Classic AquaSport
General Aquasport Forums => Electronics => Topic started by: JoseGaspar on October 01, 2012, 09:38:57 PM
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Hi everyone, following the electrical fire on my 250 CCP yesterday, I am going all out and replacing everything except for my Raymarine GPS/Fishfinder unit (assuming I didn't cook it). On the VHF radio side, anyone have any opinions on Standard Horizon vs. Cobra vs. Uniden? Appreciate any feedback you might have.
Thanks,
JG
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Cobra radios seem to work ok but I would put it on the bottom of the list of brands you posted. Since all radios now are dsc be sure to hook it up to your gps or get one of the new ones with an internal gps. Be sure you also register your radio so you can get your mmsi number. The reason for this is to enable you to use the Coast Guards rescue 21 system that will pinpoint your location in an emergency with the push of a button.
No matter what the brand you choose dont cheap out on the antenna. A cheap radio properly installed with a good antenna will out perform an expensive one poorly installed with a cheap antenna.
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Standard Horizon or Icom are the Cadillacs. Unidens work. From my own personal experience Cobra is junk.
The basic brand name radios all have the same power, range, etc. The extra $$ just go to add-on features most people don't use.
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No matter what the brand you choose dont cheap out on the antenna. A cheap radio properly installed with a good antenna will out perform an expensive one poorly installed with a cheap antenna.
AMEN!
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Cobra radios seem to work ok but I would put it on the bottom of the list of brands you posted. Since all radios now are dsc be sure to hook it up to your gps or get one of the new ones with an internal gps. Be sure you also register your radio so you can get your mmsi number. The reason for this is to enable you to use the Coast Guards rescue 21 system that will pinpoint your location in an emergency with the push of a button.
No matter what the brand you choose dont cheap out on the antenna. A cheap radio properly installed with a good antenna will out perform an expensive one poorly installed with a cheap antenna.
I bought a new antenna last year...a Shakespeare Galaxy 5225-Xp Extra Performance Vhf Antenna. It seemed to rate well amongst buyers at the time. I also have ACR epirb on board for added protection. I am leaning toward the Standard Horizon brand at the moment.
Thanks for the feedback.
JG
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ICOM M504...
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S-H, good stuff...but ICOM, look into them...
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Everyone is on the money here, particularly the premium Shakespeare antenna.
An ICOM VHF...the standard-bearer.
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S-H, good stuff...but ICOM, look into them...
ICOM M504 is 2X the price of the SH Explorer GX1600W. Is it really worth it?
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The entry level (inexpensive) ICOM is still an ICOM.
Darn fine unit.
Go with an ICOM.
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Our factory installs at Proline were ICOMs...
But here's the ticket...http://shakespeare-marine.com/antennas. ... na=5225-XT (http://shakespeare-marine.com/antennas.asp?antenna=5225-XT)
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As has been said (by Bruce, I believe)...a good radio will be a better radio with the right antenna, properly installed...
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So, for a slightly better comparison. ICOM M412 vs. previously aforementioned Standard Horizon model GX1600W, the ICOM is the better deal? Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to "go cheap" when it comes to safety, but with EPIRB on board and a better-than-average antenna, I don't necessarily want to buy a bunch of features in a VHF radio that I simply won't use.
Any additional thoughts?
Thanks,
JG
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The 412 will do you fine...
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The 412 will do you fine...
So the 412 with my Shakespeare Galaxy 5225-Xp Extra Performance Vhf Antenna should do me OK. I'm not sure of the difference between the XP v. XT on the antenna, but I'm guessing I am "in the ballpark" as far as a quality antenna goes.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback. Always nice to get such great insight, feedback and help from this forum.
Thanks,
JG
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Don't put all your eggs in one basket. By eggs I mean the epirb. yes that is great to have but for safety offshore you want all the layers you can get. I believe all mounted VHF radios sold today have to be DCS class D. So be sure to hook that feature up. Just one push of a button by not only you but your family will send out a distress call and switch the radio to the proper channel and have you talking to the CG in seconds. No if you fall hit your head and need medical help and are not sinking all someone on your boat has to do is push a red button. Cool huh?
Back to the radios Both of the radios you mention look great to me. The ICOM is great. Standard Horizon is very good too. Shakespeare antenna's are OK but I think they are just the most popular consumer brand. If you want top shelf look to Digital Brand or Gam. The quality of the cable makes a difference too.
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Again, thanks for all of the great feedback. The antenna is new, so not going to replace. I just bought the ICOM unit.
Good god this website/forum rocks!!!
JG
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Again, thanks for all of the great feedback. The antenna is new, so not going to replace. I just bought the ICOM unit.
Good god this website/forum rocks!!!
JG
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Good choice on the ICOM. If Bob is wiring it up then you'll be good to go.
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Good choice on the ICOM. If Bob is wiring it up then you'll be good to go.
Yep, Mark is having the surveyor and adjuster at the boat tomorrow. I recommended a friend of mine, one of the best surveyors I know of, Tom Schaefer, http://servicefirstmarinesurveyors.com/index.html (http://servicefirstmarinesurveyors.com/index.html), just so happens he surveys for Mark's insurance company, so should be a done deal as far as Mark getting the funds to do the job...
If anyone ever needs a surveyor in the Hillsborough/Pinellas area, Tom is the man to call. He specializes in insurance claims, but I'm sure he would not be adverse to doing a survey for buying/selling purposes. Super guy who knows his chit...
There, done with the ads, back to out regularly scheduled programming!