Getting connected for safety first

Icom M150

Dec 8, 2022

Icom M150

The December issue of Canadian Yachting once again featured the magazine’s Annual Marine Electronics Special compiled by Andy Adams. While the feature is packed with a wide variety of brilliant electronic gear, Andy also took time to laud the VHF, the one piece of equipment virtually all of us have onboard.

For obvious safety reasons, we need to start with the VHF radio because that’s the best way to connect to help in an emergency. There are many different VHF radios available as both fixed-mount to install at your helm and portable handsets as well. One of the portable VHF radios that we especially like is the Standard Horizon HX 890, a high-end, floating Class H DSC (digital selective calling) VHF/GPS that even has a scrambler system for secure communications on the water. This has switchable daytime / nighttime modes, waypoint and route navigation and a group monitor function using a DSC Group position call. Canadian Retail about $275.

Standard Horizon HX 890Standard Horizon HX 890

 

For those looking for a fixed mount VHF that has the latest tech but hits at a mid-range price, the Icom M510 has a space-saving design, and you can use the controls on the set or run it from your smart-phone using Wi-Fi. So, there is “connectivity” appearing again! Retail price in Canada approximately $750.

(If you don’t subscribe to CY magazine already, now might be a great time as a last minute holiday gift …. to yourself)

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