VHF Radio Selection?

[Guest]

I am in the process of selecting a VHF radio. We sail a 22' Hurley in the Solent area, so had already decided a hand held would be the best option, the next decision is does it need DSC, I am thinking not? Then the final decision is what is a value for money make.

I was thinking about the swiftech M298. Does anybody have any advice/suggestions?

 

[Guest]

Spiros, Whilst I wont give you a named radio to buy. I would say that "normal" VHF radio's have a finite life span, they will be superceeded by GMDSS which will mean you will have to have a DSC set. At the moment (and I would stand corrected by anyone here) I think standard VHF radio's are due to finish in 2004 - 2005. So before you go out and spend your hard earned ackers, give it some thought! For what is worth, I think I would buy cheap H/Held for now and think about upgrading when the time comes?

 

[BarryD]

I got a fixed non GMDSS on the boat and I've just bought a £139 handheld (with free waterproof cover - wow) for the grab bag. During the change over it doesn't seem worthwhile spending £200+ on a radio - either fixed or handheld.

Barry D.

 

[bedouin]

Re: Beware of Handhelds

I have both a fixed set and a handheld on my boat. I quite often find that when trying to contact another station within a mile of the boat, I don't get any response when called from the HH, so have to use the fixed set instead.

The range of the HH is MUCH lower than that of the fixed set (Less power, smaller, lower positioned ariel)

A handheld can be a good choice - but beware of its limitations

 

[Guest]

One thing I would consider is what sort of batteries it takes. I had an earlier model Swiftech - it had NiCad batteries which can be a bit of a shocker - even though I tried my best to maintain a sensible charging regime. New rechargeables aren't cheap especially when you are dealing with a sealed product specific battery pack (in the case of my old radio).

I've upgraded to a Icom M3 - can be bought fairly cheaply nowadays. The key thing from my point of view is that the battery compartent can be opened and the batteries replaced - either with AA rechargeables (as opposed to a sealed product specific battery pack) or AA alkaline batteries. Much more convinient.

 

[Twister_Ken]

In theory

no non GMDSS fixed radios should be on sale. Their type approval has dropped off the twig.

 

[Guest]

Re: In theory

Perhaps someone from the editorial team or RYA can advise on this situation. I have a suspicion that there is a clause permitting their sale for a little longer.
I usually reckon on 8-10 years life for a fixed VHF in my 22 ft. boat, probably much less for a h/h. There are some sharply priced h/h in this months PBO.
Can we believe the chandlers would dare flaunt the EU Law......

 

[simonjinks]

I would suggest the h/h fixed option comes down to your battery capacity on board. If you have normal 12 v batteries and they are charged from either outboard or engine, then a fixed set is a better option for range and reliability. Fixed sets come in two forms; VHF's that are DSC ready ie. VHF's that are able to be upgraded to DSC by adding a black box called a DSC controller. The other type are fully working DSC units. All new yachts tend to have DSC fitted as standard and as the cost of these sets has come down dramatically they are the only wise option when upgrading. The most affordable DSC units are the new Swiftech and the RD68 from Simred.

HH units are fine but like hh GPS, they are liable to be thrown around the cockpit and end up in a puddle of water. If you end up buying a hh that requires a waterproof bag, make sure that you're able to use the knobs through the plastic as this is often a big problem. Range on h/h's can also be somewhat hit and miss, sometimes exceeding manufacturers expectations and sometimes not reaching the guy next door.

Simrad offer a part DSC handheld radio which may be an option.

happy shopping

 

[Guest]

Icom M3?

I use one as a backup, and on its own when dinghy sailing and can heartily recommend the product. The batteries are easy to replace when they need it, using ordinary rechargeables, and most companies are offering a deal including 12 and 240 volt chargers and a waterproof case. All the controls can be operated through the case. I bought mine from MES Ltd, and it was £169.95. If I get a few years piece of mind out of it then I reckon I've got a deal!

 

[andrewbarker]

I've got 2 handhelds that I use in the Solent - 1 is an Icom, the other is a swiftech M298. Although the Swiftech is lower power (3watt) there's really no difference in Solent waters - except the price. You can get a Swiftech for £99-00. Go and buy one.

 

[qbot2]

Re: Beware of Handhelds? Not necessarily...

I have used an Icom M1 Euro for the past 12 months as my main radio (fixed vhf suffered water dowsing), connected via adaptor to mast top aerial. From Fleetwood I receive and can reply to Liverpool CG and occasionally Holyhead (when out in the Bay). The range of HH radio's (as with any other radio) is limited to power aerial height and atmospherics etc...
By the way, my Icom spent the best part of 2 days under 4m of water recently, and when retreived still works fine. Just had to replace the battery !
Cheers, Austin