Recommendation for a hand-held VHF radio?
 

A friend of mine has the small white handheld by cobra they sell up here.
It seems to work great. Not sure what other options there are though.

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Friend with a new inshore fishing boat wants to buy a handheld VHF radio.
I don't follow VHF radio technology at all, so I don't know what's really
good in the latest units.

Any recommendations as to makes and models?

--
- - -
George W. Bush, our hero!

"It's totally wiped out. ... It's devastating, it's got to be doubly
devastating on the ground."

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Friend with a new inshore fishing boat wants to buy a handheld VHF radio.
I don't follow VHF radio technology at all, so I don't know what's really
good in the latest units.

Any recommendations as to makes and models?


If Icom's hand-helds are as good as their mounted models, they are worth a
look.


--
Peter Aitken

Harry Krause wrote:
Friend with a new inshore fishing boat wants to buy a handheld VHF
radio. I don't follow VHF radio technology at all, so I don't know
what's really good in the latest units.

Any recommendations as to makes and models?

--
- - -
George W. Bush, our hero!

"It's totally wiped out. ... It's devastating, it's got to be doubly
devastating on the ground."

It is often said that the basic internal circuitry on VHF radios is
virtually identical from one brand to the next.

Should be easy to pick the right radio by comparing price and desired
features. Many people would consider spending more on a hand-held VHF
if it is the only radio aboard, others might spend less and settle for
a model wtihout extra bells and whistles if it is strictly used as a
backup for a fixed mount radio.

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

*JimH* wrote:
"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...

On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:


It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.


Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958


I bought the Standard Horizon HX460S a few years ago at our boat show.
The ratings were good at the time, but I've had problems with two switches.

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
Friend with a new inshore fishing boat wants to buy a handheld VHF radio.
I don't follow VHF radio technology at all, so I don't know what's really
good in the latest units.

Any recommendations as to makes and models?

--
- - -
George W. Bush, our hero!

"It's totally wiped out. ... It's devastating, it's got to be doubly
devastating on the ground."

I've got a Raytheon that's terrific, and built (apparently) to be thrown
against a brick wall or driven over. I think they only make one hand held
model. Take a look at www.raymarine.com.

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 12:17:40 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

No, yours is submersible, not water proof.

"Engineered for unparalleled reliability, the HORIZON HX260S exceeds
submersions of 3' for 30 minutes."


Did you miss this? ;-)

http://www.standardhorizon.com/Produ...erproof_sm.gif

Anyway, who is going to submerge their handheld at 3 feet for 30 minutes.
If you dropped it and could not find it at that depth within 30 minutes you
are never going to find it.

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 12:17:40 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

No, yours is submersible, not water proof.

"Engineered for unparalleled reliability, the HORIZON HX260S exceeds
submersions of 3' for 30 minutes."

Tell you what - I'll take your word for it. Tie a string on it, hold
it under water at 2' for fifteen minutes, then get back to me.

I'll bet it doesn't work.


I think it would be a better idea to look for a model with a serious, useful
wrist strap. Then, this discussion would not be necessary.

My HX260S stayed submersed in a broken bottle of suntan oil in my wife's
beach bag for about 2 weeks and still works - if that helps :). Buttons
work smooooth now !

jim bailey

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 12:17:40 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

No, yours is submersible, not water proof.

"Engineered for unparalleled reliability, the HORIZON HX260S exceeds
submersions of 3' for 30 minutes."

Tell you what - I'll take your word for it. Tie a string on it, hold
it under water at 2' for fifteen minutes, then get back to me.

I'll bet it doesn't work.

And your radio will never get a sunburn now. ;-)

"Jim Bailey" wrote in message
...
My HX260S stayed submersed in a broken bottle of suntan oil in my wife's
beach bag for about 2 weeks and still works - if that helps :). Buttons
work smooooth now !

jim bailey

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 12:17:40 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

No, yours is submersible, not water proof.

"Engineered for unparalleled reliability, the HORIZON HX260S exceeds
submersions of 3' for 30 minutes."

Tell you what - I'll take your word for it. Tie a string on it, hold
it under water at 2' for fifteen minutes, then get back to me.

I'll bet it doesn't work.

JimH,

This looks like it is a great handheld, but it is important to realize the
"waterproof" and submersible feature is rated good for 3' for 30 min. This
means it is warranted to hold up to rain, and sea spray, and will hold up to
dropping it in water sloshing around your inflatable.

If you drop the handheld overboard, they probably would not honor the
warranty on the handheld, because it would most likely exceed the 3' for 30
min. qualifier.

All in all, it looks like a great unit.


"*JimH*" wrote in message
...

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
...

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 12:17:40 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

No, yours is submersible, not water proof.

"Engineered for unparalleled reliability, the HORIZON HX260S exceeds
submersions of 3' for 30 minutes."

Tell you what - I'll take your word for it. Tie a string on it, hold
it under water at 2' for fifteen minutes, then get back to me.

I'll bet it doesn't work.


I think it would be a better idea to look for a model with a serious,
useful wrist strap. Then, this discussion would not be necessary.


My 260sx has a serious, useful wrist strap. But if you sink and that
serious, useful wrist strap keeps the radio available to you, it will be
submersed at times.

Tom,
I think I would be inclined to take advantage of that warranty. Every 2
yrs. 11 months, I would submerse my handheld in 2 ft. for 30 min. That is
one way to always have an undated model.


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 12:17:40 -0400, "*JimH*" wrote:


"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. ..
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 11:04:34 -0400, Harry Krause
wrote:

It would be helpful for him to read some test results of the latest
handheld VHF models, but, of course, this is boating, and legitimate
test information is virtually impossible to get.

Chuck has it exactly right - you can take a Icom apart and put it side
by side with a Uniden and you'd be hard placed to tell them apart from
a technical standpoint. There are only so many ways, and so many
chips, to put these things together.

As to weather resistance - again, unless you are looking for some kind
of military standard unit, you aren't going to get water proof.
Resistant yes, proof, no. Drop it in the live well and the chances
are you are going to have to buy a new radio.

Ahem...........mine is waterproof and the manufacturer backs that claim
with
a 3 year *water proof* guarantee:

http://tinyurl.com/3v958

No, yours is submersible, not water proof.

"Engineered for unparalleled reliability, the HORIZON HX260S exceeds
submersions of 3' for 30 minutes."

Tell you what - I'll take your word for it. Tie a string on it, hold
it under water at 2' for fifteen minutes, then get back to me.

I'll bet it doesn't work.

"Starbuck's" wrote in message
...
JimH,

This looks like it is a great handheld, but it is important to realize the
"waterproof" and submersible feature is rated good for 3' for 30 min.
This means it is warranted to hold up to rain, and sea spray, and will
hold up to dropping it in water sloshing around your inflatable.

If you drop the handheld overboard, they probably would not honor the
warranty on the handheld, because it would most likely exceed the 3' for
30 min. qualifier.

All in all, it looks like a great unit.



I think I had that figured out before.....but thanks for the advice anyway.
;-)

JimH,
Do you see you have Harry snipping at your heels with everyone of your
posts. It looks like you must have hit a nerve with Harry.


"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
*JimH* wrote:
"Starbuck's" wrote in message
...
JimH,

This looks like it is a great handheld, but it is important to realize
the "waterproof" and submersible feature is rated good for 3' for 30
min. This means it is warranted to hold up to rain, and sea spray, and
will hold up to dropping it in water sloshing around your inflatable.

If you drop the handheld overboard, they probably would not honor the
warranty on the handheld, because it would most likely exceed the 3' for
30 min. qualifier.

All in all, it looks like a great unit.



I think I had that figured out before.....but thanks for the advice
anyway. ;-)


Don't fall overboard with that radio, Hertvik. Most folks would rescue the
radio.

--
- - -
George W. Bush, our hero!

"You see, not only did the attacks help accelerate a recession, the
attacks reminded us that we are at war."—Bush, Washington, D.C., June 8,
2005
This signature was made by SigChanger.
You can find SigChanger at: http://www.phranc.nl/

He is in my bozo bin where he will stay. I could care less what the ass has
to say about me. He is nothing but an irrelevant crabby old man who is
lower than squid **** in the deepest part of the oceans.


"Starbuck's" wrote in message
...
JimH,
Do you see you have Harry snipping at your heels with everyone of your
posts. It looks like you must have hit a nerve with Harry.


"Harry Krause" wrote in message
...
*JimH* wrote:
"Starbuck's" wrote in message
...
JimH,

This looks like it is a great handheld, but it is important to realize
the "waterproof" and submersible feature is rated good for 3' for 30
min. This means it is warranted to hold up to rain, and sea spray, and
will hold up to dropping it in water sloshing around your inflatable.

If you drop the handheld overboard, they probably would not honor the
warranty on the handheld, because it would most likely exceed the 3'
for 30 min. qualifier.

All in all, it looks like a great unit.



I think I had that figured out before.....but thanks for the advice
anyway. ;-)

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 18:27:26 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:

I think it would be a better idea to look for a model with a serious,
useful
wrist strap. Then, this discussion would not be necessary.

And I think that Jim could do us all a favor and test the unit by
submerging it for 20 minutes in his live well or tie a string on it
and drag it behind the boat for half an hour. :)

Actually, I'd like to see that, just for entertainment purposes. Maybe Mrs
Jim, if any, could secure Jim back there with the radio, and see if he's
submersible.

"Shortwave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 18:27:26 GMT, "Doug Kanter"
wrote:

I think it would be a better idea to look for a model with a serious,
useful
wrist strap. Then, this discussion would not be necessary.

And I think that Jim could do us all a favor and test the unit by
submerging it for 20 minutes in his live well or tie a string on it
and drag it behind the boat for half an hour. :)


I am taking the day off tomorrow to do some boating. It will be too nice of
a day to pass up.

Remind me again tomorrow before I leave Tom. ;-)