Handheld VHF retention

[BogMonster]

I have a SH HX270 handheld which is great except in one respect - the quick release plastic clip that holds it on. I've broken two now, and reading the recent article in Rib mag or whatever they call it these days about the MOB incident on the Round Ireland in which the guy lost his handheld on impact with the water, it's clear to me that the clip would stand no chance at all in a similar incident. I have a PLB, but I'd rather have both if I ever need them and a stupid plastic clip that will break at the first sign of a thump is no use.

So ... has anybody either got an alternative part to replace the SH clip, or come up with an alternative retention onto a lifejacket? The SH sets were popular, and I can't be the first person to have concluded that the clip is a major weakness.

The standard clip is one of these

https://www.hamcity.com/store/pc/CLIP-14-p1240.htm

The button fixes on the back of the set with a stainless screw, and the clip slots on to it and pops off with a half-turn (which in itself is a weakness, even if it doesn't break)

Suggestions gratefully received. I currently can't use it anyway, because the clip is broken, but rather than just replace it with another standard part I wondered what other options there are.

[SPR]

icom m71 or m73 they are made from metal not plastic ...you might find the person who went a swimming now uses one if these

these are also ipx8 rated

S.


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[MustRib]

The clip attachments on all of the handheld VHF's I have seen are not designed
to withstand a high speed impact with water.
IMO, It's not sensible to rely on that plastic clip to keep it attached to your
lifejacket unless your just pottering about at very low speed.
My lifejacket has a "basket" of velcro straps on the shoulder, into which you can
strap the bottom of the Handheld, and the top of the handheld, and the aerial
passes through a grommet in the lifejacket cover to further hold it in place.
The jacket isn't the top of the range "rescue" model, rather its the "Rib" hybrid
model. These straps on the "rescue " model seem to be double the width and
much more secure looking than the ones on the "rib" model.
See the pics. Suffice to say - this attachment method
doesnt rely on the clip at all.
In that particular incident you refer to, the handheld was strapped in to this
type of "rib" lifejacket, and the aerial threaded,
but no lanyard was attached to the vhf.
The radio still smashed loose and was lost.
A lanyard being secured as well may have prevented that,
but there is always a possibility if you hit hard enough, a high speed impact
may well result in just broken bits attached to your lifejacket !
Which brings me to the attachment point of the strap on the vhf and the only
point available on all the handhelds I have seen, to attach a lanyard.
Why can't manufacturers toughen this attachment point up and enlarge it
enough to allow users to fix their own lanyards/straps that won't involve
threading the tiniest of threads through a tiny opening and round a small
plastic bar ?

[SPR]

I have managed to thread a small s/s keyring through the icom strap hole ! means it's now attached via parachute cord with carabiner at one end.

done this to both my m91d & m71

I don't know if the standard h has such a hand strap thingy...


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[SPR]

found the pic!


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[MustRib]

I'm sure VHF manufacturers don't design their handhelds for the relatively few
of us that enjoy cruising at speed in Ribs, but attachment points are important
and definitely something that they could improve on.
Until then we are - like Scott - having to be as resourceful as we can to
feel that they are securely attached.

[Chris Caton]

I've got the icom 91, nice radio and works great, but the clip is just crap, slightest knock n the radio n clip part company

Scott, I reckon you could market your aftermarket stainless key ring and para cord lanyard, I've got at least two customers lined up for you today

not wanting to go down the route of a true off shore type all weather life jacket just yet, any reccomendations for a good holster to fit on the webbing?

[jyasaki]

Dunno. I'm not sure I'd want that thing swinging around with the force of impact. Pocket or straps or something has to be a better solution.

jky

[Lee argyle]

I clip mine on and use a secondary lanyard to eliminate any chance of loss (many modern hand-helds float which is an added bonus ) - not lost one yet and I've tried! Lol

[BogMonster]

Can you buy any sort of webbing pouch/pocket thing for a handheld VHF - the sort of thing you would carry a multi tool on your belt with but obviously big enough for a VHF?

My PLB came with something like that - probably designed for use on a belt - and I fed the lifejacket strap through it, so it's fairly securely attached (and on top of that the lanyard goes round my neck) - something similar for a handheld VHF would be ideal.

[Nos4r2]

Got an M71 and SX HX270 here,. I hit the water at 30 knots from a jetski and the Icom lanyard didn't break. I doubt the SH clip would have survived.

Have a look at some of the Airsoft Molle pouches on Ebay.

[SPR]

I got my icom m71 back yesterday after lending it, and the clip is screwed on, looks and feels very secure!

S.


www.firstaidatsea.co.uk
www.SPRmarine.co.uk

[BogMonster]

Yeah don't really want to buy a whole new radio though as it means ordering from overseas and there is nothing wrong with the old one, as long as it stays with me

Will have a look at the pouches, ta.

[9D280]

I have in the past parked a handheld in the folds of the lifejacket, and attached it using it's lanyard to the front strap of the harness behind the inflatable bit.

Main down side to that is if yo uarenlt careful, buttons can be pressed, but if it; s as an emergency backp, it is likely to be switched off until you are swimming & the jacket has inflated, at which point you switch on & shout help!


Note I never used it in anger, but it did stop me loosing the handheld.

[SPR]

Hi,

I just bought 2 of these for my UHF Business Radios, and these fit the M91 tightly and M71 - has both velcro and stud for belt but also has full thread through too...

Relax 3 In1 Multi-Function Pouch Mobile Radio Case: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics


Scott

[Johnscubanut]

I like those! Have to order one or 2,cheers!

[Ovey]

I've just ordered one of those myself - they look good!

[SteveHall]

Ordered one as well myself. Thanks!

[jambo]

And me looks the biz

[markmullen]

Thanks for that, I've ordered a couple, one for my lifejacket, one for my buoyancy aid.