Thank you for the very helpful overview. I do have a few questions and a comment.Do any of the handhelds have the ability to display the AIS information on their own screen or do they need to be connected to a separate chartplotter? Can the VHS be linked via bluetooth to an iPad as your display? My comment has to do with the limitations of emergency contacts using just VHS. The Coast Guard has a pretty robust antenna network, but you might need to rely on other nearby boats picking up your signal and forwarding your call to the authorities. To avoid this problem, I carry a Garmin InReach GPS device that enables direct text or email messaging to emergency authorities via satellite. It does, however, require a modest monthly subscription. Thanks again.
Thanks for the comment. I dont know of any handheld that have the ability for AIS receive using their own screen but it might be out there. I just dont know. Yes i do think Standard Horizon and also Icom hav this nfeature in some newer models. You can use your phone as a display and also make radio transmissions on it. Dont know how reliable it is though. Only heard of it at boat shows and never tested. Good call on the InReach, i also use an Inreach mini when i go offshore for extra safety.
I sail on the Great Lakes but never more than a few miles from shore. I want a hand held for sending a distress signal that incudes my location. With Hx890 do I need to pay for a subscription to have this feature ?
not 100% sure anymore but i want to say back when i applied with the FCC it was around $200. They might have an updated pricing list on their website. check the link i put in the description.
Learn more about Marine VHF radios: th-cam.com/video/t35F8JRcNK0/w-d-xo.html
Very helpful thanks
You're welcome!
Great tutorial on radio safety. Awesome job
Thanks 👍
Wow, this was really informative. I offshore salmon fish in a kayak on Lake Michigan and looking for my first handheld radio.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the very helpful overview. I do have a few questions and a comment.Do any of the handhelds have the ability to display the AIS information on their own screen or do they need to be connected to a separate chartplotter? Can the VHS be linked via bluetooth to an iPad as your display? My comment has to do with the limitations of emergency contacts using just VHS. The Coast Guard has a pretty robust antenna network, but you might need to rely on other nearby boats picking up your signal and forwarding your call to the authorities. To avoid this problem, I carry a Garmin InReach GPS device that enables direct text or email messaging to emergency authorities via satellite. It does, however, require a modest monthly subscription. Thanks again.
Thanks for the comment. I dont know of any handheld that have the ability for AIS receive using their own screen but it might be out there. I just dont know. Yes i do think Standard Horizon and also Icom hav this nfeature in some newer models. You can use your phone as a display and also make radio transmissions on it. Dont know how reliable it is though. Only heard of it at boat shows and never tested. Good call on the InReach, i also use an Inreach mini when i go offshore for extra safety.
Where’s the radio ?
I sail on the Great Lakes but never more than a few miles from shore. I want a hand held for sending a distress signal that incudes my location. With Hx890 do I need to pay for a subscription to have this feature ?
Nope nothing else to pay for. You can get a free MMSI for the radio and thats it. Thanks for the comment! Smooth Sailing!
Any idea how much the MMSI number is if i do travel to the Bahamas?
not 100% sure anymore but i want to say back when i applied with the FCC it was around $200. They might have an updated pricing list on their website. check the link i put in the description.