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Message Subject: Marine Radios

Scrap Iron

Posted 7/29/2006 11:38 AM (#46323)
Subject: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 106

Location: Chilton, WI

I plan on investing in one soon because I've started to fish bigger waters lately. Is there a certain brand or model that is better than most, or is it just personal preference? What are you guys using and what do you like about them?
Also do you guys use the NMEA input feature that connects the GPS to the radio, which allows the radio to send out your coordinates if you hit the distress button? What's involved in hooking that up?
Sorry for all the questions but I'm new to the marine radio thing. Any info or advice is appreciated.
Thanks

Sunshine

Posted 7/29/2006 12:25 PM (#46324 - in reply to #46323)
Subject: RE: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 2393

Location: Waukesha Wisconsin

Scrap Iron,

IMHO you should buy the least expensive radio that has the features you are looking for and then buy an expensive shakepeare antenna. Your reception will depend more in the antenna than the radio itself.

This year I bought an inexpensive Lowrance radio and I'm very happy with it. It whas more features than I'll ever use. The NMEA input feature is nice. You're coordinates will also show up to others that you talk to. This can be good and bad

When you make your purchase be concerned about antenna placement and antenna cord length to radio and how you bundle it. These things can all effect your happiness with the unit.

Scrap Iron

Posted 7/31/2006 8:33 PM (#46417 - in reply to #46323)
Subject: Re: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 106

Location: Chilton, WI

Thanks for the info Dennis. I didn't know your coordinates show up to everyone you talk to. I figured they would just show up if you hit the distress button. I can see how this might not be so nice at times.
I assume an antenna cord custom made to the length needed would work best then.

Sunshine

Posted 7/31/2006 9:01 PM (#46420 - in reply to #46417)
Subject: Re: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 2393

Location: Waukesha Wisconsin

A custom cord may not be needed. The best solution may be not cutting it at all. My new digital Shakespeare antenna came with directions on how to fold the cord. This all sounds very anal but it's not something just to blow off for peak performance. You'll see and hear guys complain about their radio's but 90% of the problems are from poor installation.

JimRK

Posted 8/1/2006 2:26 PM (#46439 - in reply to #46420)
Subject: Re: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 183

Location: Menasha, Wis.

Sunshine,

Now you have my curiousty up - what is the correct way to fold / coil a marine antenna cable?
I can send and receive OK, but it could be a little better / farther. Maybe the cable storage method I use is wrong.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

Happy fishing to all

Sunshine

Posted 8/1/2006 2:44 PM (#46441 - in reply to #46439)
Subject: Re: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 2393

Location: Waukesha Wisconsin

Jim,

I'm on the road now and will not be back to the home office until Sunday night. I'll have to check their suggestions then but if I recall correctly they suggest not folding/coiling any of the cord in a neat bundle, the coils should all be different lengths.

Jayman

Posted 8/1/2006 3:38 PM (#46450 - in reply to #46441)
Subject: Re: Marine Radios

Member

Posts: 1656

Dennis makes a very good point, DON'T ever cut your antanne wire for installation. The wire length is critical to recieve and transmitt the frequency it operates on.

Jon

Posted 8/1/2006 5:25 PM (#46453 - in reply to #46323)
Subject: RE: Marine Radios

Why does Shakespeare say you can cut your coax as long as you leave at least 3'?

http://www.shakespeare-marine.com/antennas/ant-faq.htm#General%20Is...

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