I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

[Pale Rider]

I`m looking for a new VHF fixed mount radio for the boat. I had been using a Standard Horizon handheld unit. I would like something with more range and a mounted antennae for the boat. With all the new radio`s out there today, what is the recommended radio for pleasure use?
Icom
Standard Horizon
Cobra
Uniden

can someone explain the DCS feature?

and what brand antenna 6-8ft is good these days?

I used to use Shakespear, but that was a long time ago. I see Tram has quite a few now...

Thank you for the help...

 

[dingbat]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

I'm running a ICOM 504A with a pair of Shakespeare Galaxy (5225 XT and 5225-FLT) antennas on my hardtop. Digital also makes a decent antenna as well

VHF DSC - safety for all

DSC is a paging system that uses data signals to automate the transmission and reception of calls on VHF marine radio channel 70.
A DSC message is a brief burst of digitised information transmitted from one station to alert another station or stations. The DSC message automatically indicates the identity of the calling station and the priority/purpose of the call.
Every DSC radio has a unique number, which you use to call other radios, just like a mobile phone. However, unlike mobile phones, DSC allows you to call every other radio in range at the same time if you are in trouble.

Following an alert by DSC message, communications are established between the transmitting station and the receiving station(s) by radiotelephone on a different channel to that used for the DSC call. DSC is used by ship and coast stations for sending and relaying distress alerts and for other urgency and safety traffic. It can also be used for routine calls.

DSC also offers the ability to send and receive GPS positions - all DSC radios can be connected to a GPS receiver.

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[Pale Rider]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

I'm running a ICOM 504A with a pair of Shakespeare Galaxy (5225 XT and 5225-FLT) antennas on my hardtop. Digital also makes a decent antenna as well

VHF DSC - safety for all

​

Thank you!

 

[Pale Rider]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

ok, any other recommendations? I don`t really need all the whistles and bells. I like the DSC feature, Ill read more into it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

ok, any other recommendations? I don`t really need all the whistles and bells, like the DSC feature, Ill read more into it.

DSC is a safety feature. Doubt you can find a radio w/o it.

 

[Pale Rider]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

DSC is a safety feature. Doubt you can find a radio w/o it.

fixed, mis spelled, I like the DSC feature. I`m reviewing some units and I see some are supplied with the GPS cable and some are not...

 

[Pale Rider]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

ok so far I`m looking at:
Uniden UM380
Uniden UM415
Cobra MR F45

each of these had more good reviews than bad.

 

[Pale Rider]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

I`m having a heck of a time trying to find the communication cable between a VHF radio and my Lowrance Elite 4M GPS/Chartplotter.

anyone have a source for one?

 

[dingbat]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

I`m having a heck of a time trying to find the communication cable between a VHF radio and my Lowrance Elite I 4M GPS/Chartplotter.

anyone have a source for one?

NMEA 0183 connections are not standardized. Termination methods vary by manufacturer and by model numer in some cases. Connections are typically pigtails that can be twisted,soldered or have a connector installed

 

[Pale Rider]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

I understand that. I have a port on the back of the Lowrance Elite 4M for the connection, I`m having trouble locating the Cable/pigtail for this model.
I understand the VHF radio will have wires or a cable included with most models.

update:
Found it, it is amazing what a phone call to lowrance Customer service can provide.
for others needing this info here is the part #: NDC-4 and you can buy it on the lowrance accessorie web site.

 

[jhebert]

Re: I`m Looking for a new VHF radio?

In the USA at this time, all fixed-mount VHF Marine Band radios sold or installed are required to have digital selective calling to the CLASS-D level per FCC regulations. Any fixed-mount radio you buy will be a DSC CLASS-D radio, unless someone sells one to you in violation of the FCC regulations.

You will need to obtain a marine mobile service identity (MMSI) to use a DSC radio. If you only boat in USA water, you can get an MMSI at no cost from BoatUS at

MMSI Registration - Maritime Mobile Service Identity - BoatUS

BoatUS-issued identities only show up in the USA database; they are not shared with other countries. This is fine as long as you only boat in the USA.

I recommend the Standard-Horizon brand radios, on the following basis:

--their transmitter modulation is typically superior

--they have excellent technical help available

--they have very good support and out of warranty repair

--their radios typically provide more features at a lower cost than competitors

--their radios typically have straightforward user interfaces and are easy to operate