which uhf radio ???

what brand/model is a good radio to have? is there any good ones for floating and quite possible immersion service. i tried search here but not getting alot? what`s your radio? this site is awesome by the way, thanks!

Standard horizon is a good brand. They make a floating version but really you will probably just want to have it tied to your PFD. Either the HX 280 or 290 do really well for about 100 bucks and can take a regular beating. If you have a few extra dollars to spend you can go with the HX851 which has GPS and an emergency locating button. Good peace of mind if you've got 250ish to throw at a radio. I've got the 290 and have been happy with it. Doing it again I would probably just go with the 280, as it's a little more narrow and I don't feel that I need a floating radio. 

It'll be a bit spendyer, but look for one that's submersible and has DSC (emergency "I've fallen and I can't get up" button). The Horizon HX851 comes to mind.


 I'd steer clear of the Lowrance LHR-80. It worked great for a couple of years then sent out two false alarms to the CG. (NOT what you want to do)

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=7444.msg79135#msg79135

Probably would not have happened if I'd kept it in a bag, but submersible should mean it'd be okay.

Ahhhh, not so much.

Check out this thread: Topic: MMSI - Maritime Mobile Service Identity - NWKA Registry?

http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=5146.0

I just bought a second ICOM 72 for the girlfriend. Great radio and it holds a charge a LONG time. Even on a 5 day remote trip I didn't need to charge it.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Thanks for bringing up the battery life Bill.  It gives me a good idea for a filler article for our next edition of KFM.  Based on this ... http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=6046.msg62634#msg62634

-Allen

BTW, ICOM has an M73 that came out this month.  It looks like a followon to the M72, but with some optional audio processing technologies in the "PLUS" version.

-Allen

Icom America Announces M73 Series VHF Marine Transceivers
Apr 3, 2013 10:36 AM
BELLEVUE, WA — Icom America, leading manufacturer of marine radios, introduces the M73 Series, a new product set of VHF handhelds. The M73 Series successfully builds upon Icom's existing M72 radio platform and includes a "PLUS" version and a basic model. The M73 Series is IPX8 submersible, transmits 6 watts of high power and retains its predecessor's popular slim "form factor" design and compact body. Icom's latest handhelds are ideal for the commercial marine market and radio users familiar with Icom's rugged M72 VHF transceiver.

"The M73 handheld's audio can be heard loud and clear in most marine environments-even over loud engine noise," says Icom America National Marine & Avionics Sales Manager David McLain. "With the M73 PLUS verison's built-in 'rewind' feature, replay recorded messages and never miss a call again."

The new M73 Series features loud 700mW audio output with additional voice enhancements available in the M73 PLUS version. "Last Call" voice recording/playback automatically saves an incoming call for one minute and can initiate recording manually. The "Bass Boost" function processes low-pitched voice frequency through the radio's speaker, providing a rich bass sound. Active noise cancelling improves audio on incoming and outgoing calls by reducing background noise up to 90%.

The M73 Series utilizes a new interface design with large directional buttons, offering easy access to menu settings and functions. The radios' hourglass body shape and comfortable side grips, coupled with a bright LCD and wide viewing angle, promote one-handed and user-friendly operation. The M73 Series is rigorously tested under extreme environmental factors, meeting MIL-STD 810 specifications. Handhelds can be submersed in 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes and drains water from the speaker grill with the AquaQuake™ function.

Other features include dual/tri-watch function, favorite channel and tag scanning, and a Li-ion battery supporting 18 hours of typical operation. The M73 Series is compatible with most M72 handheld accessories and includes new accessories such as a 12-volt adapter and different antennas (depending on version). The suggested retail price for the M73 Series starts at $249.99 and will be available in April 2013 with a 3-year waterproof warranty.