Icom VHF question

[SimonD]

I'm considering replacing my Raymarine ray 230 ; largely because it's missing the flybridge handset (and they are like rocking horse manure!). The Icom IC-M400BBE seems like a good choice and not a bad price. It comes with one command mic. and only has one socket for said mic Icom sell a dual command mic interface and a second command mic but that just about doubles the price of the set up.

However, it occurs to me that I wouldn't use two command mics at the same time. I could just have the one and plug it in on the flybridge or below as required. I would have thought that splicing a second cable and plug into the supplied mic cable would do the job. After all, the unit doesn't 'know' where the mic is plugged in. Am I missing something? I would ask Icom for advice, but suspect they'd advise me to buy their expensive box!

 

[PilotWolf]

I'm considering replacing my Raymarine ray 230 ; largely because it's missing the flybridge handset (and they are like rocking horse manure!). The Icom IC-M400BBE seems like a good choice and not a bad price. It comes with one command mic. and only has one socket for said mic Icom sell a dual command mic interface and a second command mic but that just about doubles the price of the set up.

However, it occurs to me that I wouldn't use two command mics at the same time. I could just have the one and plug it in on the flybridge or below as required. I would have thought that splicing a second cable and plug into the supplied mic cable would do the job. After all, the unit doesn't 'know' where the mic is plugged in. Am I missing something? I would ask Icom for advice, but suspect they'd advise me to buy their expensive box!

But do you want to be messing around moving it about in an emergency- what if you have a fire where it is?

Does it have to be 2 command mics?

Not really had much to do with them marine wise lately but did contact them about ham radios a couple of years back and have always found them very helpful.

W.

 

[Plum]

I'm considering replacing my Raymarine ray 230 ; largely because it's missing the flybridge handset (and they are like rocking horse manure!). The Icom IC-M400BBE seems like a good choice and not a bad price. It comes with one command mic. and only has one socket for said mic Icom sell a dual command mic interface and a second command mic but that just about doubles the price of the set up.

However, it occurs to me that I wouldn't use two command mics at the same time. I could just have the one and plug it in on the flybridge or below as required. I would have thought that splicing a second cable and plug into the supplied mic cable would do the job. After all, the unit doesn't 'know' where the mic is plugged in. Am I missing something? I would ask Icom for advice, but suspect they'd advise me to buy their expensive box!

In my opinion it is too risky having one handset that you move between two sockets. While it is unplugged nobody on board has access to a vhf in a emergency. If it doubles the price to have two command mics why not have the one new command mic kept plugged in and a second basic vhf, or even your existing Raymarine vhf if it still has one working handset, at the second helm station connected to a second aerial. That way you will have a full 25w backup set.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[SimonD]

Umm, good points. I hadn't thought of effectively putting the new unit in parallel with the existing Raymarine set. I helm almost exclusively from the flybridge, so the new command mic would go up there and the existing unit below. As only one would be in use at a time, I wouldn't need a second aerial would I? Can't I simply use a T connector?

By the way, Number One's suggestion was to keep the Raymarine unit for 'downstairs' and a DSC handheld for the flybridge. My concerns are that it's battery powered (and can fail when you need it) and max power is only 5 watts.

 

[Plum]

Umm, good points. I hadn't thought of effectively putting the new unit in parallel with the existing Raymarine set. I helm almost exclusively from the flybridge, so the new command mic would go up there and the existing unit below. As only one would be in use at a time, I wouldn't need a second aerial would I? Can't I simply use a T connector?

By the way, Number One's suggestion was to keep the Raymarine unit for 'downstairs' and a DSC handheld for the flybridge. My concerns are that it's battery powered (and can fail when you need it) and max power is only 5 watts.

I agree with you that 2 fixed sets is better with two helm positions (with a hh vhf for when going ashore, etc) but I think you will find that connecting two vhfs to one serial with a T connector is not a good idea but I am not an expert on aerials so suggest you check. Anyway, two aerials is best for redundancy particularly as they are the most likely source of a problem with a vhf.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[LiftyK]

ICOM have been super helpful and down to earth when I’ve approached them before. Do give them a call. They’re in Hurn Bay. I’m 99% sure you’ll get the advice you seek rather than persuasion to upgrade.

 

[prv]

I wouldn't need a second aerial would I? Can't I simply use a T connector?

When you transmitted on one radio, you'd be blasting 25 watts of RF right into the other one that was trying to eke fractions of milliwatts out of the air. No, you can't just tie them together with a T connector.

There are active devices which automatically disconnect one radio while the other is transmitting, but a second antenna will be simpler, cheaper, and more reliable.

Pete

 

[SimonD]

When you transmitted on one radio, you'd be blasting 25 watts of RF right into the other one that was trying to eke fractions of milliwatts out of the air. No, you can't just tie them together with a T connector.

.
Doh! Hadn't thought of that. Thanks very much.

I think the plan will be to install the Icom unit alongside the ray230 with the command mic on the flybridge using the existing aerial. I'll then install a second stubby aerial for the ray230. Given the hassle of running coax through the boat, I'll try this in the space above the windscreen where the two units are first. If that doesn't work, I'll move it outside.