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Author Topic:   Handheld VHF Radio

Robob2003 posted 04-15-2005 10:07 AM ET (US)
Even though I only boat in Tampa Bay I want to buy an inexpensive radio. Any comments on the Uniden Atlantis 250? Other brands and comments? Thanks in advance.
Bob on Tampa Bay
HAPPYJIM posted 04-15-2005 10:40 AM ET (US)
I think that the ICOM brand is better built. I have an Icom M1V but it's twice the price of the Uniden 250.
Here's one that looks good and pocket size also.
Hyperlink
I like handhelds because you can take them on other boats and have a back-up if needed.
CHRISWEIGHT posted 04-15-2005 11:39 AM ET (US)
robob2003
I have the UK version of the ICOM (M31). It has great range, good battery, and very clear [reception]. Buy the best handheld you can. I bought cheap (SMR) and it was useless. The main problem was receive (deaf as a post). I compared at Dover docks one day with the harbourmaster's Icom, and my radio was silent compared to constant traffic on the Icom.
I have transmited 15 miles to the Coast Guard with the Icom M31; reported weak but very clear.
Regards Chris.
JohnJ80 posted 04-15-2005 12:29 PM ET (US)
I think any of the major brands are good - Icom, Standard, Horizon or Raycom/Raytheon. I personally favor Icom, but it is largely a matter of personal preference rather than quality.
I would advise you to get a good one, one that is waterproof.
You don't need a lot of features, but you don't want to compromise on quality. A VHF is a piece of safety equipment and should be treated accordingly.
J

skred posted 04-15-2005 01:56 PM ET (US)
Bought a 250 for use on Lake Michigan last year. First VHF I owned. Very pleased with the performance. Not the top of the line, for sure, but worked just like the more expensive versions. Lots of nice features like wx scanning and alerts, etc. I recommend running it off 12v boat power when possible - batteries don't last too long.
Endless Wave posted 04-15-2005 04:31 PM ET (US)
Has anyone used any of the Cobra handheld VHF's?
fourdfish posted 04-15-2005 05:49 PM ET (US)
A long with my mounted ICOM, I have a Standard handheld which Boat US had on sale and its been working perfectly for two years.
dittybag54 posted 04-15-2005 11:08 PM ET (US)
I have always enjoyed my Standard HX350 due to its big numerals, knobs and mainly because it is submersible. It has been top rated by "Practical Sailor". Problem was that when the motor was running fast, it was hard to hear from its console mount location.
I say 'was' because the mini-speaker-mic just came in a few weeks ago. It is loud, clips to your collar and works great. The coil cord connector screws to the radio so it won't come loose. Twenty-seven dollars well spent; can't believe I waited so long to get one. Can't believe how cheap it was either.
Vertex Standard or an Icom is hard to beat in my opinion. I did have a cheaper Standard once in '97, the 150, it was awful. My nephew could never hear me call him back on his dirt cheap Ray Jeff. He just boomed in but he didn't even know I could hear him. Don't know why but the guy at West Marine in Fort Walton said he had noticed that their lowest price point models drew numerous complaints but their better ones did not. For what that's worth.
Charlie
Robob2003 posted 04-16-2005 10:07 AM ET (US)
Thanks for all the good info. I'll have to do some more features comparison.
Bob on Tampa Bay
nytugcapt posted 04-16-2005 08:01 PM ET (US)
ICOM has earned its reputation. If you pay the extra money you will not be sorry, it's like comparing Whalers to Bayliners.
jimh posted 04-17-2005 07:52 AM ET (US)
I use ICOM radios, too.
Moe posted 04-17-2005 09:06 AM ET (US)
You can't go wrong with Icom or Standard Horizon. We have a fixed mount Icom 402S on our Whaler, but wanted a handheld backup. Until I can do a fixed mount on our new sailboat, we bought a Standard Horizon HX270S handheld.
My requirements were that it be relatively inexpensive, have rechargable batteries that were either NiMH or LI (i.e. not NiCads), come with a waterproof battery tray that would take AA batteries for backup, as well as both 120VAC and 12VDC chargers, and have a detachable antenna for better packing and possible use with a larger antenna. The HX270S filled those requirements, and we also bought the external antenna adapter as a option.
We did have to sacrifice DSC capability to get the low price (under $130), but will eventually have that with the fixed mount.
I like the operation (i.e. menus and button operation) of the Standard Horizon better than the Icom. It just seems more intuitive. And it seems the lower-priced Icoms with backup battery tray all have NiCad rechargables.
Hope this helps,
--
Moe
Over the LINE posted 04-17-2005 09:18 AM ET (US)
My Standard 350 just died, more like I killed it. It served me very well for several hard years. I was pretty excited when Standard's repair guys told me they would send me a $50 rebate certificate toward the purchase of a new radio. Looks like I'll be getting another Standard.
Robob2003 posted 04-17-2005 10:39 AM ET (US)
Thanks again.
It looks like the Icom M32 is the right package for me.
Once again the generosity of the Whaler owners here to share their experience has steered me on the right track.
No wonder so many of us are addicted to CW:-)

Bob on Tampa Bay
Robob2003 posted 04-18-2005 02:09 PM ET (US)
Guess what came in today's mail?
West Marine flyer with a $20 discount on the ICOM M32:-)

Bob on Tampa Bay
dittybag54 posted 04-18-2005 03:56 PM ET (US)
Look's like a sign to me.
Robob2003 posted 04-19-2005 03:37 PM ET (US)
dittybag54,
A sign for sure:-)
It's sitting in the charger on my desk.
Bob on Tampa Bay
mbking1 posted 04-24-2005 08:27 PM ET (US)
I saw the ad for the Icom m32. Say's it is a closeout price. Does anyone know if there is something new or improved from Icom or other brands in a handheld? Am looking to get the best overall handheld I can. Any thoughts would be appreciated..Thanks
nacra55 posted 05-11-2005 01:38 PM ET (US)
Yes, there is something new. West has an Icom M32Li. It's the Icom M32 with a Li-Ion Battery, that's the only difference between the two.

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Author	Topic: Handheld VHF Radio
Robob2003	posted 04-15-2005 10:07 AM ET (US) Even though I only boat in Tampa Bay I want to buy an inexpensive radio. Any comments on the Uniden Atlantis 250? Other brands and comments? Thanks in advance. Bob on Tampa Bay
HAPPYJIM	posted 04-15-2005 10:40 AM ET (US) I think that the ICOM brand is better built. I have an Icom M1V but it's twice the price of the Uniden 250. Here's one that looks good and pocket size also. Hyperlink I like handhelds because you can take them on other boats and have a back-up if needed.
CHRISWEIGHT	posted 04-15-2005 11:39 AM ET (US) robob2003 I have the UK version of the ICOM (M31). It has great range, good battery, and very clear [reception]. Buy the best handheld you can. I bought cheap (SMR) and it was useless. The main problem was receive (deaf as a post). I compared at Dover docks one day with the harbourmaster's Icom, and my radio was silent compared to constant traffic on the Icom. I have transmited 15 miles to the Coast Guard with the Icom M31; reported weak but very clear. Regards Chris.
JohnJ80	posted 04-15-2005 12:29 PM ET (US) I think any of the major brands are good - Icom, Standard, Horizon or Raycom/Raytheon. I personally favor Icom, but it is largely a matter of personal preference rather than quality. I would advise you to get a good one, one that is waterproof. You don't need a lot of features, but you don't want to compromise on quality. A VHF is a piece of safety equipment and should be treated accordingly. J
skred	posted 04-15-2005 01:56 PM ET (US) Bought a 250 for use on Lake Michigan last year. First VHF I owned. Very pleased with the performance. Not the top of the line, for sure, but worked just like the more expensive versions. Lots of nice features like wx scanning and alerts, etc. I recommend running it off 12v boat power when possible - batteries don't last too long.
Endless Wave	posted 04-15-2005 04:31 PM ET (US) Has anyone used any of the Cobra handheld VHF's?
fourdfish	posted 04-15-2005 05:49 PM ET (US) A long with my mounted ICOM, I have a Standard handheld which Boat US had on sale and its been working perfectly for two years.
dittybag54	posted 04-15-2005 11:08 PM ET (US) I have always enjoyed my Standard HX350 due to its big numerals, knobs and mainly because it is submersible. It has been top rated by "Practical Sailor". Problem was that when the motor was running fast, it was hard to hear from its console mount location. I say 'was' because the mini-speaker-mic just came in a few weeks ago. It is loud, clips to your collar and works great. The coil cord connector screws to the radio so it won't come loose. Twenty-seven dollars well spent; can't believe I waited so long to get one. Can't believe how cheap it was either. Vertex Standard or an Icom is hard to beat in my opinion. I did have a cheaper Standard once in '97, the 150, it was awful. My nephew could never hear me call him back on his dirt cheap Ray Jeff. He just boomed in but he didn't even know I could hear him. Don't know why but the guy at West Marine in Fort Walton said he had noticed that their lowest price point models drew numerous complaints but their better ones did not. For what that's worth. Charlie
Robob2003	posted 04-16-2005 10:07 AM ET (US) Thanks for all the good info. I'll have to do some more features comparison. Bob on Tampa Bay
nytugcapt	posted 04-16-2005 08:01 PM ET (US) ICOM has earned its reputation. If you pay the extra money you will not be sorry, it's like comparing Whalers to Bayliners.
jimh	posted 04-17-2005 07:52 AM ET (US) I use ICOM radios, too.
Moe	posted 04-17-2005 09:06 AM ET (US) You can't go wrong with Icom or Standard Horizon. We have a fixed mount Icom 402S on our Whaler, but wanted a handheld backup. Until I can do a fixed mount on our new sailboat, we bought a Standard Horizon HX270S handheld. My requirements were that it be relatively inexpensive, have rechargable batteries that were either NiMH or LI (i.e. not NiCads), come with a waterproof battery tray that would take AA batteries for backup, as well as both 120VAC and 12VDC chargers, and have a detachable antenna for better packing and possible use with a larger antenna. The HX270S filled those requirements, and we also bought the external antenna adapter as a option. We did have to sacrifice DSC capability to get the low price (under $130), but will eventually have that with the fixed mount. I like the operation (i.e. menus and button operation) of the Standard Horizon better than the Icom. It just seems more intuitive. And it seems the lower-priced Icoms with backup battery tray all have NiCad rechargables. Hope this helps, -- Moe
Over the LINE	posted 04-17-2005 09:18 AM ET (US) My Standard 350 just died, more like I killed it. It served me very well for several hard years. I was pretty excited when Standard's repair guys told me they would send me a $50 rebate certificate toward the purchase of a new radio. Looks like I'll be getting another Standard.
Robob2003	posted 04-17-2005 10:39 AM ET (US) Thanks again. It looks like the Icom M32 is the right package for me. Once again the generosity of the Whaler owners here to share their experience has steered me on the right track. No wonder so many of us are addicted to CW:-) Bob on Tampa Bay
Robob2003	posted 04-18-2005 02:09 PM ET (US) Guess what came in today's mail? West Marine flyer with a $20 discount on the ICOM M32:-) Bob on Tampa Bay
dittybag54	posted 04-18-2005 03:56 PM ET (US) Look's like a sign to me.
Robob2003	posted 04-19-2005 03:37 PM ET (US) dittybag54, A sign for sure:-) It's sitting in the charger on my desk. Bob on Tampa Bay
mbking1	posted 04-24-2005 08:27 PM ET (US) I saw the ad for the Icom m32. Say's it is a closeout price. Does anyone know if there is something new or improved from Icom or other brands in a handheld? Am looking to get the best overall handheld I can. Any thoughts would be appreciated..Thanks
nacra55	posted 05-11-2005 01:38 PM ET (US) Yes, there is something new. West has an Icom M32Li. It's the Icom M32 with a Li-Ion Battery, that's the only difference between the two.