Standard-Horizon Rebates: GX1850G; GX1400
Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2020 11:05 am
The Standard-Horizon GX1850G radio is a VHF Marine Band fixed-mount 25-Watt DSC Class-D radio with two very interesting added features: it supports NMEA-2000 interfacing to other boat electronics, and it includes an internal GNSS receiver. Several retailers are now offering this radio at about $217. The manufacturer is also offering a $30-mail-in rebate. The effective cost of the radio will then be about $187. Not long ago a radio with these features would have cost $700.
The only significant feature absent in the GX1850G radio is inclusion of two additional receivers dedicated to AIS channels. Another minor drawback is the channel selector is not a knob but must be accomplished with UP-DN push buttons.
Use of NMEA-2000 interfacing to other boat electronics will greatly simplify the installation of the radio for boats that already have a NMEA-2000 network installed. The GX1850G also supports NMEA-0183 and uses the standard wire insulation colors to identify the signals.
Inclusion of an internal GNSS or GPS receiver will also make the radio a stand-alone DSC device.
Lack of an AIS receiver may be a drawback for some who boat in areas with many large commercial ships, but for boaters who are not interested in AIS or who plan to use the GX1850G as a second radio, lack of AIS receivers will not be a problem.
Switching channels is done more easily with a knob, but compact radios often use UP-DN buttons to conserve front panel space.
The $30 mail-in rebate offer ends on September 30, 2020. The form is available at
https://www.standardhorizon.com/pdf/7-1-2020_Standard%20Horizon_EXTENDED_2020_Rebate.pdf
The only significant feature absent in the GX1850G radio is inclusion of two additional receivers dedicated to AIS channels. Another minor drawback is the channel selector is not a knob but must be accomplished with UP-DN push buttons.
Use of NMEA-2000 interfacing to other boat electronics will greatly simplify the installation of the radio for boats that already have a NMEA-2000 network installed. The GX1850G also supports NMEA-0183 and uses the standard wire insulation colors to identify the signals.
Inclusion of an internal GNSS or GPS receiver will also make the radio a stand-alone DSC device.
Lack of an AIS receiver may be a drawback for some who boat in areas with many large commercial ships, but for boaters who are not interested in AIS or who plan to use the GX1850G as a second radio, lack of AIS receivers will not be a problem.
Switching channels is done more easily with a knob, but compact radios often use UP-DN buttons to conserve front panel space.
The $30 mail-in rebate offer ends on September 30, 2020. The form is available at
https://www.standardhorizon.com/pdf/7-1-2020_Standard%20Horizon_EXTENDED_2020_Rebate.pdf