[eherlihy]

I've had an iCom M34 handheld VHF since March of 2007. Initially, I was initially very happy with the unit, as it could scan, prioritize, and give me NOAA weather reports. At the time, the iCom reputation as a manufacturer was stellar.

I also liked that it floats (although never tested this). I learned AFTER I purchased the unit, that it floats upside down. With a black case, the chance of finding the unit should it go overboard is virtually 0, so I put some red SOLAS tape on the bottom, and believe that this would help. Why don't they make floating handhelds in Neon Yellow?

The unit failed in 2012, with the symptom that the squelch was always off (open channel), and thus scanning wouldn't work. iCom fixed it under warranty (I believe they said there was a recall on them) at the time.

Well, the unit started to do the same thing again last year, and I've been living with it. In addition, when I plug it in the charging cradle, the LED flashes orange indicating a problem. One would think that because I registered the unit, and because I sent it in for service and they returned it to me, that it would be in their database if there is a recall...

The bottom line is that I don't trust the radio anymore, and am disappointed with iCom for not notifying ME when there was an issue. I am therefore open to other manufacturers (Standard Horizon comes to mind).

Would any one in the forum care to share the VHF that they would buy, and why? I'll go digging into my Practical Sailor archives in the meantime...

Thanks in advance!

 

[btrayfors]

The new STANDARD HORIZON HX870 Floating Handheld VHF Radio with GPS looks great.

Bill
WA6CCA

 

[aa3jy]

Hey Bill-

Love my little Chinese Baofeng! Yea I know it not type accepted..but for 30 bucks its basically a throw away.

Clay AA3JY

 

[hellosailor]

SH HX 851 is still being clearanced in favor of the newer model, which has a different display and menus.

Amazon.com : Standard Horizon HX851 6W Floating Handheld VHF Radio with Glow in the Dark : Frs Gmrs Two Way Radios : Electronics

or Standard Horizon HX851 Handheld VHF Radio with GPS even better at $125.00, half the normal price.

It isn't a perfect radio but it got great reviews and apparently has a dedicated second DSC "radio" in it for quieter scanning.

It comes with an alkaline battery tray, which is sort of a cruel joke since that might give you five minutes of transmit time on flea-power setting. Better to buy a second lithium battery.

And like most new "waterproof" designs, you have to recharge it in a cradle--there's no socket for a charging plug in the radio.

Still, it is SH, has an "overboard" LED, and at that price? Probably still a steal.

 

[sailingfool]

My last ICOM36 also stopped working, just out of warranty, the cost to have it looked is too close to buying a replacement, so its trash. Meanwhile an old West Marine handheld that came with my boat two years ago continues to work just fine.

So given that West Marine has their VHF85 on sale this weekend for $90, I'd buy one. Just dont drop it overboard.

 

[hellosailor]

That WM radio is cheaper, but it has no DSC (required now by some racing rules) no GPS, and best of all?

It will cost you $50 for any warranty service, even in the first 30 days.

Versus a free 3-year warranty from SH (which is not unique).

But it is of course, $40 cheaper up front. Or $10 more expensive, if you need a warranty claim. Either way, it still lacks DSC and GPS, before you compare anything except price.

 

[RainDog]

I picked up a Standard Horizon HX280S for $75. Can't beat the price and it has been a great radio. Does not float, but it is submersible. They are a little more now ($90), but still a fantastic deal. The interface is very usable, and has everything I want with just one or two button presses.

 

[eherlihy]

Follow up: I just ordered a new Standard Horizon HX870 for ~$210

The HX851 cannot be found (in stock) for less than ~$150.

It seems to be a major improvement over the old HX851, and will enable me to teach on various boats, and still know that I have an accurate GPS, and the ability to send a DSC distress call. I think that the enhanced battery capacity (over the 851), should address my concern over working time... Now, if they could only address the price issue....

 

[Minnewaska]

I have the old 851 and like it. Glad to hear you bought the 870. I didn't study close enough to really appreciate what's different, but it may be internal.

I did eat a rechargeable battery and had to replace it, which was probably from letting it discharge over the winter. Could have been a fluke, but I would be sure to keep it reasonably charged.

 

[btrayfors]

".. Now, if they could only address the price issue......"

You gotta be kidding! The Standard HX-870 @ $210 is a STEAL!!

Gonna replace my HX-851 soon.

Bill

 

[MarkofSeaLife]

Handhelds dont last me long so keep to economical but make sure its a full 5 watts, or better, 6 watts.

 

[hellosailor]

Minne-
If you had a LiOn battery in your radio, those are especially prone to dying and being irreparable if they are allowed to drop below some number, typical 2 volts per cell. The device they are in may actually consume some power even when it is off, so they really need to be checked every 3(?) months until you are certain how the device and battery are holding up.

I don't find a battery capacity rating for the HX851, can't say how it compares to the new radio. But my AAA tray is certainly going to get a standard power cord attached to it.