Handheld GPS and VHF Radio

[bern74]

HI All
I am hoping to get some advise on what type of handheld GPS and VHF Radio are a wise purchase.
I'm not looking for something cheap just something I can easily move from sailboat to fishing boat and keep me alive in case something happens.

What say you out there, any good or bad experiences with the current offerings out there?

[Scott Berg]

Standard is bringing out a new version of the 851 next year
Big screen, DSC, (GPS), more
Coming soon, I'd wait a month or two if I could



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[colemj]

Yes, the model number is the 870, and it looks very good: Welcome to StandardHorizon.com

They state that they will be shipping next week.

We love our 851 handheld, and use the GPS, DSC and Nav functions all the time in the dinghy.

Mark

[bern74]

Wow, that looks to do everything I will want.
Thanks!!

[HappyMdRSailor]

851 owner....

Waiting for the new version sounds like perfect advice!

[jkindredpdx]

I just got the Standard Horizon HX870 mentioned above. I haven't used it for long (of course), but the setup was easy and value (price/features) seems good. It comes with both AC and DC charger, both Li-ion battery and an alkaline battery tray. 3yr warranty.

I haven't tested yet, but says it floats, has DSC, and MOB strobe. I recommend reading the very complete Owners Manual... first step of setup is enter you MMSI.

[Scott Berg]

Mine is on order
You beat me... Review after I've put it thru its paces


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[Boatguy30]

Let us know, I have 2 good handhelds vhfs. Needed a new gps but borrowed one from my neighbor for this winter. Maybe get one of these next year.

[CaptNorm42]

I also got a HX870 a few weeks ago. So far, I'm very happy with it, has tons of features. As was pointed out, both Li-ION battery and alkaline caddy, both 12-volt dc and 120-volt ac charger adapters, GPS, USB cable that connects to a Windows machine to upload/download all radio settings or just upload specific MMSI numbers, waypoints... I also created a Yahoogroup to help exchamge ideas on this little beast, feel free to join:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/HX870/info

[Texsinbad]

I just joined and know this post is old, but looking for information on the HX 870.

I just bought a small sailboat and looking to buy a VHF/GPS combo, but I really have never used a GPS before and wondering if this unit was too complicated for me.

In a review, they said that this was pretty complicated.

Thanks

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Texsinbad

I just joined and know this post is old, but looking for information on the HX 870.

I just bought a small sailboat and looking to buy a VHF/GPS combo, but I really have never used a GPS before and wondering if this unit was too complicated for me.

In a review, they said that this was pretty complicated.

Thanks

I don't think it is over complicated. I scanned the owners manual... the hardest part was getting my MMSI for the DSC because I wanted international license from FCC... but if you are going to use it only in the USA, just register through Boat US and you are off and running. The MMSI is so the DSC works automagically in emergency. The first question in setup is to enter your MMSI number.

The GPS and radio just works out of the box. There are three virtual buttons with additional functions, and they seem pretty intuitive... but I've only used the most basic functions. The manual is complete and logically organized...

[CaptNorm42]

The HX870 group is still going strong (currently 253 members), but yahoogroups is not doing well. The group has been migrated, keeping all messages, files... To join it, click the link below.

https://groups.io/g/hx870

Originally Posted by CaptNorm42

I also got a HX870 a few weeks ago. So far, I'm very happy with it, has tons of features. As was pointed out, both Li-ION battery and alkaline caddy, both 12-volt dc and 120-volt ac charger adapters, GPS, USB cable that connects to a Windows machine to upload/download all radio settings or just upload specific MMSI numbers, waypoints... I also created a Yahoogroup to help exchamge ideas on this little beast, feel free to join:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/HX870/info