Which DSC VHF radio?

[Thepipdoc]

Having just taken ( and passed) the VHF marine radio course I'm looking to buy and install a new VHF radio with DSC capabilities.
One of the models we were using during the course was an Icom and I have to say It was very intuitive for a novice radio user such as me and I'm tempted to go with this one, however before I do, what's the general consensus on fixed (not handheld) vhf DSC radios.
What's good and what's bad? My budget is about 300 quid (ish).
Thanks

 

[David2452]

Icom are certainly among the best if not the best.

 

[Firefly625]

Having just taken ( and passed) the VHF marine radio course I'm looking to buy and install a new VHF radio with DSC capabilities.
One of the models we were using during the course was an Icom and I have to say It was very intuitive for a novice radio user such as me and I'm tempted to go with this one, however before I do, what's the general consensus on fixed (not handheld) vhf DSC radios.
What's good and what's bad? My budget is about 300 quid (ish).
Thanks

Just changed my Icom 501 (non DSC unit) to a new Icom 505 DSC, and absolutly delighted with it, would recommend highly.

 

[timbartlett]

Whatever radio you get, don't skimp on the antenna. It doesn't matter how much you spend on the radio -- it's wasted if you connect it to a £30 twig

 

[oldgit]

Unless you have a real need for a lot of bells amd whistles the Icom 411 will do the job.Nice BIG numbers on screen and a few simple knobs to do the all the rest.
Spend a fortune on a fancy aerial if you really must but all it comes down to a bit of white glassfibre tube with a thin bit of copper wire flapping about inside.
The cheaper ones tend to flex at the base and crack if you you have your collection of club and forum burgees taped to it.

 

[Boo2]

Why is so much of the text onthese devices so teeny-tiny that it's impossible to read ?

Boo2

 

[timbartlett]

... it comes down to a bit of white glassfibre tube with a thin bit of copper wire flapping about inside....

That, if I may say so, is a good description of a cheap antenna, and a perfect description of why they aren't as good as decent ones.

Good ones are stiffer and more robust. Their radiating elements are tubular, they are held in place by foam filling and may be either copper or silver plated. And they come with decent co-ax and quality plugs.

But then again, you could always straighten out a coat hanger. Much cheaper!

 

[oldgit]

"But then again, you could always straighten out a coat hanger. Much cheaper!"


Yea ...but it will not support*

A the club defaced blue
B the club burgeee
C the forum burgee
d something faded and unidentifiable that flaps about forlornly at the bottom.


*careful forum watching suggests this is the correct sequence.

 

[the-drifter]

When purchasing the VHF, make sure you wire it so it cuts out all nosie in your speakers ( Ipod connector, FM radio, ect ect) so you can hear the incomming calls. as one day you may need the help

 

[rafiki_]

I would look for one with a DW (dual watch) feature. Mine does not have this, but works perfrectly well, so reluctant to upgrade.

I think £300 budget should get you kitted OK. May be a bit more to fit, unless you do this yourself.

 

[Philiz]

I don't think you can beat Icom, but I agree totally with TB's comments regarding aerials. Get a good quality one as long as you dare fit, and mount it as high as you can.

 

[PaulGooch]

i find Standard Horizon VHF's work well. Plenty of useful features, easy to read and sensible menu's, along with a 3 year warranty.

 

[oceanfroggie]

i find Standard Horizon VHF's work well. Plenty of useful features, easy to read and sensible menu's, along with a 3 year warranty.

Another ICOM vote from here too. Like their menu structure and ergonomics. That 505 has a good crisp display and can have a 2nd station added via command mike. Great intercom for ordering refreshments from galley slaves. Best of the best.