Best buy fixed DSC VhF?

SAWDOC

SAWDOC

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Hi folks,
Want to upgrade my present VHF system (XM DSC ). So many brands on the market - different badges or different quality? I would like to interface my new set with a handheld Garmin GPS so if anyone has a good experience of this please let me know. Thanks.
 
You won't go far wrong by choosing either an Icom or a Standard Horizon. Any DSC radio will accept NMEA position data from your Garmin. And a command mic is very desirable.

Not sure what you mean by "Best buy" - lowest price or best value? Bear in mind that you'll get many recommendations for models which were introduced 1, 2, maybe 3 years ago, but that you should also look at newer models. If I were looking to replace a fixed set now, I'd probably look at the newly-introduced Standard Horizon GX2100 which has built-in AIS capability.
 
pvb said:
You won't go far wrong by choosing either an Icom or a Standard Horizon. Any DSC radio will accept NMEA position data from your Garmin. And a command mic is very desirable.

Not sure what you mean by "Best buy" - lowest price or best value? Bear in mind that you'll get many recommendations for models which were introduced 1, 2, maybe 3 years ago, but that you should also look at newer models. If I were looking to replace a fixed set now, I'd probably look at the newly-introduced Standard Horizon GX2100 which has built-in AIS capability.
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They haven't been released yet as there are issues with CE verfication.
 
WALLY said:
They haven't been released yet as there are issues with CE verfication.
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Yes, I know that (see another thread), but it's intended to be released sooner rather than later. If the replacement is needed urgently, it's always possible to buy one from the US. Once it's fitted, who's going to know it doesn't have those expensive little CE letters on it?
 
Another vote for GX 1500 and cockpit mic. Standard Horizon have great support, I asked if they could provide another pedestal mount for my CP 300 the other day, arrived this morning free of charge, I can now mount at the chart table or on the coach roof, awesome!
 
Thanks!

Thanks folks - I have placed an order for the Standard Horizon model sans cockpit mike. Thought it a little non essential on my 26 footer but perhaps i will have changed my mind on that by Christmas! Does the cockpit mike plug in to a waterproof socket similar to how one sets up a tiller autopilot? Ie removable when leaving the boat?

Thanks again for all the useful replies.
 
Second vote for Icom 505 plus the Command mic for the cockpit. I interface mine with a Garmin 76 handheld. As has been stated, an Icom or an SE would be good.

I got it as a package so a good price and thought I'd indulge myself with the command mic - but having installed it I can't see how it would have been any use to me without the command mic - I singlehand and having it down below only would have been useless...
The socket in the cockpit is rubber capped and bringing up the mic and plugging it in is one of the pre-sailing jobs...
 
SAWDOC said:
Thanks folks - I have placed an order for the Standard Horizon model sans cockpit mike. Thought it a little non essential on my 26 footer but perhaps i will have changed my mind on that by Christmas! Does the cockpit mike plug in to a waterproof socket similar to how one sets up a tiller autopilot? Ie removable when leaving the boat?

Thanks again for all the useful replies.
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Quite a few years ago I had to issue a Mayday relay when single-handing underway and dashing to make a tidal gate at the Swellies. The coastguard were coming back to me regularly, which caused me a lot of problems as my tiller and radio are about 2 metres apart. A cockpit mike would have been a big help. Now that I have one there are many occasions when it is useful. OK if you can reach the radio from the tiller but I would definitely consider one otherwise.
 
SAWDOC said:
Does the cockpit mike plug in to a waterproof socket similar to how one sets up a tiller autopilot? Ie removable when leaving the boat?
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The Icom Command mic has a cockpit socket with a waterproof cover and is readily removable. I expect the SH one is similar.

As Vyv Cox says, if you can't use your radio whilst at the helm, get a mic for the cockpit. One day you may be very glad of it.
 
SAWDOC said:
Thanks folks - I have placed an order for the Standard Horizon model sans cockpit mike. Thought it a little non essential on my 26 footer but perhaps i will have changed my mind on that by Christmas! Does the cockpit mike plug in to a waterproof socket similar to how one sets up a tiller autopilot? Ie removable when leaving the boat?

Thanks again for all the useful replies.
Click to expand...

Yes, it plugs into a waterproof socket, so you detach it when leaving the boat. It is not just a mike, but a speaker as well, and has full functional capability - change channel/dual watch/distress/volume, etc. etc.
 
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