Success!

We now have installed our new VHF radio.

Using the new radio, accessible from inside and out in the cockpit

 The installation was not quite plug 'n' play, but took only a couple of days once we set our minds to it.  We installed it right where the old VHF was located, which gives us access to the radio from inside the cabin and outside into the cockpit.  It has many features, including an internal GPS locator, and displays our speed, course, location, and other useful information.  Best of all, and the big reason we wanted it, is a feature called AIS - Automated Identification System.  All commercial ships are now required to transmit information about their vessel, including name, destination, and last port of call.  The new radio calculates the closest point for our two vessels, and has an alarm if a collision could happen.  Then we can take action - calling the ship to make sure they see us, and changing our own course or speed.  We're pretty happy to have it.

Installation - sorting out the rat's maze of electrical wires

Standard Horizon GX-2200

I have a new nickname, "Radio Gal", and I get up early to listen to the weather report and check in with our radio nets on our SSB radio.  It will be our lifeline when we are out to sea.  I also managed to get my laptop computer hooked up to the radio, through a small box called "Pactor", that enables us to send and receive short emails while at sea.

Talking away - to others hundreds of miles away!

SSB and Ham Radio

ICOM IC-M710 Marine SSB and Ham Radio with Pactor to the side

It's been a long haul, but we are getting close to setting sail!