Using NMEA to connect hand held GPS to handheld VHF

[razz]

I am putting together my ditch bag. Some of the new handheld VHF's are DSC capable when hooked up to the NMEA output of a GPS. I know that some of the handheld GPS's have NMEA output for PC's. Is the marriage of the gps and the vhf compatible?

Has anyone out there done this? Is there a special cable needed or do you have to make one?

Thanks for the help.

[Elusive]

I have a Standard Horizon HX471S HH VHF that is DSC compatible. It picks up NMEA data from it's charging cradle if NMEA is connected.

I typically wear my HH and insert it in the cradle (mounted on the helm) every 30 min or so to get new GPS data.

The HH GPS is in the ditch bag

[razz]

Elusive, that's one of the VHF's I'm looking at. Do you hook it to a handheld GPS. That's the question I'm trying to get answered. Your's is a fine way of handling the gps position problem but I'd rather just leave it in the cradle 'till I needed it. Also, if I'm out there floating around somewhere I want to be able to update it from my handheld gps. For all I know, I may have lost my electronics as part of my potential crisis.

[Elusive]

No mine is connected to my main plotter.

The thing to consider is that a HH VHF has a very limited transmitting range (even smaller if you are in the water due to decreased antenna height). Probably only those who could see you would be able to communicate with you and/or receive your location broadcast.

If you are floating around you need a more reliable means to transmit your location. This is why a PLB / EPIRB is another essential piece of gear

An adapter to allow connection from the HH to your fixed VHF antenna is a good idea along with a battery tray and spare batts

btw - I really like the HX471S - very nice unit