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Handheld VHF Radio

Handheld Marine VHF radios allow short-range portable two-way voice communication. Handheld VHF devices are ideal for use where you need to keep in touch with the 'mother ship' such as small boats or landing parties.

Handheld or mobile VHF are limited to a transmit power of 6 watts, compared to 25 watts for fixed-mount radios. Remember, VHF range is more dependent on antenna height and antenna gain than on transmit power, so you can add significantly to your range by connecting an external antenna or by transmitting from the highest location available. For normal handheld use (at 5 watt transmit power), figure on a 5-12km (3-8mile) range from a small boat.

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