Standard Horizon HX870 is it any good ?

[Paul]

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.

Just checked mine Roger and yup mine's still on 1.18 so I'll get on it

[chris moody]

First impressions of the hx870 are good. The menu system seems pretty intuitive. Just need to see how well it performs at transmitting and receiving.

[Krishuran8]

Thank you Chris for tip for changing the region over tmw hx870, i couldn't find that info anywhere. Jobs agooden. I am out on the water this weekend, so am looking forward to trying it out

[chris moody]

No problem Kris. Lucky I checked my VHF a couple of days before I was due to be working somewhere that required me to use channel 37A. It took a bit of head scratching and then I found the small slip of paper in the box with the instructions on how to change it

[chris moody]

I have found the battery life to be a bit short on my HX870. The last time I used it it ran out before lunchtime on day 2, but I'm hopeful that it will get better with use. My iCom 91D had dreadful battery life initially until it had been drained and charged about 10 - 12 times. What are others finding with the batteries on the HX870?

[rogerblack]

Thanks for the warning, Chris - I've not used it without recharging for a long enough spell to find this yet - may be worth leaving it on indoors to discharge then recharge a few times to see if that improves it.

I assume yours came with the adaptor to take standard non-rechargeables too? I always carry this plus two sets of spare batteries when using the boat anyway just as backup.

[Paul]

TBH mine is mainly used for day trips out with the rest of you guys ..... so 5-6 hours at a time ..... the most it's been used without re-charging was up on the Scottish trip this year over the two days so 10-12 hours use
Maybe I'll leave it switched on and find out and also do it some good anyhoo
Chris's comments are worthy as he uses his commercially ......... Roger, like you I carry the adaptor loaded with non-chargeable's as a back up just in-case

[Martin]

I'm the same guys, I keep my spare battery cradle with me already equipped with batteries before leaving land. The old "just in case" never does any harm.
I think 8-9 hrs is the longest i've used mine for without re-charging.
I did leave mine on charge for 12 hrs when I bought it, but I don't think the Li-ion batteries of today require that charging period like the old Ni-Cads.

[chris moody]

I might try dropping the transmit power down from 6w to 5w or 1w next time I use it to see how that affects battery life.

[Martin]

I might try dropping the transmit power down from 6w to 5w or 1w next time I use it to see how that affects battery life.

From memory Chris, I think the channels automatically up/down the power, obviously you over-ride that to your own requirement.

The 1 watt drop in transmission power (to 5watt) will make a noticeable difference if your using it a long time during the day.