Handheld VHF

[xstucker]

I note with interest the verdict of the evaluation of Handheld VHF radios in Yachting Monthly's November issue. A similar study involving some of us sailing-types was done in PBO a couple of months ago and came to a different verdict (probably because we can't agree on anything).

Having seen all of the specifications and test results from the PBO report, and asked a few marina managers what kit they used, I purchased an Entel HT640 and it has proved to be excellent. The PBO study didn't even recommend this radio, but the Yachting Monthly study put it at the top, regardless of cost. Well done YM.

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[tome]

<asked a few marina managers what kit they used>

I'd apply completely different selection criteria for exclusive marina use

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[AlexL]

I guess that means my November YM is in my post box waiting when I get home.

For me the No 1 creteria for a handheld would be one with a high tech battery which could sit in a cradle on permanent charge until it is needed. As far as I am aware such a beast does not exist, however I shall read YM with interest tonight.

(and see wether the Ad for my boat made it into the mag )

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[Seven Spades]

Do any portable handheld radios have a built in GPS. It seems to me that this would be a good idea, if one had to use a grab bag one day.

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[BrendanS]

Icom IC-M1EuroV. Lithium Ion battery, sits on the charging station when not in use. Great bit of kit. Battery is superb!

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[BrendanS]

Uniden Mystic in USA. Not sure about any in europe

<hr width=100% size=1>Me transmitte sursum, caledoni

 

[Mike_Martin]

Sorry but I need to know. Why would it be a good idea?
Mike

<hr width=100% size=1>Bloke interested in boats who just also happens to work for Ofcom

 

[Rob_Webb]

Presumably cos one piece of equipment would give you two uses i.e. comms and position?

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[Rob_Webb]

Agree. Fantastic little unit. In fact when I called SC for my start of season radio check (note that was start of season not start of weekend!) for both base unit (also ICOM) and handheld, he told me that my handheld was actually stronger and clearer!

Rob

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[pvb]

High tech batteries...

Of the radios tested by YM, the Entel, Icom M87 and Raymarine all have lithium ion batteries which will accept top-up charging without memory effect.

And your ad is in the magazine - best of luck!

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[pvb]

Shome mishtake, YM???

Gremlins obviously attacked the YM article! Just looked at the Raymarine website and the 101e tested by YM apparently does not have a Lithium Ion battery, only a NiMH battery. NiMH is better than NiCad at resisting memory effect, but not as good as LiIon.

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[Gunfleet]

trickle charge?

I have the Simrad and what puzzles me is the recommendation we fully discharge the battery now and then to prevent the build up of memory effect? How the hell are we supposed to do that? I suppose I could lend it to a fisherman to blather on all day.

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[pvb]

Just leave it switched on...

Just leave it switched on until it turns itself off. Easiest to do this at home and then recharge from mains.

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[pvb]

Even more YM gremlins???

Just noticed that the article says the Silva S12 only has a NiCad battery. In fact, according to Silva, it has a NiMH battery as standard. And Marine SuperStore currently has the Silva S12 at £100 with free shipping.

Also note that the Simrad HT50 is apparently only specified with a 700mAH NiCad battery as standard, although virtually every one you see offered for sale has the 1200mAH NiMH battery fitted. Worth checking which is fitted if you're thinking of buying a Simrad.

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[KevB]

Icom IC-M1EuroV

I have one of those with the optional larger battery. I can highly recommend.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://static.photobox.co.uk/public/images/45/99/10714599.s.jpg?ch=97&rr=16:00:39>Nirvana</A>

 

[Gunfleet]

duh

Thanks

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[JonBrooks]

Re: Icom IC-M1EuroV

no optional larger battery avalible for the M1EuroV
There was for the M1Euro but not the EuroV.

Sorry but this could be miss leading to others.

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741

 

[AlexL]

Re: High tech batteries...

Just read the article last night, however the ICOM M1 euro V as recommended on this thread looks pretty good.

Seen my ad aswell, just waiting for the millions of phone calls now!

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[Ships_Cat]

Re: Just leave it switched on...

Putting aside the matter of "memory effect" which people seem to want to be married to, one should not discharge a NiCd or NiMH battery to full discharge as there is a risk of driving cells into reversal which will definitely shorten the battery life. No common type of battery should be discharged completely.

In professional and critical applications the batteries are just cycled with a period of heavy use, but not to or near to complete discharge and that is what I do except in some applications where they live their lives (very long ones I have to say despite all the dire warnings from some quarters) on full charge.

In handheld radios using NiCds (I use radios that take conventional cells) I just charge them when needed, usually that is just a top up.

John

<hr width=100% size=1>I am the cat but I am only 6.

 

[pvb]

Manufacturers\' advice...

Manufacturers generally recommend total discharge of NiCad and NiMH batteries periodically. If what you say is true, maybe they're just more interested in selling replacement battery packs.

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