VHF TRIBER WORKING CHANNEL EC 2016?

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VHF TRIBER WORKING CHANNEL EC 2016?

(25 posts) (18 voices)

Started 6 years ago by Bermudaboy
Latest reply from Chekika

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Bermudaboy
Member

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I am rusty on VHF radio and generally recall all sorts of prohibitions and monitoring requirements. Got the emergency & monitoring stuff down ok. Playing with my new 8 ounce unit and started down the dangerous path of thinking...

Q1: In general does the tribe have a default/preferred working routine traffic channel number?

Q2: techinically speaking due certain geographical areas get better communication with certain VHF channel number? (probably a dumb question).

Q3 up till now I've always kept my VHF in the best power conserving mode: Off and listened to weather before bed and in the morning... Last time I actually used ba VHF radio for transmitting was bout 30 years ago in Ecsar.... Wonder if using call sign Whiskey Tango Echo Charlie "Tribe Name" would have any benefit for us in early detection of chatter, if we actually do leave our vhf on for any period of time. Or if that is even allowed without permission, registration, whatever...

Posted 6 years ago #
PrivateHam
Member

I like the idea in general. I have see this question answered before. Most responses are along the lines of keeping them turned off to conserve power, stuffed into a drybag stored below deck, line of sight distance, spoiling the solitude, etc. Having them on during the Tampa bay crossing might help in situations like last year though.

Posted 6 years ago #
ZeroTheHero
Member

i generally keep mine off but I like to kepp it on my person if possible. I'm a class 4 guy so that is a bit easier that 1-3 but it is food for thought

Posted 6 years ago #
MisterMoon
Member

I generally monitor mine in Tampa Bay and if the weather is snotty. Last year when we got to the ICW at Anna Maria and saw a police boat headed out blue lights flashing, I turned mine on and got an earful of rescues and people in trouble. A bit unnerving to hear another boater calling in they'd found a swamped kayak with no people anywhere. My radio has a tri-scan mode that allows one to monitor three channels at once. I monitor 9, 16, and usually 71.

Basic VHF

9 is the hailing channel

13 is the channel to hail the bridge tenders in the ICW

16 is the emergency channel (but most people still use it for hailing, too)

22a is where the USCG sends out notices to mariners a couple of times per day. They announce when it's going to happen on 16, and you change over.

If you want to talk to someone, you hail them on 16 and then switch to a working channel 68, 69, 71 or 72.

If you hail me on 16 or 9, and I can hear you I'll answer.

Posted 6 years ago #
Bermudaboy
Member

MM, I was thinkin if we had "consensus" on a preferred working channel, we all set that in our normal scan function, then we won't need to use the call channels and switch over...thought being not to draw too much attention unnecessarily to WT event (or if communication regarding an "issue" that we can solve amongst ourselves) by staying off 16 & 9. But to my Q2, wasn't sure whether certain channels are stronger or weaker in a given area or condition & if that was case, setting a preferred working channel might be not such a smart idea...Keepin on truckin....

Posted 6 years ago #
MisterMoon
Member

BB let's just say 71, no consensus needed. Most gin-palace rec boaters seem to go to 69 because they think it's risque. I seldom find cross-talk on any other channel than 69.

But to tell the truth, after about the first half day we tend to get so spread out that it's hard to reach anyone with handhelds because they are strictly line of sight. My 6 watt radio is good for about 3 miles to another handheld. If someone has a masthead antenna, I can be heard for a longer distance. FWIW, the USCG monitors and records all channels. Don't know if anyone is actively listening to all channels at all times, though. They are on 16 though.

Posted 6 years ago #
danceswithmullet
Member

Channel 69 is referred to as the "indoor sports" channel and 88 is called the "two fat ladies" channel because of the plump looking 8s. So now you know where to go if those phrases get mentioned. DWM

Posted 6 years ago #
Bermudaboy
Member

MM: Ok thanks, 71 it is & another 71-88 points for the Panthers on Sunday...

Leaving the office, lunch & VHF behind, as UW now showing 8-12 at lake, and lately actual winds been blowin 5-10 better than the forecast.. Yeehaw... Out.

Posted 6 years ago #
OneEyedJake
Member

If I have my radio on, it's on channel 16. My theory is that if someone needs assistance, they call on 16 and I me be able to help.

Since 16 is regarded as the hailing channel, other boaters, the Coast Guard or FWC will try to contact you on 16 first.

The Coast Guard also broadcasts warnings, Pan-Pans etc on 16. If you are on another channel, you won't get that information.

Many VHF radios can monitor more than one channel at a time and a designated channel for our use may be a good idea as a secondary channel.

My primary channel is 16.

jmho

oej

Posted 6 years ago #
seabag
Member

For the 4's sticking a VHF antenna on top of one of their masts, with a cable running down the mast, and a connector at the bottom can be handy if you are trying to get the handheld to go for a long way. Down in Florida radar reflectors are not generally needed as part of a 4 kit......:-)

Posted 6 years ago #
Bermudaboy
Member

After re-reading my post, can see where I might have been misunderstood about "staying off of 16 & 9"... my thought was that in our scan channels (16 always included) we have a common preferred WORKING one, my second point was too avoid replication of 2015, and bad pr for us when not necessary, and when can be taken care of by the tribe.. Im not privy to the details, but my understanding that alot of the "rescues" could have been taken care of alone or with a little help from fellow tribers...

Posted 6 years ago #
CatsPaws
Member

MM: Just a heads up that the calling channel for FL ICW bridge tenders is 09, not 13. :)

I carry a spare VHF, and a primary. One is on anytime I am paddling, and they are scanning.

I have done multiple-day trips, and the two radio system has not yet failed me.

It was invaluable last year in the EC, to know, and to monitor, what was going on.

I think having a WT channel is a great idea. I wish more people (kayakers, SUPs, other small craft) would embrace having radios on person, and on.... in general, not just WT... Just my 0.02.

Posted 6 years ago #
BeastOarman
Member

I always carry mine but it is almost never on.
What helped once last year is with an impromptu traveln group we set specific times where we would be listening, to coordinate activities.
I think maybe on the hour for ten minutes or something, in the evening starting at 6.

Anyway, it seemed to work versus leaving it constantly on and worrying there would be no charge when really needed.

I also got a lot of use once late at night listening to weather when I just needed someone to talk to a la Tom Hanks.

Posted 6 years ago #
BustedRudder
Member

What beast said.

Never turn mine on except for weather in the dead zone of SW FL (yes I'm verizon)

Posted 6 years ago #
KneadingWater
Member

VHF Soap Box warning…..

I have some conviction about keeping a VHF radio on at all times when paddling. Your radio should be on your person, not in your boat. I believed that the VHF radio is the best piece of safety equipment we have (excluding an on deck flash light, torch, at night).

First, we have a branch of our armed forces set up to monitor this device (Ch16) for distress calls. Second, it is long standing, tried and true, means by which mariners hail one another. Third, ‘real’ mariners piloting ‘real’ vessels are required to monitor Ch16. Fourth, it is very educational as well as entertaining. Fifth, good ambassador of the kayaking community need to be good mariners, we as ‘experts in our craft’ should act like real mariners and be at the ready to offer assistance.

Whenever I am paddling the Great Lakes, ICW, or the ocean (gulf) my VHF is on. I use it in tri-mode transmitting to paddling buddies on the risqué Ch69, but monitoring 16 and 9. If I am alone, I have it in dual mode so I can transmit on 16, and monitor 9.

I use an IcomM72/73. I carry a spare unit, but a spare battery would suffice. With the unit always on (18h/day) it lasts for 5 days. The spare battery gets me through the entire EG Challenge.

Why? It is the means by which we get Pan-Pans and Securitys that may be of importance to me. It is the means by which we can hear a Mayday and be of assistance to a fellow Mariner. It gives us an opportunity to alert a larger vessel that we are in the vicinity if we feel there may be a safety issue. You can, and I have, hailed to ask their intentions, and/or make mine known. Recently, I have hailed a CG vessel to ask their intentions (long story, but I needed a bath). I do a 6 mile crossing in the dark (twice with a new moon last year) regularly with freighters; while they can’t react quickly, they usually announce themselves as they enter the Straights of Mackinac. You will learn about the limitations of the CG as well; they follow algorithms. For instance, if you are a 12y old, and your adult pilot is blind and in/out of consciousness after a radiator explosion, you have to say the words “I am requesting a rescue/assistance” or they will not come, for 3 hours. Really :)

With the winds and slow speed last year KneadingWater was only able to continue on to Flamingo after hailing the only motor vessel around to inform them I ‘needed water.’ The next day, after giving some of that same water to another needy WaterTribe vessel, we (they) were able to offer assistance to a demasted tribal AI who then hailed us (days before, that same captain didn’t have access to his radio).

Regarding the start (and the end) of our challenge, we should NOT be hailing/communicating with one another on Ch16. I agree we should have a working channel (69, sigh, or 71). If someone dumps in Tampa Bay the CG should NOT hear about it. As mariners, we are required to stop and give assistance. And, if we don’t know how to get even an incapacitated kayaker back into a boat and to shore, we should not be in this race. So, if you are having a problem (lost paddle, rudder failure, capsize) hail a tribe member, we will help (I will help). If you are at risk of injury or death, then please call the CG first, then hail a tribe member.

Having, and get accostomed to regularlying using your VHF will keep you communications efficient, and appropriate. You will learn not to shout when you are truly in distress, as no one can understand you. You will learn if your radio sucks, and you can't hear transmission others hear, and if other can actually hear you when you transmit. It is a problem when somone you rely on cant be heard when they transmit. Been there.

Tow belts? You should be wearing one as an expert in your craft. If you wear it, you will use it for wind bound kids in inflatables, for jet skis, sail boats, pontoon boats, and convicted felons. You may even get to two the CG auxiliary when they break down (made the papers).

Lastly, having your VHF turned on is just good manners. It should be on before you leave the beach, if only so that you buddy on the beach can hail you to say “do you have spare sunglasses” avoiding a trip back to the car and getting you both on the ways sooner. Communication is the key to any good relationship. :)

See you on the beach,

KW

Posted 6 years ago #
MisterMoon
Member

Well said KW. Agree with everything you say. I plan on leaving mine until KL, tri-mode monitoring 16,9, and 71.

Posted 6 years ago #
Karank
Member

KW, Very well done. You should write copy. I am old and learned most of what I know before communication on a small boat was practical. Until I read your rant I did not use the radio except for weather... I will now leave it on from beach to beach.... and then some. Thank you! Now I have to really learn how to use the machine.

Posted 6 years ago #
Seiche
Member

KW, well said... The best you have ever said it and you have been saying it for years.

Seiche standing by on16,9 and pick one.

Posted 6 years ago #
Bermudaboy
Member

Whats going on at NOAA? I don't like Tom, I like Paul... Not sure how Im goin fall asleep without Paul'smetrorobotic voice, he made any windspeed sound goo... Is this change everywhere or just here in Charlotte...

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/audio/Paul_SYN.wav

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/audio/Tom_LFP.mp3

Posted 6 years ago #
MrMako
Member

Automated Radio Check by Sea Tow. If you want to confirm your handheld is transmitting, Go on line to "Automated Radio Check Sea Tow" scroll down to the map where you can check local discounts etc. hit the button for Automated Radio check freg. It will give you a map with the closest transmitter. Their automated channels are 24-28 or 84. Give a radio check if you are within range. Release the transmit button, you will get a short advertisment about Sea Tow followed by an actual recording of your transmission. Try it with 1 watt then 6 watt.

Also trying to save battery use, I followed my owners manual and turned off the "key beep". Plus I locked in Ch 71.

Posted 6 years ago #
KneadingWater
Member

Congratuations to everyone who made it off the beach this year!

Kudos, to everyone still paddling around Floriday.

I wanted to note that my Icom73 lasted the entire race (Sat through Friday evening) with NO battery change. The radio was on the entire time.

The 72 model, which hosts the same battery, typically lasted 4 to 5 days, always on.

I would add that despite comments to the contrary at the captains meeting, that as ambassadors to your chosen craft, and expert small craft captains you should monitor Ch. 16 at all times, and Ch. 9 if you are sailing/paddling the ICW.

There was a bit of confusion at one bascule bride and the bridge tender commented to a larger sailing vessel, "be careful, there are 3 small sailboats on the N. side of the channel and I am sure they don't have radios. Ugh. Ideally, she would have received 1 to 3 reports "Bridge Tender, this is 19' ft sailing trimaran "insert name here," be advised we are all monitoring the radio. How can we assist?"

Additionally, did you know that if you tried to hail the CG in distress, in the region of Stump Pass that you would not be able to reach them? If you had your radio on, then you would have heard regular 'Security' announcement warning you that if you needed the CG, you had to phone in!! (They actually gave the N-S boundaries were they could not receive radio communication, but my brain is foggy now).

VHF radios are not perfect, but I consider it my most important piece of safety equipment. I have had batteries die, but I have never had a unit fail (unlike GPS and SPOTs which I plan on them failing). Your radio is a tool, that like you boat you need to practice regularly with. Keep it on you, and keep it on.

KW

Posted 6 years ago #
RunsWithBeer
Member

Was there ever a consensus for a WT channel?

Posted 5 years ago #
Ridgerunner
Member

I think you should read Kneading Water's post from a year ago. Hail on Channel 16. Answer that by saying, "Switch and answer 72." Use 69 or any of the other general use channels, but monitor 16 the rest of the time. 16 is for hailing and emergencies, so don't chit chat there, but monitor it all the time. I will monitor 16 at the Chokoloskee checkpoint.

Posted 5 years ago #
Lawless
Member

Like.

Posted 5 years ago #
Chekika
Member

All good info. My experience has been that these VHF radios will last 4-5 days on a battery. A second radio or battery gets you through the EC. Broadcasting eats batteries. My group uses Channel 72 to communicate.

Keith

Posted 5 years ago #

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