New VHF choice

DoubleEnder

DoubleEnder

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I plan to buy a new fixed VHF, with DSC and in-built GPS. My current set is fine, but as the boat doesn't (and will not) have a networked GPS or plotter, it will not transmit position as part of a DCS distress call.

I plan to rely far less on pyrotechnics as part of my distress signalling capability. I think with EPIRB, 2 VHFs and at least one mobile phone on board I am pretty well set up for coastal/cross channel trips. I also have an astonishingly powerful LED torch that is a far better ship scarer IMHO than the hand held whites.

Flares are expensive bulky and dangerous, though I will keep a couple of hand held reds on board.

I was thinking of this from Standard Horizon.
https://www.gaelforcemarine.co.uk/e...aYGkr6g8IS5G8VMkibPCVCJrF86goyR8aAr7gEALw_wcB

But would value any comments or experiences.

Thank you
 
Icom all the way down. Icom have a long history of being prepared to repair radios well after their sink by date. Not unknown to sort some radios with a known Rx problem repaired FOC even when years past warranty. They still have a workshop AND staff that mend things down to component level. Try that with your old S H and see what response you get. :)
 
Standard Horizon 2200 is a fine radio, I bought one on a recommendation here and have had zero issues.

The radio does GPS, AIS, DSC and also even acts as a normal VHF. I've had it hooked into a WiFi box to provide NMEA data to instruments.
 
I'm also very happy with my relatively recently installed SH2200E - the AIS capability would let you identify the ships you're waving your torch at or even call them up on the DSC to enquire if they could see your torch clearly.
 
gdallas said:
Flares are expensive bulky and dangerous, though I will keep a couple of hand held reds on board.
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Utter tosh. If they are that dangerous why do you have any onboard?

Pyrotechnics are brilliant if used correctly, A lifeboat or helicopter will love you if you pop up a flare when they are in sight - you may see them, but they might not see you. You are aware that an EPIRB often has a delay of 45 mins.
 
steve1963 said:
Could you tell me what the make and model of the torch is please?
Click to expand...

The torch is a Fenix LD60. It is about 4 years old and the model has been superseded. There are brighter models! But I chose this one as it takes dry cells rather than being a rechargeable. I like to keep spare batteries on board
 
PaulRainbow said:
Standard Horizon would be my recommendation too, some of the best customer support i've come across.
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I'll second that unreservedly. I had a problem with my RAM. Despite being around 15 years old and obsolete and beyond repair, the support team sorted me out a replacement unit at a nominal cost. Previously they've helped when I had trouble with the antenna setup on the fixed unit and sent me various mike clips and such when the crew have been a bit heavy handed in a seaway...
I also have a waterproof handheld which has been faultless. Great company.
 
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