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.
Boat Outfitting
