What's the difference between a ham radio and a marine radio?

Ham radio has a much wider range of frequencies, some of which overlap those in marine SSB There are also more transmission methods that can be used such as amplitude modulation and frequency modulation. Hams can also transmit using single-sideband, which is really just a modified form of AM.

Can I use a ham radio as a marine radio?

“All single sideband radio equipment can offer 3 – 30 MHz marine and ham radio capabilities, without any internal modifications. “On marine band, it is considered a Part 80 marine radio. On ham bands, this same radio will be a ham radio, without internal modifications that would harm marine bands.

Is ham radio same as VHF?

Ultra High Frequency (UHF)

For ham radio operators, you'll use the frequency range from 420 – 450MHz. Unlike the reliability of VHF radio waves, UHF has a much shorter wavelength and is prone to interference from basically any solid object, whether that's a building blocking your signal or even your body.

What makes a marine radio a marine radio?

Marine radios are built and designed to stand up to harsh weather conditions such as rain, saltwater and constant sun exposure, unlike the ones your car has to endure on a daily basis.

Can ham radio talk to VHF?

Moreover, most commercial Ham radios sold today work on the VHF and UHF spectrum, in the 2m and 70cm ranges, both of which are miles away from the 11m citizen's band. So, unless you modify your store-bought Ham or build one yourself, you won't be able to communicate with a CB.

MARINE BAND VS HAM RADIO

How far will a 50 watt ham radio transmit?

They assume a 5 watt handheld, 50 watt mobile, 5/8 wave mobile antenna with 6 dB gain and 5/8 wave, 6dB gain omnidirectional base antenna at 50′. Urban Environment – Around 1/2 – 1 mile from handheld to handheld, up to 2 miles mobile to handheld, and up to 5 miles or more, base to mobile, with base antenna at 50′.

Can you talk on a ham radio without a license?

You need a license to transmit on a ham radio, but not to listen. The penalties for transmitting on a ham radio without a license include seizure of equipment, fines, and civil/criminal penalties.

Can I use marine radio on land?

Marine Radios & Licenses. Marine radios can be obtained, but it is illegal to use them for personal use or on land. Only the Coast Guard or water vessel owners that meet specific criteria are granted a special license that allows them to own and use these radios.

How far can a marine radio transmit?

Transmission power ranges between 1 and 25 watts, giving a maximum range of up to about 60 nautical miles (111 km) between aerials mounted on tall ships and hills, and 5 nautical miles (9 km; 6 mi) between aerials mounted on small boats at sea level.

How many channels does a marine radio have?

Most VHF radios on the market today have in excess of twenty twenty-five usable channels. Aside from the U.S. channels there are also International and Canadian channels, all of which come standard with many of the newer units on the market. The most important channels on your VHF radio are 13, 16, 19, 22, and 70.

What is the point of ham radio?

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the use of radio frequency spectrum for purposes of non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, private recreation, radiosport, contesting, and emergency communications.

How far can a ham radio broadcast?

The absolute maximum distance that you can talk over with a ham radio is around 4000 miles (6400 km). This would only be possible during something like an emergency if both antennas were high enough, such as up on top of mountain peaks or skyscrapers.

How far can an 8 watt ham radio transmit?

Most airband radios are 5 - 8 watts and typically have a range of around 200 miles.

Do you need a Licence for a VHF marine radio?

Do I Need A Marine VHF Licence? Anyone who uses a Marine VHF Radio needs a licence. If you are a sailor, powerboater, kayaker, angler or even a paddleboarder, you will most certainly need a marine radio.

What is SSB radio Marine?

“SSB” is short for Single SideBand radio, also known as a High Frequency (HF) radio, or in old maritime thrillers as a “shortwave.” It's a radio which broadcasts and receives on a much wider and lower range of frequencies than your VHF radio.

Who uses SSB radio?

SSB (Single Sideband) is an obscure but very important way to communicate via radio. It is used primarily for two-way voice communication by ham radio operators, aircraft and air traffic control (ATC), ships at sea, military and spy networks. Occasionally some shortwave broadcast stations use this format.

What channel do you use on a marine radio?

Channel 21B, 83B: Continuous Marine Broadcast (CMB) service (in English) transmits severe weather warnings, ice information, hazards to navigation, and other safety warnings. Channel 22A: Communications between the Canadian Coast Guard and non-Coast Guard stations only.

Are marine radios UHF or VHF?

The two main frequencies used for marine radios are VHF and 27Mhz. Both have their own advantages over the other depending on where you're located and the size of your vessel. VHF is the preferred radio for short range marine communications.

How far will a 100 watt FM transmitter reach?

If an ERP of 100 Watt is used, it is very likely that 20 kilometers of range will be reached because a 100 Watt ERP is able to propagate a strong signal as far as 20 kilometers. If an ERP of 1000 Watt is used, it is very probable that the signal will reach 20 kilometers, and it will also penetrate eventual obstacles.

Can I use a marine radio as a walkie talkie?

There are two basic types of VHS Marine Radios, fixed mount and handheld. Fixed mount radios are installed or mounted in your vessel. Handheld radios are carried with you like any other handheld two way radio or walkie-talkie.

Do people still use marine radios?

Although marine VHF radio has been around for a while, it has not only remained useful but is also still a vital part of any vessel's safety equipment.

Is VHF illegal?

That's illegal. Marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land, period. It's the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission (without a Coast Station License).

Can ham radios pick up police?

Yes and no -- many ham radios are "wide band receive" capable, meaning they can receive outside of the ham bands. These extra receive frequencies sometimes include police frequencies. In some states, it is illegal to listen on those frequencies, but an exception is made for amateur radio operators and some others.

How hard is the ham radio test?

The Technician and General License exams each have 35 questions, and the Amateur Extra has 50. In order to pass the each test, you must get at least a 74%. For Technician and General, this means you must get 26 questions right out of the 35 questions.

Can anyone use a ham radio in an emergency?

Ham radio resources are available for emergency communications support to any public service agency, and can bridge interoperability gaps between served agencies on a local, tribal, and/or state level.