Radio Static

[LetsRock]

I have noticed that both my hand held and mounted radio have a great deal of static, especially on channel 16. However, when I tune into the weather on channel 2 it comes in very clear. Does location have anything to do with reception? I didnt think the VHF would have any reception issues. Any thoughts?

 

[Summer Fun II]

Have you tried turning up the squelch a little bit ??.

 

[LetsRock]

Have you tried turning up the squelch a little bit ??.

I have but isnt there constant chatter on 16 or no? Like I said the weather channel is clear...I even had a hard time hearing the dockmaster on my trip to Hamptons on Memorial Day on channel 68 due to static.

 

[LetsRock]

Anyone else have any feedback on this? It worries me to have this static in the event of an emergency. Thanks all.

 

[Summer Fun II]

I have but isnt there constant chatter on 16 or no?

Not where I do my boating. But there is some chatter its not constant chatter.

 

[LetsRock]

Not where I do my boating. But there is some chatter its not constant chatter.

Like I said I even had a hard time hearing the dockmaster about 7 miles east from my home port. The hand held is new and it happens to the mounted radio as well and the weather comes in clear. Very bizarre.

 

[JerryS]

If you are 7 miles from your dockmaster, I am surprised that you can hear him at all. He should only be broadcasting on low power or about 1 watt.

The weather channels are broadcasting a continuous signal and you are probably fairly close to a tower if you are hearing them clearly.

If you are getting too much weak signal chatter from boats that are too far from you, you need to tighten the squelch up a little bit to eliminate the nuisance noise.

To me, it doesn't sound like there is anything wrong with your radios. The receiver end of the radio can not receive one channel any better than some other channel.

 

[LetsRock]

If you are 7 miles from your dockmaster, I am surprised that you can hear him at all.

Sorry for the confusion, what I meant was I took a trip 7 miles east from my home port and when I arrived I had a hard time hearing the dockmaster. I was indicating that the signal didnt seem much better there than my home port.

I will play around with the squelch next time out.

 

[Moose]

Check the squelch. There is no reason why you should hear the weather better than everything else. Contact a local vessel and see what happens.

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

A simple check the next time you are out is ask for a radio check on channel 68. When someone responds ask how they hear you and ask where they are located relative to your boat. You can get an idea of how you are transmitting and how well you are receiving.

Do not use channel 16 or the coast gaurd will respond and tell ya it is not for radio checks. I think boat US will do radio checks also if you have a station near you.