Which Handheld VHF ?

[HighlandR]

Recently purchased an Icom M31, only to find out the thing is knackered,
So now on the search for another handheld ( preferrably used - to stay within available budget ! )

Looking for a radio that will still transmit on full power 5/6W while being powered by a battery tray with Alkalines or Rechargable AA / AAA's, rather than one that will function normally only with crazy priced replacement Lithium batteries.

Just read online that the majority of handhelds only transmit 1 or 2W max when used with battery trays, is this true ?

If so, it does not seem to make sense that if the trays are mostly used as a back up / emergancy - what use is that if the radio only transmits on low power when you need it most ??

Does anyone know of a vhf that would be suitable to run permanently using a battery tray with easily obtainable AA / AAA's - AND still transmit on full power ?

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by HighlandR

Recently purchased an Icom M31, only to find out the thing is knackered, Was it second hand?
So now on the search for another handheld ( preferrably used - to stay within available budget ! ) Probably find yourself in the same boat (no pun) again. Buy cheap, buy twice.

An Icom M71 will fulfil all your desires for well under £200

[HighlandR]

Hi Dave, yes it was 2nd hand - still like new in the box with all accessories etc but, still 2nd hand.

Just reading the manual for the M71 - it does not say anything about being able to use an alternative battery tray with AA / AAA's, only by the Lithium battery is shown on the options / specifications...

[Nos4r2]

M31 is quite old isn't it?

5 years on, my M71 is still fine, still waterproof and has taken a lot of abuse.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

5 years on, my M71 is still fine, still waterproof and has taken a lot of abuse.

Likewise
Assuming the op is going to have the radio on standbye, that's an awful lot of batteries.


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