Standard Horizon
" Anyone use Standard Horizon? Their HX870 is GPS/DSC with a $224 price tag."
I have been using the Standard Horizon HX 300 I have a NRS C-vest PFD with radio pocket. Mine is 2.3w 1.3 deep and 5 inch long(the radio). It just fits into the radio pocket with the belt clip removed.
The HX870 is 2.44w 1.69D and 5.43 H. That wouldn’t fit into my radio pocket. I have yet to find a DSC radio that will fit into most radio pockets on a PFD. So either they need to make radio pockets bigger or I have to wait till DSC radios get smaller.
Oh I only paid $120 for mine and there was a 20 rebate so I was right at 100 after rebate. I bought mine online but don’t remember were.
Mini pockets
Ditched my Stohlquist Flo with its front buckles and straps, buttoned pockets with flaps and pleats. Too much foofoo which caught on my cockpit rim when practicing re-entries. Hated it.
Now wear an Astral YTV. A small zippered pocket on each side. Clean design. Love it. I have the Kokatat Tactic Pack and pretty sure it will handle a radio that I can reach easily. There’s a small opening in the top of one compartment designed for a hydration tube - or maybe an antenna. Will probably have to experiment a bit.
Since we’re looking at around 10 ounces, makes no sense to me to not wear it. I’m interested in weather alerts, since Lake Michigan weather can change fast, and emergency use which I’ll do my best to never need.
Thanks for the info, dc9mm, on the Standard Horizon, and thank you, SP, for the links. The sea kayaking site info is worth printing and studying - which I’ll do.
you should be good to go
…but I think Bryan Nystrom’s site had a quick piece on fastening a VHF to your PFD shoulder strap. I haven’t done it because I have a choice of pockets as it sounds like you do.
whatever
you decide to get…pick the radio for the size and features you want and feel you need…don’t go by price. They last for years and when you need it…YOU REALLY NEED IT. and you need battery life the difference between something on sale and something not on sale is too small to base one of the most important safety devices you will carry …Because there are only a few things that really matter for safety…A GOOD radio is one of them
Best Wishes
Roy
Yep
You’re absolutely right, Roy.
I know a reputable brand radio that’s GPS/DSC enabled costs more, but I wouldn’t buy anything less. Quality counts, not price.
That’s one thing I love about paddling: there’s always so much new stuff to learn! A great sport for the body and the mind.
Re: Standard Horizon
I just bought a Standard Horizon HX870 and played with it a bit on the water. Haven’t made any calls but seems to receive just fine. Like the logging feature. You can upload your gps log to google maps and share your tracks. Have my MMSI number entered in. I think I will really like the radio. Love all the features.
charging
how would i charge a uniden atlantis 250 without the charger?
HX870 is a very capable VHF marine radio. You can also consider Icom m73 or the M93. With the M73 you won’t get built in GPS but the battery life is amazing on it.
I’m thinking this one is past the best before date.
@“Sergio L” : You’ve bumped a 2 year old thread.
@Sparky961 said:
I’m thinking this one is past the best before date.@“Sergio L” : You’ve bumped a 2 year old thread.
New people are always looking for info.
Sure, but responding to a two year old thread with current information is a little “Back to the Future”, don’t you think?
No radios haven’t changed by that much it two years. Maybe if it was from 60’s or 70’s LOL
I think the only change is a lower price, which is nice - as well as the positive comment about the HX870. While I eventually opted for a PLB, that radio is still on my “one of these days” list.
I agree with the assessment of Icom radios with the group. They are about the only radios whose waterproof rating is good enough to take on the ocean. I would not do long distance touring without one.
If your goal is simple communication between paddlers, however, there is a really nice option from BBTalkin. I have done some extensive testing with these and found them to be really nice, clear, and reliable communications for up to 4 (possibly 6 now) people. I was assessing radios for our lifeguards and stumbled on these devices. The company sent a pair of demo units and we’ve used them for a year. I can’t give explicit details on all the tests we’ve done, but a range much greater than 75 meters is possible (the pool is 50 meters and there is no loss of signal until you are outside the gym at least that much further away). THe range may be better over water with unobstructed LOS. The case for the receiver is good down to the bottom of our 13 foot pool (though you may have to pair the radios again if you are down too long).
I don’t do product recommendations as a rule, but a) I feel I owe the company a bit of loyalty as they’ve let us keep the demo units, and b) they really are the only comm units I’ve found that will survive after I enter the water to pull someone out from the life rafts we use in survival classes. Not only do they survive, but after a year of use, I’ve seen no real decline in performance. I have no affiliation with the company and I do not represent the views of the organization where I work, this is just my personal observations.
Rick
I have an older icom 8 years old now. That is in my pfd on me when coastal and big lake paddling it floats and does the weather. Don’t even know it’s there until it squaks when the CG or boater transmits. Still going strong. Will up grade to DSC if it ever gives up the ghost.
FYI I tried the new hx890 dsc vhf and found that two separate units took in saltwater b/t the LCD and front plate during 30min of rolling practice. YMMV. I returned both units. The HX870 has been around longer and may have ironed out this kink.
I have had Standard Horizons from 751 850 851to 870 and never had a problem with water intrusion.
I bought the Standard Horizon HX870 this summer because of the DSC. Was on sale at West Marine plus there was a $40 rebate which made the price even more attractive. I did check the advertising claim that it floats and is waterproof by dropping it in the lake. It survived that test but hasn’t been underwater since.
Yes, it’s larger than the Icoms but I liked the easy to read screen and KISS operation. It’s carried in a tactic pack attached to the back of my PFD, which keeps the antenna higher and out of my face.
@Rookie said:
It’s carried in a tactic pack attached to the back of my PFD, which keeps the antenna higher and out of my face.
That sounds like a great idea to keep it out of the way but still attached to you, but how do you reach it on your back?
Just reach over with either hand and grab it by the antenna. Radio is tethered to the pack so if I fumble, it’s not going anywhere.