Best VHF with B & G Zeus 3

[Dave_S]

It's time for a new VHF.

I have heard some will work with the plotter for MOB and personal AIS and alarms.

I get lost in all the sales blurb I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

I'd like...

• The MOB function
• I want to mount it close to the helm not the nav station where it is now
• It might get wet, occasionally... rarely
• I'd like it to panel mount
• A quality speaker would be good

Thanks

[wrwakefield]

Dave,

We chose the B&G V50 VHF radio. It connnects directly to our existing NMEA 2000 [N2K] network and provides all the functions you mentioned. [We have 2- Zeus2 MFDs.]

Most other radios with the capabilities you mentioned are NMEA 0183, so, depending upon what you have already, you may need a multiplexer to put them on your N2K network so they can integrate to your Zeus3 MFD.

We also bought their wireless remote [H50] for use in the cockpit [and anywhere else on the boat— and nearby— since it is wireless.]

We are very pleased with this set up as our primary VHF radio.

Best wishes with your search.

Cheers! Bill

[svmobert]

Icom m506 or m605 will work well also. Both are NMEA2000, both have AIS receive functionality as an option, and are waterproof with loud speakers. They both will receive the DSC calls and send that data to your Zeus MFDs as well. Another option is to put the VHF itself down below and use a remote mic. While not wireless, the Icom CommandMic IV can be mounted at the helm, has full control of the radio and even an AIS radar display if the radio has an AIS receiver. Plus it's waterproof of course, takes up less space vs a whole radio, and since it's wired, it never needs charging and the audio quality is excellent (no wireless interference).

the B&G V50 is also a great option if you are trying to stay all B&G.

[Dave_S]

Thank you both.

I think I'll stick with the B&G just for continuity sake. I've had a look at both and they look pretty much the same to me.

[wrwakefield]

Originally Posted by Dave_S

Thank you both.

I think I'll stick with the B&G just for continuity sake. I've had a look at both and they look pretty much the same to me.

Dave,

Since both the V50 [radio] and H50 [remote] can have their firmware updated [a great feature] get the seller to confirm they are up to date when you buy them. [You will find latest firmware virsions on the B&G site...]

I mention this because— while you can upgrade the radio over your N2K network— last I knew the remote had to be sent to a B&G dealer for the update.

Cheers! Bill

PS: Neither has had an update in ~ 2 years, so only old stock would be an issue for you...

[Kamen]

Lowrance LINK8. I had one networked with a Simrad EVO2 MFD. Navico products work well together. The LINK8 had some teething problems when they first came out, but the bugs have been fixed now. The same radio is available under Lowrance, Simrad or B&G branding.

[Dave_S]

I saw the Lawrence radio, it looked like the same radio but cheaper. Is there any difference ?

It may just be different pricing for different stores.

[Kamen]

The only difference is that the B&G variant supports up to two remote H60 wireless handsets. The Lowrance doesn't, or at least it is not advertised. This may be important to you. It wasn't to me.

[Rusty007]

B&G V60 radio is out now. Some big improvements over the V50. Including a new Nav screen.


https://www.bandg.com/en-gb/bg/type/...adio-with-ais/

[ohthetrees]

Does anyone know if the H60 remote handset is backwards compatible with the V50 VHF, or does it only work with the newer V60?