Like our smartphones which pack an ever-expanding assortment of functions and apps, modern fixed-mount and handheld VHFs do a lot more than put you in voice contact with others. Among the features you’ll find are Digital Selective Calling (DSC), preloaded navigation charts, GPS tracking, man overboard function and AIS—Automatic Identification System—which keeps you posted on other AIS-equipped vessels in the area. Below are nine of the best.
The list is part of an exercise we do every year at Marine Electronics Journal. We call it the Best & Brightest Boating Electronics. We ask manufacturers to name the one model in a particular category of boating electronics—21 in all, from MFDs and electronic charts to radars—that they consider to be their best. It’s not necessarily the most technically advanced or newest or the one with the most whistles and buzzers, but rather the model they rate highest in that category for one reason or another. Could be the functions and features it offers, or maybe it breaks new ground in maximizing effectiveness or utility, or maybe it’s the most popular as measured by sales to boaters. In some cases it has proved itself over the years as the go-to device.
Last week we rolled out the Best & Brightest satellite communications devices.
Fixed Mounts
The M510 Class D DSC VHF marine radio with WLAN functionality is an NMEA award-winning powerhouse tough enough for the commercial market yet refined for recreational boaters. At nearly half the depth of the M506 and M605, the M510 is ideal for modern glass helms or where space is at a premium. Features include front and back COMMANDMIC connection ports, a large and easy-to-read color LCD with 180° viewing angle, and Night Mode for low-light conditions. With real-time AIS, view vessel traffic and make individual DSC calls to selected targets. With the RS-M500 app (iOS/Android), command and control the M510 wirelessly. For more flexibility, use the optional CT-M500 wireless interface box with NMEA 2000 to connect to other stations onboard.
B&G’s V60-B VHF radios are Class B AIS transceivers that not only receive AIS targets, but also transmit your position to nearby AIS-equipped vessels. This helps other sailors to spot your boat through all conditions, day or night. AIS information can be viewed on the radio’s built-in screen or overlaid on the chart or radar screen through a compatible chartplotter. The V60-B’s removable fist mic can be connected to the front or rear of the radio, and optional extension cables allow the mic and radio to be mounted separately. This offers a simple and cost-effective solution for any mounting location, with no cable clutter.
Navigate safely with the Simrad RS100-B VHF marine radio, integrated with Class B AIS transceiver and GPS. The RS100-B is a modular VHF system that is expandable and customizable to suit any boat and any on-water communication needs. The standard package includes one wired handset and one external speaker. This setup is expandable up to eight handsets (four wired and four wireless) and four external speakers, ideal for use as an onboard intercom with Simrad HS40 wireless or HS100 wired handsets. All primary functions are accessible from the handset with Channel Scan and Favorites, alphanumeric keypad, clear audio, handset station naming, and 60-second audio rewind.
Power, performance, reliability—Standard Horizon’s Matrix GX2400 is a 25-watt fixed-mount VHF with a built-in 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver, built-in Class A and Class B AIS receiver, and is NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 compatible. Additional features include a built-in 30-watt PA with preprogrammed fog signals. Control all features of the radio with the wired RAM4 or wireless RAM4X second station microphones. Other notable features include integrated voice scrambler, noise cancelling functions, full DSC capabilities (including Position Sharing and Group mode), waypoint navigation, E2O (easy to operate menu system), MOB, and selectable Day/Night Mode operation. The GX2400 is backed by Standard Horizon’s three-year waterproof warranty.
Delivering complete communication anywhere on the water, the Link-9 fixed-mount VHF radio provides reliable performance and critical safety features, including built-in GPS, internal dual-channel AIS receiver with AIS plot functionality, NMEA 2000/0183 connectivity, PA/Hailer/Horn output with listen-back feature, Track Your Buddy technology and a dedicated MOB button. AIS information can be viewed on the Link-9’s built-in screen or overlaid on the chart or radar screen through a compatible multifunction display. The Link-9’s removable fist mic can be connected to the front or rear of the radio; optional extension cable allows the radio and mic to be mounted separately. This offers a simple and cost-effective solution for any mounting locations, with no cable clutter.
Handheld
Icom’s M94D VHF floating handheld puts AIS in the palm of your hand. This feature-rich radio has built-in Class H DSC with integrated GPS and AIS providing location, bearing, and speed, offering users peace of mind when on the water. This user-friendly radio has a large, easy-to-read display, 1500mW output power, Float’n Flash, AquaQuake, Active Noise Cancelling and Man Overboard. This radio is built for the serious boater.
Standard Horizon’s high-end HX890 floating Class H DSC VHF/GPS features two built-in scrambler systems, a four-code CVS2500A and a 32-code FVP-42 to ensure secure communications on the water. Relax with music on the FM radio broadcast bands. Other features include switchable daytime or nighttime mode, waypoint and route navigation, and group monitor function utilizing DSC group position call. The Standard Horizon HX890 has also been redesigned with a new ergonomic case and has been rigorously tested to conform to the Military Standard (MIL-STD-810F). The feature-packed HX890 comes with accessories, including the rechargeable Li-ion battery, alkaline battery tray, 110V wall charger, 220V adapter, charging cradle, 12V charger, PC programming cable and belt clip with lanyard. Available in black or navy blue.
Combining impressive range with inductive charging for flexible communications at and away from the chart table, the compact B&G H50 wireless VHF handset features a powerful speaker, integral AIS vessel display, ergonomic rubber over molding and six keys, including a dedicated Channel 16 and MOB button for reliable contact wherever you are onboard. The H50 can also function as an intercom at a range of 656 feet from handset to handset and is waterproof to the IPX7 standard. The H50 battery typically lasts eight hours.
Combo Unit
