I all - I wanted to get an idea of everyone's thoughts around the type and number of VHF radio’s they keep onboard. I have a Catalina 30 with a VHF radio that is probably around 10 years old or so with the antennae mounted on the mast – it works fine. I am thinking about upgrading to the newer DSC capable radios which I understand are excellent for emergency situations. I do have a chartplotter/GPS I could interface with. I also think I should have a hand held unit onboard for other types of emergencies such as use in the dingy or if the unfortunate happens – dismasting. I have seen some handheld units (Standard Horizon) with a plug for the DSC but it only transmits at 5 watts. Should I upgrade to an onboard unit w/ DSC AND a standard submersible handheld? Curious to learn what everyone here is using and there thoughts around this new technology. Thanks - Rob
VHF Opinions
- Thread starter Rob19574
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Last year I installed a
then brand new Icom IC-504. It's great. I added a remote command mic at the helm while the radio is at the nav station. This gives all the convenience of the handheld while in the cockpit and the power and fetures of a mounted radio. It has full DSC functionality including the ability to accept position information from my chart plotter. Here's a link to some information. This is a great radio and does all I need. I should mention that the radio died after 2 days. I returned it to Icom and they sent me a brand new radio within a week. Grreat customer service! -Smitty
then brand new Icom IC-504. It's great. I added a remote command mic at the helm while the radio is at the nav station. This gives all the convenience of the handheld while in the cockpit and the power and fetures of a mounted radio. It has full DSC functionality including the ability to accept position information from my chart plotter. Here's a link to some information. This is a great radio and does all I need. I should mention that the radio died after 2 days. I returned it to Icom and they sent me a brand new radio within a week. Grreat customer service! -Smitty
I've got a newish Icom
402, that is DSC capable, and RAM remote mic capable. When I installed the VHF a few years ago, I was also going to buy and install the RAM remote mic kit to give me a full power radio capability from the cockpit/helm. But then I found that the RAM kit costs as much as a decent hand-held. I opted for a Uniden hand-held instead and have found it to be more flexible and useful than a remote mic would have been as I can use it all over the boat, in the dink, and so on. While it is limited to 5 watts for max power, I have never found that to be a problem. As a matter of fact, I probably use the lower power 1 watt setting about 95% of the time anyway.
402, that is DSC capable, and RAM remote mic capable. When I installed the VHF a few years ago, I was also going to buy and install the RAM remote mic kit to give me a full power radio capability from the cockpit/helm. But then I found that the RAM kit costs as much as a decent hand-held. I opted for a Uniden hand-held instead and have found it to be more flexible and useful than a remote mic would have been as I can use it all over the boat, in the dink, and so on. While it is limited to 5 watts for max power, I have never found that to be a problem. As a matter of fact, I probably use the lower power 1 watt setting about 95% of the time anyway.
Needs one at the helm anyway
1. 20 year old Standard Horizon in cabin, still works fine 2. Various handhelds over the years, currently WM 3 year old with scan Recently had to stand by a friend-in-need beyond cell phone range. He had three others aboard, i was singlehanding. My comms were a lot easier, since he had not VHF abovedecks. Don't care how you do it just get something "upstairs" because it's really awkward when you need to and can't. We also put a foot loop on the drink holder to clip the handheld at the helm. The advantages of a handheld are that you can move around with it, and they are independent on ship's power, so you have a backup. Downside is distance, but if you are transmitting where you need distance, you "may" not be in a place where being below is potentially harmful -- of course, coming out of a narrow inlet and trying to get in touch with a friend 10 miles offshore could be an exception, but then they and you could wait until you were clear.
1. 20 year old Standard Horizon in cabin, still works fine 2. Various handhelds over the years, currently WM 3 year old with scan Recently had to stand by a friend-in-need beyond cell phone range. He had three others aboard, i was singlehanding. My comms were a lot easier, since he had not VHF abovedecks. Don't care how you do it just get something "upstairs" because it's really awkward when you need to and can't. We also put a foot loop on the drink holder to clip the handheld at the helm. The advantages of a handheld are that you can move around with it, and they are independent on ship's power, so you have a backup. Downside is distance, but if you are transmitting where you need distance, you "may" not be in a place where being below is potentially harmful -- of course, coming out of a narrow inlet and trying to get in touch with a friend 10 miles offshore could be an exception, but then they and you could wait until you were clear.
One of Each
For Chistmas the Admiral gave me a Uniden(I think) DSC capable VHF installed at the nav station replacing the old VHF which has gotten a little unreliable of late. It's also got a a WHAM mike (wireless) for the cockpit (which I'm sure I'll drop overboard in the near future). Also have an ICOM M72 handheld for backup.
For Chistmas the Admiral gave me a Uniden(I think) DSC capable VHF installed at the nav station replacing the old VHF which has gotten a little unreliable of late. It's also got a a WHAM mike (wireless) for the cockpit (which I'm sure I'll drop overboard in the near future). Also have an ICOM M72 handheld for backup.
VHF at the helm
About 2 years ago I put in an ICOM 502 and spent the extra $$$ for a command mic to have in the cockpit. It has turned out to be one of the best things that I every added to my boat. I've had a handheld in the cockpit but there were always disadvantages like worrying about dropping it (or overboard). The Command Mic is great security to know that you have 25 watts next to you if needed and it stays right there.
About 2 years ago I put in an ICOM 502 and spent the extra $$$ for a command mic to have in the cockpit. It has turned out to be one of the best things that I every added to my boat. I've had a handheld in the cockpit but there were always disadvantages like worrying about dropping it (or overboard). The Command Mic is great security to know that you have 25 watts next to you if needed and it stays right there.
VHF
Robb, the standard for VHF radios seems to be the ICOM. This it to take nothing away from any other brand, and I do not have an ICOM radio. But that seems to be the prevelant unit in use. For a handheld, Standard Horizon seems to be pretty good and popular unit. I have a Uniden which I am very pleased with. I would strongly recommend you have both a fixed mount, and a hand held. The hand helds are very handy to have. If you have a ditch bag that is one of the primary reasons, and they are also invaluable when your in the dinghy and want to conatct your or another boat.
Robb, the standard for VHF radios seems to be the ICOM. This it to take nothing away from any other brand, and I do not have an ICOM radio. But that seems to be the prevelant unit in use. For a handheld, Standard Horizon seems to be pretty good and popular unit. I have a Uniden which I am very pleased with. I would strongly recommend you have both a fixed mount, and a hand held. The hand helds are very handy to have. If you have a ditch bag that is one of the primary reasons, and they are also invaluable when your in the dinghy and want to conatct your or another boat.
The two people I know with remotes ... love ...
them when they work ... hate them when they don't ... one more thing to keep fully charged and at least the older ones seem to need a nerd to make work. New radio for DSC GPS tie in ... good. Handheld waterproof back up radio that uses either AA or recharge AA ... good. remote wireless ... after above. Vic "Seven"
them when they work ... hate them when they don't ... one more thing to keep fully charged and at least the older ones seem to need a nerd to make work. New radio for DSC GPS tie in ... good. Handheld waterproof back up radio that uses either AA or recharge AA ... good. remote wireless ... after above. Vic "Seven"
Uniden 625
We just installed a Uniden 625. It tested well in Practical Sailor's tests although the radio to beat is still the Icom. We will have two Wham mics, which I really like since they are wireless and have an intercom feature which allows us to talk Wham to Wham or to the base station. One mic is still backordered so I can't say how well they work as walkie talkies, but the one I have easily controlls the base station. One thing that swayed me over is the fact the remote can trigger the DSC distress signal. Some other types can only trigger the DSC from the base station. We also have an ICOM M1V in the cockpit which can go ashore in the dinghy. It is a terrific piece of gear. I really like the wireless idea since if the boat ever goes down and I am adrift in the dinghy or worse in my pfd, I want to be able to call for help.
We just installed a Uniden 625. It tested well in Practical Sailor's tests although the radio to beat is still the Icom. We will have two Wham mics, which I really like since they are wireless and have an intercom feature which allows us to talk Wham to Wham or to the base station. One mic is still backordered so I can't say how well they work as walkie talkies, but the one I have easily controlls the base station. One thing that swayed me over is the fact the remote can trigger the DSC distress signal. Some other types can only trigger the DSC from the base station. We also have an ICOM M1V in the cockpit which can go ashore in the dinghy. It is a terrific piece of gear. I really like the wireless idea since if the boat ever goes down and I am adrift in the dinghy or worse in my pfd, I want to be able to call for help.
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