Looking for a a new VHF handheld

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by zeehag

which radios come with a non nicad battery pack--that is the radio i would buy, as thee nicad batteries limit the longevity of the radio.
does anyone know which ones are non nicad.....

My dear, NiCad batteries have been banned for years in most places.

90% of handheld VHF's now come with Lithium Ion. A very few still have NiMH.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

My dear, NiCad batteries have been banned for years in most places.

90% of handheld VHF's now come with Lithium Ion. A very few still have NiMH.

I am hoping the Lithium Ion batteries last longer than either the NiCad or NiMH I've had on my radios in the past. If they preform as "advertised" with their charge cycle numbers I might even consider them for my electric propulsion bank in the future. As their use in handhelds might be a good indicator of how well they would work elsewhere on board.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

I'm looking at getting a marine hand held soon too. I know Yaesu (Standard) makes some good radios for VHF/UHF. I have a Yaesu hand held and mobile and both are great radios. Looking at the Icom and Standard handhelds you listed, it looks like either could be pretty good to go with.

I would probably go with Standard. I like Icom more for their HF radios.

[mbianka]

Originally Posted by Rhapsody-NS27

I'm looking at getting a marine hand held soon too. I know Yaesu (Standard) makes some good radios for VHF/UHF. I have a Yaesu hand held and mobile and both are great radios. Looking at the Icom and Standard handhelds you listed, it looks like either could be pretty good to go with.

I would probably go with Standard. I like Icom more for their HF radios.

Rhapsody:

Yeah I decided I am going with the Standard HX 851. Though I'm sure the ICOM 92D would be fine too. I've got other Standard equipment on board and have not had any problems with them. Checked some of the archives here and a lot of people seem pretty happy with theirs. So it seems like the way to go for me.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by zeehag

which radios come with a non nicad battery pack--that is the radio i would buy, as thee nicad batteries limit the longevity of the radio.
does anyone know which ones are non nicad.....

It seems that just about everything these days has switched to Lithium Ion.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by mbianka

Dockhead & Happymdsailor:

I think the reason for the buttons instead of pots on the HX 851 is it is probably easier to waterproof button controls than a rotating shaft of a linear pot control. Though as you point out not easier to operate. Since I'm thinking this is one of the first things I'd grab if I had to abandoned the boat I'd prefer the better seals if I'm bouncing around in the waves with it trying to hit the "red button". Looks like it's a trade off but, one I could probably live with. No pun intended.

I guess the real answer lies in... With the choices is available right now, if my radio got pinched/lost/smished/fried.... I would replace it with the same X851...

[The Way]

Originally Posted by mbianka

Since my Uniden Atlantis handheld VHF battery only lasts about 15 seconds even transmitting at 1 watt I decided that it may be time for a new VHF handheld rather than buy a new battery for a unit I was a little disappointed in.
I figure floating is a good idea (though I've never dropped one over the side yet), GPS and DSC seem like good features also.
Currently trying to decide between two models :

Icom M92D

Standard Horizon HX851

Though I'm open for other suggestions.

I'm quite unhappy with my Standard Horizon HX851. First, the font used for the lat/long is badly chosen, so a single pixel can make a difference between a 3, 6, 8, and 9. The cover plate scratches easily, and if the number is under a scratch, it's impossible to read it. (Compare the very clear font used for the HUGE channel indicator; why didn't they use the same font for lat/long?)

To me that says they don't use their own products in the real world, or they would have noticed this.

Second, the menus and manuals are not easy to understand, so I have to go look at the manual for anything but talking on the radio, if I haven't been sailing for a while. (I realize these are issues with nearly all electronics.)

Third, I wrote the company about these issues and others and never even got an acknowledgement. That takes them off my list for future purchases.


Fair winds,
The Way

[El Rubio]

Just a thought for all of those dead handheld radios, I have had batteries rebuilt for cheaper than a replacement. Specifically, a Standard HX-230 handheld which came with a nicad originally. Nice basic radio. The battery is around $80 for an exact 600mah nicad replacement, but for about $35, I had the battery pack re-celled with nimh cells that also increased the capacity to 2100mah. Possibly a good way to resurrect some old radios that have some useful life still.

[goboatingnow]

Standard radio " there is no substitute "


Dave

[MarkSF]

My experience of Standard Horizon's customer service was exemplary (needed service on a fixed radio a couple of years ago).

[Stu Jackson]

I've been through most all of them. Current model is a SH, very pleased with it, has lasted longer than all the rest. Haven't tried an Icom. Read some not-so-nice reviews a few years ago when I was looking: price to features too high. Good luck.