I have an older Standard Horizon VHF. I think it is a model 25. The front says Horizon/25. Does anyone know where I could locate an instruction manual for this unit? Thank You, Bryon Thomas "Shore Leave"
Standard Horizon
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This site has what you are looking for
All you need to do is find out which radio you have. I think the 25 means 25 watts but there are several models with 25 watts. Check the front pannel
All you need to do is find out which radio you have. I think the 25 means 25 watts but there are several models with 25 watts. Check the front pannel
Too Old
I cannot find any info on their website, this unit is probably from the late 70's. I did email them with a request though. Thanks. Bryon
I cannot find any info on their website, this unit is probably from the late 70's. I did email them with a request though. Thanks. Bryon
Some Considerations
I beleive the radio you are referring to is indeed of 1970s vintage and manuals will be tough to come by. One clue as to it's present servicibility is the number of channels. If it has a limited number and a rotary knob with perhaps 20 or fewer channels, it is a crystal based radio. At that age, the frequencies are probably out of calibration and your best bet is a new radio. If it has lots of channels, it has synthesized frequency tuning which is not subject to the same aging problems as crystals and may provide you with several more years of service. But generally, given the age of the radio and the fact that it is a pimary piece of safety gear, perhaps consider replacing it with a new one. You generally don't need all the bells and whistles contained in the higher end radios, so you should be able to find a basic VHF in the $100 range.
I beleive the radio you are referring to is indeed of 1970s vintage and manuals will be tough to come by. One clue as to it's present servicibility is the number of channels. If it has a limited number and a rotary knob with perhaps 20 or fewer channels, it is a crystal based radio. At that age, the frequencies are probably out of calibration and your best bet is a new radio. If it has lots of channels, it has synthesized frequency tuning which is not subject to the same aging problems as crystals and may provide you with several more years of service. But generally, given the age of the radio and the fact that it is a pimary piece of safety gear, perhaps consider replacing it with a new one. You generally don't need all the bells and whistles contained in the higher end radios, so you should be able to find a basic VHF in the $100 range.
I'd have to agree with John...
That radio is old enough that it should be replaced. Even if it is a frequency synthesized unit, over time all radios will 'drift' a bit in frequency, and the earlier models of synth'd radios suffered more from this than a modern design will. Standard/Horizon is the marine radio division of the same company that makes Yaesu brand ham radio gear, which I have used for years and been very pleased with. For around $150 you can get their 'Eclipse' model or for about $10 more you can get the 'Quest' model that adds DSC capability (if you have a GPS with output provisions). When you consider that your radio may someday be the only way you can get help in an emergency, I'd definitely recommend having one that you know you can count on! (and a walkie-talkie for a back-up isn't a bad idea either)
That radio is old enough that it should be replaced. Even if it is a frequency synthesized unit, over time all radios will 'drift' a bit in frequency, and the earlier models of synth'd radios suffered more from this than a modern design will. Standard/Horizon is the marine radio division of the same company that makes Yaesu brand ham radio gear, which I have used for years and been very pleased with. For around $150 you can get their 'Eclipse' model or for about $10 more you can get the 'Quest' model that adds DSC capability (if you have a GPS with output provisions). When you consider that your radio may someday be the only way you can get help in an emergency, I'd definitely recommend having one that you know you can count on! (and a walkie-talkie for a back-up isn't a bad idea either)
Replace the radio
I am in agreement with the others and recommend replacing the radio with an updated current design. DSC capability should be a strong consideration. One more thing I will highly recommend. A Remote RAM microphone. Having the ability to hear radio communication from the cockpit is wonderful, but to be able to talk and control all radio functions from the cockpit/helm is one of the best upgrades you will ever make to the boat. The base unit stays down in the cabin at the nav station but you can operate the radio not only from the nav station but also from the cockpit/helm. The cost is minimal when compared to the purchase of a new base and a hand held to have at the helm. Please give it consideration, you will be glad you did.
I am in agreement with the others and recommend replacing the radio with an updated current design. DSC capability should be a strong consideration. One more thing I will highly recommend. A Remote RAM microphone. Having the ability to hear radio communication from the cockpit is wonderful, but to be able to talk and control all radio functions from the cockpit/helm is one of the best upgrades you will ever make to the boat. The base unit stays down in the cabin at the nav station but you can operate the radio not only from the nav station but also from the cockpit/helm. The cost is minimal when compared to the purchase of a new base and a hand held to have at the helm. Please give it consideration, you will be glad you did.
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