Call Coastguard on channel 16, ask for a radio check and they will let you know signal strength...assuming you have a call sign.

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.

Blue Asparagus wrote: 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.

here you go:

Roath wrote: I may just get brave enough to try  I see I can use it for emergencies , which the the reason I bought one anyway!

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.

Thanks Guys

Yes correct not a grilling. All extremely wise and valid points.