Icom M31 handheld VHF

dickh

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I also have an extra length of coax so I can use the handheld if the mainset packs up(it is elderly). I have the PL259 male connector to suit the aerial at one end and a BNC at the other - about 2 metres long so I can use it in the cockpit. Never had to use it in anger although I have tested it and it works fine.
I

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cliff

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Simply a get out clause.

I bought an M1 Euro V recently and even after 2 weeks daily use (mostly reception) battery still showed full.

M1 Euro V cannot be connected to main VHF antenna as the plugs are different and I have not as yet sourced a suitable adapter.

Hand helds shopuld IMO be confined to use in the cockpit to save on "nipping below" or as an accessory to grab if abandoning ship and shopuld not under any circumstances be relied on as the primary method of distress calling.

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Solitaire

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Please let me know if you find a suitable adaptor. Although I do in fact have an older model ICOm which is with them at the moment for repair. Too much water over a water resistant set , not a fully waterproof one. I'll look to converting that one I think.

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cliff

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That is the wee blighter - I was thinking of making up a short patch lead but the adapter will solve the problem of connecting the emergency antanna to the hand held.

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celandine

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Regarding the waterproof properties of this bit of kit, I was using one whilst coming out of Dover in one of the recent very heavy downpours; it did keep working but the volume dropped to the point where I had to hold it up against my ear with the volume full-up and the high/low indicater started flashing on and off. This was only the second time I had used it and the battery was fully charged - not impressed. It resumed working when it dried out though mine has never indicated the initial voltage.

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JonBrooks

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Sorry boy and girls been away for the weekend.
I will try to cover all points if i miss any please let me know.

Notice on the back of our Hand Helds.
As officially a hand held should never be you primary means of communications on a boat (yes I know you will all shout at me and tell me it is, I know that it is used for that) They are not designed for distress calling but as a back up to a main set. Hence the label.
There is only one DSC hand held on the EU market at this time. It is due to be removed as it does not actually met the spec.

M31 issue.

We are aware of the soft switch issue and are issuing notices to advise not storing the radio with battery attached.
It is due, stated earlier, to the radio needing to sense it is off.
So will draw current whilst off.
After testing we have found it take 21 day's to discharge a fully charged battery if left in a switched off set.
It should be good working practice to charge your radio prior to going to sea.
You would do the same with your mobile.
If your leaving it in your grab bag advice would be to remove battery and also carry a set of batteries for the AA case.
The unit is ideal for day boating and woill bve fine for other uses if instructions are followed.
If you are not happy with this unit please feel free to contact me here by phone and we can take your complaints on a case by case basis and deal as required.

As a plus it does mean your battery can be easily drained prior to recharge so stopping the quick build but of memory effect.

We were the first marine radio comapny to introduce Lithium Ion in our handhelds.
We are looking to introduce it in all later models.

With regards to ext ants on hand helds.

This can be of great advantage if done correctly.
Most hand held rubber ducks are very poor.
The main reason for this is that your are taking a 1/4 wave length of metal ( approx 46cm @ 155Mhz) and then compressing into a short stubby spring.
This dramatically effects the performance.
Ours have an effect of about -3db.
I have seen some that are as bad ad -9-12db.
If you add an ext ant you will dramatically improve RX range (dependant on ant height) Tx range will depend on the type of connectors, length and type of coax used.
Each connector will reduce power by 1db.
Every 10m of RG58 coax will reduce by 3bd for every 10m.
This is an average based on good quality coax and conectors.
Poorer the quality more the loss.
Every 3db loss effectivly halves your power out put.

So a poor install up a big mast could mean a fair bit of loss.

I hope this all helps.
If I can be of any further help please feel free to contact me.

Regards

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