Standard Horizon VHF - Care advice and kudos for service

[PlymouthDamo]

I have a Standard Horizon HX280E, which is very popular among boaters for good reason - it's an excellent bit of kit.

However, last time I tried to use it, I found it was continually showing 'busy' regardless of what I did with the squelch. I popped the battery off and discovered the gap between the battery and the radio was absolutely caked in salt crystals. I'm totally anal about rinsing my gear after a paddle, including my VHF, but I'd never bothered taking off the battery as it doesn't tell you to do this in the instructions - I'd always relied on a quick squirt under a jet of water to swish any salt-water out of the gaps.

(Lesson learned: when you get back from a paddle, pop the battery off to give it a rinse or a wipe down - taking care not to short circuit the battery terminals.)

I was now left with a knackered radio which was well outside its guarantee period. Standard Horizon are legendary for their customer service, so I thought there was no harm in giving them a ring. They asked me to post it off to them. In my covering letter I explained about the salt behind the battery, which may have been the cause of the problem (although I'm not sure why) and that the waterproofing seemed to be intact and it hadn't had any knocks or damage.

Today, I had a courier knocking on my door with a replacement radio. Considering that when I bought this thing, I was really just looking for the cheapest one that would do the job, it's amazing that Standard Horizon offer this top-notch level of customer service.

[PhilAyr]

Hi P.D.

That it is good news and full marks to Standard Horizon.
They do make good radios and they will not go wrong with customer support like that.

I have had my 280E for nearly three years now. When out paddling it sits in the top pocket of my BA without an Aquapak. When I get back I give it a quick dunk in a wash - basin full of clean tap water with the battery attached. I then remove the battery and give the whole radio and battery a wipe down with a dry cloth. I store the radio with the antenna and battery unattached. No problems so far. :-)

Phil

[Yakdiver]

Well done Standard Horizon

[Stuart Yendle]

Sent mine back the other week and had it back within a week. Wouldn't charge and same problem with salt crystals around the battery clip at the bottom although not so bad inside. They seem to have given it a good clean out and replaced the battery charging unit no questions asked, no charge.

[moragjones]

Thinking about getting a radio in the future, is it worth considering the HX760E as it floats? I have so many bits of stuff on string...

Maybe not organised enough!
M

[JB-NL]

[quote="PlymouthDamo"]I have a Standard Horizon HX280E, which is very popular among boaters for good reason - it's an excellent bit of kit.

Hi,
as mentioned by PlymouthDamo, I also noticed the battery seemed a bit loose in its casing. After examining in more detail, I noticed this as it is constructed, meaning water can get behind the battery.
All contacts are separately sealed so waterproof, but if not cared well, salt residue will stay behind with change of corrosion.

Same experience with the service of SH , my former SH 270 had, after the warranty period, issues with changing channels, after a they first tried to repair it, I received a 280 from the dealer in Amsterdam for free....

The 280 performs better than the 270. Hope this one last for long.
Greetings from overseas,

JB