Communication - VHF - Handheld

A handheld VHF radio can serve as the primary communication device on smaller boats as well as a back-up for a fixed mount transceiver. The use of large scale integrated circuits and microprocessors makes it possible for even the smallest of these radios to provide virtually all of the capabilities and features of conventional radios. The major differences between the handhelds and fixed mount radios are maximum transmitter power output and the non availability of digital selective calling in the handheld sets. Virtually all of these radios operate on all allowable transmit and receive channels, including all NOAA weather channels. Chuck Husick, BoatU.S.