Simrad RD68 DSC VHF

I have an RD68. Came with the boat and is mounted in the coaming above the steering position. Have not had any problems with it, however I offer a few observations that might be useful to consider if comparing with other sets (although I accept that some of the observations might not apply if the set was resited)!
1. Buttons are small and may difficult to select correctly in a 'rough' sea - especially if fingers are large.
2. Displayed channel number OK, but display of other characters possibly a bit small.
3. Fist mike has no controls/buttons. Some sets do and could be useful for channel selection etc.
4. Overall construction of set is good. Feels solid & robust.
5. Internal speaker volume OK, but telephone type handset would be useful but costs another £70-80!

David
 
I use to have RD68. When it broke down the cost of the part was more expensive then a new set. IMHO the set is now quite dated and despite now being relatively cheap I think there are much better options available.
 
I installed one on my boat about three years ago. It has been very reliable, unlike some other makes on the market. The operation instructions supplied with mine (maybe they have been improved) lacked clarity, however a commonly used programme for converting people to DSC uses an RD68 type "set" for instruction purposes. I think the main problem with DSC for yachtsmen is that it has resulted in sets which are too complicated, the beauracrats/boffins were not controlled by practical people. If you do install DSC set be advised that it will squawk at you quite regularly to provide information of little interest and that you will have to nip down the companion way to stop the noise.
 
Had one on previous boat but fitted an Icom 401 on my new boat. The RD68 is a good radio but display a bit small plus the way to select channels is not totally obvious to a stranger to the radio, ie you enter chanel number on keypad and then have to press enter otherwise it reverts to the channel it was previously on.

Icom ver straightforward to use although you do have to scroll through the channels ie no direct access other than by the 16/call button. But display is way better to read. Think the Icom is slightly smaller as well.

Best to look at both and see which you prefer, both technically equal.
 
Other possibilities...

As others have said, the RD68 is starting to look like "old technology". You might consider the Navman 7200 which, for under £200, offers excellent value. Big display, numeric keypad on fist mike, barometric/temperature trend display.

The Icom M401 which was mentioned isn't a DSC radio, but can be upgraded (although it's not cost-efficient). If you want a DSC radio, the Icom M421 (£225) would be the logical alternative to the Navman.
 
I have had an RD68 for two years - it has been faultless in performance once I got used to the DSC/radio operation. Maybe the set is a bit dated, but my only real critisism is the screen/small menu print which is very hard to see, especially when at sea. Get a set with the biggest screen you can!
Hope this helps BEN998
 
Ben,

Don't waste the weekend on that - go sailing!

I had an RT64 flush mounted already so the RD68 was a logical choice as it fits the same mount and would have plugged in. For the reasons above I looked around, and again for the reasons above I wanted a solid unit - choices in the price bracket that fitted spec were Navman 7200 / Icom 421 although I do believe Raymarine do a unit too (54E).
Both these usints looked fine with the 7200 having better controls and the barometer but the 421 has the increasing volume alert and storage for 100 MMSI numbers against the Navman's and Raymarine's 20.
I got the 421 and am delighted with it so far.
Best price - Greenham-Regis at West Quay Road Poole (199 inc vat!)
Now you can enjoy the weekend!
 
Increasing volume alert????

I've a 421 but havn't noticed a setting for the increasing volume alert, does it do it automatically as I've not yet heard a DSC alarm on the radio. Its lovely up here on east coast, very few radio checks etc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top