Need a new handheld VHF, suggestions please

[rwilson]

Good evening all.

I have a Silva S12 which has given up the ghost and I need to buy a new handheld (have fixed Garmin VHF 200i on-board).

I have seen the Standard Horizon HX851E Handheld VHF Radio DSC/GPS and quite like the look of it as it has a lot of the functionality my fixed set has. Like the DSC and battery life.

Trying to keep spend <£250.

Suggestions please

thanks Richard

 

[ctva]

Believe it or not, but I've just replaced my Silva s12 last week and opted for the Icom M91d which has all the bits you need to be a complete stand alone emergency or second handheld set. Also has a sit in charger which was a key thing for me. Got got for £220 from Marine superstore (no affiliation) with next day delivery. A bit chunky but clear menu and simple buttons. My main set is an Icom so I'm keeping is simple. Pleased with it so far. Just remember to get a new license for it from Ofcom which took about 3 mins online to get the new T number and MMSI .

 

[rwilson]

ok thanks for that will take a look. Also didn't know I needed a new MMSI, just thought it would be the same indicating its linked to the vessel?

 

[jfm]

ok thanks for that will take a look. Also didn't know I needed a new MMSI, just thought it would be the same indicating its linked to the vessel?

I agree with you

However, if you do decide to get a separate licence for it, then consider surrendering your old licence online and then applying for two new licences in quick succession late in the evening. Then you will get consecutive call signs and consecutive mmsi numbers. I did this for my mother ship and the tender and it worked a treat so my call signs are 2GPS3 and 2GPS4

Of course, you have to get a dealer to wipe the mmsi number memory of your old radio, annoyingly

 

[rwilson]

very nice, often work very late/early so will pick a quiet time to visit the OFCOM website. Garmin just sent me a replacement VHF (pixel issue) and I haven't input my original MMSI so now is the opportunity!

 

[ctva]

All the Ofcom details are here, http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radiocommunication-licences/ships-radio/faq/vhf-faq/
Basically a DSC handheld is registered in its own right and gets a T number which is not linked with a vessel but a stand alone radio.

 

[Kawasaki]

Icom

 

[vandy]

Icom M91d has DSC (which is effectively has built-in GPS). All of that is good but the battery life is really bad the moment you turn the radio ON. This is because on a standard non-DSC handheld when the radio is ON there is very little power consumption unless when you transmit. But on a DSC radio, the GPS is constantly sucking energy. You may not always keep the handheld VHF on when on the boat, but again you need to make sure it is charged up and checked regularly.

 

[Pinnacle]

Icom

Sorry Quakker....he should get the Standard Horizon.

 

[rwilson]

Thanks for your help, Standard Horizon bought.

 

[Ripster]

I bought an 851 to replace my aging Icom last year as I wanted a DSC/GPS. Great piece of kit for the money, does loads of things - good choice.

 

[Monique]

+1 ^

Bought both SH 2200E for the nav station and 851 for the helm...