Santiago - 12-28-2004 at 07:32 AM
I'm upgrading from a handheld to a fixed mount and have a few questions: does DSC work in Baja? What radios do you recomend in the $200 range? I
have a center console, no T-top, with a bimini: will a 36" whip work OK or do I need to figure out a placement for a 8' antenna?
FrankO - 12-28-2004 at 08:34 AM
DSC works but you need to have the resources around to respond to it. I had a Raytheon w/DSC that self activated on me and locked everybody who was in
range radio's to the alert channel which sucked for them because I didn't realize it for quite awhile. And it sucked for me because I couldn't use my
radio the rest of my trip. Now I use a Standard radio w/o DSC and it's great.
DSC
Big Al - 12-28-2004 at 09:52 AM
Excuse my ignorance, but what is DSC?
Thanks
FrankO - 12-28-2004 at 12:44 PM
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductD...
Bob and Susan - 12-28-2004 at 01:40 PM
Your antenna is very important...
Don't skimp on the price...buy the BEST one you can find.
You won't regret it when your 50 miles out.
#1 - 12-28-2004 at 02:13 PM
Go with the DSC. It is readily available in most VHF radioes now. Hook it into your GPS and get your MMSI number. Most of the new units allow you
to "poll'(request or send GPS position) other units in the area. Go with a 25 Watt radio and a 6db, 8 foot antenna. The antenna will cost as much or
more than the radio. Mount your radio at least 3 feet from the antenna with the antenna as high off the water as you can.
[Edited on 12-28-2004 by #1]
Santiago - 12-29-2004 at 09:40 PM
Thanks for the replies. By the way, Pompano, what is good radio manners?