VESPER CORTEX VHF, AIS AND MONITORING
AIS has changed the way we navigate, but it is only now being integrated with VHF radios. Vesper has reimagined communications on board with the Cortex, integrating a DSC VHF radio with up to 10 handsets, a Class B+ SOTDMA smart AIS transceiver, co-ordinated antenna sharing, anchor watch, MOB tracking, wifi gateway, remote monitoring and verbal alarms. Built around software, it can do all of this concurrently and new functionality can be added in the future via updates. Onboard intercom, multi-channel VHF scanning, and radio transmission rewind are in the pipeline.
The hub can be hidden away using existing connections and an internal splitter lets you keep your existing VHF for redundancy. It uses just 0.8A (12V) and 3.4A transmitting on VHF on high power. Both handsets and hub are IPX7 waterproof. The high resolution, sunlight-visible touchscreen uses optically bonded Gorilla glass, and works with wet or gloved hands, with controls duplicated with physical buttons.
For a system that does so much, operation is surprisingly simple via seven main screens (VHF, Directory, AIS plotter, Instruments, Collision avoidance,
Anchor watch and MOB).
The VHF screen includes power, channel, favourites and dual watch, plus any Ais-watched vessels. Squelch is set automatically. The plotter screen is zoomable from 0.5 to 60 miles. Collision risks or saved vessels are highlighted and the icons show vessel type and speed at a glance. Select a vessel to view details, range, bearing, CPA and TCPA, with a DSC call button and a course adjustment calculator. Anchor watch displays guard zone, depth, chain scope, movement and wind direction, all replicated on the Cortex Onboard remote monitoring phone app. Alarms are verbal, so you know instantly what the alarm is for.
VERDICT
Cortex brings a boat’s communications functions seamlessly into one place. Using VHF, AIS and anchor alarm on a single handset was so intuitive it was easy to forget how revolutionary it is. On small boats, the tethered handset supplied would be sufficient with two sockets, on deck and below. The portable handset would be invaluable on larger yachts. The screen could be a little brighter in direct sunlight, but it was still legible. The price tag is eye-watering compared to other radios, but add in Class B AIS, splitters and remote monitoring and the cost quickly evens out.