Paul C Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 That is the bit I am having trouble with. It seems illogical and a waste of resources to require somebody to have 2 set when one would cover them. If I read the regulations in a link (either in this thread or the one about VHF hand helds) they specifically ruled out sets which could operate on any other frequency. I was wondering what the logic for that was. I guess its theoretically possible to make a radio which can transmit/receive on multiple frequency groups, and when it does so on each particular group, obeys the relevant rules. Eg while on PMR446 it transmits at 0.5W; while on marine is also uses GDMSS, etc. (Yes, there's a bit in the rules about a marine radio only being capable of transmitting ONLY on marine frequencies, but if that's the only barrier then it would be unreasonable to refuse its certification solely on that). Its just that no such device has been made - the reason probably being, that if you want/need marine radio, then you tend to use that; and if you want/need PMR446, then its generally for a different style of communication eg between crew on a canal boat). Thus, separate radios seems a sensible way to do things. Maybe there's a gap in the market for a compliant multi-frequency/role radio but I think it would be slim - too slim for any manufacturer to bother with making a radio for it (with all the compromises with trying to cover more than one frequency range etc) and gain its proper certification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted October 21, 2013 Report Share Posted October 21, 2013 Well in our case Dave is used to moving our boat single handed. He won't be on the boat, he'll be by the paddles with his windlass in his hand - in fact even when we're working a lock together he will only stay on the boat if there's another crew helping so his help isn't needed. It's perfectly safe for me to leave him to it and set the locks ahead for him. You see Dave and I are a bit strange here, as that is what I do as well. Most boaters just stand and hold the tiller while the boat goes up or down while the crew do the work. tsk,tsk,tsk.the only thing that that blog could teach anybody is to turn their head now and then like a living person.nbsanity..thats debateable. It point I was making, you may be talking but they may not be hearing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris roscoe Posted October 22, 2013 Report Share Posted October 22, 2013 Try in Argos about £20 . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comfortably numb Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 We have a pair which we rarely use but we wouldn't be without them as they are very useful on occasions. We could easily get by without them and most of the time we manage fine with hand signals but there are occasions when they are very useful. 1. When the one operating the lock is out of sight or goes ahead to suss out the next lock and reports back. 2. Getting the 'all clear' on narrow sections such as the Armitage ex tunnel. 3. For the one on the tiller to let those inside the boat know that locks/lift bridges are imminent and they are needed, or for them to put the kettle on. 4. For one person to go ahead and suss out mooring places. I also recommend not buying cheap ones. Perhaps I've been unlucky because others of you have found them fine, but I've tried several over the years and the range has been poor particularly if there isn't a line of sight. Mine current ones are made by Cobra and cost £52 but they are brilliant and the batteries last for ages. As I said, we could manage fine without them but we think they are well worth having. Like a lot of boating related things there is no right or wrong as it's purely down to one's personal choice, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 These are beginning to sound like bowthrusters, if you have them they are great, if you don't they are a waste of money and you should be able to boat without them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pquinn Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 These are beginning to sound like bowthrusters, if you have them they are great, if you don't they are a waste of money and you should be able to boat without them. i dont have a bowthruster but i dont believe they are a waste of money especially when on a river or for people who may not be very mobile.i have a pair of binoculars.i can boat without them but that does not mean they dont come in handy now and then.by your logic they must seem like a waste of money to those who do not have them. paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 i dont have a bowthruster but i dont believe they are a waste of money especially when on a river or for people who may not be very mobile.i have a pair of binoculars.i can boat without them but that does not mean they dont come in handy now and then.by your logic they must seem like a waste of money to those who do not have them. paul Just hang on abit and some one will be along and tell you they have never used binoculars on a Narrowboat, you don't need them because you can see whats happening when you get there, ets BTW I have a couple of pairs onboard, a pair by the hatch so I can look well ahead at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Just hang on abit and some one will be along and tell you they have never used binoculars on a Narrowboat, you don't need them because you can see whats happening when you get there, ets BTW I have a couple of pairs onboard, a pair by the hatch so I can look well ahead at times. Binos can be very useful particularly when on unfamiliar river sections. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark99 Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 (edited) I can tell you what is no use on a narrowboat - a binacle compass............ I've seen them spins 90 degrees out of north alignment. Edited October 23, 2013 by mark99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nb Innisfree Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 When I were a lad all we had was cocoa tins and string, used to dream of having those big walkie talkies so for me the novelty is still a bit exciting when I think back to those days, plus no licence required! Never did get a proper space suit with a fish bowl helmet. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldGoat Posted October 23, 2013 Report Share Posted October 23, 2013 Well off-topic BUT, on the non tidal Thames (where there is a body of marine VHF installations), most commercial users use a phone to communicate. Other than for club outings and the like VHF is hardly used and declining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bro Posted November 10, 2013 Report Share Posted November 10, 2013 Hi Cheapo ones will suffice. Ebay, Maplins etc. Save the rest of the money for BEER on the Hols Tim Hi Yes I bought some once and the missus refused to use them, she said we had no need. I left them on my last boat for the new owner. Tim My Missus drops 'em in the cut! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted November 10, 2013 Report Share Posted November 10, 2013 My Missus drops 'em in the cut! Did she drop one in at Buckby? We fished one out with a magnet Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark99 Posted November 10, 2013 Report Share Posted November 10, 2013 Did she drop one in at Buckby? We fished one out with a magnet Richard Why doncha just press the button and ask? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RLWP Posted November 10, 2013 Report Share Posted November 10, 2013 Why doncha just press the button and ask? I've left it on the boat I've decided to dry it out and fit a new battery. If we get on well with it, I may buy another one to make a pair Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pquinn Posted November 12, 2013 Report Share Posted November 12, 2013 I've left it on the boat I've decided to dry it out and fit a new battery. If we get on well with it, I may buy another one to make a pair Richard which one did you get?the walkie one or the talkie one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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