Which H/H VHF?

[yoda]

I'm sure there must be others out there who like me can't work out which (if any) of the many H/H VHFs out there suit our real need. Am I unusual in wanting
a. A set that can sit permenantly in a 12v cradle (or lead attached) keeping the battery top line with the set either on or off.
b. Can have a dry cell battery pack attached if required (probably lives in the grab bag)
c. Covers normal channels
d. Has understandable rotary switches (or pairs of up/down buttons) for volume, squelch and channel
e. At least splash proof
f. Doesn't cost a kings ransom

I know some manufacturers are out there reading the forum so give it your best shot.

Yoda

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[john_morris_uk]

My Icom seems to fit the description - I think that it's an M51 but might be wrong, but I remember its water resistant, the dry battery pack is in the grab bag and the charger sits on the chart table when required.

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[bigmart]

My Standard Horizon 260E would fit the bill perfectly although, if you read other threads, you may find the leaving permanently connected may cause problems.

BTW What did you do with the engine in the end?

Martin

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[MarkV]

I have a Silva S12 which seems to fit the bill on most items, It has come in for some flack regarding charge life and battery size however Silva tell me that it can be left connected to a 12V supply continually and this may result in increesed power output. An external AA battery pack is available although you can make one yourself (Two 4xAA battery trays back to back with a fly lead), waterproof and can be picked up quite cheeply if you shop around. Controls are not obvious.

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[BrendanChandler]

Hi Yoda,
Just bought an Icom M31 for about £130.
Seems to meet all requirements but not positive that it can remain connected to power all the time. Perhaps check with Icom. I would welcome their response, so if you find out, let me know.
Brendan

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http://hometown.aol.co.uk/brendanchandler/index.html

 

[JonBrooks]

The M31 should be removed after charging is completed.
If it is left in the charger you will fry the battery.
M31 comes with an AA tray.

The M1V could be left in its charger, as could the M87.
No AA tray for the M1V but there is one avali for the M87

None of our range can be left in a charger switched on.

We have asked if this could be done in the next generation of radio's.

I am not aware of any radio's that can be left plugged in and also be left switched on.
Am sure there are others on here that will confirm if there are.

Hope that is a help

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741

 

[Georgio]

I'm not sure if there are many that can be left charging for long periods of time to keep them "topped-up" as this can damage the battery. I can highly recommend the Entel HT640, great piece of kit for about £150.

it waterproof, easy to use, easy to read screen, good reception, comes with 12V/240V charging leads and desktop/mountable cradle. oh and the batteries are Li-Lon.

hope this helps

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[JohnL]

I also have SILVA S12 with 12v lead but I wonder can it be left connected with the engine running 13-14v being put out by the alternator. other wise Im happy with it.

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[MarkV]

I don't have an engine for charging so not a problem for me, try contacting silva for more info, my contact was Hugh Davies on phiadmarine@lineone.net By the way the S12 will support US, Canadian and International channels, press and hold the ch16 button and up/down. channel set is identified by the letter symbols on the left of the display.

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[yoda]

Jon

Many thanks for the reply which confirmed what I thought with regard to sitting in the charger permenantly. Perhaps I will wait for the next generation or take another look at the M31.

Yoda

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[yoda]

Mark

Thanks for the contact at Silva and will take another look at the S12.

Yoda

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[JonBrooks]

Yoda

No problem....May the force be with you..

Sorry just had to be done!

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741

 

[aitchw]

Wouldn't it be easier to design a 12v charger which switched itself off when the batteries are fully charged? This would not only prevent overcharging in normal use but also mean that in use on board the the unit would always be fully chaged in an emergency and normal operations would not be draining it. Maybe it is too simple an answer.

Howard

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[JonBrooks]

Our rapid chargers work in this way.
They charge the radio's from flat in about 1.5 hours.
They are avalible as an option for all our radio's.
They can work from mains or 12v.

This would woprk ok with lithium ion batteries as in the M1V or M87.
Mainly as you can top these up in any state.

They add about £55 to the price of the radio.

Regards

<hr width=100% size=1>Jon Brooks
Marine Dealer Manager
Icom UK Ltd.
01227 741741