Fixed Mount VHF Radio
A Fixed Mount VHF Radio is a permanent fixed installation used in both inshore and offshore vessels. It is more powerful and capable of longer-range communications than handheld VHF radio.
Generally, fixed mount VHF radios have a combination of a 1, 5, or 25 watt output. That is, for short, medium, and long range communication respectively. Fixed-mount radios are legally limited to just 25 watts of transmit power.
Fixed Mount VHF Radio uses an external VHF antenna / aerial, and the higher the antenna is mounted, the longer the range.
The installation of your antenna is the most important variable affecting the operating range of your VHF. Mount your antenna as high as possible and use large-diameter, low-loss coax cable with properly installed connectors and run it as directly as possible to the radio. The effective useful range of a VHF radio is 20-25 miles.
Advantages of Fixed Mount VHF Radios:
- More reliable power source
- Higher transmit power
- A larger and more effective aerial
- Larger display (and buttons)
Read about Cobra VHF Radios...