"Rob" wrote in message
m...
Hi,

I have been looking at VHF DSC radios and amazed by the price
difference between USA models and UK models. For example, a neat ICOM
402 is readily available in USA for around $170 and in UK you cannot
get a VHF DSC radio for less than £199.

I understand that there are two classes of DSC - Class F and Class D
which may account for the price difference.

Can anyone explain the situation???

TVMIA


THe classes run from A through F with A being the fullest most
comprehensive system as used on the big ships.

Some of the USA cheepies are class F which is not accepted over in
Europe...very basic and can lead to tricky situations in crowded waters due
to its limitations. IE some transmit a Tone on channel 70 and don t do much
else leaving it to the operator
to manually go through procedures for changing channel to a working
frequency where as the more sophsticated ones do this for you.

The lowest class used in the UK etc is class D which is slightly more
comprehensive.

This of course is only part of the story because we have to compound this
with what the manufacturers tell us is the advantage of a large market..in
the UK we pay the penalty


Joe......you got any comments ?????


John