Silva S15 Radio etc

[mhouse]

The time has come to replace my old VHF and I have heard that the new all singing and dancing Silva will provide me with a Navtex and a GPS repeater .
It looks like just what I want but is It any good at all these things ?

 

[gjeffery]

Sorry can't help - but I would also like to know the answer.

I have to buy a new VHF and I had been looking at the NASA. Does anybody know, is the Silva a better set and worth the extra £50.

My reading of the Silva ads is that the Silva has a capability as a GPS and Navtex repeater. I DO NOT understand that it contains the GPS and Navtex receivers. Am I correct?

 

[tr7v8]

Suggest you read thread on Mobo chat "VHF Prices" could save you a fortune.
I'd go for the NASA as it came out very well in the tests and seems best value for money.

Jim
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[Aeolus_IV]

From what I have read, with the necessary additional kit (more cost) it will be a NavTex reciever, but it is not a GPS. This is picks up via NMEA interface from external GPS.

Jeff.

 

[dickh]

Yes, you can get it in two versions - one with DSC - to be connected to your own GPS and the second version with the addition of Navtex capability(but you need an 'Active Navtex Aerial' - whatever that is...) at £399 approx.
Be interesting to read a test on it.

dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[dah]

Read PBO for March - page 123 (new gear)

 

[milltech]

The only available "active Navtex antenna" that I know about is the Nasa Navtex Engine. Personally they are not suitable partners with the little display on the radio, better buy a proper Navtex when ready.

John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[yoda]

The basic version which needs external inputs from Navtext and GPS 'engines' seems to be about £300 however the version with built in Navtext receiver is due out in March and I have been quoted £340 for that. You will still need an external NMEA input however information on it's capability as a GPS system seems a bit scant at the moment. It all depends what ou are after, if space is a premium it may be the thing to go for. If however you want n all singing all dancing GPS set then I suspect it will have limitations. Try Greenham Regis marine who I have found very helpful on this. My money is on waiting a bit because I think there may be others following a similar route and they may have better size displays.

Yoda

 

[Aeolus_IV]

My though was that I'd rather not leave my VHF radio on all night to pick up NavTex stuff when a dedicated reciever should use less power, and (hopefully) have better facilities for managing and displaying the messages stored.

Me - I'm saving up for a NavTex 6+, nice NMEA repeater as well, so I do not need too many instruments at nav table. Still this isn't a cheap option, so may not get there this year 8-(

Jeff.

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[KeithH]

Has anyone incorporated the GPS circuitry inside the DSC VHF box? I can see advantages for a small boat - one unit, no interconnecting wires, plugs etc... to come loose and get broken. The GPS circuitry must be quite small now.


<hr width=100% size=1>KeithH

 

[milltech]

Garmin have put GPS into a mobile phone so I guess something like may not be far away

<hr width=100% size=1>John
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.allgadgets.co.uk>http://www.allgadgets.co.uk</A>

 

[Guest]

ICS Nav6Plus

A bit off the subject, but I installed a NAV6+ last season - despite the price, an absolutely great piece of kit. Continuous dual channel is a blessing (why do so few others do that?). Display of NMEA data is very well laid out and user friendly - more than just a repeater. However, if you have Raymarine instruments on board with Sea-Talk or their newer hsb (high speed bus), you will have to buy a Raymarines Sea-Talk/NMEA/PC interface at about £135 extra in order to get the Raymarine data to the NAV6+. ICS can give you details - they are very helpful.

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[Aeolus_IV]

Re: ICS Nav6Plus

Have small B&G h1000 installation - already installed NMEA interface into this system (GPS is repeated on B&G) so with a little electrical jiggery behind the scenes will get GPS and B&G repeated on NavTex with weather - one display does all.

Well, you have to have a plan - at least I believe I have started in right direction.

Jeff.

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[KeithH]

Re: ICS Nav6Plus

Another question about connecting GPS to DSC-VHF etc. What type of connector is used for NMEA output? Is it standardised (by any remote chance!)? I can get a lead for my GPS so the NMEA output is via 9 pin computer type connector - is that likely to be OK, or do I need to change the plug?

KeithH

<hr width=100% size=1>KeithH

 

[Aeolus_IV]

Re: ICS Nav6Plus

In my limited experience there is no such thing as a standard NMEA plug/socket.

Jeff.

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