Marine Radio Info
VHF Radio Interference
Boaters Suffer from LED VHF RFI
Does your boat suffer from LED VHF RFI? If your initial reaction is, “what’s that?” see if this is a familiar scenario.It’s a pleasant evening on your boat, cabin lights glowing and all is well. Until you turn on the radio or Marine weather radio. All you hear is a loud buzzing sound.
You have Light Emitting Diode, Radio Frequency Interference to your VHF Marine Radio!
LED lights use far less battery power and LED’s last far longer than regular light bulbs. That’s the bright side. But there’s always a dark side. The circuits in LED’s actually create unwanted radio signals that can render your on board radios almost useless. Here's some enlightening info from the U.S. Coast Guard.Before you take a dim view of the problem, there are ways to fix it.
Ferrite Choke to the rescue! Maybe.
A common approach to eliminating Radio Frequency interference is to install a Ferrite Choke, also called a Ferrite Bead, on the power cord going to your radio. These little contraptions contain iron, thus the Ferrite name. Here's more info on how you might be able to use ferrites on board.
Unfortunately it may be very difficult to actually locate your wiring, especially since it is usually hidden inside a panel. Other ideas (link)
Sometimes simplicity rules. When all else fails and you need to listen to your radio, simply turn off your lights.
Keep in Touch and Stay Safe by Radio
Modern marine radios are the most reliable way to make contact with other vessels, the Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. In many cases, your cell phone simply can't cut it. Follow the links below to some very helpful information.
A special note regarding reliance on cell phones at sea: During the summer of 2016, a Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol rescued a small, disabled power boat on the Delaware River in Philadelphia. Two adults and two children were exposed to strong, direct sun and 95 degree heat, with no water and no marine radio. Behind the small boat, a heavy barge was approaching, pushed by a large tug boat.
Using a VHF Marine radio, the Auxiliary vessel advised the tugboat captain of the impending danger and the tugboat altered course. The small boat was then towed to safety by the Auxiliary vessel.
In this situation, would you forego a basic, hand-held marine radio, valued at around $100.00? Would you rely on your cell phone? Do you know the tugboat captain's cell phone number?
Cell phones are no substitute for marine, VHF radios!
Automatic Identification System (AIS)
What's that ship out there? Your AIS system can tell you what you need to know.
Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
Call specific stations using your marine radio. Here's how it's done.
Amateur (HAM) Radio at Sea
HAM Radio is perhaps the most important backup communication system for pleasure boats at sea. Learn how you can earn your amateur radio license at the American Radio Relay League.
Every day, many vessels also check in to the Maritime Mobile Service Network, a HAM Radio service net for sailors worldwide.