Replacing VHF - questions about SH 2200

[cpedw]

I'm considering a new VHF. The SH GX2200 seems to be widely favoured and I like its buit in GPS and passive AIS.

Two questions for any who know:

Is the RAM 3+ remote mic waterproof enough to be outside in the cockpit? I have seen it described as "for remote mounting in the cockpit or flybridge" but without specifically describing its waterproofness. It seems mighty expensive but I'm getting too old for dashing up and down the companionway.

If we go for active AIS later on, will the built in AIS receiver be redundant or can we get AIS transmit as a single item - perhaps a SH add-on but I've not seen it.?

OK then 3 questions ... Is the SH 2200 the only show in town?

Derek

 

[tillergirl]

I have a RAM+ and a VH310 both of which are older models of remote mic. They are quoted as submersible for 3ft for 30 minutes. I have used the RAM+ for 15 years in the cockpit, sun or rain. It's fine. Well made kit. Very substantial kit.

 

[Dazzajohm]

I'm considering a new VHF. The SH GX2200 seems to be widely favoured and I like its buit in GPS and passive AIS.

Two questions for any who know:

Is the RAM 3+ remote mic waterproof enough to be outside in the cockpit? I have seen it described as "for remote mounting in the cockpit or flybridge" but without specifically describing its waterproofness. It seems mighty expensive but I'm getting too old for dashing up and down the companionway.

If we go for active AIS later on, will the built in AIS receiver be redundant or can we get AIS transmit as a single item - perhaps a SH add-on but I've not seen it.?

OK then 3 questions ... Is the SH 2200 the only show in town?

Derek

I cant comment on the Ram Mic - I prefer to just use a hand held if I'm on the flybridge but regarding the AIS...

If you want active or send & receive AIS later on the only way will be to purchase an additional transceiver which will make the AIS capability in the radio kind of redundant although of course it will act as a backup.

I'm currently in a quandary myself as I purchased one of these a few years ago in my previous boats so I could feed AIS to my plotter and it worked brilliantly. I've now recently changed boats and I want AIS again. Ideally I'd prefer a send and receive but I'm just not sure I can justify the costs so will probably end up buying another of the GX 2200's instead.

 

[Daverw]

RAM3 mic no issue out side, been fitted in open cockpit for 2 years, very clear speaker, much better than handheld, with full functions. Using for AIS display but small but usable

 

[pvb]

If we go for active AIS later on, will the built in AIS receiver be redundant or can we get AIS transmit as a single item - perhaps a SH add-on but I've not seen it.?

OK then 3 questions ... Is the SH 2200 the only show in town?

If you want an AIS transceiver, you have to buy a transceiver (ie send and receive), you can't just buy the send bit. So the built-in AIS receiver could be redundant, although it would be a fallback if there was a problem with your transceiver.

The GX2200 isn't the only VHF/AIS in town, there's also the Icom M506, the Lowrance Link8, the Simrad RS35 and the B&G V50, to name a few. Apart from the Link8, they'll all work with cockpit mics.

 

[MoodySabre]

RAM3 mic no issue out side, been fitted in open cockpit for 2 years, very clear speaker, much better than handheld, with full functions. Using for AIS display but small but usable

Same here. Used the AIS for the first time this year going from East Coast to Holland. Small but adequate and easy to use.
Having had a SH handheld I did not hesitate to get the VHF and RAM3. Excellent kit.

 

[Caer Urfa]

I had the Standard Horizon Matrix GX 2100 Radio and ran the AIS from it through my SH 300i plotter and both worked great for years and no problems mounted in the cockpit of my motor sailor

I also had the built in aerial version of the SH 300i and found reception excellent

View attachment 73686

 

[MikeCC]

RAM 3+ is fine in cockpit. Locate the socket somewhere sheltered if possible. Give it a fresh water rinse now and again.

Only other factor you might consider is if you'll ever want NMEA2000 connection which the GX2200 does not have.

 

[Monique]

I'm considering a new VHF. The SH GX2200 seems to be widely favoured and I like its buit in GPS and passive AIS.

Two questions for any who know:

Is the RAM 3+ remote mic waterproof enough to be outside in the cockpit? I have seen it described as "for remote mounting in the cockpit or flybridge" but without specifically describing its waterproofness. It seems mighty expensive but I'm getting too old for dashing up and down the companionway.

If we go for active AIS later on, will the built in AIS receiver be redundant or can we get AIS transmit as a single item - perhaps a SH add-on but I've not seen it.?

OK then 3 questions ... Is the SH 2200 the only show in town?

Derek

Hello Derek,

We have exactly this setup. No problem in 15000 NM (Turkey to Tonga). Another good maker is Icom though unsure about a cockpit remote availability.

GL

 

[robertj]

I have the 2200E with the ram 3.
I’m very pleased with it. Waterproof enough do me in the cockpit outside in the rain and spray.
I find the ram 3 good for looking up ships etc on the ais. I have identified those of concern and contacted them direct if on collision course.
I find most ships will not reply to a dsc call but you know from the list what their name etc etc is so I radio them in 16. Everyone is listening to 16.