VHF power

[Radioactive]

In amateur radio, the rule is "use the minimum power required to establish and continue communication". I have not checked but that should be a rule for all other transmitters as well.

This courtesy/rule, when followed, reduces background interference for all involved.

Which brings up the question:

Do you ever/sometimes/always adjust power on your VHF to suit the intended communication?

Do you use 25W to chat across the harbor? Do you reduce it to talk to you fishing friends a little less publicly about the hot spot?

 

[David M]

I try to transmit at 1 watt. But the radio defaults to 25 when powered on so sometimes....

 

[sugilbert]

If I'm within eyesight of my victim, I mean reciepient, I use 1W.

 

[GSENT]

Sometimes you have to go to low power, for transmitting to boats real close to you. I otherwise stay on high power.

 

[SLW]

I have a 1/25 button right on the mic, so I probably transmit at 1w 90% of the time, if not more. If I can't see them, or if I don't know how far away they are, it's usually easier and more reliable to use a cellphone.

 

[Monterey10]

It's telling when two boats are talking and someone in the distance (who can't hear the channel is busy) transmits right over the top of them. If the guy off in the distance had been on 1 watt, the others would have been able to continue their talk.

 

[caltexfla]

Always use 1 watt first, especially when in-shore. Only use 25 if you are not getting read. Cluttering up the airways of people miles away is bad form.