DSC VHF Radio, which one?

mickywillis

mickywillis

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Either a Standard Horizon GX1600 or a Cobra MR F75?
Cobra in white (not fussy about colour) best price £99.95 or the SH for about £139 in black.
Also the SH GX1200 is the same price as the Cobra, but has less functions.
All I need is a relatively basic DSC VHF to replace the elderly one on my boat. No AIS reqd (already have) and no GPS reqd as I plan to link into my chartplotter, which is also Standard Horizon.
Any preference or suggestions as to which is the best buy?

Cheers.
 
mickywillis said:
Either a Standard Horizon GX1600 or a Cobra MR F75?
Cobra in white (not fussy about colour) best price £99.95 or the SH for about £139 in black.
Also the SH GX1200 is the same price as the Cobra, but has less functions.
All I need is a relatively basic DSC VHF to replace the elderly one on my boat. No AIS reqd (already have) and no GPS reqd as I plan to link into my chartplotter, which is also Standard Horizon.
Any preference or suggestions as to which is the best buy?

Cheers.
Click to expand...

I'll start the ball rolling. (too late obviously :))

I've a SH Gx2100 and and very happy with its performance as a radio. On two occasions last year I picked up Holyhead and Stornoway coastguards within minutes of each other. I presume the VHF part of mine is the same as the 1600 (i.e. minus tha AIS).

I can't remember ever using a Cobra fixed VHF on any boat, but I've a Cobra HH325 handheld (bought it as cover whilst my Icom HH went back for repair and did so mainly on the basis of price) and I'm not so impressed - I prefer the Icom which seems to have a bit better range and reception.
 
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SH 1600 connected through GPS and you have the 1700....bingo, SH seem to have a very good reputation, for not a lot
Have just bought one, but be aware the inc. bracket doesn't allow rotation unless fixed from below. Flush mounts option have to be bought separately.
 
I had a Cobra MR75 on my previous boat and was very happy with it except that I found the DSC bit quite a nuisance (this applies whatever the set). Range was never a problem. On my present boat I have a huge and ancient Sailor set; when the time come for it to be replaced - if I am still around, that is - I shall be in your same quandary because my chart plotter is an SH.
 
I upgraded my non DSC Icom radio to SH and am very happy. like you I already have AIS engine and GPS so I went for SH GX2000 that is DSC and can except the NMEA outputs from both AIS and GPS giving you a list of close AIS contacts with MMSI number so a direct DSC call can be made without having to fiddle entering the MMSI number manually.

I got mine from this supplied no connection except happy customer

http://www.milltechmarine.com/Standard-Horizon-Matrix-GX2000-VHF-Radio-AIS-Display_p_201.html

Daughter brought it back on her last visit to the US.

Also got RAM at the same time to mount cockpit.
 
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