VHF radio replacement.

[Allan]

We've decided it's time to change our radio and I'm looking for recommendations. Some requirements:
A. Must be able to fit an external mic/speaker.
B. No need for AIS.
C. Compatible with Raymarine system (i70s).
D. If possible, the ability to turn off the internal speaker and just use the cockpit one.
Does anyone know of a good one that fits the bill?
Allan

 

[CapPugwash]

what are you looking for on your i70s if it isn't AIS data?

I fitted an ICOM IC-M605 which does all the above and AIS. It also has a big display so the Mrs is happy using it.

 

[[70521]]

When you say compatible with what exactly do you mean?

My Standard Horizon does all of the above but not compatible with anything as it is stand alone

 

[Allan]

I was just trying to ensure that if the radio needs a GPS fix it can get it from a system that has MFD and i70s. We have a full AIS setup that talks to the MFD and i70s. Sorry this was not clear.
Allan

 

[Allan]

When you say compatible with what exactly do you mean?

My Standard Horizon does all of the above but not compatible with anything as it is stand alone

Can you tell me the model number of your radio? I'm struggling to find one that you can turn the sound off down below.
Allan

 

[[70521]]

Can you tell me the model number of your radio? I'm struggling to find one that you can turn the sound off down below.
Allan

Its a Standard Horizon GX1700E, I just turn the volume down to 0 on the main unit at the nav table and use the RAM to sort out the cockpit volume.

 

[Kwik Decision]

Can you tell me the model number of your radio? I'm struggling to find one that you can turn the sound off down below.
Allan

Our Standard Horizon GX2200E is similar to Sandy's, in that the volume control on the main set is independent of the volume on the RAM. It is more complex than you are after though, with GPS and AIS inc.

 

[Tranona]

I was just trying to ensure that if the radio needs a GPS fix it can get it from a system that has MFD and i70s. We have a full AIS setup that talks to the MFD and i70s. Sorry this was not clear.
Allan

Not sure why you need a GPS input as all the current VHFs have built in GPS. However the cheapest ones (like the SH GX1400 like I have only has NMEA0183, whereas the more expensive also have 2000 but only Raymarine have STNG (at nearly £700!)

 

[KompetentKrew]

However the cheapest ones (like the SH GX1400 like I have only has NMEA0183, whereas the more expensive also have 2000 but only Raymarine have STNG (at nearly £700!)

SeatalkNG is mostly just NMEA 2000 in a different cable though, and Raymarine make adaptors so you can just plug them into each other: 1, 2

Obviously you know this, but OP probably doesn't.

I started composing a reply to OP about this, but realised I couldn't be sure of much about his current network - I initially assumed his AIS must be talking NMEA 2000 to the chartplotter, but then I realised that it's possible they're both talking NMEA 0183 (I think).

The i70s units are SeatalkNG, but SeatalkNG can be connected to Seatalk1 networks.

 

[harvey38]

I have the SH GX1850/E GX1850GPS/E - Standard Horizon

Well built, easy to work through the different menus, VERY clear audio from both the base set and RAM mike, total control of functionality from the RAM mike. Coupled with a 2.4m glass fibre antenna, it has a very good receiving range, transmission range not really tested yet. A well spec'd piece of equipment for the money, I'm very happy with it.

 

[Allan]

Like most boats our systems are mixed! The radio, autohelm, one wind instrument, the heading sensor and one GPS, are 0183. The Raymarine MFD, AIS transponder, a second wind instrument, depth/log sender and the two i70s are Seatalk Ng, the two systems 'talk' to each other via a gateway device.
I'm now looking at some of the Standard horizon units mentioned above. Just having an autonomous radio with built in GPS and no AIS seems like a good option.

SeatalkNG is mostly just NMEA 2000 in a different cable though, and Raymarine make adaptors so you can just plug them into each other: 1, 2

Obviously you know this, but OP probably doesn't.

I started composing a reply to OP about this, but realised I couldn't be sure of much about his current network - I initially assumed his AIS must be talking NMEA 2000 to the chartplotter, but then I realised that it's possible they're both talking NMEA 0183 (I think).

The i70s units are SeatalkNG, but SeatalkNG can be connected to Seatalk1 networks.

 

[Allan]

I have the SH GX1850/E GX1850GPS/E - Standard Horizon

Well built, easy to work through the different menus, VERY clear audio from both the base set and RAM mike, total control of functionality from the RAM mike. Coupled with a 2.4m glass fibre antenna, it has a very good receiving range, transmission range not really tested yet. A well spec'd piece of equipment for the money, I'm very happy with it.

The Skipper has ordered exactly that, to be delivered at our next port of call.
Many thanks to you and everyone else who has helped.
Allan