Standard Horizon GX2150 or 2010

[landonshaw]

I am looking at purchasing another VHF radio. Standard Horizon makes a GX2150 and a GX2010. It looks like both have AIS capabilities although the 2010 needs to be hooked up to an external GPS to show AIS target where the 2150does not. Am I correct in this?
Is the 2150 just a later model than the 2010 and if you have the choice, it would be the 2150?
Thanks, S/V Aloisius

[tamicatana]

I didn't make a choice between, as it were. But in my search in regards a 'good VHF,' the GX2150 came up so often, and with IIRC all positive reviews, that I chose it.

Just, and I mean JUST, installed it and it's working with my Raymarine stuff just fine

[landonshaw]

I am also a iCom fan but looking at there web site it does not appear that they have a vhf and ais unit like the Std Horizon. Is this correct? s/v Aloisius

[barnakiel]

Yes. Get 2150. It is a 'better' and newer 2100.

b.

[Sailmonkey]

And the 2150, just like the 2100 requires an external GPS.

[s/v 'Faith']

Icom does not have anything similar yet. I am sure they (and others) will eventually catch up to SH and offer this obvious common sense option.

Looking at the SH web site, they list a GX2000 which displays AIS data but does not have the AIS receiver. I do not see the 2010 model you speak of, but suspect it will be a stripped down 2150.

In my opinion (as a 2150 owner) is that it is a fantastic radio, and the hook up is pretty easy and it just works....

The only improvement I would like to see would be for SH to add their GPS receiver to the 2150.... Would even farther simplify installation and Add another level of back up.

I suspect we will hear from SH, they participate in this fourm some times. Just another example of the excellent service they are known for.

(I am not affiliated with them, but sure wish other companies would get onboard their program).

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Yes. Get 2150. It is a 'better' and newer 2100.

b.

Yes, if the OP intended to say 2100 (said 2010) I would agree. The 2100 require 2 nema 0183 inputs to work, one at the high transfer rate and one at the lower. The 2150 replaced the 2100 since it was an improvement and easier to install.

[galacticair]

There is no Standard Horizon GX2010 (as far as I know) but there is a GX2100, which I assume is what you are asking about. That's the predecessor model to GX2150 (Matrix AIS+): both have similar functionality in terms of AIS reception, but I think the GX2150 has a few settings improvements, in particular to help NMEA interfacing with different brand chartplotters (eg ability to set different NMEA baud speeds - again based on memory from reading the manual...). Short answer: buy the GX2150 since that's the newer model (and inexpensive)...

Separately, there's the GX2000 model which can display AIS from an existing AIS receiver (but doesn't have an integrated receiver, unlike the GX2150) - this can be helpful for boats already equipped with AIS, as a back-up display or low power display separate from a chartplotter display. We actually have this on board to complement a Garmin AIS transponder and chartplotter system.

ICOM has the VHF M-421 that can integrate with their own separate AIS transponder & display M-500TR) so you can DSC dial to ships' MMSIs detected by the AIS receiver. But unlike the Standard Horizon the Icom can't show AIS targets or calculate CPA, etc. So the Icom VHF isn't really comparable to the Standard Horizon models in terms of AIS.... Icom's approach can however be interesting if you want an AIS transponder (send + receive capability). For all the strengths of the Standard Horizon AIS VHFs, they don't include the transponder capability (as of now, would be great if they added that...).

[galacticair]

Just realized others replied before I posted my explanation above. I agree with all the points above!

[landonshaw]

thank you!! 2150 it is. now to get it to Grenada.

[landonshaw]

One more question. Do any of you have the 2150 as a stand alone unit, not plugged into GPS or a chart plotter? If so, does it still show the AIS information on ships in the area? I would think not? But that is why I am asking. I intend to use the VHF as a stand alone VHF and AIS system.
s/v Aloisius

[s/v 'Faith']

No, the unit requires a GPS input.

Without GPS position data there would be no way to tell relative positions of other contacts.

SH makes a non-AIS vhf with a built in GPS (for dsc) but has not integrated it into their AIS receiver yet.

[barnakiel]

I believe AIS data is output even when no GPS data is input.

BUT no AIS info on the unit's screen when no GPS input, as said above.

b.

[s/v 'Faith']

Originally Posted by barnakiel

I believe AIS data is output even when no GPS data is input.

BUT no AIS info on the unit's screen when no GPS input, as said above.

b.

Fwiw,

Before I had mine connected to my GPS I fired it up. I did not get an AIS target display.... It may have been because I did not go through the set up procedure, but when I powered it up the first time it did not detect AIS targets.

-----

On consideration, I suppose it makes sense it would not allow an output.

Without SOG, COG, and position the AIS could not calculate a CPA. There would be no way for the AIS to center the station in the field of received targets...

[galacticair]

Originally Posted by s/v 'Faith'

Before I had mine connected to my GPS I fired it up. I did not get an AIS target display....

Yes, same thing happened with our GX2000 AIS display only (feeding AIS from a Garmin AIS transponder). So do not get the GX2000, GX2100 or GX2150 for AIS unless you have a plan for connecting GPS to the radio via NMEA 0183.

I think there are external NMEA GPS antennas that would allow you to have a standalone GX2150 system exactly like OP wants, but I'm not 100% sure of that.