New combination VHF radio, AIS reciever/Hailer

Marc, thanks for the Garmin find info. WOW $$$$, but does cool things, Unfortunately it doesn't wash the car or do the laundry :P but it does have considerable nice features. For that price though, I can get both the Standard Horizon and a Cobra with the instant replay, have some change and 3 or 4 radios on board. Might have to do some interesting stuff with the antennas, like put them on extensions to get them far away enough from each other, the compass, and the admirable so there is no interference. :wink

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Harvey,

I chose the SH GX2100 for the stand-alone AIS feature, and that the AIS signal can also be sent to a chartplotter/computer nav program.

I have two VHF antennas mounted within 18-20 inches of each other and that's too close. I think I read that VHF antennas should be about 3 ft apart, and be above the heads of occupants. They should also be above the radar beam. GPS antennas should be above or below the radar beam.

I hooked up the new GX2100 to power and antenna to try it out. I did not get any AIS signals but the boat is under a metal roof.

The operation of the new VHF is more menu driven than my other SH VHF and will take some learning, but seems to work OK.
 
Hardee, the boat show where I had hoped to see a SH 2100 in action--didn't have any hooked up. I haven't persued any new electronics, because of a dirt boat project. As for recording--get a small digital tape recorder--that is cheaper (we used to use a tape recorder)--and lots more recording time.

Larry--the VHF antennas should be 3 feet apart--at least. No problem in the radar beam (Some GPS antennas and chips can be damaged by the radar microwave frequencies. As far as human risks from VHF antenna placement, there is probably more risk from a hand held VHF--although the power is less, it is multiples times closer.

I do have an older SH plotter, so thanks for that diagram. Considering the way that the plotter issues are panning out, the best use seems to be ID the location, and calling the ship, using their information. There are some chart plotters which will interface with the SH 2100.
 
Larry, I agree, and that is what I think I am looking for,

"I chose the SH GX2100 for the stand-alone AIS feature,..."
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Dr. Bob, Thanks for the idea of a digital recorder. Not sure if I would be quick enough on the draw to get the whole message, but probably most of it. I'm thinking of the distress call with a position given and then no further transmission. I just don't listen fast enough to get the numbers, (lat and long coordinates correct) Good idea though. Did you leave your recorder on a loop or just turn it on as needed?

Thanks.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
thataway":2yi9dyxt said:
--the VHF antennas should be 3 feet apart--at least. .
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Hello Bob and Others,

uhh, I have a dumb question....

If i install a second VHF radio, do I also need an SECOND antenna? Or, can the two radios be hooked to one antenna? That's such a basic question, but I don't know.

Thanks!

/david
 
nimrod":2zv36kzb said:
STANDARD HORIZON MATRIX AIS GX2100B @ $327.13 @ BoeMarine with free shipping. Has anyone purchased online from them before?

http:/www.boemarine.com/searchresults.aspx?SearchText=GX2100B


jd
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Hello Nimrod,

AHEM!...C-Brats sponsor Wefings has the Standard Horizon STDGX2100SW radio for $316.95 if price and SERVICE matter to ya :D

Check it out.

I've personally never ordered from BOE Marine although they may be a perfectly reputable outfit.

/david
 
We used the recorder mostly for weather and similar communications. Also used it fairly often with the Ham radio communications if there was a lot of information and we didn't have time to write it down accurately. The digital units come on almost instantly--so if you have handy, you can turn it on fast enough. A "MayDay" should come first, and other information, before the Lat and Long--but you never know.

As for two radios and two antennas. Generally it is not a good idea. You run the risk of damaging the receiver section of the ration which is not transmitting. There are both electronic and manual switches which do allow the use of two radios on one antenna, and I have used both types--but mostly on Ham gear or HF gear--not VHF.

The other point--is that one of the reasons to have two radios, is so that you can receive a transmission from another station, when you are transmitting. I keep going back to the same example--but it works. If there is an area which requires a "securitie" message, on two frequencies, then you might be transmitting on 16, when another boat is transmitting on 12 or 13, and both miss each others message. This is more likely to happen on narrow areas of the ICW than in the PNW--but I can think of reasons and areas up there where it would be as valid as the "Rock Pile" in the Carolinas.
 
I have had bad experience with using an electronic "splitter" to run two radio's on one antenna. It definitely works but in order to do so it disconnects the radio which is not transmitting which defeats at least one of the purposes for having two radios. ie. for the example that Bob mentioned.

If using two radios and two antennae they need separation or you will get breakthrough on the non transmitting radio caused by overloading with the signal from the one you are transmitting with.
In that respect, not all radio's are created equal even though you might think it from reading the published specs. At 6ft spacing I can still get get some occasional breakthrough on the cheaper of my two radios (both from the same manufacturer, just different models and the "cheap" one was bought discounted at a sale. Pretty clear why)

There is one feature of the new Matrix with AIS that I like and that is the ability to press one button and send directly to the target of your choice on AIS. I know you can hail them by name but using the DSC function seems much more logical as their radio will ring like a telephone until they answer it.
Without that ability you would need to input, via the menu, the target MMSI # which is a whole bunch of fun in bad or close conditions which is exactly when you will probably want to to it.
Since I already have AIS, the cheaper version would suit me fine and I also have a multiplexer to get over the Raymarine E-120's lack of "ears" so I think I will replace my "cheapo" radio with one of these.

Oh, if you do fit two radio's be careful about putting your MMSI in both of them otherwise they will both sound alarms, bells and whistles every time there is a general broadcast, Pan Pan or mayday and you will immediately think that you have engine temperature alarms or whatever. Very confusing.

And don't think there is a common procedure for switching OFF the alarms even on radios from the same company. That would be too easy :roll:

That's my 2c worth.(and you got it for free)

Merv
 
Grumpy":242utbke said:
Oh, if you do fit two radio's be careful about putting your MMSI in both of them otherwise they will both sound alarms, bells and whistles every time there is a general broadcast, Pan Pan or mayday and you will immediately think that you have engine temperature alarms or whatever. Very confusing.

And don't think there is a common procedure for switching OFF the alarms even on radios from the same company. That would be too easy :roll:

That's my 2c worth.(and you got it for free)

Merv
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Hello Merv,

Thanks for your insight/s. I'm a little slow on the uptake so....just to make sure I understand...I would put the same MMSI number into both (or all) my VHF radios, correct?

Thanks,

/david
 
"Thanks for your insight/s. I'm a little slow on the uptake so....just to make sure I understand...I would put the same MMSI number into both (or all) my VHF radios, correct?

Thanks,

/david"
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David, I think that what Merv is meaning, is that you probably do not want to have both/all VHF's on the same boat set to the same MMSI number. That would possibly create considerable confusion should you need to send a DCS distress call. From what I have been able to find, I will declare a primary radio, and it will get the MMSI# and it will be the one to be used for an emergency. If I do put in the Standard Horizon GX2100 (the one with the AIS) it will get a different AIS number, to allow the AIS functions to work on that radio. (Thats where I am at for now)

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Will a second DSC radio that is attached to the GPS but not programmed with the MMSI# still broadcast a distress signal with the vessel position? It would be a bummer if in an emergency one pressed the secondary VHF DSC button in a panic and it didn't broadcast for lack of MMSI. I was under the impression that the DSC signal would still transmit the lat/long.
 
Sorry for the confusion, I will try to clarify.

Your MMSI number is a unique identity for that boat and owner. ie. you do not get two of them unless you want to confuse your potential rescuers.

Yes, both radio's really should have the same MMSI # in them otherwise it would not be worth having DSC capability on the second radio.

IF you do that, be sure you have read the fine print in the manual about turning off one of the radio's ability to respond to DSC requests and sound alarms. You want to turn all that off but leave its ability to transmit a mayday with GPS data. The difficulty is figuring that out from the radio manual.

If you do not or cannot (because the unit is not capable) do this, both radio's will sound alarms and try to answer and (after you have shut down the engines beacuse you thought they were overheating/out of oil etc etc) you will spend an interesting moment or two trying to shut them both off and/or answer the call, change your underwear, and recover from the heart attack, spilled drink etc.

AIS adds a whole 'nother dimension in that you will now have a yet another source of alarm on the radio. Believe you me it is very annoying coming into a place like Friday Harbor and having your AIS "dangerous target" alarm going off constantly simply because you are heading towrds a number of moored boats that are transmitting their position on AIS. I have turned it OFF and would probably only ever enable it in an offshore crusing situation in poor visibility. For me, on a small boat, AIS is just another tool to help me identify a "blob" on radar or to contact a specific vessel unambiguously which is why I like the concept of being able to press one "call" button and call a specific vessel via DSC.

I don't know about all radio models but my Standard Horizon rings like a telephone for DSC calls and wails like a banshee for mayday.
I have 2 from SH and they both have totally different procedures for setting up the alarm / response functions.

For me the matrix 2000 without the built in AIS seems a good solution with my set-up.

Merv
 
David, Sorry, My bad here:

"....you probably do not want to have both/all VHF's on the same boat set to the same MMSI number...."
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Merv, thanks for clearing up my confussion.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Just an FYI regarding Lowrance support service and ability of LCX-20c chartplotter to display AIS.

I emailed Lowrance Support asking if this chartplotter would be compatible with the Standard Horizon GX2100.

1. it took Lowrance 2 weeks, but they did finally respond

2. the LCX-20c will not work with the GX2100.

jd
 
On the subject of installing two DSC radios,

I asked Standard Horizon tech support about this and here is my question to them and their reply.

To Standard Horizon tech support.

I have a Quest-X GX1500S installed with GPS input and MMSI # programmed in.

I have purchased and will to install a Matrix GX2100 to have a second radio and to have the AIS features.

As I understand it, if I also program my MMSI number into the GX2100 and receive a DSC distress call, both radios will receive, sound the alarm and retransmit the call. If I send a DSC distress call (using the red button) from one radio, the other radio will receive and alarm.

One of the reasons to have two radios is to be able to monitor two different channels at the same time, like monitoring Vessel Traffic Control on one radio, while listening to the weather channel or making a call on the other radio.

Having both radios default to DSC alarms could be confusing, and could interfere with a vital communication. If I am in a crossing/collision situation, the most vital communication need for me at that time is with the ship or vessel I could collide with. Having the radio alarm and change channel could disrupt a vital communication.

Is there any way to disable the DSC alarm and channel change function on one radio?

If that is possible will the push button Distress function still work?

Do you have any written instructions on installing two DSC radios?

Thanks,

Larry H
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This is the response from Tech support at Standard Horizon:

On the subject of installing two DSC radios.
Thank you for contacting Standard Horizon Marine Electronics. We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance to you.

If you press the DSC distress call button on one radio, the other radio will sound. Unfortunately, there is not a way to block incoming distress calls or the feature that causes the channel to change to 16.

The only solution I can think of would be purchasing a secondary radio that does not have DSC.

PRODUCT SUPPORT DEPARTMENT
VERTEX/STANDARD
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So, for Standard Horizon, the DSC alarm, and channel switching feature cannot be disabled.

I am thinking about buying the simplest non-DSC VHF radio from Standard Horizon, to serve as the second radio.
 
Larry,
Is it even possible to buy a new non DSC radio from Standard Horizon (or any manufacturer)--in fixed mount? Certainly there are hand helds, which are non DSC--although there are more DSC hand helds VHF.
 
Is it even possible to buy a new non DSC radio from Standard Horizon (or any manufacturer)--in fixed mount?
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I have my original SH Eclipse that needs a good home...
 
Bob, Pete,

Funny you should ask!!

Until today the Standard Horizon web site showed an Eclipse VHF without DSC. however in looking at the SH website tonight, the Eclipse has been replaced with the Eclipse+ which has the SC101 DSC.

Pete,

If you are serious about that radio needing a good home, send me a PM.

Larry H
 
Larry,

Thanks for putting that SH communication up here. Good Questions. One possibility would be to turn off the other radio, (not the one you are pushing the DSC emergency button on) and just having one radio on, but then you loose the feature of having a second radio functioning. Maybe turning it off, then back on after the DSC signal is out would work. One radio is going to go to Chan 70 for DSC and the other would be able to be set back to 16 for USCG communication.

Sure hope nothing else is going on that needs attention :oops: :roll:

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
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