New VHF Radio

I know it´s been a while since my last Log entry - life got really busy there for a bit (not that it has let off much...) So I thought it was well and truly time for post.

The latest news was yesterday´s install of a new Uniden UM535ES base VHF radio into our little monitor/relay shack. We frequently provide relay traffic up Sechelt Inlet during distress incidents and are now Starting to get involved with the Provincial Emergency Program members here on the coast to ensure that we can relay between Marine and Land SAR during a major disaster (one that wipes out phone service)

This new little toy is quite nice - for under $300 it´s a fixed mount Class-D DSC VHF so we finally have a full monitor for DSC calls. Which, interesting to note, I just saw used by MCTS Comox for an AllShips message to issue a NOTESHIP message (if you have no idea what I´m talking About try a google search on GMDSS DSC)

This combines with new 7db Antennas mounted on our Mast About 6´ above our roofline is giving us some really interesting reception. For the first time we are hearing Vancouver CCG (small repeater in the harbour only) and vessels as far away as Point Roberts!

So, now with 3 radios - two with available scan, we can effectively monitor all the key SAR frequencies for our area  with a fixed monitor of 16 and 22 (our primaries) - just in time for the Summer (the busiest season for SAR with all the rec. boaters)

---