VHF Radios

[D4]

People mentioned VHF radios on the GPS thread recently.

 

I bought a GPS only to use on cruises because I think they're so much fun. I plot everywhere we've been on a map I hang in our cabin. After reading a couple posts about VHF radios, I think I want one of those too. I need some buying advice.

 

Since this would just be another 'toy' for me to use on cruises and I don't need to transmit, do you think an inexpensive model ($60ish )would give me good audio reception?

 

Also can anyone tell me more about using them on cruises. I'm trying to decide if I would have enough fun with it to justify it. Not only the cost of it, but bringing another electronic device and its charger with me. Do you only hear transmissions when you're at or near a port? Any other comments?

[WillieBluffU]

If you just want to listen I would get a scanner for less than that! Marine band freqs can probably be found on the net

[D4]

I've looked on the web and am not sure what to look for to find a scanner with a marine band. I don't know enough about the subject.

 

Any details on what I should be looking for or any other thoughts on VHF radios? I think having one on a cruise would be fun and interesting.

[Wennfred]

I went GeoCaching today with my Garmin 76c, The first site had alot of dry brush and I wasnt going any further due having shorts and I was getting my legs scratched up. 2nd one was at in a Locked parking lot. No way of getting inside. Anyways I found a golf ball LOL.

 

If you have a Powerboat or a Sailboat, then I would recommend the VHF Radio, The Scanner which you can still probably get at Radio Shack with marine frequencies would be the best choice.

 

Go here and check out Unidens Scanners: http://www.uniden.com/products/index.cfm?cat=scanners

 

This one on Ebay for 70.00 is a nice one: http://cgi.ebay.com/Uniden-BC72XLT-100-Channel-Police-Scanner-w-Headset-NEW_W0QQitemZ5865674371QQcategoryZ40980QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[WillieBluffU]

A quick Google of Marine Band freqs and I found this site http://www.csgnetwork.com/marinefreqtable.html

 

Any scanner you find at Wal-Mart/Radio Shack etc. will be fine. I would not worry about finding a scanner that was pre-programmed with Marine Band Channels. Spend a few minutes with a scanner and you will be able to imput the channels you want. A handheld is what I would get for what you are wanting it for. Something that has batteries (either a built in battery that you charge or the old AA's will be fine).

 

I have never messed with a Marine Radio on the big waters but I would bet you could program less than half of the frequencies on that page and hear everything you are looking wanting.

 

If it were me I would do the Ebay thing. basic vhf does not need an expensive scanner. Just make sure you get one that is programmable.

[Geocachi]

Google "geocaching cruises" or "cruise caching" to find additional information about geocaching while on a cruise and caches in the ports you may be visiting.

[ecps92]

Better with the Scanner, as much of the Cruise Ship traffic [Radio] is UHF not VHF

 

 

 

 

A quick Google of Marine Band freqs and I found this site http://www.csgnetwork.com/marinefreqtable.html

 

Any scanner you find at Wal-Mart/Radio Shack etc. will be fine. I would not worry about finding a scanner that was pre-programmed with Marine Band Channels. Spend a few minutes with a scanner and you will be able to imput the channels you want. A handheld is what I would get for what you are wanting it for. Something that has batteries (either a built in battery that you charge or the old AA's will be fine).

 

I have never messed with a Marine Radio on the big waters but I would bet you could program less than half of the frequencies on that page and hear everything you are looking wanting.

 

If it were me I would do the Ebay thing. basic vhf does not need an expensive scanner. Just make sure you get one that is programmable.

[ecps92]

for some reason my Signature and link did not show, lets try again

[Cruise Cat]

Unfortunately, Carnival now doesn't allow VHF radios on the ship. I am a ham and always wanted to bring my HT with me to listen to the bridge/marine bands. I never did; now I see they are not allowed.

[wmw1490]

I'm carry several radio licenses, including a US Amateur rating, and when cruising usually bring a radio or two. What I carry is a multi-band radio, Icom T90a, that can receive from the lowest bands all the way to 1ghz. VHF is used heavily by maritime operations and some searching can pinpoint the frequencies.

 

The multi-band that I use transmits as well and I can use it on those frequencies that I can legally operate. There are some legal processes to go through to ensure you have the right permission to operate and I only operate from my room to avoid being nuisance to others. The captain also has to consent to the operations (again, if you are following the rules) to make certain you are not interfering with their communications.

 

I found a recent HAM group went on a cruise but have not seen any posts from them. That would be interesting to hear about how their trip went. Family radios and scanners are low hassle, so if you are just wanting to listen only then a VHF/UHF scanner would be a good choice. If you want to get more serious to legally transmit, go to http://www.eham.net, then look through the various forums on getting started. There is a lot of activity in ports that can be very interesting to listen to--good luck.

 

http://www.hamradiocruises.com/