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bartmanaz
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Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 10:21 pm |
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Need to replace by my handheld GPS and VHF radios. Looking at West Marine as a source due to price, service and availability. Looking at Icom M72, M32 or West Marine VHF 150 for the radio and Garmin 76Cx for the GPS. Any have experience with any of these units-recommendations, pro or con?
Thanx
Bart
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Dick Newlon
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Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 10:30 pm |
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Bart, the Friends of Sonora just bought a West Marine VHF55, we used it during the last tournament and were very pleased with it. Just more to confuse you.
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jonjen
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Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 10:50 pm |
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| I for one have three of the West Marine they all are good...thanks jon
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Stuart
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Posted: Mon Jul 14th, 2008 11:55 pm |
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I have the Garmin 76. Before they had the "C" (color) version. It's been a great little unit. I don't know that color buys you all that much on such a small screen anyway. But, I highly recommend it for ease of use, accuracy, and functionality. I've also got the Blue Charts program that lets me upload and download to it via the computer. Excellent for syncing waypoints and trip planning.
My handheld VHF is a Standard Horizon unit, about 10 years old, still works great. I've had fixed mount ICOM units in the past and they were okay. Not great, but okay. Had to replace one of them. Turns out the wires in the mic cable cracked and broke.
Last edited on Mon Jul 14th, 2008 11:56 pm by Stuart
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Fish on Bait
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 02:34 am |
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Bart was just reading about last night Lowrance LVR 880 DSC with VHF & FM
also is equipped with NMEA 2000 seems like the way Im updating
not a handheld but looks like a good radio
Last edited on Tue Jul 15th, 2008 03:13 am by Fish on Bait
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No Sniveling
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 02:35 am |
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Fernando has a new Garmin GPS that works really well - ask him.
Last edited on Tue Jul 15th, 2008 04:10 am by No Sniveling
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JUBILATION JOHN
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 03:31 am |
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Bart:
I think the equipment you narrowed down to is top choice. I would agree that I'm not sure the color screen on the Garmin 76C is worth the extra money but what do I know. I don't think you will go wrong either way. I have Icom installed and handheld units and have been happy with them for several years.
John
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AcuDoc
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 04:09 am |
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| I use the Garmin 76 as well and found it very reliable and easy to use
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Blueskys4ever
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 04:52 am |
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Midland has a new GMRS radio coming out this month. It is the GXT950VP4. Unlike previous midland and other brands, they have reported that Midland has found a way to get a true 5 watt out of the antenna. Most radios that brag 5 watts actually transmit about 1.2 watts.
I have 4 on order.
Midland Outfitter Series GXT950VP4 5 Watt 42 Channel 30-Mile Waterproof GMRS with NOAA All Hazard /Weather Alert and Direct Call, Mossy Oak Break Up
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justme
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| Joined: | Tue Jun 13th, 2006 |
| Location: | San Carlos, Mexico |
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 03:10 pm |
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Hey Bart
I use a garmin 60c many functions and easy to use got it on ebay for about 150$ my hand held is a standard horizon submersible had a friend that dropped one overboard in 6 ft took two days to find and still workedLast edited on Tue Jul 15th, 2008 03:59 pm by bartmanaz
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bartmanaz
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 04:02 pm |
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Thank you all for your comments and advice. Based on your thoughts I just ordered a West Marine VHF 55 radio (thanx Dick) and the Garmin 76cx color GPS (on sale at WM with a $100 off). Ordered the blue chart for the GPS (thanx Stuart). Will let you know in a couple of weeks hosw this works out.
Bart
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jonjen
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 05:27 pm |
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Bart the color monitor is the only way to go I had the 76 and for the life of me couldn´t see in bright sunlite of course with only one eye doesn´t help...the 55 is a good choice I have 3 of the older 150´s they work great....jon 
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bartmanaz
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Posted: Tue Jul 15th, 2008 06:45 pm |
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Figured I'd spend the $$ saved on the vhf on the gps.
Thanx
Bart
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bartmanaz
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Jul 20th, 2008 02:26 pm |
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Got the GPS and VHF on Friday-still waiting for the bluechart marine cd which was backordered. Powered up both and impressed with both-thanx again to all who made suggestions.
Now a question on the VHF and repeater in San Carlos. According to the freq chart that accompanied the radio, channel 85 uses the same frequencies, regardless of whether the radio is on US, International or Canadian mode. Book shows 85 uses 161.8750 for Rx and 157.2750 for Tx in all 3 modes. I presume that I can stay in one mode for all channels and still communicate. Am I correct?
Not much marine VHF traffic here in SV so can't test this til I get back down. Looking forward to it.
Thanx
Bart
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taoswheat
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Posted: Mon Jul 21st, 2008 06:20 am |
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Correct, just be sure to use 85, NOT 85A.
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bartmanaz
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Posted: Mon Jul 21st, 2008 01:59 pm |
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85a is not even on this unit so that should not be an issue
Thanx
Bart
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Bill Hale
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Posted: Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 11:15 pm |
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At this time I am still putting my boat together. I have done some research and think the way I am going to go is
Standard Horizon CP 300, WAAs Chatrtplotter at $ 890.00, good size screen, and a pair of Midland hand held radios GXT-950VP4 at $ 66.00 for the pair. I already have a handheld GPS for the backup.
Comments Please
Don't Worry Be Happy
Bill
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Hook
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 02:21 pm |
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Bill, why would you want handheld radios that only use the GMRS frequencies and not the marine band frequencies? Wouldn't you want your handheld radios to be able to speak to your main vessel, the repeater, other vessels, etc? Besides, TECHNICALLY, you are supposed to apply for a GMRS license with the FCC (no test) and it's conceivable that could be a complication in Mexico (unlikely, of course).
IF you just want two talkies that can communicate with themselves using the "privacy code" feature, then I guess the MIdlands are fine. But if you want to talk to other boaters, then get a marine band HH radio.
Here's the one I recently bought.
http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=85&encProdID=71726205E5C6EC181DE69A09BC8877EA&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0
It gives you several bands to talk on (GMRS, marine, FRS) as well as monitoring of AM and FM broadcast, as well as weather, too. It also has a nifty charging station that can be mounted and a strap that secures the radio in it. Also has DSC, so it accepts NMEA inputs from a GPS if you want. Very importantly, it has a battery holder using AA batteries so you can keep talking if you arent able to charge the lithium ion battery. Many optional mics and headsets possible, too. And it is submersible.
I'm not familiar with SH chartplotters, so cant comment on those.
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