THE WORLD’S FIRST FIXED DSC VHF WITH A BUILT-IN AIS TRANSPONDER

Standard Horizon, a market leader in compact and intuitive marine VHF transceivers, is proud to announce the launch of the new Standard Horizon GX-6500E, which, in addition to being NMEA2000 enabled also includes a Class B AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder – a short-range coastal tracking system intended to assist in collision avoidance by seeing position and courses of AIS-equipped vessels around you.

The Standard Horizon GX-6500E is a commercial grade DSC (Digital Selective Calling) VHF built for extended periods of use in adverse conditions. As with all Standard Horizon products, it is very intuitive to use, and full of extra features that will appeal to professional and leisure users alike.

What sets the Standard Horizon GX-6500E apart, however, is the built-in AIS functionality, which not only sends and receives from the main set, but also via the two types of repeater microphone, the optional RAM4 (SSM-70H) and wireless RAM4W (SSM-71H). These microphones duplicate all the main functions, including the display screen, and allow the full operation of the transceiver, including the AIS system, from other locations on board.

If you want to roam, the Standard Horizon GX-6500E’s standard microphone can be connected to an optional 20 feet of extension cable, whilst the RAM4 can be hard-wired to a second station such as a flybridge. But for even greater freedom, the RAM4W version is fully wireless, so the skipper can literally move from pulpit to masthead and retain a full AIS and DSC control. The main set can support two optional RAM4s by cable, or four RAM4Ws via an optional wireless base station (SCU-30).  Both remote microphones allow full control, including intercom ability from any one microphone to another or to all.

The Class B AIS (Class B being designed specifically for non-SOLAS regulated craft) works via Standard Horizon’s E2O ‘Easy To Operate’ menu system, and delivers all the information a boat owner will require to track a target on the screen and contact the received AIS target via a DSC call if necessary. The information displayed includes the MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity Number), the ship’s name and call sign, its bearing, distance, speed over the ground and course over the ground. There is also a programmable alarm for closest point of approach – useful when crossing shipping lanes.

As another feature, a built-in voice recorder can record up to 2 minutes of received calls. This means you can capture either a faint or garbled transmission, and play it back at higher volume, or record a coastguard weather forecast for later referral. Reception is enhanced using a local/distance attenuator, and if you want to keep your transmissions entirely secret, there is an integrated 32-code voice scrambler.

The Standard Horizon GX-6500E has all the functions you would expect from a fixed DSC, such as programmable scan, priority scan, dual watch and a dedicated distress button, with the channels accessed by an oversized rotary selector with push to enter. The set also makes the best use of the 66-channel GPS antenna (SCU-31, included in the package) to provide a mini-navigation station as well. The Standard Horizon GX-6500E requires two antennas and is equipped for designated use – one for VHF voice and one for the AIS.  The large screen displays a GPS compass, with pages for the waypoint directory and GPS reception status.

Ruggedly built and easy to use, the Standard Horizon GX-6500E has all the electronics you could need afloat in one compact package. Yet even though you will already have DSC, AIS, GPS, a voice recorder and even an automatic fog signal generator, and ATIS capability for the inland waterways of Europe. if you want to link the set to yet more devices, the GX-6500E allows for integration with navigation systems over both NMEA2000 & NMEA0183.

The front panel is waterproof to IPX8, and supplied with Standard Horizon’s no quibble three-year guarantee, to give you total peace of mind.

Key features:
Standard Horizon GX-6500E

Integrated Class B AIS Transponder
AIS/AIS SART Target display
AIS Call Sign, Ship’s name, MMSI, BRG, COG, SOG, DST
66 Channel GPS antenna included
NMEA2000 and NMEA 0183 compatible
Programmable closest point of approach (CPA) alarm
Dual zone 25W PA/loud hailer and programmable fog signals
GPS compass, waypoint and GPS status pages
Oversized rotary channel knob with push to enter
Easy to Operate (E2O) menu system
Optional microphone extension kit (20 feet)
Supports two RAM4 or four RAM4W repeaters
Integrated voice recorder for 2 minutes of received calls
Advanced receiver attenuator for local/distance RX
Integrated 32 code voice scrambler
Front panel waterproofed to IPX8