Fixed VHF

Nickgriff · 24 February 2010, 09:48

Hi. My console is a little full with dials, compass etc... I would like a fixed VHF but I have nowhere far enough away from the compass to flush mount the VHF. I cannot use a gimble mount on the top of the console as the screen does not allow enough depth. I have seen that Garmin have introduced a VHF where the main unit is hidden/placed in the cupboard so to speak and the MIC controls everything. The MIC uses a deck plug to connect, so you can remove it when you leave the boat. Only problem is the cost.. about £600!!

I do not want a handheld..

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Poly · 24 February 2010, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickgriff

Hi. My console is a little full with dials, compass etc... I would like a fixed VHF but I have nowhere far enough away from the compass to flush mount the VHF. I cannot use a gimble mount on the top of the console as the screen does not allow enough depth. I have seen that Garmin have introduced a VHF where the main unit is hidden/placed in the cupboard so to speak and the MIC controls everything. The MIC uses a deck plug to connect, so you can remove it when you leave the boat. Only problem is the cost.. about £600!!

I do not want a handheld..

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Standard Horizon (1500 model I think) will allow you to have full control from a separate small handset/mike (RAM mike). You can put the radio anywhere you want (inside console, jockey, etc) and use the RAM mike for operations - and is removable just as you describe. The RAM mike does have a magnet in it (as will any) but should be small / discrete enough to keep out the way. Cost including the extra mike is less than 200 if you shop around. Northstar have a similar offering but i've not seen it in action.

Downhilldai · 24 February 2010, 10:47

.....and I happen to have an unused, in the box, RAM mike for a SH GX1500 here, should you wish to make an offer for it.

9D280 · 24 February 2010, 10:47

I mounted mine on the side of the console at the opposite side to the compass.

No random compass movements detected yet while T/RX-ing..........

Nasher · 24 February 2010, 11:05

I ended up mounting my fixed VHF vertically, and although it's not that far from the compass it appears not to have any affect.

But thats more probably due to the fact that there are bigger things closer by affecting the compass

I decided last year that I should do something about it, but am still thinking about it.

Nasher.

9D280 · 24 February 2010, 15:14

Mine's closer than that - No piccies to hand, but my VHF is approx where Nasher's thriottle is, my compass is approx to the right of the instrument cluster, if that gives any help as to proximity. Nothing between them bar a couple of sheets of ply & fibreglass........

jyasaki · 24 February 2010, 17:38

I bought a Std Horizon PS-2000 (I think it's called) just before they stopped selling them. It's a Black Box type VHF, designed to be remotely installed, and controlled through a RAM mic.

If you are looking at doing this, I think many of SH's units are remotely controllable (you'd have to look at their product descriptions to be sure); I would suggest, however, that you also upgrade the speaker, as the one in the RAM mic is pretty wimpy, and near-useless when wet.

I don't see the speaker magnet in the RAM mic being a big issue when the alternative was essentially the same thing with the VHF unit mounted there...

jky

Top banana · 24 February 2010, 20:26

Ive just fitted a northstar 725E radio under cover, and a wirless fully function 705 hand mike that works upto 80m away and controls all radio functions including DSC.

PeterM · 25 February 2010, 11:21

Olly had a very nice SS box that could help you out .......

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29811

not sure if he still has it ?

9D280 · 25 February 2010, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top banana

wirless fully function 705 hand mike that works upto 80m away and controls all radio functions including DSC.

Cool, so you can transmit an MOB mayday shout when you are out solo!

Top banana · 25 February 2010, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9D280

Cool, so you can transmit an MOB mayday shout when you are out solo!

Not cool if your 81m away

BogMonster · 05 March 2010, 20:34

At 40 knots

"Mayday Mayday Mayday this is <fffzt> shhhhhhhhhhhh"

City Radio · 05 March 2010, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nickgriff

Hi. My console is a little full with dials, compass etc... I would like a fixed VHF but I have nowhere far enough away from the compass to flush mount the VHF. I cannot use a gimble mount on the top of the console as the screen does not allow enough depth. I have seen that Garmin have introduced a VHF where the main unit is hidden/placed in the cupboard so to speak and the MIC controls everything. The MIC uses a deck plug to connect, so you can remove it when you leave the boat. Only problem is the cost.. about £600!!

I do not want a handheld..

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Hi Folks,
Just remember when fitting radio kit into your RIB, that the radio speaker and microphone contain magnets - hence the reason you fit them 1m away from your compass; and don't make the mistake of putting the microphone on the dash near the compass - you'll be wizzing around in circles!