Handheld VHF

DoubleEnder

DoubleEnder

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Does anyone have recommendations or horror stories re handheld radios? I need to buy one, and it will be (for this season) the ship's sole radio so I want a decent one. Ideally one that can take ordinary dry cells as well as a rechargeable battery, as my on board electrics are a bit incomplete and I may not be able to rely on having a 12v socket to charge from.

Thanks
Graham
 
We have an Icom and we can't fault it. It takes dry cells as well as its rechargeable battery and seems to hold its charge for ages (despite the radio being several years old now). We keep the dry cell cassette in the grab bag/flare box.

Lots of handhelds around nowadays at reasonable prices, but Icom is a big name and all I can say is that we have been very happy with ours. Its waterprrof and easy to use, and ours was the model that had a rotary volume control on the top which I like.
 
My Raymarine 101 is almost new and never been used in anger. The Ni-MH/Alkaline switch inside the battery compartment has fallen apart and there are signs of corrosion around it. The problem came to light when the VHF wouldn't accept a charge. This was the first charge after the initial charge when it was first received from the retailer. The radio has hardly been switched on let alone used and has never been damp or wet, although this should not be an issue as it is marked on the cover as being waterproof. Overall, I'm not impressed and hope that there will not be a problem having the battery pack replaced under guarantee. I have no confidence that the problem would not happen again as the switch in question does not look very robust and is probably vulnerable to ingress of damp.
CJ
 
Standard Horizon HX270 (Yaesu) - I've had one for several years, comes with 240v and 12v chargers, spare alkaline battery holder and NiMh battery. Lives in my ditty bag being thrown around all over the place and not a mark on it, and it still works! Around £90 online
Other contender is the Entel HT640 which, unless I'm mistaken is also made by Yaesu, for £150.
 
I have both an Entel and an ICOM M31. I would recommend the Entel, but not the ICOM.

The ICOM suffers from battery drain when switched off (an I keep it in the Grab Bag, so this is a problem for me).

The Entel on the other hand does all I want it to do, but will not take AA cells.

Before you buy, decide if you want rotary controls or push-buttons. Personally I find rotary volume and squelch far easier to use.

Also consider your charging options as this will be your main set - for the Entel I have a 12V charger on board (came with the set) along with a spare battery, and a mains charger at home. However, the cost of these adds to the price, and may need.

For increased range, I have a lead to connect the Entel to the mast-head aerial.

John
 
My 10 year old Standard Horizon HX255 works like new, and still holds its charge. If their later version is as good its excellent.
 
My Raymarine hand held has been no trouble at all. Been used on a Dragon most of last year and been bounced about in the bottom of a rubber dinghy, so it has definitley got wet. I have probably angered Dr Sodde and it will now pack up.
 
My Raymarine 101 is fine, easy to use thanks to the twiddly knobs and luckily it's rugged too. No probs with batteries, I keep it on its charging holder though.
 
I bought the Standard Horizon recently. Rated top by PBO in their recent test. Jan or Feb 08 I think.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have both an Entel and an ICOM M31.

The ICOM suffers from battery drain when switched off (an I keep it in the Grab Bag, so this is a problem for me).

The Entel on the other hand does all I want it to do, but will not take AA cells.



[/ QUOTE ]

I agree.

Entel came out as best buy in YM survey. Understand the request for battery replacement but more important to me though is to get one that's waterproof.

I would go Entel but only switch it on when I need it

I think they do come with a cigarette 12V plug that could be wired direct to any 12V battery.
 
I'd also recommend Standard Horizon as a budget radio, but rather than the HX270 you might look at the HX500Li which, with a lithium ion battery, will give better long-term performance. It's £119 inc delivery from JG Technologies and has a spare battery case. The Icom M31 is rather disappointing and best avoided.
 
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