Standard Horizon GX2200E Matrix GPS/AIS/DSC VHF

[Bigplumbs]

Our new (to us) Sealin S24 has not got a radio in it being on the broads. When I take her out on the big blue wobbly thing I would like a fixed VHF I am thinking of getting the SH GX2200E as it seems to have lots of good stuff including AIS which I would like on this boat. I also have a Garmin Ecomap 55dv chart plotter that I swap between boats (It is designed this way) and I think I can relitivly easily connect this to the radio to get the AIS on the chart plotter screen

Has anyone ant experience of this radio. All my other radios are Standard Horizon so would like to stick to this brand

Dennis

 

[Momac]

If you need both it seems to make financial sens to buy a combined AIS and VHF.
And it is cheap as chips considering all it can do.
The AIS is receive only of course.

 

[Bigplumbs]

If you need both it seems to make financial sens to buy a combined AIS and VHF.
And it is cheap as chips considering all it can do.
The AIS is receive only of course.

Yes receive only. I don't think I will want to be transmitting at this point on AIS

 

[fred247]

I have been using this radio for a number of years, its been totally reliable. The number of features make it a one stop shop for al that is needed, ais and switchable atis or just two that save on extra equipment spend.

 

[prv]

I have the predecessor model, the GX2100, and like it.

Do make sure you have a good aerial installation though - that’s what makes the most difference between a good VHF system and a poor one.

Pete

 

[Scubadoo]

The thing I found was that on my S24 their was no real suitable place to fit a standard fixed vhf and still look tidy on the dashboard. So instead I installed the icom blackbox which is fitted behind the ceiling panel in the second berth and the handset fitted to the side of the dashboard. For Ais, I purchased a receiver and connected to the vhf unit again behind the ceiling panel. The other thing is the aerial, I fitted that to the nav light mast and routed the cable within the tube then in behind the throttle panel (the same place as the nav light cable).

Hope that helps, I can send you pictures if that would help, just pm me your email details.

Edit: sorry a meant GPS to the icom not Ais, I fitted Ais to my plotter.

 

[Bigplumbs]

The thing I found was that on my S24 their was no real suitable place to fit a standard fixed vhf and still look tidy on the dashboard. So instead I installed the icom blackbox which is fitted behind the ceiling panel in the second berth and the handset fitted to the side of the dashboard. For Ais, I purchased a receiver and connected to the vhf unit again behind the ceiling panel. The other thing is the aerial, I fitted that to the nav light mast and routed the cable within the tube then in behind the throttle panel (the same place as the nav light cable).

Hope that helps, I can send you pictures if that would help, just pm me your email details.

Edit: sorry a meant GPS to the icom not Ais, I fitted Ais to my plotter.

I agree about the difficulty in locating the Radio but I will find a place. I am not so concerned about looks rather functionality

Dennis

 

[Momac]

I don't think I will want to be transmitting at this point on AIS

Fair enough ........ apart from the extra cost why would you not want to transmit.AIS ?

 

[Scubadoo]

I agree about the difficulty in locating the Radio but I will find a place. I am not so concerned about looks rather functionality

Dennis

Just one thing to note, if you decide to fit under the steering wheel area, check the the helm seat can still be reversed ie when you want to improve seating by the table. This may not bother you, but can easily be forgotten until after installation.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Fair enough ........ apart from the extra cost why would you not want to transmit.AIS ?

You got it Extra cost and just more kit. Also I don't think it is a good idea on small craft as I feel it clutters the whole AIS Principal. Imagine the Solant with loads of boats all squawking away would drive people mad and ultimately they would end up switching off the receiver I think

Dennis

 

[Bigplumbs]

Just one thing to note, if you decide to fit under the steering wheel area, check the the helm seat can still be reversed ie when you want to improve seating by the table. This may not bother you, but can easily be forgotten until after installation.

Very good point.

I was looking at the helm seat the other day and I read it can be reversed but for the life of me I could not see hor I would do it. Do you know Remember Mine is a S24 Circa 1998/99

Dennis

 

[Dazzajohm]

I purcahsed the SH GX2200E this time last year and connected via NMEA to my Raymarine E7d plotter. AIS works brilliantly, was easy to setup and I think good value for money.

I found Cactus Marine the cheapest when I bought last year.

 

[Scubadoo]

Very good point.

I was looking at the helm seat the other day and I read it can be reversed but for the life of me I could not see hor I would do it. Do you know Remember Mine is a S24 Circa 1998/99

Dennis

Mine is a 1999 model so will be the same. The last S24 made around 2001 some had a fixed helm seat with storage underneath and arm rests.

To convert the seat, undo the two lever type clips behind the seat, undo the screw handle on the left side of the seat, lift and remove the bench seat, then tilt the back rest into that space. Now lift up the Base and it will swing towards the steering wheel, don't it very slowly to ensure you don't scratch the gelcoat by the throttle. The lifted seat you removed earlier is placed as the back rest. The seat is already there which is always there under the helm sit. I hope that helps, if not let me know and I will take some photos next time on the boat.

 

[mlines]

We have the previous model, the 2100 and its great.

We use the AIS receive function, initially using a direct NMEA 0183 connection to a Standard Horizon CP180 which worked great. We now have a SIMRAD GO7 which is NMEA2000 so have a converter inline to connect the two. At present a couple of the AIS NMEA sentences are not supported on the converter so although we have the ability to see AIS plots on the SIMRAD we cannot initiate a DSC call direct from the SIMRAD.

On our boat the radio position is not particularly good as it is down by the helmsmans knee, so neither the helmsman or the crew can access it easily. Therefore we have fitted a remote mic (SH RAM mic) in the second seat position so the "navigator" can operate the radio. This works really well.

 

[Bigplumbs]

Lovely neat installation