dsc/vhf

[fitzgerald]

I am considering purchasing a DSC/VHF a Navman 7200 or similar set when i visit Americia later this year.I would be greatful for any information on the differances between sets sold in the USA and similar sets sold in the U.K. I know the American sets have dedicated weather chanels but are there any differances that would prevent the set being used in Ireland/ U.K waters I have contacted Navman USA and they said sets sold in USA were not suitable for use in europe but gave no reason except operation was differant
Any information would be appreciated

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[Moose]

This has been talked about at length in the past. Try a search for "CE VHF" or VHF from the states".

In short, it is illegal because the VHF from the states will not be CE approved. There are also a different DSC system (I think)

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[john_morris_uk]

Import is potentially illegal because of CE issues.

DSC is the same worldwide.

US channels are different (or at least some of them are!) to the rest of the world. However some VHFs can toggle between the two channel sets.

It might be argued that one could buy an internationally available set which is CE approved which has both channel sets available in the USA without infinging any legal problems.

However you are still liable for import tax and VAT on return to UK.

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[Moose]

Fair enough. Bear in mind that it is illegal to bring them into the country (c&e don't seem to distinguish between CE and non-CE marked VHF's)

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[charles_reed]

Inporting from the States

It isn't against the law to import a new non-CE approved set into the UK - but it is to offer one for sale in EC.

HM Customs and Excise will expect you to pay VAT and duty on an import from the States - this adds roughly 50% to the price after shipping has been included. If you are bringing it packed in your luggage and can claim it to be 2nd hand and a personal possession you might escape the duty but not the VAT.

DSC systems are the same world-wide.

US sets have more channels (they've halved the spectrum frequency between
International channels, thus doubling the number) and many have Ch O fitted. Most allow switching to the standard International frequencies.

It's my experience that the savings in purchasing US-produced goods is worthwhile, but imported goods offer no savings, unless you're bringing them back in your luggage, your $ number needs to be smaller than than £ price. The UK is one of the cheapest countries in the EC in which to buy marine electronics

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[Moose]

Re: Inporting from the States

Errm, I think it is illegal. I have to fill out a customs form everytime I get back from the states, VHF radios are on the prohibited articles list.

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[Jools_of_Top_Cat]

The 7200 usa model is actually quite different to the european model. The usa 7200 looks more like the 7100 model here. The most notable difference is the USA model does not have the full numeric key pad or channel selector knob.

Also, the 7200 is not due for release now until at least September.

The european 7200 has all international channels inc weather too.

I have a pre release manual for the european 7200 which navman sent to me as a pdf if you would like to have a look through. PM your email and I will post it to you if you wish.

hope this helps some

<hr width=100% size=1>Julian

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[Solitaire]

It really is very simple - if any marine radio set does not carry the official CE mark then it is illegal to install or operate in the UK. This point is emphasised on the SRC course.

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[Rick]

Re: Inporting from the States

Hi Charles,

I'm in Australia - can you explain exactly what CE means? I see this and similar threads, and find it absolutely amazing that Talon Technologies (over the Tassie in Auckland NZ) make multiple versions of a single product for different markets.

I'm in the market for a Navman 5100 chartplotter, and equalised to AUD, the pricing on the day I did the comparison was:
Auckland (discount supplier 10 km from Talon) $1278
Brisbane (cheapest Aus supplier available) $899
UK (maybe not cheapest, but best I could source) $1355
USA (discount mail order house, previous dealings) $428

Needless to say all my future electronics will come from the USA - the highest GST (like your VAT) and duty bill I've ever had was $70. I've bought several items, and rung the toll free number as I've placed the order, and said "I'll take it if you'll ship via air at the surface mail price" - each time they've checked with a supervisor and agreed - last item was ordered friday night (6pm, +1000), delivered monday morning 9:30am!

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[BrendanS]

Re: Inporting from the States

>>DSC systems are the same world-wide.<<

Actually they aren't, there are different classes, and the US have approved a compromise system for use in the USA (though it has been adopted elsewhere) and is not approved for use in the EU.

Have a search for some of the very frequent discussions of this point on these forums over the last year.

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[bruce]

go to westmarine.com or boatus.com for info.

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