Radiohead

[Jules]

OK. I reckon the answer to the DSC radio upgrade I (and you) are going to need is a handheld that will operate on its own and while dropped into its 12V charging dock will operate through the current boats masthead system, interfacing with the gps all the while. This gives you the flexibility of a handheld and the power of a permanent. Any bright spark come across such a thing?
Cheers
Julian

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[Oldhand]

No it doesn't, handhelds only transmit at a maximum of 4 or 5 watts, fixed installation VHF's usually have a maximum power output of 25 watts.

Secondly, with your suggestion, the handheld would have to be able to sense the "fixed installation mode" and be fitted with an antenna selector relay to disconnect the whip and connect the mast antenna. This would be expensive and add loss to the already low transmit power, which isn't intended for the loss in a mast cable anyway. I am sure there isn't such a beast.

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[snowleopard]

a handheld provides a backup to the main set. if you combine the two, no backup.

also handhelds are more prone to damage. bit of a problem if you drop your only set in a puddle.

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[oldsaltoz]

An interesting post Julian,

I recall some back having a hand held radio that slotted into a console on the dash, it charged the unit as well plugging into several other terminals all located at the bottom or the hand held; This included an Mic, the roof mounted antenna and I think an LED display.

As I said this was years ago, so the technology is out there, and it would only mean a couple more pins to communicate with other devices.

I had it for about 2 years and sold it with the vehicle when I traded it on a new one. Never had a problem with it.

We have the technology. . . . . . . . .



<hr width=100% size=1> Old Salt Oz /forums/images/icons/cool.gif Growing old is unavoidable. However, growing up is still optional.