Icom M-31 replacement

[Mudhook]

Just bought an Icom M-31 but discovered, while still in its box, that it's got this silly design feature that allows it to go flat over a few months.

1. Should I worry? It's not really for grab-bag use.

2. What's around that would be as god as the Icom but doesn't have this daft feature?

Any advice?

Regards, Mudhook

 

[CPD]

I have an M31 ready for the grab bag with a few sets of AA batteries in the cradle ready to go. She also sits in the charger for as and when use. I have heard of the drain down feature, but what is it about it that causes the batteries to drain ?.

 

[RestlessL]

Mine is in the grab bag, and loaded with AA batteries. However, I have a small strip of plastic between one of the battery contacts which can be pulled if I ever need to use it.

There is also a stock of AA batteries in the grab bag for the GPS and torch as well as the VHF.

John

 

[EdWingfield]

I've got the top-of-the-range Icoms M71. It's the business, but probably not the best value for money.

 

[MoodySabre]

I had an M31 that came with the boat but never did work. IIRC the instructions said that the cradle was for charging only and that you shouldn't leave it charging unecessarily. It warns you about overcharging.

I already had a Silva S12 which was crap and often didn't transmit.

I bought a Standard Horizon 270 HE (HX?) for this season because Full Circle said he didn't have to charge his all season - and it has a battery state symbol on screen when running low. £85 plus post from Malthouse. Marginally cheaper at JG Tech.

 

[pvb]

Sell it on eBay (I did), buy a proper radio. Suggest you look at a Standard Horizon HX500E LI - £119 here.

 

[Slowtack]

Got the SH 270HE free with a chartplotter, so far at least as good as the ICOM. The SH has a simple off-switch so no battery drain.