Which handheld ( again ) - Page 2

Trevor G · 15 January 2009, 22:57

Hi Blackroady - thanks for doing all the research - as we discussed at Yarmouth just after you dropped your Icom, getting a handheld backup radio was next on my "to do list" and I think all your questions (and everyone else's answers) have just saved me ages of time - just what Ribnet's about!
Trevor

RNLIRNLIRNLI · 17 January 2009, 19:09

I have a an Icom M71. It has served me well, while ribbing and kayaking.
Unfortently it doesn't float which I knew, but knew even further when my mate dropped it in the Forth. That was costly!

The M71 does have a aqua-quake function which vibrates water out the speaker and mic, found this realy good during rough weather.

Would defenitly advise you to go with this but, I would advise you to shop around for what you need it for!

alt · 23 February 2009, 16:14

Bought a Std Horizon 270 over the weekend at a boat show in Dublin, I like it so far

I charged the batteries fully for 10 hours for first use, as described in the Manual

Now I know I won't be using it for at least a month, so what should I do about battery condition? Should I leave the VHF on over night and let it fully run down the battery, or should I leave it fully charged?

BumbleAbout · 28 February 2009, 15:08

I have the Standard Horizon 270 and have been very pleased with it.

I "charge cycle" the battery every 3 months in the winter (running it down by leaving it scanning for 24 hours then charging fully and putting it away again) - it seems very happy with that.

JSP · 28 February 2009, 16:04

One plus for the M71 is the battery seems to last for ever.

TonyC · 28 February 2009, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSP

One plus for the M71 is the battery seems to last for ever.

agreed, the M71 battery seems to last forever. THeres times where I dont use it for weeks on end, yet the battery doesnt lose it's charge at all.

Much better than the M31 I used to have which always lost its charge over time when not used (and which eventually broke to to water intrusion)

The M33's we use at work seem to be pretty good holding their charge too, though not quite as good as the M71 - although at least the M33 floats, which for some of the staff is a godsend