Which Handheld VHF?

CaptainBob

CaptainBob

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I tend to have trouble hearing voices clearly when there's other noises around like diesel engines.

I'm going to get a handheld VHF for use on deck rather than a repeater as I think it's a good idea to have a separate unit for if one fails.

I was going to get the highly acclaimed Standard Horizon 270 which used to come with a battery AND a pack to stick rechargeables in which I think is a good idea - but it looks like that's now discontinued and a there's some new options to consider.

Quite intrigued by Icom's new M35 which has "clear voice" technology and some loudness technology which might be useful for me with my less than perfect hearing... but is it really worth the extra £70 they want over the Standard Horizon HX280E?

And realistically, how important is it to have one that floats?

There's a lot out there to choose from!

Thank you!
 
The M35 is worth the extra i reckon. To me they just feel better built, and they have a 3 yr warranty vs a 2 yr on the Standard.

Also the bouancy issue isn't an issue at all..... unless you drop it - in that event it will have paid for itself.
 
Handheld VHF

CaptainBob said:
And realistically, how important is it to have one that floats?

Probably not important at sea unless you have attached to the VHF some means of seeing it amongst the waves but at least it is also waterproof. Not much good being able to recover if it is knackered because of water ingress. In the marina floatation becomes more important.

I have a number of those floatation devices that make location in the briny and recovery a good possibility. Yet to find out if they do what they say on the packaging but at least I have a chance.
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I have the Icom M33, very clear sound. I prefer it over the boat VHF for contacting marina etc. Waterproof and Buoyant, but as others have said, not tested these yet. Plus batery life is excellent.
 
I've had a S.H. 270 for quite some time now and I can't comment for others abilities but this one still does 'exactly what it says on the tin' and has never let me down and that's with being left onboard a damp boat for a year.

So to me that's all that matters.
 
Another vote for the SH 270, had mine 2 1/2 years, does what it says on the box........doesn't float though. Spare battery pack (currently loaded with alkaline AA Cells), very pleased with it.
 
I have an Entel and a SH HX270E. Both are good, but the HX270E does not have a keylock facility which is, in my mind, a serious drawback - I do not expect a HH top change channel when I carry it in my pocket.

J
 
I have used the Icom M71's in the past and they are excellent radios. I did recently splash out (sorry) on the floating feature and bought an Icom M35. Again, it's an excellent and very well made piece of kit, easy to use and operate and very clear sound. The floaty capability I think is essential (now it's available) less so on the boat itself but certainly when you are in the tender - and particularly when you sail with kids! It also has a "blank" battery carrier to take alkaline or AA rechargeable batteries in addition to the LiON batteries. Must admit I haven't tried dropping it in water yet, must have a go.
 
RestlessL said:
I have an Entel and a SH HX270E. Both are good, but the HX270E does not have a keylock facility which is, in my mind, a serious drawback - I do not expect a HH top change channel when I carry it in my pocket.

J
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Sorry but ~ Yes it does ~ just hold down the H/L key and it will lock the channel???

Try it and I think you'll be surprised.

Peter.
 
TheBoatman said:
Sorry but ~ Yes it does ~ just hold down the H/L key and it will lock the channel???

Try it and I think you'll be surprised.

Peter.
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Peter:

Thank you for that - I have just tried and you are correct. (Pity SH didn't label it, but I can live with that).

I can now fully endorse the SH 270.

John
 
I bought a SH270S from West Marine and noted that in their advisor they have doubts about all 'waterproof' H/Hs. Recomending a pouch....which they also sell.
A
 
DownWest said:
...have doubts about all 'waterproof' H/Hs.
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The instructions for cleaning one of our Icom handhelds shows the radio immersed in a bucket of water. I believe the relevant standard requires the radio to function after 30 minutes immersion at a depth of 1 metre.

I have a very high regard for Icom radios, especially after being foolish enough to be seduced by the low price of a Cobra radio about 5 years ago. That was a disaster.
 
I use a SH VHF and can recommend it, but having lost a couple of other handhelds overboard (aaaaargh!!) I now have it firmly attached to my harness/lifejacket with a nice twisty diving lanyard! Got the advantage then that if, God forbid, I should fall overboard, then as my pride and joy sails ever onwards without me, I can hopefully radio for assistance............ that's the theory anyway......??

alan17 said:
CaptainBob said:
And realistically, how important is it to have one that floats?

Probably not important at sea unless you have attached to the VHF some means of seeing it amongst the waves but at least it is also waterproof. Not much good being able to recover if it is knackered because of water ingress. In the marina floatation becomes more important.

I have a number of those floatation devices that make location in the briny and recovery a good possibility. Yet to find out if they do what they say on the packaging but at least I have a chance.
Click to expand...
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Good idea! Even if it floated that would be a good plan.

carise said:
I use a SH VHF and can recommend it, but having lost a couple of other handhelds overboard (aaaaargh!!) I now have it firmly attached to my harness/lifejacket with a nice twisty diving lanyard! Got the advantage then that if, God forbid, I should fall overboard, then as my pride and joy sails ever onwards without me, I can hopefully radio for assistance............ that's the theory anyway......??

Click to expand...
 
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