DSC/VHF with telephone handset

Dazedkipper

Dazedkipper

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My Simrad RD68 is getting a bit creaky and needs a repair which will cost around £80. I'm wondering if the time has come to pension it off and come upto date with my radio. I've become used to using a telephone handset but can't seem to see that as an option anymore with any make. Does anyone know a manufacturer who does offer one? Another nice thing would be an extension mic that you can contol the set from, ie in the cockpit.
 
Raymarine 260E, it does the job, gives you the second mic. (and I think third if you really want it), and is as clear as a whistle. The intercom feature can be useful as well, saves coming up on deck to see what the watch crew are up to. :cool:
 
We have SH set with RAM mic, would not have anything else, the RAM has full function separate volume from main set and audio cristal clear.
 
None of them (except for the expensive commercial-grade Sailor) are telephone-style handsets as requested, though.

Icom do offer one as an option for their GM600, but again that’s aimed at commercial shipping and presumably with prices to match.

Standard Horizon used to have the VH-310, but I don’t think it’s compatible with any current radios. They‘ve all gone over to the RAM series of remote controls - which are very good, but are not “telephone style”.

Pete
 
+1 on SH. I bought one years ago after my second Raymarine unit packed in. I'd already had it replaced under warranty and it failed again. I wasn't keen to buy another Raymarine as the fault seemed to be fairly common. The SH unit has worked perfectly for 8-9 years and the RAM is very useful in the cockpit.

RAM has a warning sticker to avoid connecting with the radio turned on. I always check it is off before connecting but not exactly a big deal as it is only removed when I leave the boat. Not a telephone handset but I've not seen any cheaper models with that option.
 
Daverw said:
We use the RAM Mike to turn the radio off and on so no issue plugging in RAM without going below
Click to expand...

I do that as well. However, the sticker says that I must not plug or unplug the RAM while the radio is on. I always turn off the radio at the RAM and then at the main set afterwards. Just belt and braces but I do know there's no power at all at the RAM when I remove it later for stowing.
 
I love the old phone type handsets, they are so much more civilised and natural to use, compared to a screeching little loudspeaker which wakes everyone up.
Sadly I don't know of any which can can plug straight into to a modern Icom or SH set. As you say, Sailors occupy too much valuable real estate, on a cruising yacht.
However, on a handset, there is only a 'squeeze to transmit' and a speaker connection. 4 wires are needed.
If you could establish which wires did what, on the modern set, and obtain the right plug from the makers, it would be straightforward to make a spare Sailor-type handset, or the handset from your previous set possibly, work with a modern radio.
A relatively easy job, I suggest asking the manufacturers for suggestions and wiring diagrams, and an enthusiast from your local ham radio club might well do the job for a packet of hobnobs!
 
Mistroma said:
I do that as well. However, the sticker says that I must not plug or unplug the RAM while the radio is on. I always turn off the radio at the RAM and then at the main set afterwards. Just belt and braces but I do know there's no power at all at the RAM when I remove it later for stowing.
Click to expand...
When I turn the ram off the main set goes off as well so not an issue, not sure if they mean switched off or power off as they are different things
 
Gary Fox said:
I love the old phone type handsets, they are so much more civilised and natural to use, compared to a screeching little loudspeaker which wakes everyone up.
Sadly I don't know of any which can can plug straight into to a modern Icom or SH set. As you say, Sailors occupy too much valuable real estate, on a cruising yacht.
However, on a handset, there is only a 'squeeze to transmit' and a speaker connection. 4 wires are needed.
If you could establish which wires did what, on the modern set, and obtain the right plug from the makers, it would be straightforward to make a spare Sailor-type handset, or the handset from your previous set possibly, work with a modern radio.
A relatively easy job, I suggest asking the manufacturers for suggestions and wiring diagrams, and an enthusiast from your local ham radio club might well do the job for a packet of hobnobs!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't be surprised if one could pick up an ex-military hand set on ebay relatively cheaply.
 
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Daverw said:
When I turn the ram off the main set goes off as well so not an issue, not sure if they mean switched off or power off as they are different things
Click to expand...
Yes, exactly the same here. It wasn't completely clear and so I play ultra-safe by always powering down the main unit before unplugging. I don't actually think they mean power off and just mean turn off at RAM before unplugging. I've never bothered to investigate further as my normal operating procedure covers it anyway. RAM always plugged in when on board and likely to move, unplugged when anchored for days or leaving the boat. I got into the habit of turning it off via RAM and then at main unit shortly afterwards.
 
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