LittleSister
Well-Known Member
Can you have the speaker off completely (or good as) down below, but on in the cockpit?
Which DSC VHF radio
- Thread starter jb185
- Start date
Can you have the speaker off completely (or good as) down below, but on in the cockpit?
Martin_J
Well-Known Member
Yes - the GX1500E with the RAM microphone. The volume controls on the microphone and on the main set are independant. You can turn the volume right down on the main set. The loudspeaker in the RAM microphone is also clear.. and it seems tough enough to spend it's life out in the cockpit..
Martin_J
Well-Known Member
Rather than just saying 'what' I have.. I should have said 'why'.
I chose the SH GX1500 because of the large bright display, especially the channel number. The sound was clear (not tinny) and the additional RAM microphone was a small selling point. I didn't realise how useful it was until we fitted it in the cockpit.
I chose the SH GX1500 because of the large bright display, especially the channel number. The sound was clear (not tinny) and the additional RAM microphone was a small selling point. I didn't realise how useful it was until we fitted it in the cockpit.
Goldie
Well-Known Member
My understanding (gleaned from manufacturers at the Boats Shows) is that whilst the volume can be turned down on the below decks set, the DSC alarm still activates below decks. The exception I was told, is the Icom series which enables the internal speaker to be selected completely 'off' through the menu options whilst not inhibiting the functionality of the Command mic'. This was one of the features that swung it for me as guaranteeing SWMBO a good sleep whilst off watch is well worth the extra pennies. The other contender for me was the SH, but I'm absolutely delighted with the Icom and definitely wouldn't be without the Command Mic'.
jb185
New Member
Hi
It’s the guy who posted the original question here, with all your advice I am leaning towards the Standard Horizon GX 1100E with the GX1500E a very close second (unless I can be persuaded otherwise!!); the main reason is that with the GX 1500E, if I go over to the European Waterways, I have to go to a SH dealer to get the MMSI changed to the ATIS number, it will cost £32 and another £32 when I bring it back and the same again every time I go over there, but with the GX1100E I just adjust the settings myself . I love the idea of the remote command mic but as the radio will be positioned right beside the companion way entrance I am hoping to be able to see the display even though I will not be able to reach it while holding the tiller. Do you think that the loss of the remote hand set display and the extra remote functions would be an even bigger price to pay?
As always your opinions are much appreciated.
John
It’s the guy who posted the original question here, with all your advice I am leaning towards the Standard Horizon GX 1100E with the GX1500E a very close second (unless I can be persuaded otherwise!!); the main reason is that with the GX 1500E, if I go over to the European Waterways, I have to go to a SH dealer to get the MMSI changed to the ATIS number, it will cost £32 and another £32 when I bring it back and the same again every time I go over there, but with the GX1100E I just adjust the settings myself . I love the idea of the remote command mic but as the radio will be positioned right beside the companion way entrance I am hoping to be able to see the display even though I will not be able to reach it while holding the tiller. Do you think that the loss of the remote hand set display and the extra remote functions would be an even bigger price to pay?
As always your opinions are much appreciated.
John
Gwylan
Well-Known Member
Go for the ICOM with the command mike, a good well installed aerial and you will never want another radio. Very versatile and the command mike makes life a lot easier - can even connect an extra loud speaker in the cockpit.
Cantata
Well-Known Member
Hmmm you quite sure about that? I was under the impression that the £32 bought you ATIS capability that you could switch to and from, on the GX1500E.
jb185
New Member
I phoned SH technical (very helpful) this morning and as I understand it you had to pay each time you swapped. The GX1500E was designed before ATIS came into affect and the newer GX1100E gets round the problem. I may have got the wrong end of the proverbial stick but will try and find out.
Have just found this in one of SH downloads:-
Notes on ATIS Mode
To enable ATIS to be used on our GX-1500E/3000E/VM3500E we have
converted the Canadian Channel mode to ATIS mode. To operate in ATIS
mode you must select CAN mode on the radio. To change mode from
International (INT) to Canadian (CAN), press and hold the 16/9 key and
then press the WX key. Each press of the WX key will change the mode
from INT to USA to CAN to INT etc. Select CAN for ATIS mode. You will
notice ATIS on the channel description when in this mode.
Note also that Scanning and Dual Watch are not permitted in ATIS Mode
and are disabled. DSC should not be used in inland waterways.
*GX1100E has ATIS mode enabled as a user selectable menu option, so the
user can enter their ATIS number and enable/disable ATIS mode as
required.
So presumably we can change at will and you are right (glad you brought that to light), I will phone them to confirm tomorrow. Now we are down to just £32 + the approx £50 for the difference in model price, is remote mic worth the extra £82 + the cost of the remote ?
John
capsco
Well-Known Member
You have just said that you do not need the remote, so the answer is that it is not worth £82 extra,.
I have just bought the 1100E for the same reasons.
I have just bought the 1100E for the same reasons.