Opinion on handheld VHF
- Thread starter BCROB
- Start date
I picked up a Standard Horizon HX870 unit at the significant boat show discount price a couple of years or so back. It was $329. rather than $445.00. Like most electronics it may have got cheaper since then and there may be newer models available.
What I like most about it is:
that it floats and is water proof.
transmit at 6 watts rather than 5 watts which was more common at the time. can also be set to two watts.
has a full built in integrated 66 Channel WAAS GPS Receiver with full DSC and distress calling. so if you are in the water and your hands are so cold you can't work it, all you have to do is lift the little red cover and hit the Distress call button which will declare the emergency for you and send your GPS location to the coast guard and others.
you can also do basic gps navigation with it in a pinch.
built in water activated strobe light so they see you easier in fog or at night and draws attention even in daylight.
Lots of other good features on it.
What I like most about it is:
that it floats and is water proof.
transmit at 6 watts rather than 5 watts which was more common at the time. can also be set to two watts.
has a full built in integrated 66 Channel WAAS GPS Receiver with full DSC and distress calling. so if you are in the water and your hands are so cold you can't work it, all you have to do is lift the little red cover and hit the Distress call button which will declare the emergency for you and send your GPS location to the coast guard and others.
you can also do basic gps navigation with it in a pinch.
built in water activated strobe light so they see you easier in fog or at night and draws attention even in daylight.
Lots of other good features on it.
Last edited:
BCROB
Well-Known Member
Thanks for your reply , appreciate the info
I just bought the HX870 from Stevenston Marine n Hardware. Havent used it yet, but it has solid reviews. On the larger side is the only negitive I found.
Its $315 with a $40 mail in rebate sale ending soonish. Make sure to call ahead I bought the last one in stock a couple weeks ago.
Its $315 with a $40 mail in rebate sale ending soonish. Make sure to call ahead I bought the last one in stock a couple weeks ago.
No problem! I seen it on Amazon for $199 usa dollars probably and then there's shipping... sometimes you can find good deals online.
fshnfnatic
Well-Known Member
I own one as well and it's a great radio.You wont be disappointed in it.
cuttlefish
Well-Known Member
Standard Horizon is a good brand. I have used the HX851 (http://www.standardhorizon.com/inde...FF5498D5C3153D6E29B&DivisionID=3&isArchived=0) for about five years with no complaints.
Battery seems to have a long life although I don't trasmit all that much. And, I never tested to see if it actually floats, lol.
Battery seems to have a long life although I don't trasmit all that much. And, I never tested to see if it actually floats, lol.
SpringVelocity
Crew Member
I have an hx870. When I bought mine it was under 300.00, and bought it locally at Trotac down in Victoria. Its a good radio everything you want for a backup.
pescador
Well-Known Member
I’ve got a Standard Horizon 851 and an ICOM M73. The DSC feature on the SH is great and it’s used for my ditch bag. But for communications the ICOM can communicate longer distances. I used to have SH fixed mount and now have an ICOM fixed mount in my boat. The ICOM communicates longer distances than my old SH. My personal conclusion , ICOM overall is better.
BCROB
Well-Known Member
thanks for the info , appreciate it
Islander57
Well-Known Member
I have the HX870. I really like it. Standard Horizon is good quality. I like the idea of a handheld in case of having to evacuate immediately from my boat. Totally waterproof, it DOES float. I keep it clipped on my PFD while operating my boat so I don't have to look for it in a hurry
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