Handheld VHF - but wired

[sailorbenji]

Hi all,

Our small RIB has a (broken) handheld-format VHF installed on it from factory, however, it had a direct permanent power feed on a coil cable. For clarity, I don't mean a "remote" or "command" handset to a main box located somewhere else, it's a self-contained handheld radio with antenna, but with a 12V feed directly into the bottom of it.

I'm having a hell of a time trying to find a replacement, all handheld style radios nowadays seem to be battery powered, with a charging cradle, which I'm not sure is suitable for open mounting (both from an IP rating perspective, and a security perspective of the thing jumping out of the cradle all the time).

Does anyone know of a model that would suit as a replacement?

I am discounting "proper" wired VHF units for now, as space to mount the head-unit is an issue.

Thanks

 

[Boathook]

I think that icom and possibly others do a 'black box' that can be hidden in a locker and then controlled by a command mic if space is really limited.

 

[sailorbenji]

I think that icom and possibly others do a 'black box' that can be hidden in a locker and then controlled by a command mic if space is really limited.

Thanks, yes that would be backup plan, it's surprising though, if there is no such product any more on the market. It kind of makes great sense for RIB's and the like.

 

[James_Calvert]

We bought a new Icom handheld a couple of years ago and have been surprised how long the rechargeable battery has lasted.

Just occasional use, and mostly on standby, but it's yet to show any reduction in the first charge I gave it.

Very simple one though, no DSC which has probably helped.

By comparison I always had to carry at least one spare to be sure of having a Nicad powered one ready for use over the course of a season.

 

[Refueler]

Last year I dug out my old Icom HH which battery packs had died ..... shame really because it was a good HH.

I simply dismantled the battery case ... disconnected the NiCd's in there ... soldered power lead in place to where 12V charge connected to the batterys 'board' and closed case .... put back to radio and then connected power lead to 12v source.

Full service resumed. I can connect to onboard 12v as in car batterys ... or a 3S LiPo .... whatever 12v source ...

Here with a LiPo velcrod to back ...

 

[KompetentKrew]

The Icom and Standard Horizon handhelds are waterproof, just to assuage that concern.

I think they float, have a flashing light that's activate by water contact and they're waterproof for 30 minutes.

 

[sailorbenji]

The Icom and Standard Horizon handhelds are waterproof, just to assuage that concern.

I think they float, have a flashing light that's activate by water contact and they're waterproof for 30 minutes.

Including the charge dock/charge mount?

 

[James_Calvert]

In case you've missed my point you don't need a handheld that sits in a charger because their batteries rarely need charging.

You charge them up you do a phone. That doesn't need to be permanently connected either.