Handheld VHF

Post by **Silkie** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:32 am

Decided I really should have one. Leaning towards the Icom M-31 for a reasonable price/performance compromise at Ã‚Â£100 with 12v charger (does this also mean it doesn't have a 240v one?) and spare battery but would welcome any informed, amusing or just plain libellous opinions.

Post by **Nick** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:10 am

.
Is that because your main set is dodgy again?

The M31 is excellent except that the battery goes flat in a couple of weeks or so even if it is switched off. Easy to prevent - just take the battery out. We put the (empty) AA battery holder in instead when we are not using it.

(Which is also a good feature).

Rowana · Post by **Rowana** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:41 am

Standard Horizon HX270E for me.

It's got 240v & 12v charger, and you can use AA batteries as well.

I find I'm now using it in preference to the fixed set. I also switch it on when I'm on the boat just to monitor 16/14. It's lasted all winter with just one charge about February. Been switched on once or twice a week in that time.

Havant-a-clew · Post by **Havant-a-clew** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 10:21 am

A second for the SH HX 270. Got one from Malthouse on t'other place, well pleased and highly recommended. No connection etc.

Booby Trapper · Post by **Booby Trapper** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:39 pm

Also got the Standard Horizon HX270E , from these people
http://www.jgtech.com/shop3.htm Ã‚Â£85
Price includes vat and delivery

Post by **Silkie** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:51 pm

Hmm - lots of votes for the Standard Horizon HX270E I see, and cheaper too. Any drawbacks with this unit?

Booby Trapper · Post by **Booby Trapper** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:47 pm

Silkie wrote:Hmm - lots of votes for the Standard Horizon HX270E I see, and cheaper too. Any drawbacks with this unit?

Not that I know of but I've hardly used it. I bought this one because it is submersible. Handy when your sailing solo and you fall in.
I would like an idication of the battery state, not sure if others have that.

ash · Post by **ash** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:13 pm

Best on Test - Standard Horizon HX270E

Icom IC-M31 also on the test, but not flagged as 'cheapest', 'recommended', or 'best'.

There's lots of differences between the above two - battery type, battery life, controls, display size, waterproof ability, etc.

I could sort you out a scan if you like.

Ash

Post by **Nick** » Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:44 pm

.
M31 has been very good for uis once we sussed keeping the empty battery holder in it in between trips / uses. It is waterproof, powerful and easy to use.

But - others may be better. It is just that ICOM have a certain cachet that IMO is deserved.

Rowana · Post by **Rowana** » Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:05 pm

Silkie wrote:Hmm - lots of votes for the Standard Horizon HX270E I see, and cheaper too. Any drawbacks with this unit?

Not that I'm aware of.

As I said earlier, I find that I'm using it in preference to the main set. Probably because I don't have to reach below and grab the mike of the fixed set, seing as I'm a bit of a lazy sod

BLUEMOMENT

Handheld VHF

Handheld VHF

M31

Group Test PBO January 2008

M31