handheld VHF for grab bag

Catweasel said:
heya,

I've trawled the threads here looking for suggestions on what VHF is best for a grab bag...I know I saw something somewhere...it mentioned a VHF that uses AA batteries rather than re-chargables....

Am I going mad? Do these things exist? Cos I can't find that pesky link again.

please help
Click to expand...

Many of the Handhelds such as Icom and Standard Vertex Yeasu come with a battery case for ordinary batteries. However as makers move to lithium type batteries then some of the discharge problems go away batteries stay charged for longer.

The standard HX270 E is a good buy in some places.
 
I can recommend the Cobra MR HH125EU which uses 5 AAA batteries (normal and rechargeable) It is only water resistant so to protect from immersion it needs a waterproof container. I have had excellent results with this model. It can be found for under £50.
 
For a grab bag I would recommend - a waterproof HH with Li-Ion battery pack plus a AA battery case, and at least one set of AA batteries. Recharge the battery pack before a long trip or a couple of times per season.
 
bbg said:
For a grab bag I would recommend - a waterproof HH with Li-Ion battery pack plus a AA battery case, and at least one set of AA batteries. Recharge the battery pack before a long trip or a couple of times per season.
Click to expand...

That's certainly the way to go. I'd suggest a Standard Horizon HX280E as it's waterproof and has one of the biggest capacity Li-Ion batteries (1650mAh). The FBA-40 case for alkaline batteries might need to be ordered separately, depending on where you buy from.
 
Water proof icom or a waterproof icom fantastic make holds its charge for ever even when not being used (mine lasted for two years with occasional use before needing a recharge) so simple to use even technophobes dont have a problem.
I dont regret buying mine at all only down side is that they are a bit ouch on the price compared to say a cobra.
 
theoldsalt said:
I can recommend the Cobra MR HH125EU which uses 5 AAA batteries (normal and rechargeable) It is only water resistant so to protect from immersion it needs a waterproof container. I have had excellent results with this model. It can be found for under £50.
Click to expand...

I had one of these and it stopped working after having had very little use, it was around two years old at the time. It was out of warranty and Gaelforce's response was to suggest I get a more expensive one next time.
 
My standard horizon handheld (270 I think) came free with a chartplotter about 3 years ago. Way better battery life than my Icom 31 which is apparently designed so that it discharges thru the switch even when off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top