Radio input needed for yak to yak yakkin', emergency
 

Hey all. Got separated from my buddy the other evening. Hooked up eventually OK as there was still line of sight, but it was a pain.

Can you suggest a good, durable yak-to-yak communicator that can also do Marine emergency use in a pinch?

Durable, waterproof, inexpensive . . . ?

I've no clue here, so input on "what" to buy safety-wise would be a help. Model numbers a help too.

Something like this radio with the extended warranty. Just make sure to save the receipt.

For $20 more and you can get a floating one. As always keep the receipt and the box.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=50160

get the floating one, whatever one you get.

Word to the wise
 

West marine does price match now including Internet pricing. With their selection n service tough to beat

Don't forget the leash...........

Thanks for the input. 'Nice to see what class of unit to look at.

this is the one I use.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/66842622-i...6w-tx-li-batt/

Small, submersible, and it floats. Just make sure it is on the USA setting. I was trying to talk to FloridaBoy on a couple trips out and figured out later I was on the Canada channel.:doh:

I can recommend standard horizon, brand new not going to be cheap, but you shouldn't cheap out on a critical piece of equipment like a raido. You can save someones life or maybe even yours. Besides you can listen to matt and jorge talk'n smack all day long too.

After a few years of hard use I had water enter my hx750 and it wouldn't turn on. No problem Standard Horizon is down the street from here in cypress. I took it in, no receipt, no questions asked, they replaced the unit free of charge. I also had an external mic go bad on me once, and they replaced that free of charge as well, even with no reciept.

I picked up a couple of these.
http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MR-HH425...obra+UHF%2FVHF

This is one of the few radios that has both GMRS and VHF built in to one unit. The GMRS channels allow a combination of 1,815 channel codes so you an your buddy can be on a private (walkie talkie) channel without transmitting over VHF channels. It also has a rewind button to reply the last message. I use this alot since I'm old and deaf.

"Dual Band Receive and Transmit. One button allows you to switch from the GMRS to VHF bands. You can talk to GMRS users on the dock or ashore and easily switch to the VHF Band for routine or emergency vessel to vessel or vessel to shore communications. One BAND key switches you between bands.

Provides access to all 10 NOAA channels for 24-hour weather and hazard information
Fully submersible to JIS7 standards, and backed by a manufacturer's 3-year warranty"

We have always carried Standard Horizon due to their unmatched customer service and quality.

We just started carrying the newest unit form SH the HX300 and so far we like it a lot.

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...300-VHF/Detail

Don't forget the leash.............

where's that confounded leash!....:D

hope I'm not thread jacking, OP might find it useful...
do you think SH will have an upgraded HX850 for longer battery life? i like the DSC option.

How to hold a radio
 

Hey all. Without gettin too technical I gotta add something as it might save a life someday!

I am not a super tech dude... But I am a amateur radio operator. And one important thing I learned is while using hand held radio's, always hold the radio so the antenna is vertical, and as high as possible

A lot of people hold the radio in an ergonomically comfortable way, which tilts the antenna... and sends the waves at odd angles... called cross polarization. On VHF and UHF this can really effect the distance a radio can talk..

Otherwise, I can say that with electronics, better stuff costs more!


Cowboybill:cheers1: