Standard Horizon HX260S question

[PatE]

Well, Santa came a bit early to my house today in the form of the USPS carrier! I just got the above model VHF radio as a gift. I've poked around on the web and see that thay also manufacture a model 270 as well as a 360 (I think?). I'm not sure what the differences are and/or what they'll mean or matter to me. Looks like the others list more channel capability, but I'm unsure of what capability the 260 has beyond 16.

If I am to use this on trips, I'm certain I'll want a non-emergency communication channel. Does this provide that?

What other things are a must have.

I have forgotten most of what I knew about communicating via radio on the water!

Thanks!

Pat

[djlewis]

Congratulations on the early gift.

All marine VHF radios should handle the full range of channels, includng weather radio, emergency (16) and other non-emergency channels. For example, in NSPN we generally use channel 72 for communicating on the water, though sometimes groups pick others, like 71. That should be agreed at the beginning of the trip.

I'm not familiar with these newer Standard Horizon models, but the major difference seems to be the battery technology. The 260 is NiCad (with provision for alkalines too), which has certain advantages and disadvantages. There's not enough space here to go into it all (and I'm no expert), but you might look around for tutorials. They will also tell you how to treat and care for the battery for best results.

As for using a VHF on the water, there are a number of books and courses to help you get going. Adam Bolonsky teaches a very nice course on VHF radio use, but I don't know when he's scheduling the next offering.

So, congratulations again... and welcome to the next step in kayak fanatacism. (You know you're a kayak nut when: #14 -- somebody asks why you're carrying a VHF for a run around Walden Pond! ;-)))

--David

[Guest guest]

Pat,

Here is everything you'll need to know about VHF use in kayaks. It's so simple.

http://atlantickayaktours.com/Pages/Expert...-Skills-3.shtml

The channels 68, 69, 71 and 72 are used by kayakers to kayakers. 16 is coast guard bulletins, leave it on for a few hours and listen to them from Boston Station. If you are in trouble, you call the CG on 16.

The most important thing is to remember is how to use the radio. This may seem obvious but many users clip their first words, so first push the 'PTT' button, before you begin to talk, then speak very 'clearly' in normal English. You want everyone listening to clearly understand who you are, where you are, and what you are doing. There are lots of ears out there and they only understand clear simple English.

Most of us who have been sea kayaking for many years and have made few VHF calls, but I almost always have it with me.

Seriously, put this web site in your favorites for all sea kayak issues. It's well thought out a free to all.

http://atlantickayaktours.com/Pages/Expert...rt-Center.shtml

[PatE]

Ken & David, thanks! Great link and it is now bookmarked.

I grew up on boats on the ocean where my Dad always monitored Channel 16, and the "switch and answer" routine, etc., so I'm pretty familiar with usage from that exposure.

I also have books (actually I think I have the beginnings of a library!) that define the specific usages, terminology, etc.

I was more curious about the radios themselves; quality, best features to look for in using it for ocean paddling and whether Standard Horizon overall and the model I received will fill the need.

The website description didn't seem that clear about the differences.

Seems like this one should be sufficient for what I'd need.

Thanks for the info.

Pat

[JohnHuth]

I looked it up. It looks like a good deal - has all the right features. The progammable scan feature is the best, in my mind, once you get past the standard waterproof and power issues. On solo day trips, when I'm not worried about preserving the batteries, I like to listen to the local chatter on whatever the harbormaster or lobster boats or what-have-you are tuned to, but also have Channel 16 and 9 scanned. I've heard everything from stranded, drunken power-boaters to sightings of great white sharks in my vicinity - wonderful devices.

I have an ICOM IC-M32. I think some kayakers have the IC-M88, because they aren't as bulky if worn on the PFD. The HX260S looks like a good deal. If I was given one, and didn't have one already, this would be highly appreciated.

John Huth

[Ben Fuller]

VHFs unlike the new generation of GPS units generally don't float. If you can tie yours onto your pfd, and fit it in a pocket this is not a hassle but if it goes on deck then find a bag for it so when you drop it it will float. This has added advantage of letting you put a vhf emergency procedure review card in the bag. You make one from one of the CG Channel 16 sticker, trimmed a little and stuck to the back of the bag.

Or get some of the waterproof inkjet paper and type out instructions. Or you can type them out, reduce size and laminate them.

Hassle is that we in the kayaking community use the radios relatively little and its nice to be reminded about procedure in a challenging situation.

[Guest guest]

Pat,

There are hundreds of old threads that must still be on this message board about every detail imaginable on all these VHF marine radios.

The 260 is a good radio, it seems to hold up, but its big. Until 3 years ago it was the only waterproof radio, so there are lots of them in the club. I have one, its 4 years old, still works. I also have a smaller 460 (trouble free) that I always have in my PFD's built in radio pocket. Both are J.I.S. 7 Waterproof. Most in the club have the HX460 and have had a variety of failures but always able to return for new radios. The Icom M88 is also nice, small and waterproof.

Small is better. I feel the real need for my radio is if I end up in the water, out of my boat, and alone. That VHF and my strobe may be the only way to be found. So if its not on your person, its not going to be there when you need it. This is also true for one or two small flares, a food bar, some water, etc.