VHF DSC installed...

[Go Aweigh2452]

I finished installing the new West Marine VHF 650 DSC class D radio this AM. I programmed the MMSI number and will upload the group and individual MMSI's off IBoatNW...

Pretty straight forward install with the exception of locating the ground for the GPS unit. After removing the tape from a few wire bundles, I finally found it and attached the radio ground to the GPS ground as instructed. I decided to use bullet connectors in case I have to get back into the install. I selected 66 and heard someone in Kingston ask for moorage while I was sitting in the driveway.

Looking forward to seeing this baby work but still awaiting my display units from RayMarine... Which they did call me and said they screwed up... duh... Looks like Monday when I get to see the displays... they better work...
http://www.bremertonnjrotc.com/goaweighto/vhf/IMG_0406.JPG

http://www.bremertonnjrotc.com/goaweighto/vhf/IMG_0404.JPG

[Nehalennia]

Cool, you heading to Blake then?

[Eagle Lady]

Just called Stray Cat with his MMSI number and it worked! Now I just need to check it on GPS.

[Go Aweigh2452]

Cool, you heading to Blake then?

Nope, still working on the boat. Filling in the holes from the other VHF radio which will go on ebay shortly... and Relocating stuff and trying to adjust the plastic containers in the cabin so they max the room we have. Labeling them as well. Dog Food, Coffee, Snacks, Lunch items, etc. Just fixed the holding tank indicator and I think I broke it. It is reading 1/4 instead of 3/4 full and flashing at me. I think I got the circuit wet at the top of the unit when I cleaned it. Will let it dry some and test it. If it is toast, will look at the snake river unit for next winter to install. Will clip the ends off the existing wiring and reconnect to the new unit over the winter. I am also drilling the holes I told you about so I can secure stuff in the engine compartment without the stuff dropping into the engine. :eek:

Oh Freak!!! I got called about a major DR appointment I forgot about and so I have to go do that this PM... That about shuts down our trip for the fourth all together. I have another DR appt on Monday for some more testing I have been putting off. Then Tuesday I have to be in Seattle. So, will reserve Bell H. for Monday PM through Weds and then head to Blake mid week to relax, drop some crab pots etc.

RayMarine called again and informed me they missed the displays to be priority shipped from the DHL warehouse by 4 minutes (yeah right, I got a bridge I can sell them too) and thus no units today... or tomorrow...

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well the new radio is a bust! It has a high and low voltage warning on it and the high warning buzzer kept going off every 10 seconds for about 5 seconds each time during the entire trip to Bell Harbor and back, no matter which battery I used. Very annoying. I called West marine and they contacted Uniden who makes the radio and they said it is suppose to indicate that way. Asked if I could disable it and they said no. Asked them if they get any other complaints and they said yes... duh... I told them I'm replacing it with a nice Standard Horizon... They insisted that I have a high voltage and will burn out my radio. I told them the old one that was on that bus had no problems for the past 7 years... and the "high voltage" they have is set too low because the alternator will put out a pretty high charge while underway... silence on the phone...

So, I ordered the Standard Horizon GX1500 that Todd has and will install that tomorrow when it arrives and drop off the WestMarine radio at the local store here...

[Pau Hana]

You'll like the SH 1500, Doug- it's a great radio, and you could always get the remote mic and install it in the cabin....