Plugable vhf

Limey Linda · 25 April 2008, 21:05

Does anyone make a "fixed mount" vhf that has a base that the radio is plugged into? My depth/fish finder does this and it is so convienient for removing at the end of a trip.

MikeCC · 26 April 2008, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Does anyone make a "fixed mount" vhf that has a base that the radio is plugged into? My depth/fish finder does this and it is so convienient for removing at the end of a trip.

Do you mean one that will fit into a slot on the console, or mounted in a cradle bracket? If the former, not aware of one. For the latter, I'd be want to be sure about the waterproofness of the back of the unit. While you could use a waterproof connector for power/GPS, the antenna connection won't be without a special fitting. A quick search did yield some that apparently do the job.

Limey Linda · 26 April 2008, 15:10

I do not have room panel mount a radio so it will have to be bracket mounted.
and the w/proofing of connections problem is the reson for the question.
Thanks.

Poly · 26 April 2008, 18:02

Linda - I don't know of one that does exactly what I think you want (a cradle mounted unit you can take home with you). But with, for example, a standard horizon 1500 you can mount the entire radio INSIDE the console (locked away if necessary) and then use the remote mike to control all the features of the radio. This needs only about a 1" square space on your dash for the socket (and somewhere to hang the handset). The remote mike is then completely removable.

[edit: fjarvis had this set up on his boat - you can see it here (mounted on side of console)]

Limey Linda · 26 April 2008, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

Linda - I don't know of one that does exactly what I think you want (a cradle mounted unit you can take home with you). But with, for example, a standard horizon 1500 you can mount the entire radio INSIDE the console (locked away if necessary) and then use the remote mike to control all the features of the radio. This needs only about a 1" square space on your dash for the socket (and somewhere to hang the handset). The remote mike is then completely removable.

[edit: fjarvis had this set up on his boat - you can see it here (mounted on side of console)]

Yes!!!!! thank you for the reminder on the SH 1500. That will solve my problem.
Thanks

jyasaki · 28 April 2008, 07:02

I have a Standard Horizon PS2000, in which the radio is a black-box hideaway job. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued in the US.

I was using a Matrix before, and to remove it and hide it away involvved the antenna cable and a two wire power cable. Never had any problems with water ingress with the connectors (kept the antenna connection greased, and the SH connector is rubber sealed.) When I connected the GPS to the VHF, I added another connector (non-waterproof; used a 4-pin computer power supply connector, as it was handy) and never had a problem with that either (though to be fair, it wasn't in use too long in that configuration.)

jky

Limey Linda · 28 April 2008, 15:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by jyasaki

I have a Standard Horizon PS2000, in which the radio is a black-box hideaway job. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued in the US.

jky

Yes the black box units are the ps1000 and the ps2000. I have been searching for both and nobody has one. It would solve my problem so I will keep searching. Do you want to sell yours?

Jon Brooks · 28 April 2008, 18:44

I have a few customers that "hide" the main unit of the GX-1500 or GX-3000 away and just use the ram mic. Works very well

Cheers

Limey Linda · 28 April 2008, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

I have a few customers that "hide" the main unit of the GX-1500 or GX-3000 away and just use the ram mic. Works very well

Cheers

Thanks Jon.
Spoke to SH today and that is what they suggested. They confirmed that the ps 1000/2000 have been discontinued; I wonder why as they are a perfect solution for a single console boat. Maybe because the ps 1000 was not class D.

Limey Linda · 28 April 2008, 22:41

Have found the SH gx1550 local for $156.95, However, the RAM mic. costs $119.95 so that makes the set up quite expensive. However, I do not have much alternative. Gonna have to bite the bullet on this one.

jyasaki · 29 April 2008, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limey Linda

Yes the black box units are the ps1000 and the ps2000. I have been searching for both and nobody has one. It would solve my problem so I will keep searching. Do you want to sell yours?

LOL. No, I'm afraid it's attached to the boat.

I was lucky enough to order it just prior to them discontinuing the black box models. Well, lucky, I suppose, until I have problems with it.

Haven't really seen too many around. Which explains why they chopped it I guess.

jky

Limey Linda · 29 April 2008, 16:59

Have bit the bullet and ordered vhf kit. SH GX1500+ RAM remote mic + Shakespear 8'x 6db antenna + SS HD ratchet mount. Did a lot of surfing and ended up with Hodges Marine who had the best prices. Total came to $369 inc. shipping. Not as bad as I thought. Now I have to make it all fit in and on the console.