Review Standard Horizon VHF HX870

[@951hennessey39]

Purchased this for my Jetski ride from Long Beach To Catalina Island..... Love The Fact I Can Hear Other Boats Was Amazing ... Best purchase ever🤘🏾

[@pault5947]

4:52 ''everything I have on the boat is Standard Horizon'' - reveals Garmin fishfinder over right shoulder 😆😆😆

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

Heres a tip for any electronic devices you keep with you onboard a boat. Put your phone, radios etc etc.in seperate ziplock bags. they arent invincible, but 9/10 times they will save your device keeping it dry while still being able to operate and hear thru the bag.
Buy some good name brand ones with multiple press or really good zips and they last really well. I often chuck my car key fob in one, in case i get wet etc even had one go thru the washing machine and allways saved them.

[@swatchaplain]

Just got my HX870 today, mostly based on your video and other research. I am not disappointed! Money well spent. thank you for taking the time to make this video.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+swatchaplain
tks

[@FredArd1954]

Excellent review. I just received my unit yesterday and anxious to check it out. Already unboxed, assembled, and in the charger.

[@TheDcrocks1]

Hows the radio been so far? I have one, but I'm not impressed by it. I'm a kayaker and I know I sit at a terrible height to have and communicate. Ive been having a terrible time.whats been your experience? I have my settings to USA,6 WATTS AND I DO JAVE MY MMSI BUT NO DSC YET. WHAT ABOUT YOU?

[@leekilpatrick4794]

Great radio - really like mine. Also really like the GPS and have used it when plotter failed to navigate. I keep coordinates loaded in for sea buoys etc where I fish. Stays in my ditch bag charged and ready to go.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

tks

[@edog991955]

Thanks so much for the review! I appreciate that you went thru the box at the outset--showing everything that's included. [AC and DC charging, plus AAA adapter--that's very useful, and not so obvious on website descriptions!] It's also helpful to watch you actually do your setup on the radio.
Oops, at 6:12 please put in the link for the MMSI number!
At 3:44 I think that you meant to say "Now all I need to do is to plug this into my AC outlet" -- not DC!!

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+edog1955
if staying within the USA www.boatus.com/mmsi/instruct.asp
International - www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=mtMmsi note there is a fee for the international I think it is around $160.00

[@gewglesux]

+edog1955 Hey there, Did you ever wind up getting this? I'd like to replace my ICOM m92D... The HX does appear to be pretty thick. but they all seem to when they have the GPS feature.. I think I might have to take a closer look at this. thanks

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+gewglesux
yes i do have this and it works great.
fun review ruclips.net/video/uud7rEjcJzk/видео.html

[@gewglesux]

I'm an ICOM guy from way back but the last radio I bought from them wasn't as good as the previous model I sold. I just watched your USCG VHF video very informative.I think I'm going to "switch and answer Standard horizon"! thanks for the link!

[@elireloaded]

This seems great for a ditch bag or a MOB device.

[@atvsteam]

My 2c'
I using it for a year now, frequently on a open Sea with my kayaks. Nice radio, receiver with a good sensitivity, battery last long (2-3 days) and can not be charged via USB due to higher voltage required. One who need to charge it on a Sea, get a 10v solar panel on board. Audio from a small speaker is not so good. Unfortunately HX870 does not have AIS beacon with MOB status built in!? Hardware is there, but software for AIS is missing, strange.
... nice outlook and precisely done, made in China.
Unfortunately it is NOT a waterproof radio ;(
From time to time I need to completely disassemble it, dry out and put together again. There is a small hole with membrane below the clip, that should let moisture out of radio, but I guess it does just opposite. PCB inside is not coated with anything else than stop mask, salt water/moisture will do damage to the PCB and el. components in a long term.
In general, when you keep it out of waves and water (what's very hard on a Sea kayak), a good Marine handheld radio.
Mike, S51KQ

[@TheDcrocks1]

Did you add a better antenna? I jave the same radio and my communication with others,boats and anyone on the wster has been terrible. What's the farthest range you have had communication with some one?

[@YourDrawerness]

"green witch meantime" 😂😂🤣🤣

[@hopper990]

That's was a great review. I was looking into getting a hand held. Thanks

[@sean19]

Thanks for the walk through. Sean uk

[@Reosent]

when considering a hx870 by standard horizon, please
consider my experience - had the unit for 2 month and it developed moister
behind the screen - the unit was sent to Standard Horizon for repair and I was
told that there was no moister anywhere and several e-mail concerning
other issues the unit was returned -
last year. The unit was not used till a few weeks ago. The unit was certified
by Standard Horizon to meet all specifications. Beginning of June 2016 was
taken to the boat and was in freshwater for less than 60 seconds. During that
time the display screen was filled with water.
The unit was sent via FedEx 2nd day at Standard Horizons expenses to
them and as of today I don't have a replacement unit.

[@Reosent]

[e-mail].

[@atvsteam]

Same experience with moisture on my radio.

[@Reosent]

only way contact customer service and insist that the unit is taking in moister

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

You could simply not get the radio wet you know... or put it inside a ziploc bag.

[@MrPaddy1000111]

Defeats the point in buying an IPX7 radio though doesn't it

[@paulraithby5909]

just ordered mine today

[@tcap7917]

I just picked up the HX890. Standard Horizon now offers MMSI change via an emailed security pass code so no need to return it. I wonder of the older models were given the capability with the software updates.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

i think they can change it with a framework update and then you will need a one time pass code.

[@tomc585]

@@VagabondEpicurean which (the passcode) probably changes also.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Very thorough review. Thank-you...

[@jcameronvideoproductions4271]

Excellent. Thanks very much, I'm now set.

[@patdemabaro]

Merci pour vos explications...C'est très instructif...!!!
I buy it...

[@andresmontecinos8588]

From Chile.... Great video and thank very much

[@joelbahl6830]

Receiver sensitivity leaves a bit to be desired, my VHF Ham Radios receive Marine traffic better and they are not specifically designed for 156-157 mHz. I added an aftermarket antenna which improved range. Other than that all the features work as advertized. I have had the radio for over a year.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

thank you for watching and the info

[@mikebythesea45]

What antenna did you get to improve reception?

[@joelbahl6830]

@@mikebythesea45 Smiley 27006 if you call Ham Radio Outlet they can fix you up. Its SMA connector

[@Hamidjafrani]

How to add channel i show only 5 channel 16,25,70,71,72 please help me

[@Mad-i134]

Amazon seems to charge the highest. What store is the least expensive? Good video 👍

[@alanmckenzie3228]

Thank you Sir for the very helpful video

[@michaeldobson8859]

Two issues I have is that you need a factory MSSI reset and that you need to set a time zone offset, the thing is a gps, why doesn’t it set the offset automatically, Da.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

good question on the time set. As for the factory reset i think all devices require that

[@gewglesux]

Thanks for the review! I really think I will like this unit....

[@captainrick9379]

Nice Job! Thanks for sharing!

[@ocsrc]

Does each channel have the name of what it is, like USGS, Calling, Distress, Port, Telephone, etc ?

[@santamulligan676]

Cheers I think only the 890 is available now

[@VagabondEpicurean]

thank you for watching

[@torukonosamurai]

do you know what is the signal range ? how many miles or kilometers for covered or open places ?

[@GusCruzPhotography]

if I am jet skiing off the coast of Southern California and maybe to Catalina and back will this unit be good for navigating to certain spots or would I still need a dedicated GPS for that?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

I think you will still need a GPS

you can still make do with a waterproof map and this device.

[@TheDcrocks1]

It has the gps tracking. So you should be good.

[@vxnova1]

Not sure if it’s a good idea to share your location co ordinates or your mmsi number, good video though

[@rabbitskinner]

can't find Standard Horizon here in Australia I wonder why?

[@dc258]

Hello!! Thank you for the great video - have just ordered mine today! I do have a quick question regarding MMSI - even though I don’t have an MMSI number, will I still get my coordinates like the longitude and latitude up on screen, even if I don’t have an MMSI number to input? Thanks so much :)

[@VagabondEpicurean]

yes tks for watching

[@ocsrc]

Will it show GPS without an MMSI number ?
What frequency does it use to transmit the SOS button ?
Is it a ground based frequency or does it transmit to a low earth orbit satellite ?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

yes
i dont know
i think it is LEO

[@MellyVinelli]

GPS is a separate thing from DSC. The radio will indicate your GPS position without an MMSI number (technically an MI number for these handheld VHFs). The red Distress button utilizes VHF Channel 70 which even though is a channel on your radio, must not be used for Voice over radiotelephone. Personal Locator beacons/EPIRBs transmit to a satellite from essentially anywhere in the world where it can see the sky. DSC still requires direct line of sight as VHF radio waves do to alert any DSC capable radio receivers within range whether land or at sea.

[@gingerjessy]

Does the radio securely fasten into the charging dock so it could be fastened rigidly to a small boat?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

gingerjessy Yes it does, fits snug

[@arachnofan73]

So it can navigate you back to a mark?

[@drewwilson145]

Very good video 👍

[@fred94]

Hi..can you help me ?..I have just bought this radio..and there is a simbol on the screen that I don't understand what does mean..it's on top..it's in the middle between "gps antenna simbol" (right site) and "power of transmission simbol" (left site)...
thanks in advanced

[@VagabondEpicurean]

Hello, I don't have my vhf with me but I forwarded this ti Standard Horizon and they usually get back with the answers with in a day, I will keep you posted and tks for watching

[@VagabondEpicurean]

Symbols is GPS Logging features is ON
See the following link for picture www.pinterest.com/watervacations/misc-stuff/

[@fred94]

yesss is him...thanks so much !!!! ;)

[@bombebombola8728]

IM PLANNING TO BUY ONE DO I NEED TO REGISTERED THAT TO MMSI EVEN DO I DONT HAVE ANY BOAT ? WHAT IS THE REQUIRMENT TO REGISTERED THE RADIO

[@gerardo7290]

No.
You don't need register the radio.

[@rayspinney6489]

I purchased a radio . Used it for a short time and the screen has gone nothing on screen . Goes on and off . Any suggestions .

[@VagabondEpicurean]

Standard Horizon is very good about standing by their products, i would contact them

[@tammyhayton9176]

Is the HX870 capable of being charged with an accessory 12 volt cord (e.g., in a cigarette lighter)? Bruce

[@VagabondEpicurean]

Yes

[@seaningram4434]

I am curious about the Coordinates format. What is the preferred use for Coordinates displayed? DDD° MM' SS.S" or Decimal Degrees and Minutes as your Handheld is showing? :)

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+Sean Ingram
Well I always say DDD.MM.SS.s, but I think things are going the way of decimals

[@seaningram4434]

Okay :) Thank you for the response. I use DDD.MM.SS.s most of the time on my Garmin Nuvi 750 GPS. It let's me change the format, so that I can use Decimal Degrees :)

[@daveyJ213]

How do I control squelch? What should the setting be for quiet yet effective operation?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

I think it depends on the amount of radio traffic in your area, you may need to test it some help from another boater. That is what i did

[@daveyJ213]

Thanks It took some button mashing, but I got it figured out. I use mine on my kayak and actually listened in to an actual rescue today. I feel safer on the water now.

[@AcanLord]

I got the HX890 and i cant get it to work.
i turn it on and the static is very loud and i cant get the squelch to work.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

i forwarded you comment to Standard horizon. Have you contacted support?

[@AcanLord]

@@VagabondEpicurean I believe i have figured it out.
The radios seem to come with the Squelch function at maximum. and you cant hear any voices at all. Static was very loud by default as soon as you turned the radio on. I figured how how to adjust the squelch and turned it all the way down.. "or up? " Because the Bar on the screen is now at maximum but the static is totally eliminated. Anyway the radios now work.

[@wanstronian]

I bought one of these. Great radio but the battery life is terrible.

[@scubamarilu]

Does this radio can receive stress call and GPS location from new Nautilus Lifeline GPS? thanks

[@VagabondEpicurean]

This is from Standard Horizon
From
the Nautilus Lifeline Rescue GPS manual.
If your vessel (or the vessel you are
traveling with) has a DSC enabled VHF radio, it
is recommended to program the vessel MMSI
number into your LifeLine GPS. This
allows your LifeLine GPS to send a DSC
position report directly to the vessel VHF
radio by holding down the yellow button for 5
seconds.

[@scubamarilu]

WaterfrontVacations1 thanks a lot.

[@geo35a]

Great video, greetings from chile.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

tks

[@ocsrc]

Does it have the triband default scan 16/9/calling ?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

you can set up several channels to scan i do 16, 13, 9

[@silviolopez3281]

thanks for the review.. can i charge the battery with the usb cable?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+buenti
I don't think so

[@irene34ify]

How to get a Dutch vhf if no

[@blkdragon4088]

Hello mister, is it required to have my MMSI ? The future technology is a headache

[@VagabondEpicurean]

you do not have to have one, not many people do

[@abseconPC]

will ergency button work 50 miles out

[@VagabondEpicurean]

i don't know, but will find out.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

Check out the link below for VHF range. Remember USCG uses
much taller antenna than boaters, IE mountain tops, towers or large ships. www.hamuniverse.com/lineofsightcalculator.html
Average Handheld range is 3.5 to 5 miles.

[@951hennessey39]

I believe 3 miles out

[@537VIK]

great video for night use does it light up?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+537VIK
tks, Yes

[@MultiTarasca]

trae idiomas?? español?? o solo ingles?

[@gewglesux]

Did you have any issues trying to program it? When i try to read it it just times it's self out.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+gewglesux i have not had any issues, I will try it again latter to day and let you know what happens, also the help desk at Standard Horizon is very good

[@gewglesux]

+WaterfrontVacations1 ok thanks.... I am also having trouble reaching their site... I think it must be my browser settings.... yaesu too.... I'll call them later on during the day. My Computer recognizes the radio but the SW wont work.. same with my aviation portable... i'll keep you updated.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

+gewglesux
From Standard Horizon
My
guess is they have not loaded the drivers or they are not selecting the correct port under options at the top of the program. I am sure our tech can figure it out. Let me know if I need to contact the customer.

[@gewglesux]

+gewglesux
The site works now.... but my problem was i didn't have the radio in the proper mode for programming....

[@billgai7509]

why is mine keeping buzzing when theres no one talking

[@VagabondEpicurean]

mine will also i adjust the squak it might be because some one is STANDING on the station or the squak is to high

[@billgai7509]

+WaterfrontVacations1 thank you

[@Reosent]

the original had the same problem - you might want to update the firm ware - talked to company about it and even VP heard the noise

[@trevorsteel6015]

I have two HX 870. One of them is not water proof. In the water for less than 10 seconds. Moisture behind the display then died...Hmmm !!!

[@VagabondEpicurean]

i would call Standard Horizon, that does not sound good. Mine is still working great, been in the rain, fell in the Chesapeake Bay once. Thank you for the info

[@TheWumps]

I had the same problem with the screen. It still turns on and seems to transmit/receive, but not terribly useful anymore - just out of warranty, of course

[@JoseReyes-wo2lm]

I want one, please

[@rcpmac]

WUT! Clr = SAVE?

[@lhez]

Hi, what do you think about the HX890?

[@VagabondEpicurean]

I have not compared it to the 870, but if it is made by Standard Horizon i am sure it is good

[@lhez]

@@VagabondEpicurean Thanks!

[@MikeMike91103]

Think that was a triple A battery pack

[@VagabondEpicurean]

I think so, i have not used it, but should have it ready :) thank you

[@chrisoakleyfx]

It's pronounced "Gren-itch" ;)

[@qafmbr]

spelled Green Witch LOL

[@gerardo7290]

@@qafmbr or just zulu time

[@vickiebalbiani806]

Dont believe in water proof devices, I race a catamaran, plenty of sea water shipping at every regatta, all my water proof devices (including a Standard Horizon VHF and a couple of GPS have died from water expossure, so my recommendation is that you use a waterproof bag ( no ziplock but a good one from west Marine or a marine supplies store.

[@VagabondEpicurean]

thank you for sharing your ideas

[@unknownuser1357]

Would be nice if it has android built in

[@ian4ng]

"Grenitch" !!!!

[@VagabondEpicurean]

yes, sorry, thank you