vhf

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 10:51

I need to sort out a vhf radio, Shall I get it fitted into the console?

Is a icom with dsc as good as anything on the market or does anyone have a good recommendation not to expensive and easy to use.

Brian · 14 November 2003, 11:24

Fitted?-Yes
ICOM?-Yes or look at Simrad RD68

Jelly · 14 November 2003, 11:25

Hi Steve
My views on radio's are reasonably well known as is my bias towards Icom for Marine VHF kit on non comercial vessels.

I would get a fitted set, if only because of the extra power / range you will get. Thought a waterproof hand held for back up is a very good idea.
There seems to be a consensous that that if you are buying a VHF now, you might as well get a DSC compatable one.
Daniel I know has one of the new M601 DSC combined units from Icom and should be able to tell you how it handles for real as opposed to what is in the sales blerb.
Rgds
James

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 12:02

So Am i better off getting a handheld unit also do they have dsc or if I have a fitted unit it would not be needed

Richard B · 14 November 2003, 12:19

VHFs are tempremental bits of kit. There's lots to go wrong from flat battery, elecronics, thru' wiring to ariel problems. So a handheld as a backup is sensible. Also having the handheld attached to oneself is useful in case of parting company with the RIB!

Most handheld units don't have DSC, and those that do have limited functionality, although they can broadcast a distress signal on pressing the red button.

I would suggest going on the RYA VHF course asap to get an understanding of the principles. I recommend Bisham Abbey Sailing School www.bishamabbeysailing.co.uk for this as they use real sets, not computer simulation.

Brian · 14 November 2003, 12:22

I would go for the fitted Steve.
It has more power and range.

When you want to stretch to it, get a h/h later.
A h/h looks nice and posey in the pub though, and is slightly useful if you and the boat part company. (If you have it in your pocket at the time, and if you do, how are you keeping a listening watch?) You probably will have it console mounted somewhere wont you? In which case, if you go overboard.................
Also I dont know if there are any h/h DSC units yet.

Still, as I gather you plan to spend most of your time not swimming around miles from the shore, "fixed" wins every time.................unless you park your boat in an area frequented by scrotes and low-lifes though...........in which case you may want to be able to "dismount" it.

In short, there is not a perfect answer.
It depends doesn't it?
"Depends on what"-I hear you cry!
Ah, that depends again.

Richard B · 14 November 2003, 12:28

Whilst you are in a VHF frame of mind, reader, do you know either where I could get the DSC upgrade module for the Icom M59, or Icom's 'phone number? Their web site has changed and now has no useful info on it at all!

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 12:53

Richard have you tried this number and site for icom

Icom uk
Unit 9, Sea St.
Herne Bay, Kent, CT6 8LD, U.K.
Phone: 01227 741741
Fax: 01227 741742
http://www.icomamerica.com/mailbox/index.html

Richard B · 14 November 2003, 13:37

Ahah! (Alan Partridge style

)

Thanks for that Steve.

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 16:32

Richard is your vhf built in, if so what model have you got I take it thats it an icom

chrisallse · 14 November 2003, 17:25

I am thinking of an icom but silva also do one thats worth looking at with the addition of an 'navtex engine'(another name for an active aerial) it also becomes a navtex receiver and all in it less than the icom dsc

chrisallse · 14 November 2003, 17:27

oh! and a fixed set is 25watt output HH is only 5watts so much better range on the fixed

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 17:33

Should I buy this at the boat show, will there be much better deals there. Have the model that i want and get it there.
Or just order it on line from where the best price is

marknj · 14 November 2003, 20:23

Steve,
Buy an Icom 601, best to get it from a local dealer so if you have any probs it can be sorted with minimal trouble, you should get some discount as all dealers have to compete with online but also consider the backup - this has a value as well. As regards to the boat show Icom may do some offers, these will be for all Icom dealers not just those at the show. For 10 years I was cox of a fisheries RIB and Icom was the only Radio that could take it!
Mark

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 22:13

marknj

thanks for that i shall check the price on that and have a look at the spec

thank you

Richard B · 14 November 2003, 22:16

Quote:

Originally posted by Steve Care
i shall check the price

make sure you're sitting down!

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 22:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Richard B
make sure you're sitting down!

how much are they then

Richard B · 14 November 2003, 22:31

About £560 from http://www.mesltd.co.uk/Products/pag.../icm601inf.htm

Steve Care · 14 November 2003, 22:36

i think thats a bit steep i was hoping to pay about £300 for 1

Richard B · 14 November 2003, 23:03

Yeah, but "When connected to a two-way hailer horn, communication with other boats and deck or dock hands is easy. The built-in amplifier increases talk power to 22W making your message loud and clear. "

Wow! "Get those fenders stowed and the ropes coiled!!"

I need that!