What DSC VHF radio with a keypad

[ferroboat]

We would like to upgrade to a DSC radio that has a keypad. Can anyone please recommend one that will interface with our AIS and that has ATIS and possibly has a facilty for adding a command station. Is there any advantage to having the keypad on the mike? It seems to be a minefield.
Thanks in anticipation.

 

[JSYmartini]

Any VHF will interface with AIS, whichever AIS unit you use will basically splice into the antenna cable, no other connections with the vhf are required.

As for your other criteria, I think the Icom 603 would fit the bill. I've got one and like it. Icom are generally pretty indestructible and completely waterproof. The only downside is they don't have NMEA2000 which would make interfacing with a chart plotter much easier. Shame they haven't sorted this yet, N2K is 12 years old already

 

[Goldie]

The ICOM 603 has the command mic' option, can be ATIS programmed and is certainly AIS ompatible although I can't absolutely guarantee it'll be compatible with your current AIS set up (although I can't see why it wouldn't be) but I'm sure the very helpful Icom help desk would tell you.

We have a 603 with command mic' (no ATIS or AIS though) and it's absolutely excellent whilst the keypad certainly makes data entry quicker and easier. If you fit an external speaker/horn it will drive your fog signals automatically and act as a loud hailer too! Highly recommended.

 

[greenalien]

Any VHF will interface with AIS, whichever AIS unit you use will basically splice into the antenna cable

Can you explain how this works? I thought you needed a data connection of some sort.

 

[prv]

Can you explain how this works? I thought you needed a data connection of some sort.

He's thinking about sharing the antenna, rather than passing data.

Pete

 

[JSYmartini]

Can you explain how this works? I thought you needed a data connection of some sort.

AIS only uses the vhf to transmit your GPS data (position, speed, heading) and an identifier - and to receive the same from other vessels obviously.

I think this applies to all ais units due to IMO regulations - that they must have they're own dedicated gps receiver.

So connections - gps receiver input, a short co-ax in from your vhf, co-ax back out to your antenna, 12v supply, and data to your chart plotter/MFD (nmea0183, nmea2000 or manufacturers own i.e. Seatalk ect.) to display targets on screen.

If you use compatible equipment from the same manufacturer there are extra functions that maybe available such as selecting an ais target on the plotter and automatically sending a dsc call to it. I was able to do this when I had a Garmin 5012 touchscreen plotter, AIS600 and can't remember which radio (all Garmin). But the Garmin radio was pants so I ditched it for an Icom 603. Shame to lose that function but there ya go.

 

[greenalien]

Are you talking about an AIS transponder rather than just an AIS receiver - because you definitely can't share a VHF RT aerial with an AIS receiver without a dedicated splitter.

 

[JSYmartini]

Are you talking about an AIS transponder rather than just an AIS receiver - because you definitely can't share a VHF RT aerial with an AIS receiver without a dedicated splitter.

Transponders or receivers - some units, like the Digital Yacht range for example, require a splitter. Others like the Garmin range all have built in splitters. A dedicated AIS antenna is the other option of course.

The set up I have on my RIB is:
Main VHF - Icom 603 connected to a Comrod 2.4m antenna. Although it's connected to my gps for 2 way data, this is purely for voice comms - no splitters or any other gadgets/extra connections/joints which might reduce performance or reliability.

2nd VHF - Icom 505 connected to a Metz Manta antenna via a Garmin AIS600 transponder. This set up, also connected to the gps for data transfer, has a dual role of dealing with the AIS as well as being a back up to the main radio. And as its there I'm normally listening out on one of the local channels. I hate dual/tri watch functions, can't hear whats being said when its cutting out every few seconds so it's nice to have 2 radios on all the time.

 

[maby]

Simrad has a keypad on the microphone - decent radio with good functionality. We are on our second one - had the Northstar version in our previous boat. The cordless second station is a very nice option - though a bit pricy compared with a wired extension mic.

I certainly prefer to have the full keypad - entering MMSI numbers and channels from a rotary selector is a real pain.

 

[laika]

If by "interface with" the OP means get target data from the AIS unit for calling, then the IC-M603 doesn't do that. The Standard Horizon GX2000 appears to do it,has a second station option and has ATIS mode, but doesn't have a keypad. OTOH, presumably if you can dial up the MMSI of a vessel in your AIS list, the need for a keypad is reduced.

I have the IC-M603. Excellent radio and excellent service from Icom, but I can certainly understand how being able to dial up vessels from the AIS target list would be handy, especially as the command mic doesn't have a keypad.

 

[nigelmercier]

Any VHF will interface with AIS, whichever AIS unit you use will basically splice into the antenna cable...

You need a splitter in there somewhere.