I currently have a handheld Uniden CB Radio that I bought from bass pro shops a year and a half ago and everytime I try to get a radio check I do not get a response. I opted for this model because it was only $99, but I now realize I should have spent the extra few bucks for a console mount unit. 1) does or has anyone ever had/used a uniden unit? 2) what would be a good brand to get? I do not want to break the bank on this but it makes me a little uncomfortable thinking that my current unit is not being heard.

sometimes handhelds just dont send "strong enough" signals. batteries have alot to do with it. i have one but dont really care for it. but my dash mount vhf is a standard horizon and i have no problem talking from hampton to the cbbt and you can get them and they wont break the bank

The problem might be in the type of radio, you stated you have a hand held "CB" radio, the radios used by most are VHF. Not being completely knowledgeable on all of these issues, I think there is a difference between CB and VHR. They operate on different frequency band widths.

VHF & CB are different one doesent work with the other. Some fisherman use CB Radios in their boats so no one will hear their locations but for the only radio on your boat you need to get VHF.

I think CB uses UHF.

Not very useful if you for sure have a CB radio.

Im surprised Uncle Jesse did not return your radio check.

Uncle Jesse, LOL........I heard Kooooooter was at the 3rd island

If it is a handheld VHF you own, make sure it is set to max output wattage when keyed. Some adjust automatically to the lowest wattage when turned off then back on.

Thanks for the info guys!!!!!! There were some points mentioned that I did not check. I will try again tomorrow on 68. Good luck to all this weekend. By the way....... has anyone heard or experienced running into any @!#holes on July 4th at the launching ramps? I didn't go out this 4th because of the bad experiences I had the last 2 years!

Makoman

Im with you the last thing I would ever think of would be sitting at a launch ramp on the 4th of July.

We went on the 3rd of july.

peecj8.............

wise man!

No luck with the radio today.... I was going to throw it in the water but would have felt a little guilty about trashing up the water.

Whats the model number?

Ebay it and buy a raymarine fixed radio.

It's still in the back of the jeep.... I was hoping it would bounce out. About how pricey are the raymarine units.. I don't want to break the bank but I sure as hell want to get a decent unit. Humpback whale is edible huh?

A good vhf radio is an important thing to have, I wouldnt trust a handheld outside of a harbor. Fix mounts have higher transmit power, usually 25 watts while handhelds are only 1 or 2. The battery thing makes me uneasy too, but I guess they all technically run on battery power. Even low priced fix mounts will get the job done fine, but if you want all the bells it'll cost you a good bit more. Also, vhf is line of sight, so a tall antenna means more range.

You can find Ray 54's for around 150 bucks. Then you will need an antenna and a mount.

I checked and it is a vhf . However antenna height, I believe is the issue. Thanks peecj8 for the info on the cost, I am moving to tulls bay in moyock in a couple of weeks and I really need a radio in that secluded area of the N.C. sound. Although I guess if something goes wrong I will float into land eventually in the sound.

The antenna is probably the most important part of the radio. Make sure you match the antenna to the unit to get the greatest height and the best Gain. A salesclerk at a boating store is not usually the best one to help. Talk to a Tech person or someone who installs. Your range will depend upon antenna height, power out (25W) and the antenna Gain. The receiving antenna height is also a factor, but you can't control that.
Tight lines.
DAve

Thanks for the info Dave. I agree with you on the salesclerks.... sometimes they have the heart but not the knowledge.