I am considering a VHF radio and despite searching on and off for a couple of weeks have found very little consensus on what models seem to have better or worse levels of reliability and usability. Just as with the kayak itself opinions differ greatly. So... lets try it again here. Two features I would like: Waterproof to the level of being submersible. Or should regular, what ever that is waterproofness or resistance be fine? <NWR-SAME Alert> for improved weather information. The radio I have come closest to getting is the Uniden HH985 which seems to have a nice feature set, listed as watertight in the owners manual, waterproof in some advertisements, but I don't know if it is submersible, and I can get it for about $150. Downside is it uses Nicads as opposed to the Uniden LTD 925 which uses NiMH which are less toxic (but apparently does not have some of the nice features as the 985). Actually I will probably use Alklines for any trips. Has anybody had experience with this HH985 radio or other general Uniden or other brand issues? Modifications I hope to make include replacing or carrying with a half wave telescoping whip antenna instead of the small <rubber ducky>, although it may not be water tight when installed. Thus I may while underway keep the ducky on and when on land use the other. First real test will be in the Apostle Islands in August. Thank you, Bob *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 6/25/2002 9:20:41 AM Pacific Daylight Time, rbrub_at_earthlink.net writes: > Has anybody had experience with this HH985 radio or other general Uniden > or other brand issues? > Hey there Bob, I have a Uniden HH940, a three+ year old predecessor to what you are considering. Works great and is submersible as I keep it in my PFD pocket and often roll or scull around while its still there. Sometimes it rides up on the deck. (don't try this at home, though, won't be responsible for yours, kids!) Down side: Trips over three days will find it back home in its cradle while the Icom gets bagged and brought along. The nicad batteries on the Uniden aren't rechargeable or replaceable in the field. The Icoms are field replaceable with AA. In my humbly applied opinion, one had better be frugal on radio useage if you bring a radio along that cannot be resupplied or recharged in the field. Vaya Con Dias Amigos, Rob G *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
From: "Robert Brubaker" <rbrub_at_earthlink.net> I just got my marine VHF operator's license, so I've been shopping. > Two features I would like: > Waterproof to the level of being submersible. Or should regular, what > ever that is waterproofness or resistance be fine? Several makers have JIS7 waterproofness. That means 1 meter depth for 30 minutes. That seems to be the best you can get without spending a fortune for a high-reliability rescue VHF. I like the Standard Horizon (SH) 350 and 460 models as well as the Garmin 725. The 350 and 725 are larger and the 460 is quite small. The SH have a big LCD screen, useful for aging eyes that need bifocals or reading glasses. The 350 and 725 have many battery options including NiMH and standard AA. The 460 uses a Li-Ion battery and can take AA. The former would be adequate for a weekend trip if you watch your power usage. The AA option only allows 0.9 watt output, so it isn't useful IMHO. Garmin advertises one-hand usage, since its controls are similar to the GPS controls. No knobs to twist and turn. The only drawback is that all three models are priced somewhat above what you've chosen; the 350 and 725 are similar and the 460 higher still. Mike *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
>I am considering a VHF radio and despite searching on and off for a >couple of weeks have found very little consensus on what models seem to >have better or worse levels of reliability and usability. Just as with >the kayak itself opinions differ greatly. Look on the PaddleWise web sit for the radio discussion archive. I think the one I got after reading that is the Standard 350s which seems to be what most people around my area have. I keep it in my vest pocket and dunk it in the wash barrel along with my other hear when cleaning up after a saltwater paddle. I've had it for two years and it works fine. When I bought it it was more expensive, but price may be comparable to the uniden now, don't know. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dave Flory, San Jose, CA. daflory_at_pacbell.net Go Sea Kayaking!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Speak softly and study Aikido, then you won't need a big stick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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