Handheld VHF's

[Solitaire]

Re: Handheld VHF\'s

I fully agree with you. The Entel for the price is far better. It compares with the ICOM M1 V. There is no comparison with the others. The ICOM M1 V is around £260 from Marne Super Store the Entel is £149!!! It uses the the lithim ion battery which gives much longer battery life, plus it does not have to completely discharge as i sthe case with ordinary Nicads! But it does depend on what type of use its going to get.

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[Gordonmc]

Re: Handheld VHF\'s

I'll put up my hands to being an utter cheapskate, but I bought myself the cheapest I could find, an XM on the basis that it will eventually go the way of keys & mobile phones; ie. over the side.
I wanted it because I can't leave the helm while singlehanded to go to the fixed set (Decca) and its out of earshot.
So far... delighted. It picks up Belfast coastguard while the fixed set is struggling with Clyde. (yes, I will replace the aerial.)
Under a ton from the chandler.

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[jhr]

Re: Handheld VHF\'s

Icom 31 is absolutely fine, so long as you are aware that the battery will run itself flat over a prolonged period of time, so shouldn't be used as a grab bag set. As a portable set for use on the boat it has all the usual Icom virtues - rugged construction, durability etc. - and there is arguably a virtue in having the battery run flat over time because (a) it ensures that you re-charge it each time before taking it to the boat and (b) because it runs itself flat, you avoid the memory effect sapping the endurance of the batteries.

So, it suits a certain type of boating, and you can reduce anxieties about the batteries by also taking a pack of AA batteries with you which, because it's an Icom, you can use as a back up if the internal battery goes flat.

Works for me, but it's probably not the right model for offshore or long distance sailors. Horses for courses.



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