Vhf Radios

[great white]

Hi I am about to order the elctronics foer the new boat

 

Those of you that have DSC Radios do you find that you use them mainly like the old sets for voice messages or do you use the other features?

 

and if you had the choice would you get a set with the alpha numerick keys?

 

 

I have never had a set with DSC and do not know if it is worth getting a set that is fitted with these Alpha Numerick keys

 

Your thoughts and views will be appreciated, Thanks

 

Charlie

[TomBettle]

Charlie

 

I use mine for the odd VHF call and hopefully the little red button will work in case of emergency.

 

When searching for a new radio, get one that you feel comfortable with and that has a decent viewable screen. Don't worry about features and gimmicks it is really only there to save your life and the rest of the bits are just toys.

[Paul D]

Charlie,

 

Haven't really got much need for the alphanumeric keys - these are only really needed to enter names of people you may want to call using DSC - I just select the name by toggling through the huge list of 3 which I have programmed in my radio - and even then trhey usually fail to answer !

 

I guess they will be useful if you have a large list of names programmed in.

[Manic Moore]

 

 

Also Charlie, avoid the ones with a numeric key pad on the hand set as I find that I am always changing channels when I grab the hand set

[Coddy]

Hi Charlie

 

I havn't got the numeric keypad but on the hand mike I have a dedicated 16 button, Hi/Lo signal button, Channel up/down and 3 channel scan button.

It is a Navman 7100

If you like I can drop it around sometime for you to have a look see. It's not kept on the boat for obvious reasons.

 

Coddy

[Bob F]

Charlie

 

I wouldn't bother with the alphanumeric keys.

 

Go for a set with large numerics on the screen, and with a robust mike and good speakers. For you the option of fitting external speakers may be useful.

 

I'd recommend the iCom IC-M421 or the Navman 7x00.

 

I use mine for normal voice messages and the occaisional MMSI message.

 

BF

[great white]

Thanks Guys

 

I had thought that these answers would tend to be what I would get

 

The Icom 421 was the one until I started to look at the excellent write up the Standard unit gets

For the same cost as Icom it comes with the alpha keys and a longer warranty

 

Charlie