View Full Version : marine radios at good prices
glen-kans
02-07-2002, 11:05 PM
A while back I was told about a company that remanufactured vhf radios and sold them for a substantial savings.Now I can't find the name or address.I also noticed that a lot of people around my area are using these in their PU trucks for communication for general purposes.Is this kosher if you use the right channels?Any info is appreciated and I want to stay inside the laws on this one.Do I need a licence for these at 25watts?Thanks,Glen
Its not so much the radio as the frequencies that are being used. Marine channels are reserved for marine use. I think you'll find that using these frequencies away from the water is illegal. As far as power output and license requirements, I think that you will again find that to be frequency specific. You can transmit 25 watts on the water on marine channels with no license but some other frequencies require a license no matter what the power.
Sorry, can't help with the remanufactured radio site.
1steelhead
02-08-2002, 08:24 AM
Using a mobile VHF marine radio for land based use is highly illegal. I would not advise you try it. Mariners depend on the availability of these frequencies for both safety and there livleyhood. The frequency is reserved for marine use only. For good prices try www.cmelectron.com or watch for one on e-bay. I'm not sure about re-furbs.
Some info to chew on if you like. I was looking at a rebuilt unit last year and called Uniden to get some info on it. After talking to the tech there(who I cannot thank enough), I would make sure you have a couple of things covered before you buy.
He said that 90-95% of the units they have come back do so because of water damage to unit or mic. In his opinion the most important part of any marine radio purchase should be a good "waterproof", not "water-resistant", "waterproof" warranty! Most of the top brands seem to all have 3 yrs. I think it costs about $75-$85 to have a unit rebuilt if they're not covered by warranty and costs nothing if they are covered and receive damage. If buying reconditioned saves you $35-$50 over new and you have trouble, your savings are lost. Just something to think about, this changed my mind and I'm going to spend the $150 for a Ray unit this spring. Good Luck, RJ in Montana