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How to choose the best Fixed VHF Marine Radio

In this blog post we are going to assist you to choose the best Fixed VHF Marine Radio.

There is quite a difference between handheld and fixed VHF marine radios. For example many small vessel may only carry a handheld VHF marine radio. The most likely reason being that the vessel is small and there is insufficient room to install a fixed VHF marine radio. With that said it is not uncommon for vessels with fixed VHF marine radios to also carry at least one, and maybe more depending on the size of the vessel, handheld VHF marine radio.

If you have read any of our other posts on the True North Marine blog pages it would be a clear theme that we are strongly in favour of all vessels carrying a marine radio.

A marine radio is your link to other vessels around you in the event of an emergency as well as being able to receive important navigational information such as urgent messages, adverse weather conditions and navigational hazards etc.

At True North Marine we are active boaters and have owned and operated a number of boats over more than 25 years. We have learnt that while there are many different types of marine radio out there, with a wide range of prices, when it comes to safety equipment, and in particular marine radios it pays to go for the best.

While the initial outlay is obviously somewhat higher it also goes to say that you get what you pay for. So while you may be paying a little bit more in the beginning, it certainly works out cheaper in the long run. Radios are very robust items of equipment and will generally last quite a long time. They are not items that you will be changing every year or so. They will last for many, many years.

With all of that said, below is a selection of 4 different brands that we have owned/used in our boating activities over the years. We are not recommending any particular radio as they are all good and have their own qualities. These are Fixed VHF marine radios which in may cases are additional to having a handheld VHF marine radio on board your vessel. We will provide Handheld VHF Marine Radio information in a seperate blog post.

Please Note: We use Amazon as platform for purchasing many of our own boating equipment. We find the prices very competitive to other sites so it just simply saves us a lot of time using Amazon. some of the links on our website will take you to our Amazon account. You will not pay any more for the products but we may receive a commission from your purchase. This helps us in maintaining our website and blog pages.

Finally, please remember that it is a requirement ot have a Marine Radio Licence to operate the marine radio or to obtain a Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number to program into a Digitial Selective Calling (DSC) VHF marine radio

Marine radio

STANDARD Horizon GX1800GB Black 25W VHF/GPS/Second Station Explorer Series

The STANDARD Horizon GX1800GB Black 25W VHF/GPS/Second Station Explorer Series is a versatile marine radio system designed to enhance communication and safety on the water. Here are some of its key features:

  1. Integrated GPS Receiver:

    • The GX1800GB features an integrated GPS receiver, allowing for automatic position polling and waypoint navigation. This feature enhances safety by providing accurate position information in case of emergencies.

  2. Built-in AIS Receiver:

    • This model comes equipped with a built-in Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver, which enables the display of AIS target information on the radio’s screen. AIS reception enhances situational awareness by providing real-time vessel traffic information.

  3. 25-Watt Transmit Power:

    • With a maximum transmit power of 25 watts, the GX1800GB ensures reliable communication over long distances, even in challenging marine conditions.

  4. Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC):

    • The radio is equipped with Class D DSC functionality, enabling direct calling to other DSC-equipped vessels and initiating distress calls at the touch of a button.

  5. Second Station Capability:

    • The GX1800GB supports second station capability, allowing for remote control and operation of the radio from a secondary location on the vessel.

  6. Large Dot Matrix Display:

    • The radio features a large dot matrix display with adjustable backlighting, providing excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The display shows channel information, GPS data, AIS targets, and menu options.

  7. Weather Alerts:

    • The GX1800GB is capable of receiving NOAA weather alerts, keeping users informed about changing weather conditions and potential hazards while on the water.

  8. Programmable Soft Keys:

    • The radio features programmable soft keys that can be customized to provide quick access to frequently used functions or menu options.

  9. Compact and Waterproof Design:

    • The GX1800GB boasts a compact and waterproof design, making it suitable for installation in various types of marine vessels, including boats, yachts, and small watercraft.

  10. NMEA 0183 Connectivity:

    • The radio supports NMEA 0183 connectivity, allowing for integration with other NMEA-compatible devices, such as chartplotters, radar systems, and autopilots.

The STANDARD Horizon GX1800GB Black 25W VHF/GPS/Second Station Explorer Series is an outstanding choice for boaters seeking a well respected, reliable VHF marine radio system for their vessels.

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ICOM IC-M330GE White Fixed Mount VHF/DSC Marine Radio

Top Performance Ultra Compact VHF. The IC-M330 comes in WHITE ONLY

The ICOM IC-M330GE White Fixed Mount VHF/DSC Marine Radio is a compact and feature-rich communication device designed for marine use. Here are some of its key features:

  1. Compact Design:

    • The IC-M330GE features a compact and space-saving design, making it suitable for installation in a variety of marine vessels, including boats, yachts, and small watercraft.

  2. Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC):

    • The radio is equipped with Class D DSC functionality, allowing users to initiate distress calls at the touch of a button and communicate directly with other DSC-equipped vessels.

  3. Built-in GPS Receiver:

    • This model features a built-in GPS receiver, which enables automatic position polling and provides accurate position information for distress calls and waypoint navigation.

  4. AIS Target Call with MA-500TR:

    • The IC-M330GE supports AIS target call functionality when connected to the optional MA-500TR Class B AIS transponder, allowing users to make direct calls to AIS-equipped vessels.

  5. Large LCD Display:

    • The radio features a large LCD display with adjustable backlighting, providing excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The display shows channel information, GPS data, and menu options.

  6. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Microphone:

    • The microphone is equipped with active noise cancelling technology, which helps reduce background noise and ensures clear communication, even in noisy environments or windy conditions.

  7. Weather Alerts:

    • The IC-M330GE is capable of receiving NOAA weather alerts, providing users with timely information about changing weather conditions and potential hazards while on the water.

  8. Dual-Watch and Tri-Watch Functions:

    • The radio supports dual-watch and tri-watch functions, allowing users to monitor multiple channels simultaneously and ensuring awareness of nearby vessels and important communications.

  9. NMEA 0183 Connectivity:

    • The radio supports NMEA 0183 connectivity, enabling integration with other NMEA-compatible devices, such as chartplotters, radar systems, and autopilots.

  10. Compact and Waterproof Design:

    • The IC-M330GE features a waterproof construction, meeting IPX7 standards, which ensures durability and reliability in harsh marine environments.

Overall, the ICOM IC-M330GE White Fixed Mount VHF/DSC Marine Radio offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance safety, communication, and navigation on the water. With its compact design, advanced capabilities, and user-friendly interface, it is an excellent choice for boaters.

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Oricom MX1100G VHF DSC Fixed Mount Marine Radio with Built in GPS Receiver, IPX7 Waterproof Construction, Digital Selective Calling (DSC)

The Oricom MX1100G VHF DSC Fixed Mount Marine Radio is designed to provide reliable communication and safety features for marine use. Here are some of its key features:

  1. Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC):

    • The MX1100G is equipped with Class D DSC functionality, allowing users to initiate distress calls with the touch of a button and communicate directly with other DSC-equipped vessels.

  2. 25-Watt Transmit Power:

    • With a maximum transmit power of 25 watts, the MX1100G ensures clear and reliable communication over long distances, even in challenging marine conditions.

  3. Integrated GPS Receiver:

    • This model features an integrated GPS receiver, providing accurate position information for distress calls and waypoint navigation. The GPS data is automatically included in distress calls for faster response in emergency situations.

  4. AIS Receiver Capability:

    • The MX1100G supports AIS receiver functionality, allowing users to receive AIS target information and track nearby vessels equipped with AIS transponders.

  5. Large LCD Display:

    • The radio features a large LCD display with adjustable backlighting, providing excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The display shows channel information, GPS data, and menu options.

  6. Weather Alerts:

    • The MX1100G is capable of receiving NOAA weather alerts, providing users with timely information about changing weather conditions and potential hazards while on the water.

  7. Dual-Watch and Tri-Watch Functions:

    • The radio supports dual-watch and tri-watch functions, allowing users to monitor multiple channels simultaneously and ensure awareness of nearby vessels and important communications.

  8. NMEA 0183 Connectivity:

    • The MX1100G supports NMEA 0183 connectivity, enabling integration with other NMEA-compatible devices, such as chartplotters, radar systems, and autopilots.

  9. Compact and Waterproof Design:

    • The MX1100G features a compact and waterproof design, ensuring durability and reliability in harsh marine environments. It meets IPX7 standards for water resistance.

  10. Easy Installation:

    • The radio is designed for easy installation and comes with mounting hardware and instructions for straightforward setup on a variety of marine vessels.

The Oricom MX1100G VHF DSC Fixed Mount Marine Radio offers a comprehensive set of features and advanced capabilities, user-friendly interface, and durable construction.

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Garmin VHF 215 Marine Radio

The Garmin 010-02097-00 VHF 215 Marine Radio is a reliable communication tool designed specifically for marine use. Here are some of its key features:

  1. 25-Watt Transmit Power:

    • The VHF 215 offers a maximum transmit power of 25 watts, providing reliable communication over long distances, ensuring clear communication even in challenging conditions.

  2. Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC):

    • The radio is equipped with Class D DSC capability, allowing users to initiate distress calls at the touch of a button. DSC functionality also enables direct communication with other DSC-equipped vessels.

  3. Built-in GPS Receiver:

    • The integrated GPS receiver allows the radio to transmit your vessel’s position in case of an emergency, enhancing safety and facilitating faster response in distress situations.

  4. NMEA 2000 Connectivity:

    • The VHF 215 is NMEA 2000 compatible, allowing seamless integration with other NMEA 2000 devices on board, such as chartplotters, radar systems, and AIS receivers.

  5. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) Microphone:

    • The microphone features active noise cancelling technology, reducing background noise and ensuring clear communication, even in noisy environments or windy conditions.

  6. Weather Alerts:

    • The radio is capable of receiving NOAA weather alerts, keeping users informed about changing weather conditions and potential hazards while out on the water.

  7. Large LCD Display:

    • The VHF 215 features a large LCD display with adjustable backlighting, providing excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The display shows channel information, GPS data, and menu options.

  8. Quick Access to Channels:

    • The radio allows for quick access to frequently used channels with dedicated preset buttons, making it easy to switch between channels without navigating through menus.

  9. Dual and Tri-Watch Functions:

    • The VHF 215 supports dual and tri-watch functions, allowing users to monitor multiple channels simultaneously, ensuring awareness of nearby vessels and important communications.

  10. Compact and Durable Design:

    • The radio features a compact and durable design, suitable for installation in various marine vessels, including boats, yachts, and small watercraft.

Overall, the Garmin VHF 215 Marine Radio offers a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance safety and communication on the water. With its robust construction, advanced capabilities, and user-friendly design, it is an excellent choice for boaters seeking a reliable VHF radio for their marine adventures.

 

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How to obtain a Marine Radio Licence

A marine radio licence is required if you are operating a marine radio. This is not a new requirement but is being brought to the forefront due to the requirement to program DSC VHF radios with a 9 digit MMSI number. Rest assured that it is not difficult to obtain a marine radio licence. At True North Marine we have been assisting candidates to obtain their marine radio licence for over 22 years. The process is very straight forward and includes the following:

  • Enrol and complete some practice exams (We provide practice exams free of charge)
  • Demonstrate how to do simple tasks such as turning the radio on, adjusting the squelch, going to a calling and a working channel etc (We provide all the resources to do the tasks)
  • Sit a final exam online via Zoom. (Takes about 20 minutes)
For more marine radio licence course information please read here