vhf base station

[SPR]

i been given permission to from committee to set up a VHF base station , operating on m & m2

I know I need to to contact ofcom for site survey and licence etc.

Can anybody recommend a good base station? can a cheap VHF radio be deprogramed to have only 2 Channels or do I need to go down buying a Icom IC-f5022m.

I know I need to keep cable run short and comply with ofcom for height and Ariel type.

regards

[BogMonster]

Do you need to have it restricted or can you just put a sign on the radio saying operation only permitted on channel X and Y?

[chris123]

From a technical perspective, a cheap marine VHF should be fine -whether it complies with Ofcom 'rules' might be a different question.

Standard Horizon and Icom can be programmed by the dealer to be limited to specific channels (the dealer may want to charge you for this) - I would imagine most / all other marine VHF makes would be the same. DSC functionality can also be turned off on the Standard Horizon radios, not sure about Icom.

I believe RNLI boathouse radios are standard Sailor 2048 radios with a restricted channel set.

[SPR]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

Do you need to have it restricted or can you just put a sign on the radio saying operation only permitted on channel X and Y?

it will be in the club lounge, can't take risk of somebody transmitting on 16 some rubbish at 25watt or jamming it on ! if I put 80 on it I been told that I will need to lock up, since you need operators certificate to use 80.

will check with dealers how much to de-programme set.. will check sailor too, I was hoping that standard V , could fo full solution since we need to buy a few handhelds as well and would like to keep it everything one brand

[chris123]

Originally Posted by SPR

will check with dealers how much to de-programme set.. will check sailor too, I was hoping that standard V , could fo full solution since we need to buy a few handhelds as well and would like to keep it everything one brand

In my experience, you are probably looking at up to £20 per radio. If you shop around, you may find some places that will do it for you FOC, particularly if you are buying a few radios.