Waterproof VHFs

[John Kennett]

I know that there has been quite a long thred recently about handheld VHFs, but I am particularly interested in people's opinions on these three models:

Icom IC-M1EuroV
Standard Horizon HX270E
Entel HT640

They all seem to have very similar specifications, apart from the Standard Horizon has a NiMH battery and the others come with Lithium Ion. Does it make a lot of difference? Is there anything else to look out for?

Thanks
John

[Simon B]

JK,

Do you mean the 370e (has external fist mike jack)?

[Biggles]

I have the M1 EuroV.

Main complaint is that the waterproof extension Mic HRM 125 is not as loud as I would have hoped and that their is no way to connect an earpiece. I have a 4 stroke and still have trouble hearing what is said on the mic even though its only 6 inches from my ear.

Good point is that the battery last for ages and it shows you how much power is left. My M3 didn't do that.

Its still new at the moment, 2 months use, has got splashed but not immersed and works okay.

I have a feeling the on/off Volume/ squelch knob might prove to be a bit fragile as it sticks up a long way. It does suffer from salt crystalization if not washed out.

Regards Nick R.

[Jizm]

I have the entel 640, submersible. No complaints so far, seems robust and good quality. Not yet used it in anger (doing course soon) but reception seems pretty clear. My mates got one too and he loves it.

[DJL]

I also have the M1 EuroV.

I bought it from David Manning just over 2 years ago. I've never had any problems with it and its been under a few times. Battery is excellent, I never seem to charge it and it lasts for ages.

Echoing what Nick said, the volume/squelch knob can be a pain unless you really wash it properly. My advice is to liberally apply silicon grease.

I had a Standard Horizon before the Icom, not the HX270E, and it wasn't a patch on the Icom. Water ingress finally killed it. I'd try and stick with Lithium batteries anyway.

[118118]

i have the entel, its got propper wet, been abused, and is well loud and still works.

during cowes week i left it on overnite in the bottom of a boat, and there was still enough power to put out a pan pan 24 hours later. that was wot well impressed me about the unit. the entel also has a button of which you can program to the most used chanells so you can acces them easily.

i have also used the m1eurov, but it is definately not as loud, and to be honest, i get confused by all the tri dual watch etc.

[Jono Garton]

We use Entel 640's at the school and have lasted very well, they are used 6 days a week and live clipped to our instructors life jackets, fully exposed. The only two problems we have found is the fist mic's giving up and the turn on nob gets turned very very easy. Somone did tell me they are only fully submersible with the fist mic attached??? I also like the fact you get a 12 v charger that fits in to the cradle, i have a cradle fitted to the dash in the landy and one on the console in the rib.

We previously used Icom's which we find the rubber outer on the aerial soon brakes and the squelch nob and volume nob soon get stuck together. I do like the size of the icom.

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by John Kennett

They all seem to have very similar specifications, apart from the Standard Horizon has a NiMH battery and the others come with Lithium Ion. Does it make a lot of difference? Is there anything else to look out for?

John et all

An interesting link about types of battery packs.

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/index.htm

Makes a very interesting read.

Regards

[Jono Garton]

Originally Posted by Jon Brooks

Makes a very interesting read.

Very Interesting

This is also very good -

www.makemyaerialstayonmyicomvhf.co.uk

[DGR]

I've got an Icom M1-EuroV as my hand-held backup VHF. The battery lasts for ages - I charged it in April, and then again in early August when it dropped a bar on the battery indicator - and it is used for up to an hour a day (until the main one gets cranked up). It spends its life strapped to the outside of my lifejacket, gets covered in water (if not fully immersed) several times a day, and has been used pretty much every day this summer...

Only complaint is (as others have said) the volume/squelch controls get stuck together if it isn't rinsed under fresh water when you get home - but not really a hassle.

D...