Testing new VHF
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Hints,Tips and How To's
Forum Description: Rigs, tackle, baits, angling techniques, tips and hints & your DIY projects here
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=73653
Printed Date: 30 Oct 2026 at 2:48pm
Topic: Testing new VHF
Posted By: Roath
Subject: Testing new VHF
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 12:26pm
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Hey Guys Just installed a VHF ( finally) on my boat. I can hear the weather broadcast.. but how can I test the transmit ? Is there any channels dedicated to testing? Yes I will sign up for a course and I am about to sign up for Coastgaurd, but I would like to know if the unit works!  Thanks! Rob
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Replies:
Posted By: Espresso
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 12:35pm
| Call Coastguard on channel 16, ask for a radio check and they will let you know signal strength...assuming you have a call sign. |
Posted By: [email protected]
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 2:56pm
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Unless you want a tick off in the earhole I personally wouldnt be calling a radio check in on CH 16 which essentially works as NZ Maritime Radio Ops centre working channel for international shipping and distress calls etc etc etc If you live in Auckland then I would personally be calling up Coastguard on CH80 or 82 and starting quite clearly to them your location and the fact that you want a radio check on a newly installed VHF radio. They will confirm back to you the signal strangth. ------------- http://www.blackbillsportfishing.co.nz/" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: SaltyC
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 6:09pm
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Don't think there would be a problem doing a radio check to either Coastguard Radio or Maritime Radio on 16, I've done it before with a new antenna install. 16 is the one you really want to know works well. Can also do it on the local coastguard watch channel as well though.
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Posted By: Blue Asparagus
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 6:16pm
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turn it on, set the squelch, crack the repeater....... also pays to have a call sign to call coast guard, easy to get and charged to your telecom ph account. ------------- Ultimate GAME Fishing Adventures. Northland |
Posted By: Jet_ski_fisher
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 6:47pm
Been there done that BA my friend brought a new vhf it triggered the repeater but no voice was heard. found out the mic was at fault as it was built into the unit and not a plug in one and got a new unit tested it at there shop and was working a treat.. so better to test it on 80 16 etc to check voice and signal.. ------------- http://www.legasea.co.nz" rel="nofollow">  MH... Catch measure release...<*))))< |
Blue Asparagus wrote:Posted By: Roath
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 7:55pm
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Thanks Guys.. Taking the boat out tomorrow for a fish.. so I may just get brave enough to try. I'm a bit lost about getting a call sign, but I can search that I'm sure! Cheers Rob
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Posted By: SaltyC
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 9:59pm
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here you go: http://www.cbes.org.nz/marine-vhf-radio-call-signs/ - http://www.cbes.org.nz/marine-vhf-radio-call-signs/
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Posted By: Roath
Date Posted: 21 Dec 2011 at 11:22pm
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Thanks SaltyC I was going to apply now, but my boat doesn't have a name! Been trying to come up with a name for 6+ years now,,  Oh well, I'll test the radio out tomorrow. I see I can use it for emergencies , which the the reason I bought one anyway! Cheers Rob |
Posted By: Dagwood
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2011 at 8:25am
Without wanting to sound like a sales person or cause any offence, it sounds like you are falling into a bit of a very common trap. You sound unsure of how to use the radio yet plan to use it should things go wrong. "Mic Fright" is very common. It all looks easy enough but when you push transmit, it seems as though part of your brain vaporises! Stress makes the problem several times worse. Have a listen to 80 / 82 (in the Auckland area) on a fine weekend and tell me I'm wrong. The number of people calling up when something relatively trivial has gone wrong and struggle to get the message across effectively is huge. Not sure how things would go in a real crisis when water is about to take out their battery or similar! The course, a call sign and confidence from regular use for trip reports would be the best way to get real value of your investment. A small story if you've got the time: I had my son (14 yrs at the time) involved in a Coastguard training exercise a few years ago. He had zero notice and the basic scenario was the two of us left Half Moon Bay on a dark Friday night. I took us to the Northern side of Waiheke, tucked up under some cliffs and anchored up. I then told him he had to pretend I had fallen while getting the fishing rods out of the rod holders, smacked my head and was lying on the floor, breathing but he couldn't wake me up. He then had to use the radio (observing the trainex procedures) and talk to CG. While he had done the course and had the qualification, to say he was nervous and less than thrilled at the idea was an understatement. "But I don't know where we are?' "She'll have to ask some good questions won't she!" was my answer (The operators were training too) I prompted him for the first few questions and then left him to it so it came across as genuine as possible. I had lots of people involved comment that he did real well (as did the operator) and now he's became pretty much a dab hand on the radio. He's probably a little rusty at the moment but we'll fix that next week. Sorry to drift but I thought it might help explain what I mean about competence through the combination of training and familiarity. |
Posted By: Bigfishbob
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2011 at 9:28am
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Roath, just call your boat No-Name, get a call sign, join coast guard, and get into the habit of opening and closing a trip report everytime you go out and come back.
1. I can't believe you've been boating for 6 years without doing that. It's about the most important safety thing you can do after you've put your life jacket on.
2. It will get you comfortable and in the habit of correct use of your radio.
3. Every time you go out you'll know that your radio is working correctly. If you only use it for emergencies, you'll never know until you really really really need it. It's too late then if it doesn't work. (they don't like being left in boats and not used for long periods of time)
As far as radio tests are concerned , then just call them on your local frequency and ask for a radio check, I'm sure they'll oblige.
Finally, do the VHF license course, it's basically a one night stand, and you'll learn how to drive the thing properly. ------------- www.waikatosportfishing.co.nz |
Posted By: Roath
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2011 at 9:59am
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Thanks Guys I agree, I need to do the course and I plan to etc etc. In the last 2 years, I have found time to take the boat out twice. 3 young kids, self employed and a home to do up use pretty much every minute of my days. Now the kids are a little older I can see light at the end of the tunnel.. so I can see myself getting out more often. Hence I am starting to get some more safety gear and the boat ready for when the oldest starts coming with me. ( yes I have all the normal, life jackets, compass, back up maps, flare, I take a cell in a water proof case with Coast Guard programmed , spare 10 liters of fuel etc) So this afternoon will be trip number 3 in 2 years... yay! I just found the Fish Finder has died since a year ago, despite being kept in the garage... bugga So my comment about having to use it in an emergency was for today. Im sure by the time the next trip comes around ( hopefully this summer still) I have a call sign and done the course! Thanks Guys.. and I understand the grilling I'm getting..  |
Posted By: Fletch
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2011 at 10:03am
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Think not of it as a grilling, but making you aware....all good points being made, thats what this place is about....cool eh! ------------- http://www.legasea.co.nz" rel="nofollow">
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Posted By: Roath
Date Posted: 22 Dec 2011 at 10:15am
Yes correct not a grilling. All extremely wise and valid points.  I really like the idea of getting my oldest used to the radio once hes old enough.. thanks! I forgot to add , I also take a charged battery jump pack and a tool box full of tools ( socket set etc) She weighs a bit when I go out.
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