Standard Horizon RAM3 Command mike.

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Here it is:-

Fitted a SH GX2200E this year , a fixed VHF radio , with intergrated DSC radio , GPS and a two band AIS receiver.
It's a fine piece of kit.
I like SH stuff , it's well made , well thought out.

However , the AIS is shown in target format on a fair sized screen but and here's the thing (as the Americans say) , you have to go below orient yourself to the display and then say pop back up and verify that's what you are seeing.

In bad vis this could be very unerving , particularly if singlehanded.


So I bought the RAM mike.
This is able to completely operate the radio from the mike , even to turning it on and off , changing modes etc.

I found it a totally different experience with AIS when out in the cockpit with the mike showing targets which were course up on the display (this can be course up or North up)

An AIS target can be identified and called directly on DSC from the mike.
So all in all a great bit of kit for around £90.

Fitting.
It's supplied with a 7m long cable.
One end plugs directly in to radio (it's backward compatible for a lot of SH radios)
The other end is mounted in a hole where you want it.
The cable is quite thick (6mm) and has a plug on the radio end which needs about a 20mm hole to pass through.

Here is mine mounted on the cockpit bulkhead:-
20160526_113040_zpsqdb5txhm.jpg

As you will see the lead sticks straight out of the socket which is a bit of an issue but the coiled lead is a bit short so I had to mount it quite high so I could reach it whilst still holding the tiller.
Here is a closer view
20160526_113053_zpsti7alwyi.jpg

here is view of the screen in AIS mode.
20160526_113107_zpshsczjodv.jpg

Here is the view with the mike removed.
20160526_113217_zpsgdyvbqbb.jpg

Here is the view of the other side of the bulkhead connector , this also sticks out and has a ferrite coke on the lead and so you can see I had to take a route for the cable which meant is was not subject to unfair strain and bending.
20160526_194818_zpsbm9tzedw.jpg


The two light leads you can see taped to the lead are for an extension speaker which is a good idea except I already have one from the main radio.

There are soft keys that can be programmed to do various tasks , one of the best is switching the AIS alarm on and off without going through all the submenus.

Have not explored it all yet but I can say I would reccomend one
 
I've no regrets at all about splashing out on the same, so handy single-handed. The sh 2150 is a bit power hungry, another advantage is the ease of switching off (hand held Vhf on) then turn on again when needed. Plus no need to leap down below after setting off having forgot to turn it on :)
 
My only complaint about the SH RAM3 command mike is the plug which sticks out a long way horizontally and is always getting knocked.

It's a pity can't they supply a plug & socket that is more flush.
 
My socket is almost flush (pad out inside if needed) and the remote is not left attached and in sight when left. I was persuaded by "Gladys" of this parish to fit one, during a significant new electronic toy refit, but I was more excited by my new cockpit plotter at the time. This little bit of kit though (the RAM 3 remote) has proved VERY convenient in the cockpit.:encouragement:
 
Tradewinds said:
My only complaint about the SH RAM3 command mike is the plug which sticks out a long way horizontally and is always getting knocked.

It's a pity can't they supply a plug & socket that is more flush.
Click to expand...

Agree a plug with the cable exiting parallel to the surface would be better on pretty much every install I've ever seen.

Mine's on the aft face of the pedestal, in front of the wheel, so it won't get knocked provided it doesn't intrude between the spokes. As supplied, it would, but by carefully applying heat to the cable I was able to induce a permanent 90º bend just after it leaves the plug. This keeps it safely clear of the wheel.

We have a cover over the whole binnacle and wheel, originally to keep out the rain that flowed through badly-fitted access panels and down into the engine bay. Now I've rebuilt the pedestal to be weathertight, the cover protects the new suede jacket on the wheel and hides the radio remote from casual view.

I would always want a radio in reach of the helm; in Kindred Spirit the main unit in the cabin was reachable through the hatch from the tiller, but in a bigger boat a remote is the way to go.

Pete
 
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