VHF/DSC Radio replacement

[petedg]

We have to replace the old fixed VHF radio in our yacht and are looking for recommendations, should we buy a hand held unit only or just fixed unit or both? Are there any disadvantages to a hand held unit? Standard Horizon seem to offer some good units at reasonable prices. Is there anything else to consider when renewing a VHF/DSC radio?

 

[prv]

Are there any disadvantages to a hand held unit?

Mostly, much-reduced range due to having only a fifth of the transmit power and a much lower antenna.

You also have to do something about keeping batteries charged, though this needn't be too onerous if it comes with a 12v charging cradle it can live in.

Pete

 

[laika]

Hand-held won't give you nearly as much range due to power and height of antenna. I've never used a DSC hand held, but suspect that using them might be more complex than a fixed with equivalent functionality: with less space for buttons and dials compared to a fixed, they have to overload the function of each button more. Certainly I struggle to remember how to exploit the full functionality of fixed my set from the remote mic. On that subject, since installing a cockpit "second station" for my fixed set, I find I hardly ever use my handheld any more. Handhelds are good as a backup or to take to the liferaft, or to take with you in the dinghy in case you get into trouble. On that basis I'd have both.

If I were considering buying a fixed today I'd look for something which can accept an AIS feed. Punching in numbers to make a DSC individual calls is not as easy as just selecting a target. A fixed set capable of being controlled by a remote mic in the cockpit is invaluable if you sail short handed or with novice crew.

You'll have to update your licence details with offcom if you go from non-DSC to DSC

 

[Tranona]

And take the conversion course to get a new operators certificate.

 

[dansaskip]

Ideally have both. Fixed for the better range and no handheld battery problem. Handheld for convenience in cockpit (particularly if single handed) and for when the worst happens eg dismasted & so no ariel, or have to abandon ship etc.
You always hope it won't happen to you but I was glad I had a handheld with me when I was dismasted once.

 

[Neil]

If I were considering buying a fixed today I'd look for something which can accept an AIS feed. Punching in numbers to make a DSC individual calls is not as easy as just selecting a target. A fixed set capable of being controlled by a remote mic in the cockpit is invaluable if you sail short handed or with novice crew.

Ideally have both. Fixed for the better range and no handheld battery problem. Handheld for convenience in cockpit (particularly if single handed) and for when the worst happens eg dismasted & so no ariel, or have to abandon ship etc.
You always hope it won't happen to you but I was glad I had a handheld with me when I was dismasted once.

My thoughts exactly.

I'm just in the process of upgrading mine - no DSC in the old. I've bought a Radio Ocean with built-in AIS, plus a remote mic. I'd still want my handheld clipped to me or in a pocket, should I go over the side.

 

[maby]

A lot depends on your style of sailing - a handie tends to be cheaper and is more versatile - you can take it with you when you go in the tender. On the other hand, it is shorter range as already stated. Ideally, have both - the handie is a good backup to the fixed radio. If you are a 100% river/estuary/in-shore sailor, you may be able to consider relying on a handie alone, but don't expect it to keep you in contact ten or twenty miles off shore.

 

[JimC]

Ideally have both. Fixed for the better range and no handheld battery problem. Handheld for convenience in cockpit

The only problem with this is that if you have them both on at the same time and both are tuned to, or scanning, the same channel you get feedback squealing that makes them both unusable - at least that's my experience. For that reason I'm planning to change my existing Simrad RD68 for a Standard Horizon. The RD68 is an excellent radio but there is no remote command mike available for it. With the Standard Horizon there is, so you can do all your vhf-ing from the cockpit. I'll be selling the Simrad hopefully.

 

[prv]

The only problem with this is that if you have them both on at the same time and both are tuned to, or scanning, the same channel you get feedback squealing that makes them both unusable

Can't understand how that would happen if they're both on receive. There's no loop to feed back through. I suppose you might get feedback with one transmitting and one receiving, but only if they're quite close to each other.

Personally I do the same as you, though, and stick to a single fixed radio. On KS it's mounted on the deckhead just inside the hatch, so it's easy to operate directly from the cockpit. On the new boat the chart table is some way forwards (separated by the heads) so I've ordered a Standard Horizon with remote mic. Just need to wait for MES to deliver the thing now - they've been fine before but this time they've been delayed for several weeks and not answering email

Pete

 

[JimC]

Can't understand how that would happen if they're both on receive. Pete

Sorry yes, should have said it only happens when you attempt to transmit, but not being able to transmit is a bit of a drawback!

 

[Topcat47]

I wouldn't sail without a fixed radio, although I also have a HH. My main radio is DSC but I did have a lot of problems linking it to a "legacy" GPS. I eventually bought a new HH GPS to provide the GPS info to the DSC Radio. Don't think for a second you'll get any help from the radio or GPS M/F when this happens; you have to sort it out yourself.