Old Codan - Is It Worth Keeping ?

[olaf hart]

Looks like an 8525 remote, they don't use crystals.

My 8525 still works OK

[Hoohaa]

Yes its a 8525s?

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[Hoohaa]

Pic

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[HorseOnaBoat]

I am sailing with HooHaa to LHI. Wrt. 8525s it would be great if somebody could advise HooHaa and I how to:

1. determine what frequencies are preprogrammed to the channels

2. How to check if the system is in working order.

My guess is that it does work as on some channels we hear what sounds like data transmission.
We really just want to hear weather reports at this stage. If we were in big poo then we would want to send emergency message, but other than those we will not do anything else until we are qualified to do so.

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[PommyDave]

Better get your head down into the manual and study for that LROCP (Long-Range Operator's Certificate of Proficiency). We have to pay $80 here in Oz to sit the exam, and pay a further $50 to the "invigilator" who watches while we do the exam paper. There is a SROCP (Short-Range) which only covers using a VHF transceiver, but it costs the same to do and can't be upgraded. They sure know how to extract $$$ over here in Aussieland.

The Marine radio exam is completely different from the testing and certification for an Amateur Radio licence (Ham ticket). (Mine was called the AOCP back when I got mine, a long time ago.) Marine and Ham bands are completely different.

Make sure you have a working antenna tuning unit (an ATU), preferably one that works automatically.

[Snowpetrel]

Originally Posted by olaf hart

Looks like an 8525 remote, they don't use crystals.

My 8525 still works OK

Ha, spot on. I recently crossed the Tasman with just a 8525, gave us good comms every night. They were a very early synthesized set, and are limited to 100 (or so?)preprogrammed channels. Without the individual channel list on a piece of paper. You will be guessing at the allocation. I might have an allocation for mine somewhere in my shed, but It was used for 4wd so I am probably going to need a marine eprom like this http://www.hf-radio.com.au/component...id,1/vmcchk,1/

Prehaps Olaf has a copy of his channel allocation that he can share, if so you might be lucky and have the same marine programed chip. I might be able to get a copy of the program my folks have as well.

Then if you have a friend with a more modern HF they could test transmit on each freq with you to confirm the channels.

But even without knowing the allocation you still have 2182, which can be used in emergencies, though its not routinely monitored 24 hrs anymore (in Aus, NZ I think does) it is still availible on all HF units, and a note on your epirb registration that the vessel has 2182 only might help alert any help to listen on 2182. If you can find 4125, and 6215 you will have more luck.

For weather you can buy a small shortwave reciever, and use something like black cats weather fax app to download weather charts. And listen for the highseas and coastal forcasts on 8176

[olaf hart]

My list of channels is on the boat, I will try and pick it up tonight.

It's pissing down and blowing hard at the moment.

Mine is the marine channel version. IIRC that model radio was used for Flying Doctor and remote site comms so you have to be careful which sort you use.

The OP has a boat installation, so I guess it would have marine channels too.

[Hoohaa]

I will be going through all my paperwork tomorrow morning . I think i have a list on baord.
Great info guys. It's very appreciated.

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[olaf hart]

Scanned file is too big to post here.

PM me an email address

[Hoohaa]

Originally Posted by olaf hart

Scanned file is too big to post here.

PM me an email address

PM Sent
Thanks

[Hoohaa]

OK. we were able to find the list of channels and frequencies, so we now know what where on. So far we have not had any luck hearing anyone but do have instructions on how to use the antenna tuner and can hear and see that it is working or at least doing something?
So we are know looking at the short wave radio alternative.. Any model recommendations?
Jeff

[HorseOnaBoat]

Alternatively is there anybody in Sydney who could meet Hoohaa and I on the boat and just run over things with us for half an hour or so. Or maybe recommend a business in Sydney that we could hire for same. Thx H

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[olaf hart]

Could you just call up Sydney Port Control and request a radio check?

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by HorseOnaBoat

Alternatively is there anybody in Sydney who could meet Hoohaa and I on the boat and just run over things with us for half an hour or so. Or maybe recommend a business in Sydney that we could hire for same. Thx H

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We won't be back to the Pittwater until sometime in November, but if you still needhelp at that time, I'd give it a go for you. I'm a long time ham, long time maritime mobile operator, but no specific knowldege of the Codan. However, a good friend is an expert on Codans and can be tapped if I run out of ideas.

Jim (N9GFT/VK4GFT)