John, You didn't indicate whether you had a Tiller or a Wheel.
If you've a Wheel then a Wired remote makes sense. I'm not a fan of Wireless for all kinds of reason. The location of the Base unit and where a remote control becomes moot. I would suggest a Remote speaker as well. While some may like the tiny speaker in the hand held device, In a Noisy or confused situation, that little speaker likely will be poor at best. If you've got a Tiller, then I start up on my Rant (LOL).. The only VHF base unit located below in a cabin, is really quite silly !! One hardly ever uses it there. Why not mount it close to the hatch? Easy to reach for everyone.. A Safety feature. No Remote, wired or wireless is needed. That said, I'm very aware that folks very often mount them below.. If that's the case.. then I go with my earlier suggestion .. Wired and External Speaker. As to the choice of Base VHF unit. They are all pretty much the same. You PAY for all the goodies that may be in the box. AND...You likely will pay a LOT for that stuff. Do some hard ball thinking about just WHAT you NEED before you jump to buy. DSC is hardly an Option anymore, but as to the other "Niceties" will you REALLY need them? I vote for the simplest..! Brand Name ? It's really not an issue. They all are really the same. It's another "Ford or Chevy" discussion. We Male types (and of course some women) .. Have a "Need" to have the BIGGEST and the BEST of everything. Making sure that others hear how much it cost. Marketing and Sales folks know and capitalize on that part of us. May I just say.... I spent a good deal of my life telling others, when it comes to buying electronics, especially Radios, TVs and Video gear, buy "FURNITURE". What I mean by that is.... Like furniture in your house.. you are going to have to LIVE with it for a long time. Buy something that Feels good, looks good .. and does what you want it to do. Not just something that has Bells and Whistles and costs a lot. Unless, of course, one has a Need to have the Biggest and the Best money can buy. For boats like ours, the KISS principle is still a good and Practical one. UW, Ralph Ahseln "Oblio" Lying; Portland OR From: John Jennings Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 12:00 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: RE: RE: [IC27A] Fixed Mount VHF Radio Phil and Mark Thanks for your thoughts on the subject. I really like the idea of a wireless mic but I have not priced it yet. Phil, I am positive that I will never have the electronics that's on Wing Tip, but I will have to say it's very impressive. John J..
