Did I buy the wrong VHF radio?

[LXRACR]

Hello, building up an expedition vehicle and have already installed a CB radio. I purchased a small, handheld VHF radio to get some experience first (before an expensive purchase). I know nothing of this type of radio. My goal isn't so much talking to other campers, but an emergency radio if I run into trouble in the outback. Is there a difference between marine VHF and something you would use on land? I bought a "Hummingbird" handheld VHF radio to play with. The book only lists marine frequencies. Did I screw up? Thanks in advance. Jason

 

[crawler#976]

Sorry to tell you the bad news, but yes, you got a Marine radio. They are indeed much less expensive than the Amateur handheld.

Return it if possible, and get your Technicians License so you're legally able to operate a Ham radio. I'd recommend a mobile radio over a handheld for emergency use - they generally have 10 times more power output.

Take a look at a Yaesu FT-2800. They are a great basic, high power 2m RIG.

Mark

 

[gary in ohio]

I bought a "Hummingbird" handheld VHF radio to play with. The book only lists marine frequencies. Did I screw up? Thanks in advance. Jason

Wrong radio, THe radio is only usable on the marine frequencies and for most people only valid to use while on a boat. Cant even legally talk from short to the boat.

The only VHF radio service that you can use without a license is MURS. I think you need to determine what you want to do with the radio and then get a radio to meet that need. An emergency radio in the outback is most likley never going to be a VHF or UHF radio. Depending on where the "outback" is for you, you need to look at what resources are available in the ares your going to and fit your comms for that.

 

[thallca]

Take a look at a Yaesu FT-2800. They are a great basic, high power 2m RIG.

I have one of these in my Range Rover and it works great. Very rugged, 65-watt max output. The only drawback to these rugged single band 2-meter radios is that they are all-in-one-units. The majority of dual band radios that offer the 2-meter and 70cm bands, come with a detachable face. That makes it a lot easer to mount the radio in offroad rigs. The FT-2800 is one huge heatsink!
You really can't go wrong with a 2-meter radio from any of the big three, Yeasu, Kenwood or Icom.

 

[gary in ohio]

While the 2800 is a nice radio, its as worthless as the marine radio is if you dont have the license or know where its going to be used. His requirement was "emergency radio if I run into trouble in the outback" We talking outback as in running around some mountains near Denver or outback of East Africa?

You cant pick a radio until you know what the communication needs are.
If your in the US and near a major populated city then the 2800 with a license would be fine, if you get 50+ miles away from civilization then it becomes questionable, 100 miles and its most likely not usable. Are we in the US or not in the US. The 2800 may not be legal in all counties and you will need to deal with licenses in each country if your crossing boarders. Some have recpiocal license and may require noting to use in another country, others require registration, some may forbid the radio to even entering the country. Again know the needs then select the radio.