{"title":"VHF Cable \u0026 Connectors","description":"\u003ch2\u003eVHF Cable \u0026amp; Connectors Resources and Information\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA functional VHF radio is essential for keeping you safe in case of emergencies when out on the water. But a radio is useless without functioning cables and connectors. Fortunately, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/\"\u003ePartsVu\u003c\/a\u003e stocks a wide selection of VHF cables and connectors to match your exact specifications. Browse our complete selection of VHF antennas from top manufacturers, including Shakespeare, Seachoice, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eComplete your purchase with a VHF radio from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/collections\/vhf-radios-hailers-accessories\"\u003eVHF radio and hailer\u003c\/a\u003e selection. If you’re looking for more marine products, choose from our full selection of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/collections\/vu-products\"\u003eboat products and accessories\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/collections\/boating-electronics-and-navigation\"\u003eelectronics and navigation\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch2\u003eVHF Cable \u0026amp; Connectors FAQs\u003c\/h2\u003e \u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eDo I really need a \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/blogs\/boating-resources\/do-i-need-a-vhf-radio-on-my-boat-i-have-a-cell-phone-after-all\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVHF radio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe short answer is, yes, you most definitely need a VHF radio or 2-way radio particularly if you boat any significant distance from the shore. But, why? If you get into trouble you can simply call the authorities on your cell phone, right? Well…maybe and maybe is not the answer you want in an emergency. The following are the reasons you need a VHF radio on your boat in addition to your cell phone.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImagine that you find yourself in an emergency situation and you are offshore and away from cell towers. Or maybe you are not that far offshore, but the day is very overcast and your phone is having difficulty obtaining reception. You need to contact the authorities or other support and you look down at your phone and see no or maybe only one of those coveted bars. With VHF radios you never have to worry about losing service. While cell phones rely on cell reception, data, and wifi, two-way radios are a self-contained communications network. This means that if for whatever reason cell phones aren’t working, your two-way radio is there at the ready.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCertain two-way radios are built to withstand very harsh environmental conditions. Rain, sand, extreme cold do nothing to stand in the way of these rugged radios as many two-way radio models are waterproof and sand-proof. Some can be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes, in a depth of three feet, and still be functional.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMultiple people can be dispatched at one time reducing the need to call people individually. In addition, everyone involved in an emergency situation can communicate instantly assuring help is on the way as quickly as possible and all involved can stay in touch in the meantime.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFixed VHF radios are powered by the boat’s electrical system. However, handheld 2-way radios generally have longer battery lives than your cell phone and serve as great backup communication devices.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the typical range of a VHF radio?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eWith the right technology in place, a two-way radio’s coverage can be extended across a very wide distance – 30+ miles. Obstacles in a radio’s line of sight will block or diminish its signal, but more powerful antennas can substantially extend this distance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan VHF radios communicate with telephones? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany two-way radios have what’s called a telephony feature, which allows for communication between the radio and a landline, or cell phone. This is possible because radio base repeater stations can be connected to telephone networks. Telephony functions are very helpful if there might be a need to communicate with people who don’t have a two-way radio. This said, emergency and rescue organizations are very used to communicating with two-way radios.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo VHF radios have a use beyond emergency communication? \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eRadio ahead for a berth at a marina or maybe you want to chat with a passing boat for advice on entering a new channel. Do keep in mind, however, marine VHF radios, whether fixed or handheld, may not be used on land – it’s the law. Once a VHF radio goes ashore, it cannot be used for marine band transmission without a Coast Station license. While your marine VHF radio cannot be used onshore, many boaters find 2-way radios not using a marine band transmission – think walkie talkie from your childhood – handy for communicating fairly short distances with friends and family while onshore.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes the \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/icom-handheld-vhf-marine-transceiver-w-gps-dsc-built-in.html\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eICOM M93D Handheld VHF Marine Transceiver with GPS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e unique? \u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe M93D radio is professional and stylish with an easy-to-use interface. The M93 is slender, has a 2-tone body, is feature-rich and smart. Enjoy Icom’s continued tradition of Float’n Flash, AquaQuake™, and Active Noise Cancelling. The M93D will keep you safe with integrated GPS – providing location, bearing, and speed. Plus this handheld meets ITU-R M493-13 Class D DSC with a dedicated built-in DSC receiver for CH 70. Icom’s new M93D is built for the serious boater.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/?amp%3Bitm_campaign=acr-sr203-gmdss-survival-radio\u0026amp;amp%3Bitm_medium=in-text\u0026amp;amp%3Bitm_source=blog-do-i-need-a-vhf-radio-on-my-boat-i-have-a-cell-phone-after-all\u0026amp;q=ACR%20SR203%20GMDSS%20Survival%20Radio\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eACR SR203 GMDSS Survival Radio\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe SR203 GMDSS Survival Radio meets all the requirements of the IMO for carriage on SOLAS vessels. Built tough for all marine applications and easy to use in an emergency situation, the SR203 is the ideal choice for mandatory and voluntary carriage. The digital display and control buttons are backlit making operation in low light environments simple. Once activated, the SR203 is automatically tuned to channel 16 and has a single push channel 16 call button to quickly return to the emergency channel. The SR203 boasts an exceptional battery life of over 16 hours (@ -4°F (-20°C)) thanks to its highly efficient transmitter designed to maximize battery life. The innovative battery protection tab means the primary battery can be permanently attached to the radio without fear of losing its charge. The radio will always be available for use in times of emergency without the need to remove protective labels. Simply break off the red protective tab and the radio will be immediately ready to turn on to channel 16. For everyday use, ACR offers a lithium polymer rechargeable battery option. The quick-release rapid charger provides the ideal solution for keeping the batteries fully charged.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the difference between \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/blogs\/boating-resources\/epirb-plb-ais-technology-whats-the-difference\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEPIRB, PLB, and AIS technology\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e?\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eEPIRB stands for Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. They are used to alert search and rescue services in an emergency. They transmit a 406 MHz distress frequency signal via satellite and earth stations to the nearest rescue coordination center.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe network EPIRBs work on is called Cospas-Sarsat, and it is an international collaboration. It’s up and running 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. In 2021, 263 people have been rescued so far—143 of those people at sea. Worldwide, over 48,000 people have been rescued since 1982.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIt is essential for boaters to understand that this network is to be utilized in the case of genuine emergencies, not simply if your boat breaks down and you need a tow.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePLBs work the same way that\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/?amp%3Bitm_campaign=epirbs\u0026amp;amp%3Bitm_medium=in-text\u0026amp;amp%3Bitm_source=blog-epirb-plb-ais-technology-whats-the-difference\u0026amp;q=EPIRBs\"\u003e EPIRBs\u003c\/a\u003e do— they send a coded message on the same distress frequency and utilize the Cospas-Sarsat network. The most crucial difference is that EPIRBs are registered to a vessel, whereas a PLB is registered to a person. This means that if you switch to a new boat or you decide to use a friend’s boat, the PLB will still be registered to you.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEPIRBS, on the other hand, would need to be reregistered if you buy a new boat. If you rent or use someone else’s boat, you wouldn’t be able to take the EPIRB from your boat. That’s because if you did use it, it would send a distress signal describing a vessel that isn’t yours. So, you will need to rent an EPIRB, which you can do relatively inexpensively from Boats U.S. Foundation and other sources. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy should boaters follow safety regulations?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoating on various waterways is similar to automobiles out on the roads and highways—safety devices are designed to keep people safe. Thousands of accidents occur, many of which have a high probability of injury and a substantial number of cases resulting in death.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSpecifically, in 2020 the Coast Guard counted 5,265 recreational boating accidents resulting in 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million of property damage. Where the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSince most accidents occur unexpectedly, there may not be sufficient time to put on a life jacket, especially when stowed away in a locker. In cases where a person is thrown overboard, it is harder than you think to get them back on board, which can be assisted with proper equipment. Always be sure personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in good and serviceable condition. For extra protection, equip your PFDs with a whistle and emergency light.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eVHF radios are essential for ensuring your safety out on the water. Whether you’re replacing your damaged VHF cable, or installing a new VHF radio on your boat, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/\"\u003ePartsVu\u003c\/a\u003e has you covered with our complete selection of VHF cables and connectors from top manufacturers, including Shakespeare, Seachoice, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"shakespeare-right-angle-connector-pl-259-to-so-239-adapter-ra-259-239-g","title":"Shakespeare Right Angle Connector - PL-259 to SO-239 Adapter - RA-259-239-G","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRight Angle Connector - PL-259 to SO-239 Adapter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShakespeare offers an extensive line of marine grade connectors and adapters for antenna installations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGold-plated brass to better withstand the elements and to minimize traditional connector-borne signal loss.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shakespeare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48046680375587,"sku":"PV017581","price":19.4,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/7410\/9475\/files\/PV17581.jpg?v=1713385592"},{"product_id":"seachoice-antenna-connector-silver-plated-pl-258-uhf-19981","title":"Seachoice - Antenna Connector - Silver Plated - Pl-258 (uhf) - 19981","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeachoice - Antenna Connector - Silver Plated - Pl-258 (uhf) - 19981\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver-plated antenna connector from Seachoice fights corrosion and increases contact quality. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver-plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SEACHOICE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48046698201379,"sku":"PV753735","price":8.66,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/7410\/9475\/files\/50-19981_jpg.jpg?v=1713388394"},{"product_id":"seachoice-antenna-connector-gold-plated-pl-258-uhf-19891","title":"Seachoice - Antenna Connector - Gold Plated - Pl-258 (uhf) - 19891","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeachoice - Antenna Connector - Gold Plated - Pl-258 (uhf) - 19891\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Antenna Connector from Seachoice is gold-plated for the best corrosion resistance and contact quality. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntenna Connector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGold-plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePl-258 (uhf)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SEACHOICE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48046698397987,"sku":"PV753730","price":10.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/7410\/9475\/files\/50-19891_jpg.jpg?v=1713388394"},{"product_id":"seachoice-antenna-connector-silver-plated-ug-175-19961","title":"Seachoice - Antenna Connector - Silver Plated - Ug-175 - 19961","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeachoice - Antenna Connector - Silver Plated - Ug-175 - 19961\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Seachoice antenna connector is silver-plated for corrosion resistance and increased contact quality. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAntenna Connector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver-plated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUg-175\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"SEACHOICE","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48046698758435,"sku":"PV753733","price":4.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/7410\/9475\/files\/50-19961_jpg.jpg?v=1713388393"}],"url":"https:\/\/partsvu.com\/en-au\/collections\/vhf-cable-connectors.oembed","provider":"PartsVu","version":"1.0","type":"link"}