Looking for radio

[tsubaki]

Looking for another radio to replace my VHF in case I need one or to listen to the weather and seen this one today. Thought it was interesting that it had GPS location also.
Also has a $20 rebate for purchase this year.
Haven't decided yet but the antenna connection looks different than the old type VHF and may require a different antenna also.
Oh and it's digital (if that means something nowadays).

http://store.humminbird.com/renderImage.image?imageName=product_images\\large/vhf255sw_01.jpg
VHF255sw

VHF Radios
The VHF255sw fixed-mount marine radio features a rugged, submersible design with 25/1 Watt power output, all USA/INTL channels and advanced Digital Selective Calling (DSC) technology. Color: white.
MSRP $149.99

Overview (http://store.humminbird.com/vhf-radios/vhf255sw/prod406650-1.html#overview)
Features (http://store.humminbird.com/vhf-radios/vhf255sw/prod406650-1.html#features)
Specs (http://store.humminbird.com/vhf-radios/vhf255sw/prod406650-1.html#specs)
Support (http://store.humminbird.com/vhf-radios/vhf255sw/prod406650-1.html#support)Display

2.50" diagonal
Backlit LCDChannels:

All U.S., International & Canada ChannelsWeather Channels

10 Channels w/NOAA Weather AlertDigital Selective Calling

Class D (EN301025)Submersion Standard

JIS-7, 1 meter 30 minutesSize

6.375" W x 2.75" H x 5.25" D
Highlights

Submersible design for the maximum durability
2.5-Inch Diagonal Backlit LCD screen
Monitors all U.S., International and Canadian channels
Full 25 watt or 1 watt transmit power
3-Year limited warranty
Display Size:2.50" diagonalDisplay Type:Backlit LCDChannels:All U.S., International & Canada ChannelsWeather Channels:10 Channels w/NOAA Weather AlertPower Output:1w or 25w (user selectable)Frequency Range (Transmit):156.025 - 157.425 mHzFrequency Range (Receive):156.050 - 163.275 mHzDigital Selectivity Calling (DSC):Class D (EN301025)Submersion Standard:JIS-7, 1 meter 30 minutesSize:6.375" W x 2.75" H x 5.25" Dhttp://store.humminbird.com/renderImage.image?imageName=product_images\\large\ vhf255sw_02.jpg

[cterrebonne]

iCOM

[spareparts]

to furthur echo the previous, ICOM!!!!
and just about everything now is DSC capable, problem is the dsc system still isn't up and operating to its full operational capability

[bradford]

I plan on purchasing an ICOM as well. I researched a bunch of different brands and they seem to be ruggedly built and have easy to use-nofrills features.

[spareparts]

what about antenna's? anyone use gamm digital?

[macojoe]

I need a new att also!! I can't believe how much money they have become!

[turbinedoctor]

Humming Bird?????

I did not know Hummer made VHF's

[Airslot]

I've been using Icom & Uniden radios for years with no problems w/ either brand. My V has had a Uniden mounted exposed for 3 or 4 years now and it still works. I use the Galaxy 5225 XT antenna on all the boats here that I help with.

[tsubaki]

Walked by it again today and actually looked at it this time, this Humminbird VHF has the same antenna connection as any other VHF radio.
It appears there is an optional GPS antenna connection in order for the GPS portion to work.

[phatdaddy]

i got something from west marine in the mail about a sale this week. i can't find the flyer,but it was something about buy a radio & get an antennae for $1. don't know if it was a particular brand or details, maybe good deal, maybe not.

[chumbucket]

i got something from west marine in the mail about a sale this week. i can't find the flyer,but it was something about buy a radio & get an antennae for $1. don't know if it was a particular brand or details, maybe good deal, maybe not.
That deal was for a West Marine brand labeled VHF 550 or 650 and get a Mariner 8300 VHF Antenna for $1. But, that sale is over. It ended 3/30/08
I've always used either Standard Horizon or ICOM in the past. I just picked up this Ray54. Looks like it'll be a decent unit.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v129/bospa/PennReelsRaymarineVHF007.jpg

[nothingbuttrouble]

Hey I actually took advantage of that sale at west marine last wekk. It was buy a VHF radio, get an antenna for $1. Total came out to be $160 with tax and all for the antenna and radio. Before they entered the discount into the computer it was $226 for both. Thats a good deal in my book. Of course i only stopped in west marine to get an antenna mount for my AM/FM antenna, but how can you pass on a deal like that. Its a good radio also, west marine rebrands Uniden as there own radios, so its quality built. Even has the channel selectors in the microphone, as well as being able to hook up to a GPS system.

[macojoe]

Great deal! I just wish someone I knew told me about it!! :bat::bat::bat::bat::bat:

[jjjtronics]

ICOM, period.
Reliable, inexpensive, lasting, user friendly, and pretty.
And dont forget, if you get a small ( low end ) unit, get an external speaker for it, you will love the sound from it.
Juan

[turbinedoctor]

I would spend more time looking into a good antenna then the radio. All radios are limited to transmit 25 watts so you need to make sure you get an antenna that will put the most of the enery to use instead of wasting it. :drool:

[jjjtronics]

Get a Shakespeare antenna.

[turbinedoctor]

I have the Shakespere 5102 and have talked to people 70 miles away like they were right next to me.

I also have the Icom 422, which I am very plaese with. :love:

[macojoe]

I have to get a antenna soon, the boat came with a ICOM Radio and it seems to work fine. But the antenna was broke.
Mine will be going on top of the Hard top when it gets here.

I heard Galaxi was good, but I am going to look at the Shakespeare as they are much easier to find around here./

[jjjtronics]

Macojoe, pull the Icom out if you can, and take the volume and squelch knobs out, and throw a couple of drops of Corrosion-X or the like on the knobs shafts, then put some vaseline on the shaft before you put the knobs back in place. Also spray the back of the radio with Corr-X. This will make your VHF last a long time. Mine is an M-56, about 15 years old, and still works like new. Most VHF`s die because water gets into their guts. Remember to NEVER-EVER use WD-40 around your boat electronics.
Juan