Standard Horizon GX1700W Review

The Standard Horizon GX1700W is the easiest to use fixed mount VHF radio on the market. You will get the benefits of a DSC VHF radio without the external GPS or wiring required with this device. It features an internal 12 channel GPS antenna that provides GPS position for DSC reporting as well. You can also view a compass, enter and save waypoints in the GX1700 Explorer GPS VHF, as well as the display position, speed over ground and course over ground right on display. With its 3" large LCD screen and 25/1 watt power transmit and all the features it takes VHF marine radio experience to another level. Also mounting this VHF radio has become easy because it has an ultra thin, compact rear case, only 3.5" in depth or half of the depth of comparable VHF radios on the market. [comparison_table id='1'] [comparison_table id='3']

Product Features

Easy to Use

This device was designed for the ease of the users. With its lightweight and easy to fix it makes DSC easy because with this model you won't have to do all the hassle with wiring the radio to a GPS for DSC. Some bulky marine radios are a pain to setup and wire together. It is super easy being slim and compact. There is no worry of being dropped in the water because it is JIS8 submersible. You can customize channel names and can connect to a second station remote access microphone.

Class D DSC

This radio comes with class D DSC function. Though class A is more helpful but class D is not bad either. To learn the way how the DSC works needs practice.

It is easy but it needs learning. After sending a distress call the station calls or sends message to your radio channel 1, in many cases they also send help.

Noise Canceling Microphone

In loud environments for example in a motor cruiser, it is worth to have noise canceling technology within your VHF radio. Active noise canceling also improves an incoming signal. And this device also have this feature to make it easy all the way.

Internal GPS

In this device, you will get the benefits of a DSC VHF radio without the external GPS wiring. It has internal 12 channels GPS antenna that provides GPS position for DSC reporting. You can even view a compass, enter and save waypoints in the GX1700 Explorer GPS VHF, as well as the display position, speed over ground and course over the ground on the screen.

Power Transmit

With the GX1700 fixed mount radio being connected with the boats electrical supply it is possible to utilize 25watt transmit power for a long time. And the more the transmission unit, the more range you can cover with the radio. The range is said to increase due to power output. The difference between the range between fixed mount with 25 watt and handheld radio with 5 watt is due to the fixed mount's antenna being large/taller. You will also be able to use 1watt power when you are near the station.  

​Pros

• Built-in GPS
• JIS8 certified
• 3 years warranty
• Easy to use
• Lightweight

 

Cons

• Little expensive

Conclusion

This radio is easy to use, whether it is DSC calling, position sharing or waypoint navigation. It is indeed a little expensive because it is full of features.

And the reason it is worth buying is not only because of the features but because it is so well designed and is made for easy use. A lot of features makes the device confusing, but with this device, it isn't like that. It is better quality, better feature and user-friendly.