Got a Standard Horizon HX471S...Anybody try these? Input...

Well, after picking up my kayak last weekend I simply had to get a vhf. Got her in the mail this morning:

Standard Horizon HX471S



 MULT-BAND Receive

    First portable marine transceiver capable of receiving AM, FM and Aeronautical bands. Imagine being in a small vessel and wanting to listen to music and news broadcasts. With the HX471S, simply press the BAND key to select the FM band and tune to your favorite channel. Want to listen to a ball game on the AM Broadcast band? You CAN with the HX471S. The HX471S even allows you to monitor the AM Aeronautical band. Simply put, the HX471S allows you to monitor a range of frequencies previously unavailable in any Portable Marine VHF!

 VALUE PACKAGING

    Packaged with a 1300mAh Lithium-Ion battery, the HX471S will deliver 10-12 hours of operation off a single charge. In addition the Lithium-Ion battery never will develop a "memory" inhibiting it's ability to deliver a complete day of service. Attaching either 110VAC or 12VDC cable to the NMEA Charging Cradle allows the Lithium-Ion battery to be rapid charged within 3 hours.

 SUBMERSIBLE

    Engineered for unparalleled reliablity, the HX471S is designed to exceed submersions of 3 feet for 30 minutes.

 3 Year Water Proof Warranty

    Because the HX471S is built better, it's backed better. If the STANDARD HORIZON HX471S fails for any reason (including water damage) during normal use in the first three years of ownership, STANDARD HORIZON will repair or replace it free. If it fails any time thereafter in normal use for as the original purchaser owns the radio, STANDARD HORIZON's Lifetime Flat rate Service Program will cover it. The flat rate is determined at the time of orignal purchase.

 DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (DSC) DISTRESS CALL

    The HX471S is supplied with a NMEA Charging cradle that allows the radio to be connected to any GPS. Connecting the HX471S to a GPS allows your position of your vessel to be stored inside the HX471S. In the event of an emergency, simply grab the HX471S lift the Distress cover and depress the the DISTESS Key and a DSC Distress call containing your position will be transmitted along with the high intensity Strobe light. ANOTHER INDUSTRY 1st!!!

 DISTRESS BEACON

    Since the HX471S can be legally used while on water or land, STANDARD HORIZON has included a unique Distress Beacon. The HX471S features a high intensity stobe. Allowing you to visually signal a rescue party 1 mile or more away.

 Marine VHF and FRS!

    Having a portable radio able to communicate on different bands, the possiblities are endless. Want to communicate with another vessel? You CAN with the HX471S. Want to communicate from you vessel to family or friends from shore? You CAN using the FRS band. Want a submersible radio to take along hiking, skiing, hunting or caravanning? You can have it all with the HX471S!

 RUGGED MAGNESIUM DIE-CAST CONSTRUCTION

    The HX471S utilizes a high impact, non-corrosive die-cast chassis. This unique case insures the HX471S will withstand the physical abuse a Portable receives from being dropped or banged on a deck of a boat.

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I'm also going to pickup a yakima rack tonight so I can avoid the pool noodle rack job that will inevitably ruin the finish on the roof of my car and make my wife very grumpy. Found a used rack on craigslist for $125. All I need to get is the correct clips for my car and I'm good to go.

Now all I need is a fish finder and a gaff and I'm good to go. Yipeee!!!

FF

I'm somewhat of a newb when it comes to radios as well. Not sure about the legalities of making a distress call from an FRS radio. I do know that you can't use the VHF band unless you are on the water.

Hopefully somebody can chime in on your first question.

FF

FF,

Oops!  Accidentally deleted my post.   Sorry.  Doh!

I did a little reading.  From my very meager understanding so far, FRS is low range, same as a walkie talkie.  So even if legal, the message probably wouldn't get through in an emergency.  The low range enables lots of folks to use FRS frequencies with less interference with each other.

So I don't know how to call for help from shore, if absolutely needed, on VHF Channel 16 legally.   I would hope they would make an exception to the rule in a real emergency.  My boating buddy carries a cell phone and I carry a VHF, but I don't want to get a cell unless I have too.

Any input from the group here would be much appreciated.

BTW, does this thread have a title?   A good title might get more attention/input from the group.   Boat Safe,   -HS

I have had this radio for about three years and have been very happy with it.  At one point it was having some problem with transmitting consistently and I sent it in and it was promptly repaired.  The three year warrantly against problems, including water damage is nice and this model is new enough that it's covered under Standard Horizon's lifetime blanket repair coverage--so if you ever have problems after 3 years, they will still repair it for a flat fee (about $76) and no need to show sales receipt etc.

If you use it in salt water, make sure you lift up the red rubber tab that covers the distress key and rinse it and let it dry open.  If you don't, the salt water residue can start to corrode the case under the tab.