I have the SH2200 and frankly the
screen is just too small to be an effective AIS early warning system. But it can be coupled to a larger display using NMEA0183, I hear you say. Yes it can, until you discover that all modern MFD's use a NMEA2000
network....... Been there done that.
Then I decided it was time to upgrade to an AIS transceiver, so others would see me as well, and thus increase the
safety aboard my ship. These devices are getting cheaper all the time and are now well within reach of normal people like you and me. I got one that "talks" NMEA2000 to my MFD.
Finally I've upgraded my MFD with a
WiFi module that enables me to see
charts, AIS and everything else that goes on the the
screen of the MFD, on my
phone or tablet. This provides a copy of the MFD in the
cockpit.
So, would I advise anyone to buy a SH2200?
No, get one without that useless AIS display and consider a separate AIS transceiver coupled to a decent chart display. Do as I did, gather the
equipment needed over several Christmases, every year a piece. It took me only two years (three Christmases)! But I did end up with a nice backup AIS receiver through my SH2200
I still have a NMEA0183 (4800 BPS) connection going between the MFD and SH2200 for
DSC calls, simply by touching an AIS object on the MFD's screen. It sets up the
DSC call ready for use on the SH2200. It works much faster and easier then selecting the same object on the SH2200. In hindsight I would have been better of with a NMEA2000 enabled VHF I suppose.