Modular VHF

[GordMay]

Has anyone used the Raymarine Modular “Ray240" VHF radio ?
Goto:
Raymarine Marine Electronics - Radios for </br>North America

[scotte]

That's interesting. And not a bad idea, depending on how the cost scales versus having more than one independent system.

[Beausoleil]

We have one - I just installed it on Beausoleil but haven't run a new coax up the mat, though, so I can't yet vouch on on how well it performs.

I do want to get a second handset/speaker combo. The transceiver's installed on a bulkhead in the salon, and the handset's up in the cockpit. When we re-do the nav station, we'll add one there.

Any specific questions? Other than how well does it work? Yeah, I know - not very helpful...

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Beausoleil

...Any specific questions? Other than how well does it work? Y...

1. How well does it work? (once you've had a chance to use it)
2. How "substantial" is the handset - does it have a good feel.
3. How well does the sliding cover appear to work - does it appear rain-tite?
4. Whatever other comments come to mind - likes, dislikes ...

[Beausoleil]

1. How well does it work? (once you've had a chance to use it)

I'll report that in the spring...

2. How "substantial" is the handset - does it have a good feel.

Much beefier than the hand mic on my old Standard-Horizon, the one on my Icom M700, and on my Icom 706MkIIG. Just feels solid - feels like an old analog magnesium-framed Ericsson cell phone I used to own.

3. How well does the sliding cover appear to work - does it appear rain-tite?

It has a tight-feel - I don't think it will accidentally fall off. And of course the handset's IPX-7 rated (xcvr unit is not - mount it in a protected area).

4. Whatever other comments come to mind - likes, dislikes ...

Has a 3-year warranty. The DSC position request feature looks useful (when you know someone's MMSI). Built-in hailer (22W-4ohms, 10W-8ohms), 5W ~3.5" speaker should sound much better than the 2" tinnies in most all-in-one radios. True Class D DSC. All functions accessible from handset (except external speaker). Supports both SeaTalk and NMEA-0183 (but not -2000). Intercom function's nice when you have two handsets.

Beefs: it's 12V only (but then most are) - one of the reasons why I didn't go fully 24V on the new wiring on Beausoleil. You get only one chance to enter the MMSI number - not three like my old Standard-Horizon - but at least the keypad entry makes it faster.

Jon

[scotte]

Originally Posted by Beausoleil

You get only one chance to enter the MMSI number

Arggh, that sucks! I can understand a limit - 3 will do, 5 would be better, but 1 is not good!

[never monday]

give them about 2 years and that thing will be on bluetooth and the box will just be a repeater.

[Waterwayguy]

Installed several of these and had lots of issues. Had to swap out more than a few parts to get a complete system working. Had too many failures after install to recommend it.