VHF radio - changing US spec to European channels

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arcbennett

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My boat is fitted with a Standard Horizon Spectrum +GX 2335S VHF - a US model. I can get most European channels but not the 'private' ones such as M1 etc. I'd like to convert it to the European standard. The manufacturer did not want to take the job on. Anyone know if this is viable (and if so who might do it), or am I faced with buying a replacement radio?
 
From the manual

5.5 USA, CANADA, AND INTERNATIONAL MODE
1. To change the modes, hold the 16/9 key and press the WX key. The
mode changes from USA to International to Canadian with each
press of the WX key.
2. USA will be displayed on the LCD for USA mode, INTL will be
displayed for International mode, and CAN will be displayed for
Canadian mode.
3. Refer to the channel chart (section 11 CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS)
for allocated channels in each mode.
 
Martin_J said:
Although you could find that even then Ch37 (157.850MHz) is still not available on that radio.
Click to expand...

I think he will. The basic "International" channel plan won't include the two UK-specific channels. That gets programmed into batches of radios destined for the UK, as opposed to France, Germany, Umbongistan...

Pete
 
arcbennett said:
My boat is fitted with a Standard Horizon Spectrum +GX 2335S VHF - a US model. I can get most European channels but not the 'private' ones such as M1 etc. I'd like to convert it to the European standard. The manufacturer did not want to take the job on. Anyone know if this is viable (and if so who might do it), or am I faced with buying a replacement radio?
Click to expand...

I had the same experience with Standard Horizon who refused to help with my portable radio. They told me that a radio must be purchased in the country where the boat is used. Standard Horizon do not seem to acknowledge the concept that boats are mobile assets and as such they can move from one country or area to another one.

I know they are monitoring the forum, so I hope they will get the feedback. Certainly mine will be the first and last Standard Horizon item I purchase.
 
Last edited:
Thank you very much to you all for responding to my query. I have indeed reset my set to the International mode, but this still does not provide the UK specific channels. I will take up Fourbees' suggestion and try the Service Centre in Wareham (where my boat is coincidently and conveniently currently laid up).

Again, very many thanks for all your advice and suggestions.
 
My Standard Horizon GX1500 fixed VHF set shows n1 and n2 for M1 and M2 when in International Mode.

I had the set converted to ATIS (replaces Canadian mode) for a small fee, which theyt did in a few minutes when I took it to the Yaesu service centre near Winchester.

It's a good robust piece of kit but I was disappointed that certain channels (eg 69) are fixed to low power based on US usage, which could be inconvenint when sinking in the middle of the Thames Estuary and talking to Thames Coastguard.
 
Thank you tony_lavelle for that. I phoned The Service Centre at Wareham, but the person who answered said they could not do it; however, she seemed a bit unsure, so I have sent an email as well. In the meantime I'll try Yaesu and see what they say.
 
tony_lavelle said:
It's a good robust piece of kit but I was disappointed that certain channels (eg 69) are fixed to low power based on US usage, which could be inconvenint when sinking in the middle of the Thames Estuary and talking to Thames Coastguard.
Click to expand...

Even when in International mode? That's poor.

However, if you were sinking in the middle of the Thames Estuary, you'd be talking to the Coastguard on ch16 for exactly this kind of reason.

Pete
 
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