Which Handheld VHF?
- Thread starter CaptainBob
- Start date
pvb
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Sorry to Hijack, but does anyone know where the cheapest place (online) would be to buy the floating Icom handheld?
[/ QUOTE ]When comparing online prices, you need to remember to add in carriage charges, which vary widely. The cheapest online offer I've seen for the Icom M33 is £117.30 including carriage, from G-Comm.
Sorry to Hijack, but does anyone know where the cheapest place (online) would be to buy the floating Icom handheld?
[/ QUOTE ]When comparing online prices, you need to remember to add in carriage charges, which vary widely. The cheapest online offer I've seen for the Icom M33 is £117.30 including carriage, from G-Comm.
alt
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the links lads, defo going to buy one in the new year
Refueler
Well-Known Member
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Re: cheap and cheerfuls - has anyone ever tried the Midland Pacific ? They are currently less than £60. Can't find a review anywhere ...
[/ QUOTE ]With a Standard Horizon HX270E selling for only £70, I think most people would be better off with the HX270E if they want a "cheap and cheerful" set.
[/ QUOTE ]
Twin pack of Cobras 70 quid. With free aquapacks. Replaceable AAA batterys or dry-cells if you want. I looked at all then went for them ... and not dissapointed.
OK so not brand leader .. but they work.
[ QUOTE ]
Re: cheap and cheerfuls - has anyone ever tried the Midland Pacific ? They are currently less than £60. Can't find a review anywhere ...
[/ QUOTE ]With a Standard Horizon HX270E selling for only £70, I think most people would be better off with the HX270E if they want a "cheap and cheerful" set.
[/ QUOTE ]
Twin pack of Cobras 70 quid. With free aquapacks. Replaceable AAA batterys or dry-cells if you want. I looked at all then went for them ... and not dissapointed.
OK so not brand leader .. but they work.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
I read a report that NiCd's are soon banned and not to be available in EU.
pvb
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
I read a report that NiCd's are soon banned and not to be available in EU.
[/ QUOTE ]It's been illegal to import them since September this year, but existing stocks can be sold. There are some exemptions, but I think they're mainly for medical products.
I read a report that NiCd's are soon banned and not to be available in EU.
[/ QUOTE ]It's been illegal to import them since September this year, but existing stocks can be sold. There are some exemptions, but I think they're mainly for medical products.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I read a report that NiCd's are soon banned and not to be available in EU.
[/ QUOTE ]It's been illegal to import them since September this year, but existing stocks can be sold. There are some exemptions, but I think they're mainly for medical products.
[/ QUOTE ]
That'll upset the Pro NiCD brigade on here ! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Or maybe my "memory" is failing ?
[ QUOTE ]
I read a report that NiCd's are soon banned and not to be available in EU.
[/ QUOTE ]It's been illegal to import them since September this year, but existing stocks can be sold. There are some exemptions, but I think they're mainly for medical products.
[/ QUOTE ]
That'll upset the Pro NiCD brigade on here ! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Or maybe my "memory" is failing ?
2nd_apprentice
Well-Known Member
Can you just replace NiCd rechargeables with whatever's supposed to take their place? The battery pack on my VHF consists of 8 AAA NiCd batteries.
Refueler
Well-Known Member
I do replace NiCD with NiMH usually without thought and have never had problem. There are technical points - but in practical terms for us ? Not worth the hassle ... change and enjoy.
G
Guest
Guest
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With a Standard Horizon HX270E selling for only £70, I think most people would be better off with the HX270E if they want a "cheap and cheerful" set.
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Yes - on reflection, I think you're right.
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The AA adapter of the 270E was a selling point for me. With my HH VHF, GPS, and camera all using AA cells it's easy to keep backup batteries aboard.
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Have you ever tried running the 270E on re-chargeable AA's ? I pulled the user manual off the web and it says not to - something to do with current limiting and heat. I always thought that was only relevant during re-charging ? Also, FWIW - the manual says ONLY to use their supplied antenna - and then promptly mentions that they can supply an adapter to enable use of the boat's main on-board antenna !!
With a Standard Horizon HX270E selling for only £70, I think most people would be better off with the HX270E if they want a "cheap and cheerful" set.
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes - on reflection, I think you're right.
[ QUOTE ]
The AA adapter of the 270E was a selling point for me. With my HH VHF, GPS, and camera all using AA cells it's easy to keep backup batteries aboard.
[/ QUOTE ]
Have you ever tried running the 270E on re-chargeable AA's ? I pulled the user manual off the web and it says not to - something to do with current limiting and heat. I always thought that was only relevant during re-charging ? Also, FWIW - the manual says ONLY to use their supplied antenna - and then promptly mentions that they can supply an adapter to enable use of the boat's main on-board antenna !!
deaks
Well-Known Member
Hi SAE140 I bought mine 3 years ago at SBS and it's been great. Regards using the emergency AA battery carrier I think they are referring as you said to recharging the pack while it is in the Radio.
As this antenna is removable very useful if you buy an SMA RF plug and a few other bits of kit you can rig it up to your main boat antenna should you need to. I'm in the process of doing just that.
Maybe the manual is referring to using the radio to Tx with the antenna totally off the radio!?!? a sure way to fry your output stage I believe?
The new model is now the one I would go for and with the adapter you can still use AA's as a back up.
"Power supply options
The HX-750 is normally powered using its internal 1150mAH Li-Ion battery, but can also be powered from AAA drycell batteries in an emergency using the FBA-38 dry cell adaptor.
" This is from Standard's Web site.
There is no mention of a 12v option for charging on a boat but surely they must have that the 270 does.
As this antenna is removable very useful if you buy an SMA RF plug and a few other bits of kit you can rig it up to your main boat antenna should you need to. I'm in the process of doing just that.
Maybe the manual is referring to using the radio to Tx with the antenna totally off the radio!?!? a sure way to fry your output stage I believe?
The new model is now the one I would go for and with the adapter you can still use AA's as a back up.
"Power supply options
The HX-750 is normally powered using its internal 1150mAH Li-Ion battery, but can also be powered from AAA drycell batteries in an emergency using the FBA-38 dry cell adaptor.
" This is from Standard's Web site.
There is no mention of a 12v option for charging on a boat but surely they must have that the 270 does.
neale
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
The new model is now the one I would go for and with the adapter you can still use AA's as a back up.
"Power supply options
The HX-750 is normally powered using its internal 1150mAH Li-Ion battery, but can also be powered from AAA drycell batteries in an emergency using the FBA-38 dry cell adaptor.
" This is from Standard's Web site.
There is no mention of a 12v option for charging on a boat but surely they must have that the 270 does.
[/ QUOTE ]
The 12V lead is a cost option on the 750, the same as the AA battery pack.
The new model is now the one I would go for and with the adapter you can still use AA's as a back up.
"Power supply options
The HX-750 is normally powered using its internal 1150mAH Li-Ion battery, but can also be powered from AAA drycell batteries in an emergency using the FBA-38 dry cell adaptor.
" This is from Standard's Web site.
There is no mention of a 12v option for charging on a boat but surely they must have that the 270 does.
[/ QUOTE ]
The 12V lead is a cost option on the 750, the same as the AA battery pack.
deaks
Well-Known Member
That's a bit stingy of them considering where the radio will live, having it as an option!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
Also found this http://www.arrowmid.com/Products/pdf/HX850S_Owner's_Manual.pdf
Looks like it's only available state side at the moment with GPS included.
But a point to consider, it mentions that with the AA (5)battery pack installed you can only TX up to 5W NOT 6W.
In real terms does anybody know what actual difference that would make.
Also found this http://www.arrowmid.com/Products/pdf/HX850S_Owner's_Manual.pdf
Looks like it's only available state side at the moment with GPS included.
But a point to consider, it mentions that with the AA (5)battery pack installed you can only TX up to 5W NOT 6W.
In real terms does anybody know what actual difference that would make.
pvb
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
But a point to consider, it mentions that with the AA (5)battery pack installed you can only TX up to 5W NOT 6W.
[/ QUOTE ]The battery life using alkalines will be very limited, and in the HX850S manual Standard Horizon recommend switching to 1W output when using alkalines. Note also that the HX750 and HX850 use AAA size alkalines (the very tiny ones), not AA size.
The HX750S and HX850S are shipped complete with a 12v charger cable, so it could be that the HX750E also has this (although it doesn't say so on Standard Horizon's UK website).
But a point to consider, it mentions that with the AA (5)battery pack installed you can only TX up to 5W NOT 6W.
[/ QUOTE ]The battery life using alkalines will be very limited, and in the HX850S manual Standard Horizon recommend switching to 1W output when using alkalines. Note also that the HX750 and HX850 use AAA size alkalines (the very tiny ones), not AA size.
The HX750S and HX850S are shipped complete with a 12v charger cable, so it could be that the HX750E also has this (although it doesn't say so on Standard Horizon's UK website).
jerryat
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The new model is now the one I would go for and with the adapter you can still use AA's as a back up.
"Power supply options
The HX-750 is normally powered using its internal 1150mAH Li-Ion battery, but can also be powered from AAA drycell batteries in an emergency using the FBA-38 dry cell adaptor.
" This is from Standard's Web site.
There is no mention of a 12v option for charging on a boat but surely they must have that the 270 does.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi all,
As I'm on the verge of buying a new handheld, I've been following this thread (and several earlier ones) with great interest. I'm now edging towards getting the SH 750 because of the comments on here. BUT I've googled like mad to find out:
a) what the extra cost is for the AAA battery pack asessory
b) whether the radio DOES come with the 12v power lead, and if not, how much does that add to the bill.
Can anybody give the answers?
My other short-listed one is the Icom M71, purely because in my experience, the Icom stuff is very well made and has been always fit for purpose. I've seen all the opinions on this so don't want to open up a discussion again, but really would appreciate answers to the questions above.
Thanks all,
Jerry
The 12V lead is a cost option on the 750, the same as the AA battery pack.
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The new model is now the one I would go for and with the adapter you can still use AA's as a back up.
"Power supply options
The HX-750 is normally powered using its internal 1150mAH Li-Ion battery, but can also be powered from AAA drycell batteries in an emergency using the FBA-38 dry cell adaptor.
" This is from Standard's Web site.
There is no mention of a 12v option for charging on a boat but surely they must have that the 270 does.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi all,
As I'm on the verge of buying a new handheld, I've been following this thread (and several earlier ones) with great interest. I'm now edging towards getting the SH 750 because of the comments on here. BUT I've googled like mad to find out:
a) what the extra cost is for the AAA battery pack asessory
b) whether the radio DOES come with the 12v power lead, and if not, how much does that add to the bill.
Can anybody give the answers?
My other short-listed one is the Icom M71, purely because in my experience, the Icom stuff is very well made and has been always fit for purpose. I've seen all the opinions on this so don't want to open up a discussion again, but really would appreciate answers to the questions above.
Thanks all,
Jerry
The 12V lead is a cost option on the 750, the same as the AA battery pack.
[/ QUOTE ]
lw395
Well-Known Member
For practical purposes, the difference between Tx of 5W and 6W is negligible.
Decent AA alkalines tend to contain more energy than Nimh's but have differnt I-V-discharge curves. In practice it depends on the power supply circuit in the radio. I once designed a circuit that was really efficient at getting the last dregs out of duracells (for a handheld product) unfortunately when the batteries ran out they were too hot to handle! We had to make the product stop when there was about 20minutes use left in the cells.
Sounds like there are some good deals out there compared with when our Icom was bought for about £140 8? years ago, but I don't need them as the icom is still going strong on its original battery. I will switch it on today to flatten it before recharging.
Decent AA alkalines tend to contain more energy than Nimh's but have differnt I-V-discharge curves. In practice it depends on the power supply circuit in the radio. I once designed a circuit that was really efficient at getting the last dregs out of duracells (for a handheld product) unfortunately when the batteries ran out they were too hot to handle! We had to make the product stop when there was about 20minutes use left in the cells.
Sounds like there are some good deals out there compared with when our Icom was bought for about £140 8? years ago, but I don't need them as the icom is still going strong on its original battery. I will switch it on today to flatten it before recharging.
pvb
Well-Known Member
UK suppliers aren't showing online prices for the AAA battery tray for the HX750E, so you'd need to contact one and ask the question. The tray is about $20 in the US.
The 12v charging lead isn't apparently supplied with the HX750E, and is about £14 extra.
The 12v charging lead isn't apparently supplied with the HX750E, and is about £14 extra.
neale
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
That's a bit stingy of them considering where the radio will live, having it as an option!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
To be fair, the Floaty Icom M33 is exactly the same in this respect.
I guess it helps to keep the cost down for those that don't need them.
That's a bit stingy of them considering where the radio will live, having it as an option!! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
[/ QUOTE ]
To be fair, the Floaty Icom M33 is exactly the same in this respect.
I guess it helps to keep the cost down for those that don't need them.
G
Guest
Guest
[ QUOTE ]
As this antenna is removable very useful if you buy an SMA RF plug and a few other bits of kit you can rig it up to your main boat antenna should you need to. I'm in the process of doing just that.
Maybe the manual is referring to using the radio to Tx with the antenna totally off the radio!?!? a sure way to fry your output stage I believe?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes - they caution that pressing the Tx button with no antenna connected will be a death sentence.
For anyone else who is trying to decide which hand-held to go for (I had exactly the same 'too much choice' problem when trying to choose a laptop ...) checkout:
http://www.standardhorizon.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=178_174&products_id=924
and for a manual:
http://www.standardhorizon.co.uk/files/HX270E%20Owners%20Manual.pdf
As this antenna is removable very useful if you buy an SMA RF plug and a few other bits of kit you can rig it up to your main boat antenna should you need to. I'm in the process of doing just that.
Maybe the manual is referring to using the radio to Tx with the antenna totally off the radio!?!? a sure way to fry your output stage I believe?
[/ QUOTE ]
Yes - they caution that pressing the Tx button with no antenna connected will be a death sentence.
For anyone else who is trying to decide which hand-held to go for (I had exactly the same 'too much choice' problem when trying to choose a laptop ...) checkout:
http://www.standardhorizon.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=178_174&products_id=924
and for a manual:
http://www.standardhorizon.co.uk/files/HX270E%20Owners%20Manual.pdf
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Hi pvb,
Thanks for the info. Great help!
Jerry
Thanks for the info. Great help!
Jerry