uforea
Well-Known Member
Please help, trying to find a post that gave a reccomendation where to buy the Standard Horizon GX1500. Just spent 30 mins looking through old posts but can't turn it up.
Thanks Ted
Thanks Ted
Standard horizon dsc radio
- Thread starter uforea
- Start date
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
Can't point you towards the post - but can give you a recommendation - and get the RAM remote mic with it - best bit of kit we've bought to date!!
Jonny
Jonny
uforea
Well-Known Member
Go on, then I'm waiting!
Ted
Ted
pvb
Well-Known Member
I'd suggest you get it from JG Technologies for £99, or £135 including the optional RAM mike, both prices include UK delivery.
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
... for the recommendation .... well - its well built, good reception, easy to use, intuitive, cheapest radio with a second handset, RAM mic has ful functionality .... it came recommended by recent magazine tests ... do you want me to go on?
Jonny
Jonny
uforea
Well-Known Member
Thanks all, just what I wanted.
Ted.
Ted.
wiggy
Well-Known Member
I used MES great service and price
A
Anonymous
Guest
I bought mine from Malthouse here on the forum.
Generally happy with the VHF and pretty pleased with the RAM mic Ours is in use every day here in Almerimar where most people monitor 67 as a 'internal communications' channel. The RAM mic doesn't let you change channel unless you press clr or something first - we end up pressing buttons until it lets you change channel. The volume and squelch knobs are matt black and you cannot see which is which or where the pointer is. I've painted Tippex on my squelch so I don't mix them up. When the VHF is on but without the GPS running (I don't like leaving all my nav gear running just so I can keep the VHF running) the radio gives a series of loud beeps every hour or so presumably to remind me that there is no valid GPS input. OK but it will do that even when you are transmitting! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Very often I miss something of an incoming transmission due to the beeps - there is a busy signal that shows when the channel is in use and the beeps need to be inhibited when the busy is active. Silly design. On the positive side, I use it a lot and have never had a single complaint about clarity of my transmissions, but you'd expect that. Knock 3 points out of 10 off for those stupid design fault.
Generally happy with the VHF and pretty pleased with the RAM mic Ours is in use every day here in Almerimar where most people monitor 67 as a 'internal communications' channel. The RAM mic doesn't let you change channel unless you press clr or something first - we end up pressing buttons until it lets you change channel. The volume and squelch knobs are matt black and you cannot see which is which or where the pointer is. I've painted Tippex on my squelch so I don't mix them up. When the VHF is on but without the GPS running (I don't like leaving all my nav gear running just so I can keep the VHF running) the radio gives a series of loud beeps every hour or so presumably to remind me that there is no valid GPS input. OK but it will do that even when you are transmitting! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Very often I miss something of an incoming transmission due to the beeps - there is a busy signal that shows when the channel is in use and the beeps need to be inhibited when the busy is active. Silly design. On the positive side, I use it a lot and have never had a single complaint about clarity of my transmissions, but you'd expect that. Knock 3 points out of 10 off for those stupid design fault.
boatmike
Well-Known Member
Just bought mine with other kit from MES. £99.95 plus command mike for second station £44.98
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
With the RAM mic we just use the Up and Down arrows on the front to change the channel? The volume and squelch adjustment need the Vol or Sq button on the side pushing before using Up and Down arrows.
I tend to set the RAM Mic volume and then turn the volume of the set below decks off to prevent disturbing people off watch - seems great.
The GPS Input beeping - can't say we've ever had that. If you turn it on when the GPS is off, it just works like a normal VHF, and if you have them both on then turn the GPS off the satelitte logo flashes (to indicate no signal input) and then beeps once.
Perhaps ours has a slightly different software version to yours?
Jonny
I tend to set the RAM Mic volume and then turn the volume of the set below decks off to prevent disturbing people off watch - seems great.
The GPS Input beeping - can't say we've ever had that. If you turn it on when the GPS is off, it just works like a normal VHF, and if you have them both on then turn the GPS off the satelitte logo flashes (to indicate no signal input) and then beeps once.
Perhaps ours has a slightly different software version to yours?
Jonny
A
Anonymous
Guest
I've just double-checked. If the set has a GPS connection OR still has what it considers to be a valid GPS input (i.e. it has had connection to the GPS within some time period, one hour?) then the channel select works all the time on the RAM mic. In other words, if the DSC icon is either steady or flashing, it is OK. However, once the GPS position times out the RAM mic does not change channel unless you play around with the buttons, and I haven't found out how to do it - we just poke and prod, into scan and out again until you can change channel. It never works 'properly', it's not 'finger trouble' and I use it daily year-round as a liveaboard.
The problem for me - and for many, I suspect, is that often we are in a harbour or anchorage and don't want the main nav system on - it uses power and we don't want the instruments, bulbs, indicators, autopilot, etc., to be powered up all the time yet we do listen on the VHF for CG information and weather. I have connected my VHF to an uninterruptible 12V supply which is the best way since the VHF is a primary means of making a distress call. The nav equipment is separately breakered and not uninterruptible.
If you always power up the GPS when you turn on the radio you would not experience this problem and if you test it by turning off the GPS for a short while (up to an hour) you would not experience it either. It isn't a problem at sea, of course, because one always has the GPS running and in any case you can work-around it, but it is irritating and difficult for my wife to use - she has to go to the set and turn the rotary knob, usually.
But, as you say, we might have different software versions. Mine was supplied via the UK in June from Malthouse - I have every confidence in the source and it doesn't feel as though I have defective set, it seems like a design issue.
By the way, you mention not disturbing the off-duty crew...when the DSC alert comes in, the main set goes off like blues and twos down below, and you can't stop that happening; you'd think that it ought to be possible for the alert to come through only on the RAM when required? I don't think it's possible, though.
The problem for me - and for many, I suspect, is that often we are in a harbour or anchorage and don't want the main nav system on - it uses power and we don't want the instruments, bulbs, indicators, autopilot, etc., to be powered up all the time yet we do listen on the VHF for CG information and weather. I have connected my VHF to an uninterruptible 12V supply which is the best way since the VHF is a primary means of making a distress call. The nav equipment is separately breakered and not uninterruptible.
If you always power up the GPS when you turn on the radio you would not experience this problem and if you test it by turning off the GPS for a short while (up to an hour) you would not experience it either. It isn't a problem at sea, of course, because one always has the GPS running and in any case you can work-around it, but it is irritating and difficult for my wife to use - she has to go to the set and turn the rotary knob, usually.
But, as you say, we might have different software versions. Mine was supplied via the UK in June from Malthouse - I have every confidence in the source and it doesn't feel as though I have defective set, it seems like a design issue.
By the way, you mention not disturbing the off-duty crew...when the DSC alert comes in, the main set goes off like blues and twos down below, and you can't stop that happening; you'd think that it ought to be possible for the alert to come through only on the RAM when required? I don't think it's possible, though.
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
Interesting - we rarely have our set on in harbour - mostly its on when underway, when, as you say, the GPS is on.
Not sure we have the problem with the RAM mic when no GPS input - but not at the boat so can't clarify this.
We very rarely get any DSC alerts - but do agree that you should be able to route these solely to the RAM mic - but you can cancel them on the RAM mic I believe.
That said - the RAM mic is excellent - wouldn't be without it!
We got our set from JG Tech in Feb 2007
Jonny
Not sure we have the problem with the RAM mic when no GPS input - but not at the boat so can't clarify this.
We very rarely get any DSC alerts - but do agree that you should be able to route these solely to the RAM mic - but you can cancel them on the RAM mic I believe.
That said - the RAM mic is excellent - wouldn't be without it!
We got our set from JG Tech in Feb 2007
Jonny
glsg91
Active Member
I think the beep behaviour is programmable.
I also just bought one and looked when they programmed the vhf.
I remember seeing some enable/disable options related to beeps in the programming software.
John
I also just bought one and looked when they programmed the vhf.
I remember seeing some enable/disable options related to beeps in the programming software.
John
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
I think the 'beep' in the menu settings (and am happy to stand corrected) is for the buttons - ie whether it beeps when push a button or not. I don't think the GPS beep is programmable.
I think Jon Brooks is a forum member who works for SH - maybe he could enlighten us all?
Jonny
I think Jon Brooks is a forum member who works for SH - maybe he could enlighten us all?
Jonny
glsg91
Active Member
I'am not referering to the menus in the VHF.
I ment the software which the dealer use to program the channels and MMSI.
John
I ment the software which the dealer use to program the channels and MMSI.
John
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
Oh right - we just got it mailorder and did all that ourselves.
I assume there is an RS232 lead to connect it to a computer and then special software required to make the changes then. I wonder why (if its possible) they don't include it in the system menus?
Jonny
I assume there is an RS232 lead to connect it to a computer and then special software required to make the changes then. I wonder why (if its possible) they don't include it in the system menus?
Jonny
A
Anonymous
Guest
It never crossed my mind that anyone else (dealer) would do that for me, I just ordered it and set it up per the instructions. I don't see any sub-menus available though often they are selected by devious means. If Jon Brooks is around I'm sure he can help - he was certainly with SH - Product Manager? - last time I heard.
glsg91
Active Member
[ QUOTE ]
Oh right - we just got it mailorder and did all that ourselves.
I assume there is an RS232 lead to connect it to a computer and then special software required to make the changes then. I wonder why (if its possible) they don't include it in the system menus?
Jonny
[/ QUOTE ]
In the Netherlands we use ATIS. The enduser can program this 1 or 2 times. When you sell the vhf the dealer has to reprogram the ATIS and MMSI number. The ensuser is not allowed to do this.
The dealer can also add/delete and change channels to a channelset. Also change the transmit power (5 or 25 W) per channels. On some channels you are not allowed to use high power (automatic reducing power). Also change simplex or duplex per channel. Automatic put DSC on or off when selecting a channelset. In my case I have a channelset with ATIS on, DSC off (for using inland). Another channelset with DSC on and ATIS off (for using on sea). Per channelset the channels differs in available channels and power.
And a few things more.
John
Oh right - we just got it mailorder and did all that ourselves.
I assume there is an RS232 lead to connect it to a computer and then special software required to make the changes then. I wonder why (if its possible) they don't include it in the system menus?
Jonny
[/ QUOTE ]
In the Netherlands we use ATIS. The enduser can program this 1 or 2 times. When you sell the vhf the dealer has to reprogram the ATIS and MMSI number. The ensuser is not allowed to do this.
The dealer can also add/delete and change channels to a channelset. Also change the transmit power (5 or 25 W) per channels. On some channels you are not allowed to use high power (automatic reducing power). Also change simplex or duplex per channel. Automatic put DSC on or off when selecting a channelset. In my case I have a channelset with ATIS on, DSC off (for using inland). Another channelset with DSC on and ATIS off (for using on sea). Per channelset the channels differs in available channels and power.
And a few things more.
John
glsg91
Active Member
[ QUOTE ]
I
By the way, you mention not disturbing the off-duty crew...when the DSC alert comes in, the main set goes off like blues and twos down below, and you can't stop that happening; you'd think that it ought to be possible for the alert to come through only on the RAM when required? I don't think it's possible, though.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you only use 1 channelset you can ask to reprogram the other channelset exact the same and put DSC off on that channelset. You get no beeps and DSC information anymore.
Of course don't forget to go back to the other channelset when you want the DSC information again.
Don't know if this is what you want but it should be possible.
John
I
By the way, you mention not disturbing the off-duty crew...when the DSC alert comes in, the main set goes off like blues and twos down below, and you can't stop that happening; you'd think that it ought to be possible for the alert to come through only on the RAM when required? I don't think it's possible, though.
[/ QUOTE ]
If you only use 1 channelset you can ask to reprogram the other channelset exact the same and put DSC off on that channelset. You get no beeps and DSC information anymore.
Of course don't forget to go back to the other channelset when you want the DSC information again.
Don't know if this is what you want but it should be possible.
John
Jonny_H
Well-Known Member
Ok - I know the MMSI number can only be programmed in once and then has to be dealer re-set but wasn't aware of the other options. Would be interesting to see what 'Settings' can be altered through the dealer software in relation to Lemain's points above.
Jonny
Jonny
