Which fixed VHF, ICOM or SH?

[desertrat]

There seem to be quite a few threads in this forum asking this but having read them I'm still at a bit of a loss, maybe it just comes down to personal preference.

After reading them I think I've narrowed it down to either the ICOM M323, the standard horizon GX-1600E or the garmin 100i, although I have sort of discounted the garmin after a thread on here said the displays fog up.

As far as I can see they all seem very similar so as with my plotter/sounder thread I'm at a bit of a loss as to which one to choose. Anyone got any views which way I should go?

Cheers
Rob

[willk]

Get the Standard Horizon with the built in GPS and forget about NMEA 0183 cabling to the new Plotter sounder


Every Garmin 100 I've seen (4-5) has been fogged up and worthless on a sunny day.

[treerat]

I'd go for the Icom - but that's only because I've used them for 20 years and everytime I've used anything different it's failed.

The SH with a built in GPS does sound a great idea though.

[ShinyShoe]

What do you want it to do? Obviously you want it to transmit VHF! And like it or not it will be DSC. Different people have different wishes and so in addition to wanting a different user interface they will have different requirements some of which they will think are absolutely essential but you may never use!

You have a plotter. What plotter? To make the DSC functional you'll want GPS either in the VHF or sent from the DSC. But do you want the DSC to plot anything back on the plotter? Will you use position polling for instance to locate your mates? Or if there is s DSC alert do you want its location shown on the plotter? Or do you want AIS and that put on the plotter?

Do you wear a gecko and want a remote headset or anything like that?

[Copinsay]

Hello all

I'm on my 2nd Standard Horizon GX-2000 that fogs up, and that was to replace a lower grade model that fogged up. Temperature range is not that huge here in Orkney either, compared to the rest of the UK.

Customer service variable from SH. Replied quickly once the retailer Gaelforce (who are very good) gave them a nudge, but still waiting for a reply to the latest fogging problem; they have acknowledged receipt as below but not replied to my email of 3rd November 2013.

Also a real pain to keep swapping out the units from the console as restricted access behind.

Initially I was pleased in how SH responded, but now I am very disappointed in the service; seems like they either don't have capacity to respond from their UK base or simply are not that bothered in keeping customers happy. Eg still no reply from this, even though from the service manager:

-----Original Message-----
From: Sam Ruddy [mailto:sam.ruddy@yaesu.co.uk]
Sent: 25 November 2013 10:28
To: Stephen Jenkinson
Cc: Adie Collins
Subject: RE: Please respond RE: Please forward to Service department FAO Adie or Sam Ruddy

Hi Steve
Just to let you know we received your mail and will be back in touch asap.

Best regards

Sam


Sam Ruddy
Service Manager
Yaesu UK Ltd/Standard Horizon

==========================

So I am seriously looking at other options. A real shame as I like the SH stuff.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

Steve

[RIK]

I have just purchased a Icom 323 from Mailspeed Marine for £169.99p and Father Christmas got me a icom M 91D for £214.99 I've use icom on my boats after it was on my first boat

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

[Pikey Dave]

Can't comment on SH as I've never used them. I've just replaced a 3rd failed Raymarine 55e with an Icom 323, I had an Icom on the last boat for 6 years & it never missed a beat. Icom every time for me, I've learned my lesson. I have an Icom M71 handheld, no problems. I use Icom PMR handhelds at work, they've been dropped in deep water, onto concrete, covered in sh1t & never fail.

[desertrat]

Well given that no-one seems to have a bad thing to say about the icom m323 I'm going to give one of those a try, thanks for all the replies.

Cheers
Rob

[rib1948]

If you are interest in AIS with display then the ICOM M506 is the right one:
New Icom IC-M506 VHF marine transceiver with NMEA 2000 connectivity and AIS receiver


Greetings, Wilhelm

[andyjcox1]

I have always had Icoms and never had a problem, handheld or fixed. Thats not to say i would with the other makes, but they seem well made.

I got a icom m323 for Xmas, and wanted to recommend Salty John and the Metz Manta aerial. I bought the aerial and wiring kit from Salty, and it all came straight away with really good clear instructions on how to fit it.

Andy

[Trimix]

I also got one of those Salty John aerials - great service, great aerial.