Cortex Combines VHF, AIS And Vessel Monitoring

Marine VHF radio has long been a communications device that just works.

- Tim Queeney

VHF radios have gotten steadily more capable with the addition of digital selective calling (DSC), and the integration of GPS and automatic identification system (AIS). The form factor for VHF has largely dictated the functionality of the classic VHF radio, with the combination display box/mic or the “walkie-talkie” handheld. Now, Vesper Marine — known for its AIS units — has made a play to reinvent VHF.

Called Cortex, this black box-based product takes a page from the smartphone in its effort to produce a smarter, easier to-use VHF.

Vesper’s contention is that modern VHF DSC radios rarely make calls in full DSC mode because it’s generally difficult to use. And thus, according to Vesper, the myriad communications and safety benefits of DSC are being ignored by boaters. “Cortex unleashes the full potential of VHF, AIS and DSC by combining them in a way that is both intuitive and super easy to use,” Carl Omundsen, Vesper’s chief technical officer, said in a press release.