newb needs help please

[DanDaMan]

I really know nothing about uhf/vhf walkie talkies, but am considering of buying one for my dad. Need advice whether this type of radio will meet the purpose/needs.

My dad just bought a small rec boat (16feet) to do some fishing around his house. He plans to fish by himself. They live in a remote area off Vancouver BC, where there is little to no cell phone reception. He plans to fish in the Fraser River surrounded by mountains and heavy bush and trees. He will be about 4 kms from the house.

Will a VHF portable radio (walkie talkie style with say 5w) be able to call the house where my mom would be, assuming I have two identical portable radio models? Or will a UHF be better? I plan to buy a base/starter model, in the $100 range. Will this work, or will I need a commercial or high end unit? What features should I ensure my radio has to work in this environment?

I've never used a UHF or VHF unit, just the toy walkie talkies available at any toy store. Are the UHF/VHF similar, in that there are main channels and then subchannels? I understand that some channels and subchannels are restricted (ie. 16 for emergencies), but I assume some channels are free to use for any purpose - is this correct? What is the typical protocol, being that these public channels are free to use any anyone? For example, do you need to find an unused channel to talk to a friend, or is it just normal practice to chat with anyone else on the same channel?

What is the difference between a marine radio and non-marine radio? I believe the marine has limited channels, while a non marine has all but is limited to only listening on the marine channels - is this correct? If correct, would there be any value to a marine radio if only fishing in a river?? I assume not as the coast guard will only be monitoring the ocean waters.

I understand that a licence is required for these types of radios. Do I need a licence to buy one from a store, or only to use it? What are the consequences if I do not get a licence, assuming I know which channels I am not supposed to use and never do use them? BTW - read that in Canada a licence is not required for a recreational boat?

Thanks

 

[RatsoW8]

I really know nothing about uhf/vhf walkie talkies, but am considering of buying one for my dad. Need advice whether this type of radio will meet the purpose/needs.

My dad just bought a small rec boat (16feet) to do some fishing around his house. He plans to fish by himself. They live in a remote area off Vancouver BC, where there is little to no cell phone reception. He plans to fish in the Fraser River surrounded by mountains and heavy bush and trees. He will be about 4 kms from the house.

Will a VHF portable radio (walkie talkie style with say 5w) be able to call the house where my mom would be, assuming I have two identical portable radio models? Or will a UHF be better? I plan to buy a base/starter model, in the $100 range. Will this work, or will I need a commercial or high end unit? What features should I ensure my radio has to work in this environment?

I've never used a UHF or VHF unit, just the toy walkie talkies available at any toy store. Are the UHF/VHF similar, in that there are main channels and then subchannels? I understand that some channels and subchannels are restricted (ie. 16 for emergencies), but I assume some channels are free to use for any purpose - is this correct? What is the typical protocol, being that these public channels are free to use any anyone? For example, do you need to find an unused channel to talk to a friend, or is it just normal practice to chat with anyone else on the same channel?

What is the difference between a marine radio and non-marine radio? I believe the marine has limited channels, while a non marine has all but is limited to only listening on the marine channels - is this correct? If correct, would there be any value to a marine radio if only fishing in a river?? I assume not as the coast guard will only be monitoring the ocean waters.

I understand that a licence is required for these types of radios. Do I need a licence to buy one from a store, or only to use it? What are the consequences if I do not get a licence, assuming I know which channels I am not supposed to use and never do use them? BTW - read that in Canada a licence is not required for a recreational boat?

Thanks

if I were you I'd check with the local boat dealerships or other boaters in your area to see what he will need safety wise and what to buy. I would have no idea what channels or freqs are use in BC by the coast guard or other local authorities if he wound up in need of assistance and had to make a radio call.

 

[towerdog]

They use channel 16 just like we do, and have basically the same regs also.
The handheld 5w radio will do about 5 to 7 miles over water, holding it standing up in the boat, which is pretty much your line of sight. You are up a river, expect less.
The coast guard has their antenna up a tower, typically 400' up in the USA. I would imagine similar in canada. If you are within 20 to 30 miles, calling the coast guard for help should be no problem.

On a small boat I dont see much point in a fixed radio and antenna, the higher gain will extend range to about 10 to 15 miles, but your line of site still limits your range when your antenna is mounted on a small boat.

VHF will work better out in the wilderness, especially in rough terrain. UHF does better in town, better penetration into things and buildings.

This is not calculations or what I figure, this is what we used to get out of our radios when I lived on the coast.

 

[depark]

I live in BC aswell and you do need a licence to use a VHF marine radio. Anyone operating a fixed or portable marine radio in a pleasure boat is required by law to have a Restricted Operator's Certificate (Maritime). Operating a VHF radio without an operator's certificate may result in a fine. Industry Canada has delegated the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons (CPS) the authority to issue the certificate. Here is the link to the CPS National website
Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons

Just look for the closest CPS Squadron. They will also be the best to advise you on what radio setup will be best for your area. Local knowledge is best. That being said, radio performance will depend on the area. VHF is line of sight so if he is always in view (no big hills, mountains in the way) and 4km is the total distance then it should work well. If distance is greater and there are hills your sucess will be less.

Hope this helps.