ICOM M34 Handheld VHF Marine Radio ?

[SvenG]

Our trusty old handheld VHF doesn't float . Some kelp bass are now probably listening to the harbor patrol traffic at 100+ feet.

I'm about to place an order for a couple of no-nonsense utility handhelds. Right now I've got two M34 Handheld VHF Marine Radios in the shopping cart. They float and apart from no 12-volt charger (?!) they seem like a good choice.

Any suggested alternatives before I hit the "place order" button in the next couple of days ?

Many thanks,



-Sven

[onestepcsy37]

if i recall correctly, the radios from standard horizon also float AND they come with all kinds of extra gadgets like 12 volt chargers and alkaline battery cases for about the same price as the stripped down icoms.

i've got a floating standard horizon something or other and it works fine...

[RTB]

Sven,

Sorry your handheld sleeps with the fishes!

I am going for the ICOM M72 because it has more power and much longer battery life. I don't think it floats, but figure if it goes over offshore, a MOB for it will be pointless anyway....

Funny how people lose stuff. I have a friend that has lost numerous pairs of glasses, and even his false teeth! Oh yeah, cellphones too.

[rebel heart]

These are the older model (and subsequently much cheaper); floats and has GPS. I've got the Icom M72 which is great, but the Standard Horizon has the GPS receiver which is nice, floats, and has a DC charger. It gets rave reviews. The only thing they added into the new ones is waypoints but it costs 2-3 times as much.

Amazon.com: HX850s Handheld VHF w/GPS: Electronics

[SvenG]

Thanks for the better alternative suggestions.

Decisions, decisions ...




-Sven

[daddle]

Yeah, Standard Horizon make good handhelds. I've one here 15 years and still going strong.

Floating equipment has it's negatives....like winch handles....don't ya feel kind of obligated to go pick it up even if it takes 4 passes? Not true with good old bronze....glug...

[goboatingnow]

go with Standard, better then ICOM.

Dave

[roverhi]

I'm happy with my M34. Battery life is not a problem. You only need to buy a DC cord to convert to boat charging. Talked with a number of ships on my TransPac as well as use around SF Bay. Couldn't believe how far out I got VHF weather.

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

These are the older model (and subsequently much cheaper); floats and has GPS. I've got the Icom M72 which is great, but the Standard Horizon has the GPS receiver which is nice, floats, and has a DC charger. It gets rave reviews. The only thing they added into the new ones is waypoints but it costs 2-3 times as much.

Amazon.com: HX850s Handheld VHF w/GPS: Electronics

We got the HX850s units today. Thanks for the suggestion !



-Sven

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by SvenG

We got the HX850s units today. Thanks for the suggestion !



-Sven

Those things are fancy!

[Auspicious]

I have a SH HX-850S and an Icom M34. The M34 battery life is much better but in most conditions we use the SH as dinghy radio. The DSC and GPS are great tools.

[long-range-wifi]

I have lost several M72 to sinking as well. I finally bought several of the M34 and was not happy with the range. I exchanged them for the M36 which has a 6 watt radio but uses the cheaper and shorter range antenna from the M34. I contacted Icom about the antenna issue and the connectors on the M72 hi range antenna is different than the M34 and M36. At the end of the day the M72 is king - great range, great battery and compact size - but they sink. The M34 and M36 are larger larger in size to the M72 and the also will sink if extended battery packs are attached. The M34 is my last choice of the 3. I bought my M36 at west marine a few months ago for $189 with a $50 rebate so they ended up being about $139. One other issue, the M36 is tough to remove from the charging craddle - a real fight sometimes.