Automated VHF radio check--Friday Harbor, WA

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Larry H

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A friend of mine, Steve Roberts, located at Friday Harbor, WA has built an automated radio check station.

You can make a test call on channel 28, and if within range of the Friday Harbor station, hear an automated reply containing a recording of your transmission. For more information, check out Steve’s blog at http://nomadness.com/blog/2012/11/automated-marine-radio-check-vhf-28.html
 
Now that is a neat idea. Thanks you Mr. Roberts.
 
Larry,

Nice, thanks for sharing that. Will be looking forward to trying it out.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
Great idea - I'll try that out when we get there! :thup Appreciate the heads up.
 
Larry,

I tried it out, and it works (COOL) for me, all the way from just outside Sequim Bay. Tried it with both radios since they are on 2 quit different antennas, and they both made the trip and played back very understandable. If I remember, his web site said his antenna was at about 150 foot elevation. I am thoroughly impressed.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

January_2010_344.thumb.jpg
 
If you use the repeater, Steve would like to hear from you. Here is a copy from his website.
"If you are out and about on your boat, please give this a try. Simply call for a radio check on VHF 28 (you don’t need to identify your vessel, although you can if you like), and listen for the automated reply. If it works, or even if it does not, please send me a quick note to tell me about it… along with this information:

Where were you?
How clearly did you hear the station?
How clear was YOUR signal as re-transmitted?
Is your radio fixed or hand-held, and is the antenna low or atop a mast?

Thanks to all who help with testing!"
Click to expand...

You can send the info to Steve at wordy@microship.com
 
Larry H":1duvvwbf said:
If you use the repeater, Steve would like to hear from you. Here is a copy from his website.
"If you are out and about on your boat, please give this a try. Simply call for a radio check on VHF 28 (you don’t need to identify your vessel, although you can if you like), and listen for the automated reply. If it works, or even if it does not, please send me a quick note to tell me about it… along with this information:

Where were you?
How clearly did you hear the station?
How clear was YOUR signal as re-transmitted?
Is your radio fixed or hand-held, and is the antenna low or atop a mast?

Thanks to all who help with testing!"
Click to expand...

You can send the info to Steve at wordy@microship.com
Click to expand...

Copy That, and I did, both on his blog reply site and to his email. Have not checked his pin map, to see if there is a pin at the North end of Sequim Bay yet.

It would be nice to see that map fleshed out some.

Thanks again for passing the info on the radio check along to the Brats.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
Steve told me about this service at the boat show and I've used it a few times since then. It works great, and is much more useful than an old fashioned radio check. I hope to check out Steve's lab at the Friday Harbor gathering in May...he's got lots of neat ideas!
 
I got a nice email reply from Steve and he said he was happy to hear it worked across the Strait. He was going to put my call on his map. Nice to have this service available. A good radio check on each trip out is a bonus. Good for piece of mind.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
Just read a note about this same type service down in the Puget Sound area. Wondered if anyone has used that, or knows any more about it. I believe it was on VHF chan 28 also.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Friends_Cal_09_10_Oct.thumb.jpg
 
In South Florida we also have that service. Channels 26 and 27 are used depending on your particular area. Sure frees up the chatter on 16 which is good. Can those of you that attend lots of gatherings tell me if your event uses a particular hailing channel other than 16? Seems to me it would be a good idea. I've been thinking of proposing that for the upcoming St.John's gathering that we use channel 72 for the week before and after the event.
 
hardee":2maiq2n4 said:
Just read a note about this same type service down in the Puget Sound area. Wondered if anyone has used that, or knows any more about it. I believe it was on VHF chan 28 also.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

Friends_Cal_09_10_Oct.thumb.jpg
Click to expand...

I believe Port Ludlow Resort has an automated radio check system, also on channel 28. I'm taking the boat from Anacortes to Seattle tomorrow, I'll try and remember to check.
 
Hi Sam,

Yes, Port Ludlow Yachat Club and Marina and Sea Tow have collaborated. It is VHF Chan 28. I will post a separate thread with more details but it works the same at both places.

1. Check VHF Chan 28 for traffic.
2. Hearing none,
3. Key up and announce your boat name, and request radio check. (I also give my approx position.)
4. Un-key and listen. (You should get a short safety message, a recording of your transmission, and a sponsor type message.)
5. Return your VHF to chan 16 and check a second VHF if you have one. (If I am within reasonable range, I also check my handheld.)

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

January_2010_344.thumb.jpg
 
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