Silva S12 handheld - anybody else got problems with one?

[MoodySabre]

I was bought an S12 a couple of years ago (out of warranty). I've only been using it this season but find it doesn't work on a reliable basis. Charged up or with the battery pack attached I've only found it usable a couple of times even when calling a marina close by. Singlehanding into Shotley last week I had to go below and leaving the boat on autopilot in Harwich harbour which is not ideal!

I rang Silva today and they said they had no facility for repairing them in the UK and send warranty claims back to Sweden. "You could ring our Julie when she's back on Tuesday because knows a wee bit about radios"

I know - buy an Icom. Not very satisfactory though is it. Am I alone in finding the S12 rubbish?

Marina numbers now in mobile phone!

 

[Ecosse120]

They have a repair facility in Scotland or did in April when I needed a new charger, sent up one day and returned the next. I have no problems with mine at the moment

 

[ex-Gladys]

Try high power? My Standard Horizon HH will not raise anyone at low power on Ch 37... On Med or high it's fine. Don't forget the antenna is much smaller and lower.

 

[MoodySabre]

They no longer have a repair facility following "recent changes".

I do transmit on high but still no response when I'm a quarter of a mile away and can see them.

 

[ROSSCO]

I bought one a few years ago - found it never worked properly so bought an icom - whish i had done that in the 1st place

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I'm biting the bullet, and buying a dual station DSC unit (one of the ones with a command mike) so that I can not only have a powerful VHF close to hand at the helm, but can cancel DSC alarms without running down below....

My handheld is OKish, but they really don't cut the mustard for me.... never have....

 

[FullCircle]

I had an S12, and gave it to our launchman. It was, well, erm, rubbish! /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
I then bought a Horizon HX260 which works very well for me, and I have only charged it twice in 3 seasons, as I keep it in a pocket by the binnacle or in my oilies pocket when going ashore.
Which is where Neils argument falls down, as the Dual station coily cord is too short to use from the binnacle to the beach /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I suggest you PM Malthouse (Martin), as he will offer you a very good deal on the HX270, which is the replacement for the HX260.
Serving Suggestion: Ensure you get the 12v Charger with it, as they come wioth 240v as standard, at least, mine did.

Just something to hack you off though: they are 84 dollars..... from the US.