remote vhf that makes use of masthead ant?

[ThaidUp]

First things first, apologies if this has already been addressed in a previous thread, I couldn't find anything.
My question is this. I believe one of the major electronics brands has a VHF package where there is a main radio plus a wireless remote handset and both use the masthead antenna. The key is wireless as I am very familiar with the common setup of having a radio down in the cabin and a wired handset out at the helm with a coiled cord. Does anyone have the wireless remote handset? If so, any pros/cons and who makes it? Thanks all.

[pesarsten]

How about this?

https://www.westmarine.com/bg-h60-wi...-19294743.html

[ThaidUp]

Thank you, any experience with one of these?

[rslifkin]

The high end Standard Horizon units support wireless handsets as well. Not sure how good they are though, I've only used the wired remotes with their newer gear.

[PippaB]

Or the Vesper, now Garmin, Cortex setup:

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/893523/pn/010-02816-10

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/902858

Does so much more than VHF, if that is what you want. Also has all the tech glitches of a system with more components and more software layers.

[Jammer]

It's still cutting edge. B&G just did a melt and repour on their VHF offerings. Expensive. I believe they use the 2 GHz WiFi band for the wireless connection between the handheld and the console unit. Their previous attempt used the 900 MHz industrial band.


The 2 GHz WiFi band is extremely crowded which could lead to interference problems between the handset and the base. I'm not sure I would trust it completely in congested coastal or inland areas.


As for the Cortex, after reading about some of the real-world stories about the problems posed by the integration of so many functions into one device, I have lost interest.

[goeasy123]

We went for a basic fully functional fixed VHF and a seperate ICOM IC-M93D. ...better utility than a fixed unit with remote handset. Would that work for you?


If it wasn't for the fact the fixed unit was already in the boat and installed with the AIS switch we wouldn't bother with the fixed unit. It's rarely turned on at all.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by goeasy123

If it wasn't for the fact the fixed unit was already in the boat and installed with the AIS switch we wouldn't bother with the fixed unit. It's rarely turned on at all.

In any other situation where there are high winds and heavy seas it is nearly impossible to hear and be heard on a cockpit VHF installation.

[goeasy123]

Originally Posted by Jammer

In any other situation where there are high winds and heavy seas it is nearly impossible to hear and be heard on a cockpit VHF installation.

Not true. As it happens I'm hard of hearing. That's the main reason I bought the handheld. I can stick it to my ear where ever I am. And not a problem with background noise. ...can't do that with a fix unit.

[wrwakefield]

We have one of the earlier H50 wireless handsets that goes with our B&G V50 fixed VHF radio. [Navico brand] It has always worked very well since installed [and after the last firmware update in 2017.]

We also have a back-up fixed VHF ICOM radio [wired to a separate battery bank; and with a separate antenna on the mizzen mast] with a Command [wired remote] mike at the outside helm.

Added: Both of above are 25w radios with separate mast head antennas.

Additionally, we have hand held VHF radios [6w; one on each PFD] with remote mikes [which are also speakers] Mount the mike on top of your shoulder [think police officer] to hear and transmit without having to hold mike. Very handy in sporty conditions.

This combination suits our needs well.

In case any of this is of interest.

Cheers, Bill

[bstreep]

We have a Simrad we like. Wireless remote. Charges in the cradle. Looks like an older model, but might find one out there.

https://defender.com/assets/legacy-d...5_Brochure.pdf

[SailingHarmonie]

We never considered a wireless vhf handset. We frequently sail for way more than one battery charge would take us, and losing the cockpit radio functionality to recharge the handset is simply unacceptable.

I also don’t understand why it’s better than the wired remote mic. No matter wired or wireless the mic will be stored in the same place. On our boat that is within arm’s reach of the watchstander. I guess if you are intimidated by running wires…

We have a black box radio with no control head below, only the (wired) handset in the cockpit.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

We never considered a wireless vhf handset. We frequently sail for way more than one battery charge would take us, and losing the cockpit radio functionality to recharge the handset is simply unacceptable.

You can either get two handsets or put one of the inductive chargers in the cockpit. The charger only requires 12v, not a specialized cable.

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

I also don’t understand why it’s better than the wired remote mic.

1) Installation complexity
2) The lifetime of wired remote mics is ordinarily limited by the life of the connectors
3) Ability to use the handset in any position on the boat, not just the cockpit.

[Nealnj]

One big advantage that many don't consider of a wired remote mic in the cockpit verse the wireless is if you drop it - a wired remote cockpit mic won't do the perfect bounce overboard.

This would normally happen when you need it the most.

[OS2Dude]

Originally Posted by ThaidUp

Thank you, any experience with one of these?

We have two B&G H50s and one V50. The handhelds can be used as walkie-talkies so the bow can speak to the helm and can also use transmit normal VHF via the base. We like the setup.