Anyone have one of these?
On my old boat, I had a fixed-mount VHF belowdecks just inside the companionway, but had to use my handheld when motoring - I just couldn't hear the radio below over the rattle of the diesel. The 4 stroke o/b in an aft well onboard "Katie" is much quieter.
Based on this prior, noisier experience, it seems that the RAM mic option would be a good thing to have. Before spending the big bux (the cheapest VHF/RAM combo I've seen would run in excess of $300) on a system that I don't really use all that often, I'd like to hear some feedback from people that have used them, to see if they are really worth the extra expense, to see if they work as well as advertised.
So far, on "Katie", the handheld has worked fine, and I'm kind of wondering if I'd be stepping out of KISS principle philosophy by sporting a fancy radio gadget like these. Should I just stick with a "normal" (though higher powered w/masthead antenna) VHF below? Is there a safety consideration involved that overrules any other objections?
Thanks for any feedback on this.
I have installed a speaker in the cockpit coming and got a longer mic cord. I still worry that the mic isn't waterproof though.
Don't know about RAM mike's but I have found the cockpit speaker eliminates the need to carry my handheld whenever the motor is running. I also have mic holders mounted in the companionway on both the inside and the outside to make it easier to reach the mike when underway.
I see many boats with the radio mounted well below decks. It would seem this is a throwback to the days when they had to be kept absolutely dry, or maybe to have it closer to the 'nav station' (where ever that is on a small boat :) )
Mine is mounted to the cabin top, just inside the companion way. It is sheltered from the worst of the weather, but much easier to reach when calling for a bridge opening.
FWIW.....
I have one. I dont use it. To much corossion in the connections always makes it a pain in the Ass. Just use a remote speaker.
Hmmm - I am seriously considering buying a DSC with a WAM mic. Right now I have a handheld at the helm and my onboard VHF now has an extension speaker. So why am I considering upgrading?
Number one - the handheld has a limited range, too often it falls short meaning I have to go down below to be heard - not always convenient.
Number two - it is my understanding that the powers to be are looking for everyone to go to the newer DSC (digital selective calling) systems. I have heard the UK Coast Guard already have stopped headphone monitoring Ch 16 - it still gets heard over a speaker. They are pushing for the newer systems which provide more information such as GPS position and ship specifics. Canada will likely wait for the US to change first, but I believe the newer systems do offer advantages. When you need help the $300 price tag is the last thing on your mind.
John
I don't care for DSC, but for those who have made the 'jump' to it, it is important to know that the USCG is not set up to recieve DSC data in all but a few places.
Interesting - Faith - what is it that you don't care for about DSC? Perhaps I don't know enough about it. It is my understanding that the DSC VHF does everything a standard VHF does with the added benefit selective calling to another vessel + the added safety benefit of identifying your vessel to other ships.
As for the USCG not yet being equipped - this to will change. Other Coast Guards have already announced their intent.
Would love to hear more on this before the boat show (Thursday).
John
My boat is a mess. I mean, it is basically sound, but 30+ years of prior owners have done some strange things, while other things are just wearing out.
One project I'm getting ready to do (after I finish building a new fore-hatch and the weather warms a little) is to install my new VHF radio. The old radio is mounted near the companionway, which makes sense except I still can't use it in the cockpit. My new radio has a wireless hand held, so I'm thinking that I really don't have to worry about mounting it where it is (semi)convenient to the cockpit anymore. Maybe it would be better to mount it on the bulkhead next to the mast.
I can think of a few good reasons for this.
1) The current location gets in the way when the dinette is setup as a bunk.
2) I think I can flush mount it here which will make the interior look a little more finished.
3) It would be right next to where the antennae cable enters the cabin. I'm told that shorter lengths are better.
4) This would make a good location to put an AM/FM stereo keeping all the radio stuff together.
Just wondering if anyone has any pressing reasons why this is not a good idea. I can think of a couple; but they don't seem too serious.
1) Need to run DC wire to power the unit. But I figure, DC on one hand, coax on the other. It's a wash.
2) What if my wireless hand-held unit goes overboard. Well, we need to balance risks here. I figure the old unit really wasn't usable from the cockpit anyhow. This would be a little less convenient, but given the serious lack of convenience that exists currently, I wonder if it's enough to matter.
Given what you've said about your old setup, I think that the new location makes sense. Running coax that distance is definitely harder than running the DC wiring forward, and having the shorter coax run will improve signal levels a bit... It's also far less likely to interfere with the compass, which is probably mounted in the bulkhead back by the companionway.
I would highly recommend you get a handheld for use as a backup. And you could put the charging cradle for the handheld back by the companionway, so that it could, in a pinch, be more accessible to the cockpit. That would give you an option, if the wireless mic is re-charging or lost overboard.
It is very handy to be able to have at least yer head out of the hatch when on the VHF, especially when shorthanded and where you need to navigate...........or at least reassure yourself, with the MK1 eyeball, that you don't need to navigate :o
I am a Donut! - I didn't read Wireless :'(...........in that case you might want to tie a bit of long string to the mike ;D
The only problem I can see with a wireless mic, is that Murphy's Law says the battery in it will die just as you need it most... I prefer hard-wired mics for that reason...as long as the boat has power, the mic should work...
Quote from: AdriftAtSea on February 03, 2007, 08:14:44 AM
The only problem I can see with a wireless mic, is that Murphy's Law says the battery in it will die just as you need it most... I prefer hard-wired mics for that reason...as long as the boat has power, the mic should work...
There are many, many cases of boat's electrical system failing 'when you need it most.' Seems like you are just trading one vulnerability for another.
Just a thought...
True..., which is why I have a battery-powered handheld VHF, and why I recommending installing one to s/v Godot... Cheap insurance against losing communications if the electrical system fails.
This is a circular arguement though...
(1) Because batteries can fail, relying on battery powered comms in the cockpit is not the BEST idea.
(2) Boat batts or electrical system can fail, too.
(3) Carry a battery powered radio as a back-up to the boats electrical system based comms
(4) Goto (1)
I'm not being argumentative, but it sounds like a recipe for becoming 'over-equipped' as Ken Barnes was criticized for being....
I have one handheld, that has the ability to be powered by AA batteries, and keep the AA batteries and the AA-battery pack for it in the ditch bag. I keep it, and the NiMH battery pack for it in the charging cradle. I see having a handheld VHF as an essential. I often use it to talk to my crew, when they're out with the dinghy... better than yelling... easier too.
It isn't a circular argument... you're just making it into one... I just think that you need to have some sort of VHF for use in the cockpit, and that a battery-powered handheld is a reasonable backup to a battery-powered wireless mic. Alternatively, you could get a really long corded mic, but that's really not practical.
The likelihood of having boat's electrical system or the batteries in the wireless mic, which has the same effective result, and the batteries in the handheld VHF failing simultaneously is very small, unless there is a lightning strike to the boat. Chances are pretty likely that most people will have a handheld VHF aboard anyways. Most boaters I know carry one.
A longer mic cord or a remote, non wireless.
I bought an ICOM VHF because of the non-wireless Command Mic and do like it. No batteries.
The less stuff in my Mac 26M cockpit the happer I am.
Quote from: AdriftAtSea on February 03, 2007, 11:24:03 AMAlternatively, you could get a really long corded mic, but that's really not practical.
Actually it is. The cable between my Icom VHF and the cockpit plug for the command mic is about 20' long. Standard part available from Icom.
(http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=1875.0;attach=972;image)
I posted this image on the Some storage ideas (http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=1875.msg18872#msg18872) thread, and thought some folks might be interested in some additional discussion.
On small boats, you almost always see the VHF radio in a location that is accessible from the cockpit. In fact, my old radio is inside the cabin in a spot where the mic will reach into the cockpit. The problem with this setup is that when I needed to close up the cabin for weather or safety reasons, or just because my wife wanted to take a nap while not listening to vhf chatter, I could no longer use the radio. Definitely not desirable. So I started looking for a new solution.
Possibility one: handheld VHF. In fact, this is what I am currently using until I get the antenna rewired. The handheld has one serious deficiency: Range. It don't go far.
Possibility two: mount the vhf in the cockpit. Of course, now it is unuseable in the cabin. Plus it is subject to spray, rain, theft, and who knows what else. Not to mention that I really don't have a good place in the cockpit to mount it.
Possibility three (my choice): get a radio with a remote mic. I purchased a Uniden Oceanus which has the optional wireless Wham mic. So now I have the benefits of a handheld, without the drawbacks (well, I do have to worry about charging the WHAM). I'm also able to mount the VHF on the bulkhead right next to the mast so I can minimize the antenna cable run. It is unlikely to get wet (even though it is splash resistant, I'd rather not test this). I can see the display easily enough from the cockpit, if I need to for some reason. I think this is going to be a good solution. I can't wait to try it out.
To the left of the VHF there is some additional unused space. I'm thinking of either installing an AM/FM/CD player here, or perhaps a "glove box" to store boat papers, wallet, whatever. I'm going to leave my options open for the moment. Also, someplace up here I think I'm going to mount my old handheld GPS (a new one is on my Christmas list) where I can hook it up to the VHF for DSC use, and maybe an AIS if I install one for the Scoot.
If you're going to go with a remote mic, I'd recommend getting a wired mic if at all possible. They're harder to lose, and you don't have to worry about whether they're charged or not.
Too late. The radio is bought (I bought it new at a deep discount, around $75, almost two years ago ... just now getting it installed), and so is the WHAM. I don't think the Uniden Oceanus offers wired remotes, anyhow.
Adam,
Something you might want to consider is to mount the radio to the overhead inside the companionway.
This is where we have it aboard Faith, and it has worked out well. It is not out in the weather (or in sight when the boat is locked up). It is easily reached from below, or from the cockpit.
We have mike brackets both on the inside and outside of the companionway, and can keep the mike within reach. I do use a small external speaker that Kurt gave me to hear more clearly (mostly when motoring).
I think I have a picture in the gallery that shows the location... will look for it when the gallery is back up.
Quote from: s/v Faith on August 25, 2008, 11:57:45 AM
Adam,
Something you might want to consider is to mount the radio to the overhead inside the companionway.
That was an option I considered, and may eventually go to if the current location doesn't work out. I'm gonna try this for a season, at least, though. It makes the cabin look less cluttered, and just seems more comfortable. Plus, with the WHAM I can use it with the cabin buttoned up tight. That has turned out to be an issue in the past.
I
do have an external speaker that will end up in the cockpit.
I'd have to agree that being able to button up the companionway is a good thing. There are just days where leaving it even open a bit will get so much water in to cabin it isn't worth it.
FWIW, I read somewhere, IIRC the CSBB, that wireless mikes are a battery hog. May want to carry a bunch of extra batteries for it.
First, sorry about a repetitive thread. I had forgotten about my original post in February 2007 (given I'm just now installing the radio, you can see how far behind I am in boat work).
Second, regarding the mic being a battery hog, that would not be a great thing. The mic comes with a rechargeable NiMH battery and provisions for using AA batteries, so I suppose I could survive even if I have to replace the batteries somewhere during the day. This is very undesirable, though, and could possibly be a deal breaker. A possible solution might be to generally keep the mic off and monitor VHF via an external (wired) speaker in the cockpit. That might depend on how quick the WHAM will power up when needed.
And here's a less than flattering review on Amazon:
Quote
I purchased this WHAM mike and a Uniden Oceanus about 18 months ago. The radio works fine but the Wham microphone is worthless. I returned it to the
manufacturer and was told it is working to specs. The Mike has a long lag time between the radio and the Mike.This makes it almost impossible to hear a conversation or even have one using the mike.The battery life is very low and will barely run 5 hours at best and often only 2. Many times the Microphone will not link to the radio at all. I have tried numerous locations on the boat for the sending unit to no avail. Uniden has been totally unresponsive to my complaint and I will avoid them in the future. Hope this helps someone avoid my grief....
Suddenly, I feel less confident about my choice.
There's nothing for it but to try it out and see how it works.
Oh, and if it doesn't work as well as hoped, I'd still like to keep the VHF in the existing location. I may ebay the whole package and get a different radio with a WIRED command mic.
What the heck, it's only money. :-\
Where did you buy it from??? If you bought it from West Marine, you could probably return it for full credit towards another unit with a wired mic. :)
Also, the problem with opening a WHAM mic or something like that while sailing is that the unit is now much more vulnerable to salt spray, since you're breaking the integrity of the casing. I can't imagine trying to deal with changing the batteries in the WHAM mic in heavy seas and winds would be very successful or fun. :)
Quote from: AdriftAtSea on September 01, 2008, 09:08:32 AM
Where did you buy it from??? If you bought it from West Marine, you could probably return it for full credit towards another unit with a wired mic. :)
I don't remember where I bought it. I was at the Annapolis sailboat show. I no longer have the receipt. I think I'm stuck.
Interestingly, I just dug through my pile of stuff, and it turns out I have the WHAMx2 mic as well. I don't remember purchasing a second WHAM; but there it is. That means if one runs down I can use the other. I'm not much of a VHF gabber so hopefully I'll do better than the 5 hours mentioned above (especially since it takes 14 hours to charge from dead).
In addition to the negative review above, I did read a few good reviews. Fingers crossed. The mast should be stepped on Thursday. Give me a couple of days to get the wiring squared away and I'll test it out. Should be interesting.
Thanks for admitting this Adam.
QuoteInterestingly, I just dug through my pile of stuff, and it turns out I have the WHAMx2 mic as well. I don't remember purchasing a second WHAM; but there it is.....
Glad I am not the only one. ;D
I finally had a chance to use the new VHF setup, and it works fine. There are some quirks to the WHAM mic; but no deal breakers.
Quirk one: When operating the buttons on the mic, changes seem to happen at the radio quick enough; but it takes a few extra seconds for the mic to respond. This was frustrating at first; but it is easy to adjust to.
Quirk two: For incoming transmissions, the WHAM mic sometimes loses the first couple seconds. I dealt with this annoyance by turning the volume up on the VHF and down on the WHAM. When I install the remote external speaker in the cockpit, I suspect this will become the default mode.
The good news is that transmissions seemed to work just fine. And the batteries didn't run down for probably 12 hours. Of course, I don't transmit much. While listening to the radio during the day it became obvious that some other folks transmit a whole lot. So maybe that has something to do with the reported low battery life. Having two WHAMs, I always had one on the charger which worked well.
Gear rating: Adequate. A wired remote mic would probably have suited me better; but NOT enough change my current setup.
Quote from: s/v godot on October 24, 2008, 11:48:20 PM
When I install the remote external speaker in the cockpit...
Think this one through carefully before you cut the hole... I've seen several boats where people have installed speakers (usually for a stereo) down by your feet in the vertical sides of the cockpit. In the event of cockpit flooding/pooping, this only leaves what is usually a paper cone (in automotive-type speakers) keeping the water out of the interior spaces. Not sure what material is used in "marinized" speakers but I'm fairly certain that it is not designed to hold back standing water when submerged, just to not fall apart in rain and spray...
Bill's got a very good point.
The speakers on the Pretty Gee are mounted into a compartment that drains overboard and has the rudder trunk in it... so flooding the boat isn't a problem.
But on many boats, where the lockers that the speakers are mounted in are open to the bilge, like the cockpit lazarettes on many boats, I highly recommend mounting the speakers behind deckplates that you can close off when sailing in heavier weather. Getting pooped and suddenly having two new six-inch diameter holes letting water into the bilge is a very BAD thing.
Quote from: Bill NH on October 26, 2008, 08:41:52 AM
Quote from: s/v godot on October 24, 2008, 11:48:20 PM
When I install the remote external speaker in the cockpit...
Think this one through carefully before you cut the hole... I've seen several boats where people have installed speakers (usually for a stereo) down by your feet in the vertical sides of the cockpit. In the event of cockpit flooding/pooping, this only leaves what is usually a paper cone (in automotive-type speakers) keeping the water out of the interior spaces. Not sure what material is used in "marinized" speakers but I'm fairly certain that it is not designed to hold back standing water when submerged, just to not fall apart in rain and spray...
Happily, the speaker I have is a little bracket mounted speaker like 'B' below (
I sure wish our gallery was working again so I could have trimmed the photo and uploaded it ... I'd hate having to deal with another site). I don't need to cut a big hole in the boat, just a tiny little hole to sneak the speaker cable in with. Actually, I'll probably bring it in through the hole the fishfinder uses, which is rather high up and not a threat to the integrity of the boat.
I've used this speaker for a couple of years on my old VHF, and it works just fine. I never mounted it, and snaked the cable in past the companionway slats. It has been banged around in sloppy weather, and once spent a day or so sitting in a puddle of water with no harm. Well worth the $20 I spent on it.
(http://images.westmarine.com/large/003_090_011_501.jpg)
Some advice I just posted to a new-to-VHF user on a local fishing forum.. he got the radio for Christmas, and was going to go out to 'try it out' this weekend (it will be cold here, He may not hear much).
Of course there is a lot I left out.. the fishermen do not care about hailing commercial traffic, or bridge operators..
Keep it on ch16 when you are just sitting around, if someone is in trouble and you are nearby you can save someones life just by having it on.
Don't get carried away with the radio checks, some days you can hardly stand to have the radio on for all the radio checks... good advice from the poster above about not doing radio checks on 16.. usually plenty of traffic on 68.
If you are not calling for someone or reporting an emergency don't talk on channel 16. If you have an emergency, you can interrupt other conversation with the word 'break'.... never 'breaker breaker'.. unless your handle is 'bandit' and you are driving a kenworth.... good buddy* (see below).
The normal procedure is to call the vessel you want 3x, and wait. If they do not answer, repeat if you really need to, but do not do it over and over... Ex, Faith, Faith, Faith.... (your name here).
Drop the 'CB' lingo. Things like 'you got your ears on', obscure '10 codes' and 'good buddy' DO NOT make you cool. Also, saying 'over' at the end of each transmission makes you sound equally silly.
Do not use profanity. Remember there are others sitting fishing with their children... and it is illegal, but it is unlikely to be caught.. by the FCC... your brothers here will likely bust your chops on the board though. ;)
If you hear foreign language chatting away constantly on channel 16, it is permissible, (even encouraged) to hunt them down and kill them....
....really.
I am on record of being no fan of AIS, however if someone were looking for a small boat solution that would give some AIS data without having to add another display or running a fragile laptop power hog, this may be an answer that will work for you;
TheStandard Horizon GX2100 unit will provide a mini AIS display and ability to call listed targets directly via DSC functions and at a rather low price and all with only one antenna.
I understand that Defender Marine has it selling now for less then $350... ...
(http://www.standardhorizon.com/ProductImages/GX2100_thumb.jpg)
http://www.standardhorizon.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=83&encProdID=F858763BB81027701141A0167DE2A031&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0
This site has good pictures, details and specs.
http://www.starmarinedepot.com/Standard+Horizon+GX2100+Matrix+AIS.html?gclid=COK7wrThop8CFchn5Qod9D4KrQ
I think that is very cool and was wondering why VHFs weren't incorporating AIS yet. A bigger display might be nice; but, if far offshore this would be quite adequate, I suspect, for the occasional contact. And if things get busy the power hungry laptop could be powered up and used to keep track of heavy traffic. Plus, being able to easily call specific boats (DSC) almost makes it worth while on its' own.
Interesting points, of all the ships sighted on my recent trip, NONE of them responded to VHF calls.