LadyInBed
Well-known member
What would be nice IMO is a HH with a detachable antenna and adapter to fit the masthead antenna.
New Handheld
- Thread starter pij27
- Start date
maby
Well-known member
I think that is possible, isn't it? I did not pay too much attention when I unpacked and assembled our SH handie a couple of years ago, but I'm pretty sure that it uses a standard antenna connector - will try to remember to have a look when we are on the boat later today.
Cactus Sailing
Member
i had the cobra, and its... shite..
i only had it as a back up to communicate with bridge opening / harbour master / etc when in close range while at the helm shorthanded, for that it was adequate i guess, an example of its range is ~1 nautical mile before what you transmit turns to garbage, within 1/2 mile you will have some decent clarity but that's its limit in my experience
That said....its battery life is bloody fantastic.... but then again it hardly picks anything up!
also i wouldnt worry about the Cobra being only splash proof you will bin it long before it gets wet. i.e dont buy one.
lw395
Well-known member
I had one of those, a Swiftech.
Technically it's not a wonderful idea, because the body of the VHF is small compared to a wavelength, so it doesn't look much like 'ground'. Tends to make the antenna tuning a bit of a compromise.
The Swiftech worked OK, but it would be considered a lumpy great wireless telephone now.
jwilson
Well-known member
For boat use on items to be used on deck USB charging is a very poor idea: USB sockets not usually very waterproof, and if the socket on the device does get salt water on it the tiny connection points in the USB plug/socket corrode away fast. At least with old-fashioned concentric-ring plugs and sockets or a cradle with exposed contacts you've got a bit of 'meat' of metal to clean with fine wet and dry paper.
Pye_End
Well-known member
I can do that with my Icom M1 Euro V
pij27
Member
From all advice no one seems to like Cobra radio's. Makes you wonder why most online chandlers stock them
pvb
Well-known member
Because they're cheap. A lot of people want to buy cheap. The second time they have to buy, they choose decent rather than cheap.
maby
Well-known member
They are relatively cheap and, possibly, more profitable than the big name brands. They started out life as a manufacturer of CB radios - I had one when I was much younger than I am now - they then branched out into other types of radio, but never seemed to be able to get away from their CB heritage. I bought a Cobra marine handie some years ago when I needed something quick, cheap and cheerful - it worked ok (sort of) but the user interface was terrible and the styling was reminiscent of sixties American cars - gaudy with unnecessary bits sticking out! The battery died after a couple of years and it seemed to make little sense to replace it.
pij27
Member
Thanks for the advice
burgundyben
Well-known member
My 20 year old Standard Horizon has given up. I guess I can't moan.
Comparing the HX300 with the HX210E, seems the HX210 is the better buy and £7 cheaper to boot. Makes me wonder why anyone would buy the HX300?
Comparing the HX300 with the HX210E, seems the HX210 is the better buy and £7 cheaper to boot. Makes me wonder why anyone would buy the HX300?
burgundyben
Well-known member
Looking at it a little more, I think I might spend more and buy a Standard Horizon HX890E with the DSC.
pvb
Well-known member
Yes, currently, for £95 the HX210E is good value.
An even better choice! Twice the price, but packed with features and an excellent radio. I have the previous model (HX870E) and I'm very happy with it.
Zing
Well-known member
I just bought one. Arrived today, so I can’t report back yet. I bought it for the DSC feature, particularly the red beam me up button.
Norman_E
Well-known member
Very much so. I can vouch for the fact that SH VHF sets are reliable and long lasting. My SH handheld is an old model bought in 2006 and still works very well indeed, and its battery still holds charge between sailing trips. My fixed VHF ia a Standard Horizon QUEST-X GX1500S dating from around 2008.
Back in the days when we had a VHF channel 69 cruisers net every morning in Marmaris it had a lot of use and nobody ever complained that they could not receive my transmissions when I acted as net controller. I also used it a lot to relay messages for other boats who had weaker transmissions. I know Icom also make good VHF sets but aside from them I would not consider any make other than Standard Horizon.
TSB240
Well-known member
I notice from your original post you mention you are looking to replace your "installed radio" Is this a hand held or is it a built in radio with MH antenna?
If the latter you will severely restrict your TX range with a hand held small antenna and much lower power output.
Paul1962
Active member
Another vote for the Icom
Momac
Well-known member
I have a icom handheld I used it regularly when i didnt have a fixed radio at the helm.
Its the basic model with no DSC . The battery life is considerable. I charge it once or twice a year.
In comparison a friend bought a much more expensive model last year which has DSC. Because it has its own GPS the batter lasts a day.
I prefer to stick with my simple handheld and know it will not have a dead battery when I pick it up.
There is some merit in simplicity.
Its the basic model with no DSC . The battery life is considerable. I charge it once or twice a year.
In comparison a friend bought a much more expensive model last year which has DSC. Because it has its own GPS the batter lasts a day.
I prefer to stick with my simple handheld and know it will not have a dead battery when I pick it up.
There is some merit in simplicity.
anoccasionalyachtsman
Well-known member
DSC does kill battery life. I have an SH 870e and can't get more than 11 hours standby from it. Tried the options of reducing gps sampling, no difference. I've mentioned it a few times on here and am regularly told that others with the same model get far longer. Mine's been back to SH and has a new battery. No change, so I'm afraid that either I'm incredibly unlucky, or the others are kidding themselves. Confirmation bias is alive and well...
burgundyben
Well-known member
I guess it stands to reason that the more features you add, more reception, more processing, bigger screen, that battery life diminishes.
Our boating is mostly day trips, the radio will come home as it'll be used for the water taxi ashore, so it'll be charged.
Its a tradeoff I am happy to make.
Our boating is mostly day trips, the radio will come home as it'll be used for the water taxi ashore, so it'll be charged.
Its a tradeoff I am happy to make.