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VHF Review
Just installed the Standard Horizon Quantum GX2360S VHF radio and RAM+
mic. This is a large radio with a typcial feature set, but also featuring excellent WP ratings and a very well build case. Controls have better feel and are easier to use than most small consumer oriented models. SH does not call this a comercial unit, but it's quite close with knobs big enough for gloved hands and a very large amber display that will also repeat GPS data. Combined with a second station RAM+ mic this is a well designed VHF, but the VHF handset is even larger than the original RAM mic and may be a bit too large for some hands. Sound quality on both ends is excellent and for larger boats this works well as a intercom. The unit also features a PA amp output feature that will come in more handy for those with powerboaters. Aboard the 35s5, our electronics panel is not deep and mounted on an angle, though the radio fits well enough. Be sure to measure your panel before committing to this more expensive radio. We opted to remove the Uniden WHAM wireless VHF system for this higher quality model. A radio check easily made Port Jeff with clear audio on both ends. My friend could easily hear us from his boat with it's 50 foot mast. Using a small fixed mount Ray Jeff I could copy his signal mixed with some noise. He said our signal had very little noise. A few more tests led me to believe that this radio deserves it's reputation. If you're looking for a nicer radio, this may be just the ticket. RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
All you have managed to do is read and regurgitate the sales brochure.
You've provided no new information and certainly nothing gained from experience or expert knowledge. As far as your "radio check" to Port Jefferson it's no big deal. People regularly contact astronauts aboard the space shuttle or space station using much less power in the same frequency band and they have to go through the ionosphere. If you want to really test it, test it with many high power transmitters in proximity. Test it on all channels while trying to receive a weak signal. How long can you hold the key down without frying the output? Do the instrument lights dim? Do they cause night blindness? Are the electronics and circuit boards coated? Is the case the only "waterproof" barrier? A radio check easily made Port Jeff with clear audio on both ends. My friend could easily hear us from his boat with it's 50 foot mast. Using a small fixed mount Ray Jeff I could copy his signal mixed with some noise. He said our signal had very little noise. Do you know what this means? He picks you up with very little noise and you pick him up with noise. Bwaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaa!!!!!! Amen! |
VHF Review
Do you know what this means? He picks you up with very little noise and
you pick him up with noise. Since we've spoken back and forth using a variety of gear over a few years and nothing worked as clearly as the Standard Horizon, yes, we know. All you have managed to do is read and regurgitate the sales brochure. Please show us all where the brochure mentions the RAM+ is too big. Do the instrument lights dim? Do they cause night blindness? Are the electronics and circuit boards coated? Is the case the only "waterproof" barrier? If you don't know the answer to these questions, you've been away far too long. Or to be painfully blunt: 1) Most displays are set for a low illumination to start with or have red/amber displays or adjustable displays. No one is staring at VHF displays on dark nights and ruining their night vision. But that was a funny one! 2) Even marine el-cheapo stereos have coated boards these days. 3) Icom and Standard offer 3 year WP warranty, but only my Icom's ever needed service. Even my old SH handheld outlasted the Icom MV1. As far as your "radio check" to Port Jefferson it's no big deal. Who said it was? I indicated that it was possible with other radios as well. Try harder, Bob! RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... Do you know what this means? He picks you up with very little noise and you pick him up with noise. Since we've spoken back and forth using a variety of gear over a few years and nothing worked as clearly as the Standard Horizon, yes, we know. The Standard Horizon transmits with 5% distortion! Read the spec! And yet it's perfectly clear to an "audiophile"! All you have managed to do is read and regurgitate the sales brochure. Please show us all where the brochure mentions the RAM+ is too big. The brochure is too big. 4 pages of giant yachts, big pictures etc. It's obvious who the target market is. The ICOM RAM+ (expandable to 3 no less!) is smaller. "Big" by what standard? Do the instrument lights dim? Do they cause night blindness? Are the electronics and circuit boards coated? Is the case the only "waterproof" barrier? If you don't know the answer to these questions, you've been away far too long. Or to be painfully blunt: 1) Most displays are set for a low illumination to start with or have red/amber displays or adjustable displays. No one is staring at VHF displays on dark nights and ruining their night vision. But that was a funny one! You haven't answered the question about your display! Is it adjustable? Have you tested it for night blindness? It's the "biggest", "Most visible" display on the market! You don't even know how it works! 2) Even marine el-cheapo stereos have coated boards these days. Yes! The coating affects circuit performance, especially in RF circuits. It's better to put the circuit in a hermetic, waterproof housing without any board coating. Not a true commercial radio! 3) Icom and Standard offer 3 year WP warranty, but only my Icom's ever needed service. Even my old SH handheld outlasted the Icom MV1. But what about the IC-M602? It outperforms your rig hands down. As far as your "radio check" to Port Jefferson it's no big deal. Who said it was? I indicated that it was possible with other radios as well. It was the audiophile quality! It's hilarious reading a "stereo review" for a piece of radio gear! Try harder, Bob! You don't have to try any harder! It's hilarious! RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
Nutsy,
Sounds good but is it really necessary in VHF? When I sailed, a main goal was to brake the contact with shore. The Peace of just being AWAY was one of the main goals of Pneuma, my Dog and myself and crew. http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage |
VHF Review
"Thom Stewart" wrote in message ... Nutsy, Sounds good but is it really necessary in VHF? When I sailed, a main goal was to brake the contact with shore. The Peace of just being AWAY was one of the main goals of Pneuma, my Dog and myself and crew. http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage If the radio goes down they can always hail someone on the beach with the loudspeaker function since he's never far from shore. If it's a real emergency the guy on the beach can wade out and render assistance! Glory! |
VHF Review
The Standard Horizon transmits with 5% distortion! Read the spec! And
yet it's perfectly clear to an "audiophile"! Distortion measurements seek maximum, not average or typical. Some of the finest pre-amps ever made had 3-5% distortion. Of course, for simple voice transmission 5% means nothing. This just proves you know nothing about radios except what you're googling. Do you know what that distortion is or where it lies, the frequencies it's more likely to effect? Of course you don't. Yes! The coating affects circuit performance, especially in RF circuits. It's better to put the circuit in a hermetic, waterproof housing without any board coating. Not a true commercial radio! Well then, Icom is screwing up because they use coated boards, just like every other maker. Ooops! But what about the IC-M602? It outperforms your rig hands down. No, it doesn't. It performs at the level for which it was designed. The top end Standard (more expensive) is also designed to perform at it's specific level. My radio is certainly better than most. Let's be honest. Most people pay 100-150 bucks for el-cheapo Icom gear (and guess what about those waterproof claims?). I got the real deal at least. You haven't answered the question about your display! Is it adjustable? Have you tested it for night blindness? It's the "biggest", "Most visible" display on the market! You don't even know how it works! One of the best displays on the market, it has not only lighting control, but also contrast settings! It can also be toggled off. Oh, Bob!!! You didn't google very well!!!!! RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
Sounds good but is it really necessary in VHF? When I sailed, a main
goal was to brake the contact with shore. The Peace of just being AWAY was one of the main goals of Pneuma, my Dog and myself and crew. Thom, the Uniden that came with Heart of Gold was just fine. Then the yard gave us this radio new in the box after a customer's boat was repo'd. With the second station mic it cost over 400 bucks....It's a really nice radio, so in it went. Most of the VHF radios out there are pretty good, though a few recent West Marine and Icom's were lemons. I just knew posting my "review" of an expensive VHF would send Bob a-googling!....and off he went. Oh, and the old Uniden was white and didn't really match the interior! RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... The Standard Horizon transmits with 5% distortion! Read the spec! And yet it's perfectly clear to an "audiophile"! Distortion measurements seek maximum, not average or typical. Some of the finest pre-amps ever made had 3-5% distortion. Of course, for simple voice transmission 5% means nothing. This just proves you know nothing about radios except what you're googling. Do you know what that distortion is or where it lies, the frequencies it's more likely to effect? Of course you don't. That's transmitter distortion. It's a measure of the linearity of a variable reactance modulator. The maximum frequency deviation is a constant 5 KHz by Federal Regulations. The distortion is probably from trying to modulate a dual modulus pre-scaled synthesized signal by applying the modulating voltage to a hyperabrupt varactor tuning diode incorporated into the voltage controlled oscillator. One problem is that the voltage signal works against the control loop error signal and another problem is the inherent non linearity of the 1/(LC)^0.5 tuning of the hyperabrupt varactor diode. The control loop bandwidth must be less than the lower cutoff of audio bandwidth so the modulating and loop error signal do not cancel. In fact, the class C amplifier used to amplify the modulated RF signal introduces distortion of less than 0.1% into the signal. That's because it is a saturating zero crossing amplifer, not a envelope amplifier. Why on earth are you comparing a audio frequency pre amplifier circuit to a 150 MHz RF FM modulator? Yes! The coating affects circuit performance, especially in RF circuits. It's better to put the circuit in a hermetic, waterproof housing without any board coating. Not a true commercial radio! Well then, Icom is screwing up because they use coated boards, just like every other maker. Ooops! The secret is in the coating of the boards! Something of which you know nothing! I've seen lots of maritime radios with no coating on the boards. But what about the IC-M602? It outperforms your rig hands down. No, it doesn't. It performs at the level for which it was designed. The top end Standard (more expensive) is also designed to perform at it's specific level. My radio is certainly better than most. Let's be honest. Most people pay 100-150 bucks for el-cheapo Icom gear (and guess what about those waterproof claims?). I got the real deal at least. Read the measured performance specs on the radios. That ICOM uses 20% lower power in receive, has much better adjacent channel rejection, less distortion, lower spurious response, better IP3, uses 3 RAM+ sets, smaller RAM+ sets, meets JIS grade 7 waterproof , has a second receiver that is on continuously, hand full weather band coverage, much sharper spectral envelope. You haven't answered the question about your display! Is it adjustable? Have you tested it for night blindness? It's the "biggest", "Most visible" display on the market! You don't even know how it works! One of the best displays on the market, it has not only lighting control, but also contrast settings! It can also be toggled off. Every radio has that. The IC-M602 is even better! Oh, Bob!!! You didn't google very well!!!!! Why don't you do a little Googling to find the difference between an RF modulator and an audio pre amp? Glory! |
VHF Review
Nutsy,
I had a Rule on Pneuma. All Cell phone shut-off while underway. That was Sail or power. By the way, had more trouble with the female crew than the male. I did have the VHF on ( Coastee Reg) but with Volume turned down MAX. http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage |
VHF Review
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... Why on earth are you comparing a audio frequency pre amplifier circuit to a 150 MHz RF FM modulator? Sorry, Bob, YOU were the one that used the word AUDIOPHILE in your comments regarding the radio, so please tell us why!! That's when the audio quality coming out of the speakers was discussed. Later on, I said the radio transmitter has 5% distortion (but you have no inkling of NBFM distortion). You then went on about audio pre amps. Can you hear radio waves? Do audio pre amps receive and detect radio waves? You were LOST!!!! Every radio has that. The IC-M602 is even better! You better check, because most don't. But more importantly IF you thought that why would you ask if the SH had it??? Hmmmm? Oops! I was simply repeating what you had said. But you still haven't answered the question! has a second receiver that is on continuously, Yep...we all need a radio that uses 20% less power, but is on all the time!!!! There's a feature for a sailboat! Ooooops! Yup it is a desireable feature. USCG regs says if there's a radio it has to be on. The ICOM uses 20% less power - less drain on batteries - perfect for sailboats!! KABLAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bob...you're taking a whipping! Yes you are! Bwahahahahahahahahaha!!!! |
VHF Review
Yup it is a desireable feature. USCG regs says if there's a radio it
has to be on. The ICOM uses 20% less power - less drain on batteries - perfect for sailboats!! In the slip, on the hook, underway when power needs to be saved...nope. Icom uses more power and few people will ever install than on a sailboat. But you can prove us wrong. Go on yachtworld and find just 10 boats that have one installed. Usually listed under electronics. Go ahead...show us! Waaaa-ping! RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message oups.com... Yup it is a desireable feature. USCG regs says if there's a radio it has to be on. The ICOM uses 20% less power - less drain on batteries - perfect for sailboats!! In the slip, on the hook, underway when power needs to be saved...nope. Icom uses more power and few people will ever install than on a sailboat. But you can prove us wrong. Go on yachtworld and find just 10 boats that have one installed. Usually listed under electronics. Go ahead...show us! Waaaa-ping! RB 35s5 NY In just one look I found three ICOMs on just one boat! KaBlam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
VHF Review
Capt. Rob wrote:
In the slip, on the hook, underway when power needs to be saved...nope. Do you know what a 'switch' is? -- Capt Scumbalino |
VHF Review
In the slip, on the hook, underway when power needs to be
saved...nope. Do you know what a 'switch' is? Sounds like you didn't read the Icom manual. The Icom requires steady current to save primary settings. Are you suggesting cutting power to the radio utterly? If you leave the boat and forget to switch on you'll eventually lose settintgs. In spite of what the CG says most folks will NEVER install Joe's Icom in a sailboat and you can't show otherwise. RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
Heh... the feature I look for is a large "OFF" button on a radio. Then I
mount whatever it is to the biggest/best coax on the market and install it with no splices between the antenna and the transceiver. I get the best antenna I can and mount it as high as I can with a secondary antenna and same coax mounted as a backup to another , lower location.. It's a fricken walkie talkie... give me range when I need it ... the rest of the time it's turned off. Last thing I need or want is a pack of gossiping idiots chattering up a storm for no good reason except to hear themselves talk. Maydays, SOS and Security calls are for the CG.... I'm not sailing a rescue vessel nor am I an ambulance service. Then again... maybe Bobsprit's boat is so SLOW... he needs a radio to hail anyone. CM- "Capt. Rob" wrote in message ups.com... Just installed the Standard Horizon Quantum GX2360S VHF radio and RAM+ mic. This is a large radio with a typcial feature set, but also featuring excellent WP ratings and a very well build case. Controls have better feel and are easier to use than most small consumer oriented models. SH does not call this a comercial unit, but it's quite close with knobs big enough for gloved hands and a very large amber display that will also repeat GPS data. Combined with a second station RAM+ mic this is a well designed VHF, but the VHF handset is even larger than the original RAM mic and may be a bit too large for some hands. Sound quality on both ends is excellent and for larger boats this works well as a intercom. The unit also features a PA amp output feature that will come in more handy for those with powerboaters. Aboard the 35s5, our electronics panel is not deep and mounted on an angle, though the radio fits well enough. Be sure to measure your panel before committing to this more expensive radio. We opted to remove the Uniden WHAM wireless VHF system for this higher quality model. A radio check easily made Port Jeff with clear audio on both ends. My friend could easily hear us from his boat with it's 50 foot mast. Using a small fixed mount Ray Jeff I could copy his signal mixed with some noise. He said our signal had very little noise. A few more tests led me to believe that this radio deserves it's reputation. If you're looking for a nicer radio, this may be just the ticket. RB 35s5 NY |
VHF Review
"Capt. Rob" wrote in message Oh, and the old Uniden was white and didn't really match the interior! Stick some woodgrain shelf liner on it, call it new and it will match the decor. CM- |
VHF Review
Thom, you know ****head ( Nutzy) is afraid to cut the
shorepower cord. All he does is sit in his slip and play with his toys. Then writes boring ''reviews'' here, hoping upon hope to impress some newbie that has yet to learn what a pretentious little ****** he really is. Cheers, ( rum & coke) to you. Scotty "Thom Stewart" wrote in message ... Nutsy, Sounds good but is it really necessary in VHF? When I sailed, a main goal was to brake the contact with shore. The Peace of just being AWAY was one of the main goals of Pneuma, my Dog and myself and crew. http://community.webtv.net/tassail/ThomPage |
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