Horizen HX870 or the HX300 would like some opinions

Lookin for opinions on the two differant radios and the practicality for use. Not electronically savvy but
 

The HX870  has GPS, a compass, and a bucket of other features that the HX 300 doesn't have. GPS is certainly a useful tool as is the radio's one button distress feature. The 870 is much more complicated whereas the 300 is about as straightforward as can be. In my opinion if you're willing to deal with the complexity then 870 then it is worth the extra money for the GPS. whether you are willing to deal with that complexity or not it's something to think about. Neither one of them are particularly compact although fairly standard in their size. There are other considerations of course  but those are the ones I think a first.

I have the HX300 and it works fine. I don't tend to go where GPS would be an issue though. See if it comes with a dash mount for your car...

;-D

The gps can be an emergency backup to whatever you use. Plus if you set it up it will send you coordinates when you press the distress button. The coast guard and some commercial shipping will have your location when comming to your rescue.

The gps also burns through batteries faster if you leave it on. It can be disabled.

 Plus if you set it up it will send you coordinates when you press the distress button. The coast guard and some commercial shipping will have your location when comming to your rescue.


I have the 870 and tried looking in to obtaining an MMSI number from BoatUS.  I think this is how they can find you when you press the button.  I believe this number registers with a Vessel registration # aka CF #'s and not a person. 
BoatUS has yet to return my inquiry. 
Any thoughts

Johnny

Plus if you set it up it will send you coordinates when you press the distress button. The coast guard and some commercial shipping will have your location when comming to your rescue.


I have the 870 and tried looking in to obtaining an MMSI number from BoatUS.  I think this is how they can find you when you press the button.  I believe this number registers with a Vessel registration # aka CF #'s and not a person. 
BoatUS has yet to return my inquiry. 
Any thoughts

Johnny

I haven't done it myself, but I read some about it when I got my radio. As I remember it is assigned to the boat not a person. I don't remember needing a cf # though.

I found this info.

Obtaining MMSIs for DSC-equipped VHF Handhelds

A handheld VHF transceiver with DSC and an integral global navigation satellite system (e.g. GPS) not intended for dedicated use on a particular ship (e.g. a diver’s radio) should be assigned a unique 9-digit number in the format 81M2I3D4X5X6X7X8X9. While currently means do not exist within the U.S. to assign such identities, the Coast Guard has been in discussions with the Federal communications Commission and others on implementing them.

In the interim, VHF handhelds used in the United States should use the MMSI assigned to the ship to which the handheld is primarily associated, even if another radio on that ship uses the same MMSI. Non-commercial users of VHF handhelds not primarily associated with any single ship may use an MMSI provided by an organization such as BOAT US, SEA TOW and U.S. Power Squadron (see above). VHF handhelds should not be used ashore absent FCC or NTIA authorization allowing such use.

I found this on texaskayakfisherman.com.  It looks like you can do it.


MDKnight,
Interesting I'll have to check out how to register for an MMSI with an unregistered kayak. Good info!
Understood on 2 and I'll add 71 into my presets.
Thanks for your time and input.

Did some research and registered as an unspecified vessel, none in registration and put yellow 15.5 foot kayak in the optional data field. Got my number and will enter it into the unit tonight. Thanks again.

Plus if you set it up it will send you coordinates when you press the distress button. The coast guard and some commercial shipping will have your location when comming to your rescue.


I have the 870 and tried looking in to obtaining an MMSI number from BoatUS.  I think this is how they can find you when you press the button.  I believe this number registers with a Vessel registration # aka CF #'s and not a person. 
BoatUS has yet to return my inquiry. 
Any thoughts

Johnny

I haven't done it myself, but I read some about it when I got my radio. As I remember it is assigned to the boat not a person. I don't remember needing a cf # though.

I registered my MMSI with BoatUS for a 13' yellow kayak. So as long as I am paddling a yellow kayak, the MMSI vessel detail is valid.

I have the HX 300 also. I like it, its small and fits in my PFD. It has a dunk light so if you do splash the flashing red light starts blinking. The battery last all day and then some. I carry my phone for a GPS. $99.95 -$20 rebate at the GPS Store.
 My suggestion is, buy the best one you can afford.

Plus if you set it up it will send you coordinates when you press the distress button. The coast guard and some commercial shipping will have your location when comming to your rescue.


I have the 870 and tried looking in to obtaining an MMSI number from BoatUS.  I think this is how they can find you when you press the button.  I believe this number registers with a Vessel registration # aka CF #'s and not a person. 
BoatUS has yet to return my inquiry. 
Any thoughts

Johnny

I haven't done it myself, but I read some about it when I got my radio. As I remember it is assigned to the boat not a person. I don't remember needing a cf # though.

I registered my MMSI with BoatUS for a 13' yellow kayak. So as long as I am paddling a yellow kayak, the MMSI vessel detail is valid.

Does this mean I shouldn't use it on another vessel, or don't hit the distress button on another vessel?

Plus if you set it up it will send you coordinates when you press the distress button. The coast guard and some commercial shipping will have your location when comming to your rescue.


I have the 870 and tried looking in to obtaining an MMSI number from BoatUS.  I think this is how they can find you when you press the button.  I believe this number registers with a Vessel registration # aka CF #'s and not a person. 
BoatUS has yet to return my inquiry. 
Any thoughts

Johnny

It might lead to some confusion, but I'd rather have confused rescuers show up than nothing. I'm not sure but I seem to recall that you can change the description if needed.
I haven't done it myself, but I read some about it when I got my radio. As I remember it is assigned to the boat not a person. I don't remember needing a cf # though.

I registered my MMSI with BoatUS for a 13' yellow kayak. So as long as I am paddling a yellow kayak, the MMSI vessel detail is valid.

Does this mean I shouldn't use it on another vessel, or don't hit the distress button on another vessel?