As I understand it, the Hi/LO setting applies only to the transmit mode. You
would use the LO setting for contacting locations closer to you (ie: 1 mile)
and the HI setting for anything further away.

"Steve" wrote in message
...
My VHF has a H/L button for selecting high or low power on various
channels.. Some channels, when selected, are preset at Low power. If I
push
and hold the HI/Lo button the indicator shifts to HI..

Am I actually overriding the preset low power when I do this??

Is it legal to do this on a channel that is suppose to be LO power (ie.
channel 13)??

Or if legal, is it ethical??

The reason I ask, Monday, I was trying to reach the Hood Canal Bridge
operator and I was still several miles away.. He wasn't answering on his
working channel or channel 16..

I know that they like to have at least 1 hour notice to schedule a draw
span
opening and I couldn't get through on their phone number (seems someone
changed the phone number but didn't tell me about it ;o( ).

After about an hour and finally laying-to 800 yards from the bridge and no
response in either HI or Lo power, the US Navy Bangor operating center
came
up on 13 and gave me the correct phone number.

From that point on, the bridge tender was overly attentive (maybe got his
ass chewed for not monitoring his radio).

As I am told, in my cruising guide, the bridge crew works on maintainance
while someone is suppose to be monitoring the radio.. In truth, I think
they
just monitor the 'Hot Line' phone from their own operating center.

Oh Well! An interesting experience and I have the correct phone number
posted at the chart table.

I wonder what people do who go sailing without a cell phone?? Maybe, pull
over and use a payphone??

Didn't we use to use horn signals to communicate with bridge tenders??

Steve
s/v Good Intentions