New fixed vhf

[Laundryman]

My icom 411, fitted at the chart table is broken. Thinking this through, I never actually used it because 99% of my calls are made or received at the helm on a hand held. Still, I feel I have to replace it because it has that little red distress button. So I think it may be a good idea to buy one that has a 2nd station so that I can use the main VHF in the cockpit instead of the hand held. Now I'm thinking, why go to the extra expense, why not install the new fixed VHF in the cockpit? Is the chart table the correct place to install the fixed VHF and why?

 

[Boathook]

If I was going to replace my VHF it would be in the original location where the wiring is and that includes the vhf aerial wire. I would then use a remote controler at the helm as this is normally a light multi flex type wire and will hopefully be fairly easy to run.

 

[jbweston]

Well . . . I've been thinking about the same thing.

I have a working fixed DSC VHF at the chart table mainly used for weather forecasts. On the rare occasions I make a call, I do it from the handheld in the cockpit.

The fixed VHF irritates me because the writing on the display is too small to read except in perfect calm conditions. And when the DSC alarm goes off - usually some distant foreign station that thinks everyone simply must pay attention to its irrelevant (to me) navigation warnings - I have to stop what I'm doing and run below to cancel it and put the channel back to the one I'm monitoring.

However fitting a new VHF with a remote mike in the cockpit is a major job because of the wiring run. What I want doesn't exist yet but I think will come soon, so I'm waiting for it . . .

What I want is a fixed VHF with the usual mike, and an additional wireless/bluetooth/whatever handset that I can take into the cockpit. No wiring, full remote controls. And if I drop it overboard or the battery goes flat, I've still got the fixed mike at the chart table in case of emergency.

I reckon it's only a matter of time before mainstream suppliers like ICOM and Standard Horizon produce these. Sailors (some sailors) like gadgets and so they'll sell. Boatbuilders like equipment that's quick and cheap to install. Bingo.

Simrad make one already. See http://www.simrad-yachting.com/Products/Remote-Commander/ but it's a bit upmarket for me as it controls everything from your anchor winch to your fridge thermostat, and anyway I don't want a Simrad VHF.

 

[Seakindly]

funny that

Interesting what scenarios we imagine. I always think the VHF is down there because I'll be sheltering from a gawd-almighty storm, or pumping the bilges like mad whilst on the blower for help. Boringly, it's more likely VHFs started out down there to keep dry and it's got locked into the psyche. I once traded office jobs in the same organisation to discover the new office were still filling out five page forms on every 'incident' for the last ten years -when the forms had been designed for a (discontinued) three month 'trial'. They missed the 'stop' message. Habits die hard.

 

[richardsnowstar]

I have a Standard Horizon with wired remote mic and it is great having access to the fixed VHF from the cockpit. Although it was a bit fiddly to wire it wasn't too bad.

Now the handheld lives in the grab bag.

If you want a wireless setup see
http://www.navicom.fr/plaisance/com...epteur-ais-integre-livre-avec-1-combine-ry650

 

[prv]

Is the chart table the correct place to install the fixed VHF and why?

No, it isn't. The "why" is a hangover from when they were delicate instruments to be protected from moisture; these days they're almost all happy to be immersed in a metre of water which is more than I can say about my cockpit.

Mine hangs just inside the hatch where it's easily reachable from on deck.

Pete

 

[William_H]

VHF location

I tend to use my VHF a fair bit and on a small boat find it inconvenient to have it down stairs in the cabin. I have considered and still might move it to the inside of the locker lid. I think it should stay dry there.
Typical was while racing yesterday a friend piled up on a sand bank. I would have called our rescue boat but it just was not practical to go below. We were as usual hanging on with white knuckles. I never seem to be able to get the crew to make calls. (rescue boat noticed fairly quickly anyway) So yes if you can find a spot in the cockpit that would be far better. olewill

 

[jwilson]

.................; these days they're almost all happy to be immersed in a metre of water .....
Pete

My Garmin chartplotter that is rated as waterproof to IPX7 (immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes) moved yesterday from the binnacle in the cockpit to our airing cupboard, as when investigating why it was not working, it dribbled water from the corner of the screen when I took it out and held it upside down. The water was fresh.

Nevertheless, I agree that the right place these days for a VHF is at the helm. I am another who virtually never uses the fixed set at the chart table, but uses a handheld in the cockpit.

 

[Salty John]

It used to be that the helmsman steered the course ordered by the navigator. That was his job - to make good the course ordered and call for sail trim as appropriate.
Now, the man in charge is the owner/skipper/navigator/helmsman/radio operator/lookout and he needs all the equipment to fulfill these functions at his fingertips.
The introduction of supposedly waterproof radios and chartplotters has facilitated this.
I'd have the radio at the chart table, along with my nav station, and have repeaters at the helm.
One of the problems with having all this kit at the helm, apart from the workload and distractions it gives the bloke who is supposed to be steering, is the difficulty of access to it by crew other than the helmsman.

 

[David2452]

You could always replace the fixed set at the nav station with a Navicom RT 650WR, with wireless remote mike, all the convenience of a hand held and more but with the power and antenna height of a fixed set should you need it and no cabling other than what's already there. Oh, forgot to say it also has a built in AIS receiver if you wanted one of those too.

 

[Burnham Bob]

i have the standard horizon dsc at the nav table and a wired remote mic in the cockpit - absolutely right for what you want and my handheld now lives in the grab bag too

got mine and the remote mic for £150 at the boat show - suggest you might do the same

 

[rotrax]

i have the standard horizon dsc at the nav table and a wired remote mic in the cockpit - absolutely right for what you want and my handheld now lives in the grab bag too

got mine and the remote mic for £150 at the boat show - suggest you might do the same

Hi,echo that. Another reason the main set is below is that wind noise is not likely to spoil your transmission. We often hear Solent Coastguard asking for a repeat due to this. Also, running the cable for the RAM-remote access mike-to the cockpit is hardly rocket science. It certainly is'nt after changing the complete inner ond outer gear cables on a Lambretta scooter!

 

[V1701]

My boat's small enough that when I replace the very old fixed VHF I'll mount a new DSC one on the saloon roof just inside the hatch from where I'll be able to operate it while steering...

 

[Laundryman]

Thanks for all the replies. Just as I thought, the reasoning behind installation at the chart table is largely out of date. Having said that, I will probably replace mine, keeping the main set at the chart table because the wiring etc is already there and go for a remote station.
Some of these tried and tested practices need challenging from time to time to see if they are still 'best practice'. When I bought the boat I swiftly moved the already installed chart plotter from the chart table to the helm, where in my opinion it is of most use. How many other things practices that we see as the norm are now out of date? Makes you think!


Thanks. Alan

 

[jbweston]

You could always replace the fixed set at the nav station with a Navicom RT 650WR, with wireless remote mike, all the convenience of a hand held and more but with the power and antenna height of a fixed set should you need it and no cabling other than what's already there. Oh, forgot to say it also has a built in AIS receiver if you wanted one of those too.

Thanks David2452 and richardsnowstar for pointing me to the Navicom. I hadn't heard of that one. If Simrad and Navicom are doing wireless handsets now, Icom and the other manufacturers can't be far behind.

 

[aitchem]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but, the Navicom looks good value compared with, say, an Icom of similar spec. The Icom desn't even have the wireless handset option.
Is the Navicom reasonable quality.?, I am actively looking for a vhf, my only problem is where to put the thing.!

thx
Howard

 

[nigelmercier]

Is the chart table the correct place to install the fixed VHF and why?

I've just bought a Standard Horizon Matrix AIS GX2100E, and their remote microphone for the cockpit. Best solution I think.

 

[pvb]

Thanks David2452 and richardsnowstar for pointing me to the Navicom. I hadn't heard of that one. If Simrad and Navicom are doing wireless handsets now, Icom and the other manufacturers can't be far behind.

Garmin offer a neat wireless handset.

 

[James_Calvert]

Garmin offer a neat wireless handset.

Very pricey, especially if you need the Garmin VHF to go with it.

 

[reeac]

It used to be that the helmsman steered the course ordered by the navigator. That was his job - to make good the course ordered and call for sail trim as appropriate.
Now, the man in charge is the owner/skipper/navigator/helmsman/radio operator/lookout and he needs all the equipment to fulfill these functions at his fingertips.
The introduction of supposedly waterproof radios and chartplotters has facilitated this.
I'd have the radio at the chart table, along with my nav station, and have repeaters at the helm.
One of the problems with having all this kit at the helm, apart from the workload and distractions it gives the bloke who is supposed to be steering, is the difficulty of access to it by crew other than the helmsman.

Reminds me of the Sadler 29 (and presumably other designs) having the engine instrument panel down below ....tough when single handing. Moved mine to bridge deck aft face where you can see it and reach it when helming.