choice of vhf set

[snappy]

I have read the recent posts on the merits of budget sets, but having failed to get time off to get to SIBS to look at any in the flesh, I would value advice on choice of a VHF DSC to replace my XM handheld. It will be mounted in the noisy wet open cockpit of my diesel powered boat, so I think I might need a telephone handset to hear received messages clearly, (i.e. not just a fistmike) plus an external waterproof speaker to monitor ch16 over the general din of the engine and the kids fighting. It would also need to work with my garmin 176c GPS. Any ideas?

many thanks

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[duncan]

sounds like you have it sorted already - your logic seems sound.

Waterproof unit with decent telephone headset and external speaker conections. You don't mention whether flush mounting is an option but you will be really struggling without it.

I suspect when you compare these requirements with what's available the result will be quite limited and effectively the choice will be made for you.

One further thing, you might consider a lapel style mike/headphone - they seem to be well thought of by some open boat users I know.

<hr width=100% size=1>madesco madidum ..../forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Oldhand]

Don't know any budget set which will meet your requirements so suggest the Simrad RS87 but it will cost you. Handset has all the controls and a small speaker in it but also comes with a good external speaker. Unlike most Scuttlebutter's, I have no problems with DSC on the RS87, perhaps 'cause I have handset at the helm and it is thus simple to respond to a DSC alert or call.

Beware the Raymarine equivalent, you have to be able to reach a knob on the separate speaker to alter the volume and can't do it from the handset, very silly IMHO. (One hand for the handset, one hand for the speaker knob and no hands for the helm or anything else).

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[Mike_Martin]

As the season's nearly over why not wait for a while and go to the London boat Show in January.

Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Team Executive,
Maritime & Aeronautical Team, Ofcom

 

[Roy]

We bought the latest raymarine kit for f/b and lower helm, and it is fantastic, but not cheap and yes it does have the knob on the remote speaker box for volume but also has control on the handset too. Roy

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?

 

[DepSol]

Wouldnt worry about having a fist mike over a telephone type I use a Simrad RD68 and can hear most things when going along especially when sat down and no need for external speaker either.

Just done a deal for a forumite on a new ICOM 421 which seems lik a good set. Ask Jon Brooks here if this is he sort of unit best suited to a S23.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.soltron.co.uk>the website</A>
MMS Making boating more affordable

 

[snappy]

Thanks guys, very helpful. I think I might take the advice of waiting for the London boatshow but if anyone has any further thoughts please send me a pm

cheers

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[Oldhand]

Yes I see Raymarine have already changed their handset control model, less than 2 years after the first offering. I'm glad to hear they now have volume control on the handset but it looks as though you can't punch in a channel number, or any other number for that matter, I presume you now have to use up/down scrolling instead. Is this an advance?

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[Roy]

Yes, its the 230e with telephone interface and seatalk links. It can do far more than I have learned to use, so far, including dialling by buttons. We just use the scrolling at the mo as we are inland and have little need for the system until we 'go to sea'. Roy

<hr width=100% size=1>What does this mean then?