Standard Horizon VHF

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daveg45

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has anyone got experience with either the GX 1500, GX3000, or VM 3500? I am looking for a VHF with a 2nd station mic for the cockpit. these sets seem to offer good value against raymarine and Icom. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I've used the GX1500 with 2nd station (command) mike for the last season. Great piece of kit, easy to install and easy to get it to talk to either my Garmin GPS or Navman plotter for the DSC input. Thoroughly recommended.
 
I've got a SH GX1500E with the RAM mic in the cockpit.

Unit seems well built, easy to use and comes with a flish mount kit and normal mounting bracket (most others don't have both).

The RAM mic seems very good - we have the volume set to nil on the main set so off-watch people aren't disturbed, and the RAM mic is loud enough to negate the need for a cockpit speaker.

They are very good value, and indeed have come down considerably since this time last year when we bought ours! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

I have mine linked to a Raymarine C70 which works fine and was easy to link up.

No experience of the Icom / Raymarine sets (we replaced our non DSC icom but hadn't used it much, we have an Icom SSB which looks similarly well built to the SH VHF but is a different beast so not directly comparable). I did initially consider the Raymarine on the basis it may link easily to the C70 Chartplotter, but it doesn't use Seatalk, so it made no difference in the end and the price of the SH swung it for me.

In Sailing today a few months back they compared a host of VHF's. The Navman came out on top due to price, but scored lower on all areas than the SH units. The SH units didn't win as they were more expensive, but I suspect this isn't the case any more.

Jonny
 
Very informative reply Jonny thank you. Like you I was leaning towards the raymarine 55 because I am linking it to an E80. I have seen the GX1500 for £155.00 and wondered if the VM3500 was worth the extra 100 quid. I remember reading on here someone compaining about the 'feel' of the fist mic. Being spongy or something. Fair comment or not?
 
Gx1500 can be purchased with the RAM mic for £135. It is Fab easy to install and RAM as stated above allows full function and needs to be turned down at times when busy! so no need fo a speaker. Conneted well to a Navman plotter.
 
We have a 3500 and the fist mic is fine. Great radio.

The fist mic did fail after a day's downpour but Yaesu replaced it instantly, no hassle.
 
Not found any problems with the fist mic - works superbly.

The difference between the GX1500E and the VM3500E as far as I can see is the full alpha-numeric keypad and a loudhailer feature.

I have not yet found the need for a full keypad (the rotary controls making entering MMSI numbers and changing channels quick and easy) and have neither seen the need for the loud hailer function.

(One good tip - you can intercom between the main unit and the RAM mic - so set the main unit up close to your bunk, then you can intercom and cockpit when off-watch to request a cup of tea before your watch starts! - not promising they'll comply, but amuses me!)

Jonny
 
I bought a SH GX1500 from the London boat show for £125 complete with RAM mike from Redcar electronics. I can only echo what everyone else has said, easy to install, easy to use, and it seems solidly built. I did read a complaint somewhere about the cover over the distress button on the RAM. I cant remember what the problem was, as far as I can see the button is well protected yet accessible should you need to get to it. The sound quality and volume from the RAMs speaker is good but there is a pair of wires at the back of the Mike connector socket should you want to connect an external speaker. Not realy sure of a reason why you woud need to though!!
 
Hi weve had ours a while 3500 and remote mic both good kit never a problem, and would not change em,.... /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Have just installed one plus a SH500 plotter with AIS from "Easy" and it was.
Totally intuative, very easy to use and install and no bloody Raymarine compatability issues to worry about. I have got really peed off with raymarine reliability and lack of backwards compatibility with their own stuff and think SH are going to give them a real run for their money ongoing. Having said that ICON are good but much more expensive.
 
Re: Standard Horizon VHF

Hi

Excellent bits of kit, and their handhelds are very good too!

Well put together and very robust.

joha
 
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