with"
#Trudeau must go

Wheres The Funds

The vaccine was not brought in for COVID. COVID was brought in for the vaccine. Once you realize that, everything else makes sense.” ~ Dr. Reiner Fuellmich
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-24-2023, 10:06 AM
Frank_NK28 Frank_NK28 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 796
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WayneChristie View Post
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-24-2023, 10:13 AM
58thecat's Avatar
58thecat 58thecat is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: At the end of the Thirsty Beaver Trail, Pinsky lake, Alberta.
Posts: 24,497
Wink

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank_NK28 View Post
That's interesting. Any worth listening to like how is the current bite on Fort Peck Resevoir? LOL
Big Laker Updates
__________________

Be careful when you follow the masses, sometimes the "M" is silent...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-24-2023, 01:14 PM
ghostguy6's Avatar
ghostguy6 ghostguy6 is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: edmonton
Posts: 3,116
Default

For VHF/UHF radios you would need a licence from Industry Canada to be legal to transmit. Even if you got the basic licence for the marine frequencies commonly used on the coast you could not use those frequencies here as they are in use for other entities in Alberta. Some marine channels are used by law enforcement and you do not want to get caught transmitting on those frequencies. Currently Marine Channel 16 is licensed to: Heenan Energy Services (MACKENZIE LAKE AREA AB), Edmonton Yacht Club (SEBA BEACH AB) and Ross Haven Bible Camp (LAC STE. ANNE, AB)
No one around here really uses radios for boat to boat comms unless its a big event anyways.

If you are set on having a radio in your boat you'd be better off with a CB unit. Cheaper, longer range and no licensing. In an emergency your more likely to reach someone on channel nine than marine channel 16 in AB anyways.
__________________
" Everything in life that I enjoy is either illegal, immoral, fattening or causes cancer!"

"The problem was this little thing called the government and laws."
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-24-2023, 04:50 PM
EZM's Avatar
EZM EZM is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Edmonton
Posts: 11,851
Default

There are very few lakes where you don't get cell service unless you are really really out in the sticks. And, with those really remote lakes in the sticks, there is likely nobody on VHF at the same time as you or even within 25 miles of you anyways.

A sat phone is best, your cell phone is likely the second best option for you if you are inland. VHF seems like it adds little value to us out here in the prairies.

At least that's how I see it.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 02-24-2023, 07:05 PM
nimrod's Avatar
nimrod nimrod is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Alberta for the most part
Posts: 2,810
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank_NK28 View Post
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
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 02-24-2023, 07:52 PM
JohninAB's Avatar
JohninAB JohninAB is offline
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: West Central Alberta
Posts: 6,668
Default

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.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 02-24-2023, 11:54 PM
fisher69's Avatar
fisher69 fisher69 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 103
Default

i dont know about the radios, but for emergency i got a Spot, it uses gps and you need a subscription for it but i think its well worth it for the peace of mind if you regularly go to out of the way spots or places with poor or no cell reception.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 02-25-2023, 07:01 AM
icecold icecold is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: Calgary
Posts: 173
Default

Radios are great for chatting in whatever group you might be in such as 4x4ing, hunting, sledding, etc. For actual emergency communication I would definitely be getting something satellite. Personally I use a garmin inreach. There's a variety of plan options depending on your needs.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 02-25-2023, 09:04 PM
MOUNTAIN MICKEY MOUNTAIN MICKEY is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: ELKFORD BC
Posts: 345
Default

Industry Canada is no longer the governing body name---it is now Innovation, Science & Economic Development. Transmitting on any device in an emergency situation will not draw you a fine. Transmitting at other times--not so good if you aint got the paper work.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 02-26-2023, 01:06 PM
deschambault deschambault is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 385
Default

I have a VHF radio in my boat but only really use it in BC. You can take the marine radio course in Calgary from the power squadron.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:18 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.