Matrix+ AIS GX2150
- Thread starter Ken13559
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I use its predecessor. The screen is pretty poor but I did not buy it to use the screen. I just ran NEMA 0183 to my plotter and all targets show up there. MUCH better than trying to use the screen on the VHF... Hopefully soon they will come out with an N2K version as opposed to 0183 only...
Hello,
I also have the GX2100 (same basic radio) and the RAM mic. As you know the screen is small but you can easily pick an AIS target and see info on it (COG, SOG, TCPA, etc.). The only bad thing about the radio display is that the vessel name is not displayed, only the mmsi number. I also ran the output to my PC and on that screen I can see the vessel name.
I like the radio display (which is at my nav station inside) because it can work like an instrument repeater and displays speed, course, lat/long, etc.
Barry
I also have the GX2100 (same basic radio) and the RAM mic. As you know the screen is small but you can easily pick an AIS target and see info on it (COG, SOG, TCPA, etc.). The only bad thing about the radio display is that the vessel name is not displayed, only the mmsi number. I also ran the output to my PC and on that screen I can see the vessel name.
I like the radio display (which is at my nav station inside) because it can work like an instrument repeater and displays speed, course, lat/long, etc.
Barry
The screen is really small and the ais setup, in my opinion, is not all that user friendly.
I have mine hooked up to one of these and really like it.
http://www.milltechmarine.com/Vesper-Marine-AIS-WatchMate_p_141.html
I have the 2150 with RAM. Fabulous. Clear sound, good reception. This one shows the vessel name.
The RAM mic shows AIS too. It's a little small but it's right at the helm so easy to use.
The functionality of this system is fantastic. It is staggering how much this thing will do, and it's all menu driven and easy to get used to with practice. The manual was a joy to read, because I had no idea it would do so many useful things.
It's also a loud hailer.
The RAM mic shows AIS too. It's a little small but it's right at the helm so easy to use.
The functionality of this system is fantastic. It is staggering how much this thing will do, and it's all menu driven and easy to get used to with practice. The manual was a joy to read, because I had no idea it would do so many useful things.
It's also a loud hailer.
I have the 2150. Pretty easy to install.
I am very unhappy with the ram mic.
The cord is extremely short and things like squelch are buried in sub menus. My icom ram mic was much nicer
I am very unhappy with the ram mic.
The cord is extremely short and things like squelch are buried in sub menus. My icom ram mic was much nicer
You must have an older version. The Ram 3 has the squelch on the volume button:
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Standard...e-P2279.aspx?gclid=CPLlkMuxzrgCFcxAMgod6m0AqA
The cord is too short, but I mounted the thru-deck unit close to the helm on the edge of the cockpit seat, so it's ok. Also, you can stretch the coils a little. With this, the length has not been an issue, but yep they should have added 6 inches or so more.
Squelch is inside the vol/sq button. So press vol, press vol again to get to squelch, press up/down to adjust, then press channel select to clear. Too much junk. My icom ram mic had a dedicated squelch adj. Invariably some noise will come on that needs squelching just when I need to pay attention to the helm. Adjusting the sh ram is way to distracting. And of course I'm doing this with a way too short cord. I've been pulling and pulling on it, it is not stretching out at all.
Yes it works fine. At every power up, you have to clear the 'mmsi not configured' message, which is easy.
Getting a ships station license is also very easy to do online. Mmsi is included with that.
SH should make an extension. There is one for the routing to the bulkhead unit, and I think the connectors would work, but it's not intended for use between the mic cord and the bulkhead. Also it's 23 feet long.
A mic cord extesion seems a reasonably useful item to offer. I would buy one, and use it to enable standing at the wheel, instead of having to sit down to use the radio.
Are you referring the the RAM3 mic cord being short? How long is it by the way. Would it be same length as the Icom Commandmic?
I have the 2100 interfaced with a Raymarine plotter and other Raymarine instruments. Have sailed to Bermuda twice and to Maine a couple of times with this set up. The ais read out on the unit or ram mic can be used to identify threats, but it is best viewed on my plotter. Despite having 3 electronics experts working on it, there is one problem. When the autopilot is on following a route, the VHF fails to update its position which would defeat the emergency dsc aspect. There is a Nmea conflict that can only be solved by having a dedicated GPS input to the radio rather than getting the GPS input via the network and various seatalk-nmea converters in place.
That said, it is a cost effective way of getting ais data. In retrospect, I'd rather have a dedicated unit that is also a transponder. The amount I've spent trouble shooting it was more than a dedicated system.
That said, it is a cost effective way of getting ais data. In retrospect, I'd rather have a dedicated unit that is also a transponder. The amount I've spent trouble shooting it was more than a dedicated system.
Yes, the Ram3 mic cord is too short. However, if you strategically locate the bulkhead coupling close to the helm, it should be ok. I don't know the exact measurement, but I use mine at about 3 feet from the coupling. Any more and it starts to strain. I don't know about the Icom. Maybe you could hit both mfg websites.
Acutally you don't transmit MMSI unless you push the DSC button.
As for AIS, if you use a receive only AIS, you don't send out anything.
Why don't you want to get a MMSI? It's free anyway and may speed up locating of you in case of emergency.
As for AIS, if you use a receive only AIS, you don't send out anything.
Why don't you want to get a MMSI? It's free anyway and may speed up locating of you in case of emergency.
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