Standard Horizon HX870 is it any good ?

[chris moody]

I'm considering getting a Standard Horizon HX870, does anyone have one and what are they like?

[rogerblack]

Hi, chris

Having carried out a comprehensive review of currently available portable VHF marine transceivers a few months ago, I bought the HX870E and am very pleased with it.

If you haven't already seen it, there's a previous thread discussing this with quite a bit of detail, hope this link works:

http://www.f-ribsandsibs.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=104

As I mention in one of my posts in that thread, Programming Software for the HX870E is available for free download from the manufacturer's website and this makes configuring the unit much easier e.g. editing alpha channel names, adding contacts or GPS waypoints, routes etc.

[Martin]

Quite a few of us have them Chris, they topped the charts on all requirements for a portable.
Force4 are doing free delivery on them ATM too.
http://www.force4.co.uk/standard-horizo ... ltrfXrfWK0

[rogerblack]

If anyone is still after getting one of these, Marine Superstore have got them on offer at £183.95 free delivery

https://www.marinesuperstore.com/electr ... %20Product

Good time to start dropping hints for Christmas gift!

[chris moody]

Just got back off holiday and my new HX870 had been delivered while I was away.

What firmware versions are people running, and is one version better than others?

[mattswan2512]

Reading with interest as im yet to buy my handset

[mattswan2512]

Chris was it yourself who said you have the garmin 45dv chirp fishfinder chart plotter

[rogerblack]

Just got back off holiday and my new HX870 had been delivered while I was away.

What firmware versions are people running, and is one version better than others?

Last update on mine was to 1.18 but I see from the website the latest is 1.22 so that's a job for this evening.

No idea what the difference is, when I last asked about version 1.13 it was mainly something for Norway's DSC system, but also the usual minor bug fixes and updates.

By the way, have you downloaded the YCE03 programming software? This makes programming the handset much easier, especially giving meaningful alpha tags to channels etc.

I also just bought the MH-73A4B submersible external speaker/microphone as I've been finding it hard to hear the main speaker with the handset attached to the front of my lifejacket near waist level. The mic clips onto a handy loop at shoulder level hence closer to my ear and next to my mouth so it also makes it easier to talk without unclipping it or the handset.

[chris moody]

Matt

Yes I have the 45dv with the downvu compatible transducer. Gives me depth readings even at 32kts. Awesome bit of kit that does far more than I need. I was just going to fit a gpsmap 76c but Alex did me a deal I could not refuse

Chris was it yourself who said you have the garmin 45dv chirp fishfinder chart plotter

[chris moody]

I'm on firmware 1.22 straight out the box so it's presumably new stock and not been hanging around it a warehouse


Chris Moody
"Tiny Tigga" a Honwave T32IE with transom wheels
Engines: Tohatsu 9.8 2s & Honda 2hp 4s (air cooled)