DSC VHF with AIS question

[Porthandbuoy]

My 1st mate has asked me for clues as to what I'd like for Xmas, and well up the list is a new VHF to replace the ageing Nasa unit currently on board.

I fancy a DSC VHF radio with AIS output. Has anyone successfully integrated one of these with a laptop via usb port?

 

[Roberto]

yes


I have a standard horizon GX2100E: it takes the GPS signal from my fixed GPS, the AIS output of the radio goes through a serial/usb converter cable to the PC with opencpn, works very well

due to different data speed, should one wish to send the radio *DSC* signal to the PC, that would mean an additional serial USB converter, so I have not done that connection

 

[Monique]

I did just as above with the same choice of radio.

SH is great kit IMO of course.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

I have a Navicom RT-650. NMEA output which can go into a laptop USB port with a RS232/USB converter. Works fine with OpenCPN.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

Thanks guys.

Looks like Santa will be bringing me either the Standard Horizon GX-2100E or the Navicom RT0650. There doesn't seem to be a lot to choose between them in terms of spec & price.

 

[ithet]

Tis a pity that SH has not graced Europe with a vesion of the GX2150. This improved version of GX200 usefully has a single integrated NMEA output. Maybe they will get it CE approved when they have got rid of stocks of GX2100? See US website.

 

[Seadawg33]

+1 for the SH. I had to solder a couple of wires but it worked great.