vhf sets.....

[perlonious]

i have a fixed vhf set (a rd 68dsc) and very happy with it ...but i am looking to buy a back up hand held one. the simrad 52 dsc looks good but a big price tag.

the cheaper sets are anything from 40% to 65% cheaper is it worth the xtra money or are you just paying for the name.

any thoughts or experiences would be greatly received.....many thks

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[gtmoore]

Not sure about the DSC version but...

I went for the Simrad HT50. Seems pretty indestructible, totally waterproof and battery life very good. When I was making enquiries here for advice on a portable for backup, it was suggested to me that I would end up using it more than first envisaged as handy to talk to the hm or marina when berthing etc. so go for a better one (and I certainly do use mine more often than the fixed one). Having said that people who have the cheaper ones seem to rate them. As well as the Simrad, I was also advised that the Icom sets are excellent (especially the M1 I think it was).

I got mine from Pumpkin marine- very quick service and came with higher cap battery and 240/12V charger


<hr width=100% size=1>Gavin

 

[qsiv]

Re: Not sure about the DSC version but...

I've got the 52 - works well. Is plumbed in to collect GPS position. Charger works well and fixes neatly to bulkhead

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[pvb]

Buy the best you can afford.....

If you want a DSC handheld, the Simrad 52 is about your only choice, and it's a high quality, durable product. At around £300, it's quite good value. Similar quality non-DSC handhelds are typically around £250, so I'd reckon it's well worth £50 extra for DSC.

Don't buy a handheld unless it's properly waterproof (look for "JIS-7" rating). And don't buy one with a NiCd battery because you can't trickle charge it to keep it topped up. NiCd batteries, as you may have found with older mobile phones, develop a "memory effect" which reduces the effective battery capacity. NiMH batteries are much better, and Li-ion batteries are better still.

Once you have a handheld, you'll probably find you use it as your primary radio, rather than as a backup. They are much more convenient in most situations.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Amphitrite]

Re: Buy the best you can afford.....

I bought a Simrad HT 50 (the HT 52 with DSC is not allowed in Germany) and it is totally worth its money. It is waterproof, indestructible and has a long stand-bye time. I use it more than the fixed VHF, esp. for communication with port authoroties and other ships. Its my daily companion.
Would you want to have sth. cheap and not waterproof if you have to go in your life raft?

<hr width=100% size=1>