This looks like a good deal on a VHF!

[Drifty]

I found this jrc on this web page and it looks like a pretty good deal


Any comments??

['ZZZZzzzzzz']

I bought the same radio 3 weeks ago on another web site for $98 and a $20 rebate.

I have installed the radio and it works good!

Z's-

[FallRiverGuy]

Thanks for the heads-up. I have been looking for a good deal on a radio. Placed and order and hope they are still in stock.

[skein]

I'm over my head here. Yes, the price looks good and ZZZZZzzzzz says his works well, but I don't know anything about this manufacturer or model. I'm also thinking that a radio is a pretty important piece of equipment 40 miles out - and you usually get what you pay for. Is this an okay deal, or would we be better off to shell out more $$$ for a Uniden or some other brand?

Just curious.

Skein

[fishwhenican]

Skein, I've searched for VHF test reports and found a few. The Icom M502 was usually at the top of the tests ($280) with the M402 a close second ($180 @ boaters world?). there were some others for $500 + range that were better, but Icom ranked above Standard Horizon, Uniden etc.

In the handheld tests they rated the Standard Horizon models as one of the top choices (HX360? about $180)

I don't remember the Web sites, but searched via Yahoo. I do believe that you get what you pay for, just that much better at TUNA town

[Miss B Haven]

JRC made all of Raytheons consumer electronics up until just a few years ago (then Raytheon decided there was money to be had in non-military manufacturing - esp. if they could apply some of there declassified tech). I think they're stuff is pretty high quality and that is a VERY good price. Probably a model closeout/overstock thing. Defender does a lot of that. :smile:
PS - I've done bus. with Defender, they seem OK but don't send you shipping notices etc. I was back ordered on an item that they said was in stock too! THey did notify me that the item was BO'd and gave mne the chance to respond if I wanted to cancel.

[Beer Waggin]

FYI-
The Raytheon stuff you see in retail, in NOT the Raytheon stuff you see in the military. They are now two different companies with seperate owners and not affiliated in any way, shape or form, other than still having the same name.
I'm not sure about JRC building for Raytheon thing though. If it is true, JRC was just doing what they refer to as "Box Building". Which means Raytheon builds the parts, JRC assembles, tests and then puts them in the box you see when you buy one.
I've been to both facilities and have sold tooling to both, so I would be in the know.

[skein]

Thanks for the info, Drifty, and the feedback, Miss B. I went ahead and ordered one.

Fishwhenican, thanks for doing the internet search. I'll try this one on my sled for a while before I ever put it on my TUNA boat. Uh...do I even have a tuna boat? Hmmmm...... maybe while I'm buying things I'd better look into that. :shocked:

NorRivDave - I just read your post and I understand about the "box building" but what, if anything, do you know about their quality? I've already put one on order, but still curious.

Skein :grin:

[ 02-14-2003, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: skein ]

[Beer Waggin]

Quality is real hard to determine in the electronics word, especially in marine electronics where things have to be built to withstand the banging and the water issues, as I'm sure you already know.
How much of an explanation would you like? It all starts in the actual PCB design and ends with what you see under the dash on your boat. I could type pages and bore the heck out of you if you'd like.
In my belief Raytheon Marine builds a good quality product. If they didn't, they wouldn't have been around for so long. As far as quality in building their products, I'd give them a "C+". They could do things better, but electronics is so competitive, they have to skip steps and over look things that will pass inspection, but could be done much better. In my opinion, everybody in the retail electronics world does this. They only place you'll see "A+" quality work is in NASA, high dollar military stuff, etc.
I wouldn't be afraid to put Raytheon electronics in my boat.

Raytheon is the only marine facility I've ever been to, so I can't compare them to anybody else. I'll let you know how Lowrance looks after I get into them and will compare the two.

When I was younger, I thought Rockford Fosgate was the best stuff on the market for car stereo amp's. After I saw how they built things, I wouldn't consider buying their products. They're more concerned with through put, rather than building something that will last forever and a day.

[ 02-14-2003, 11:01 PM: Message edited by: NorRivDave ]

[Mr. Fisherman]

You know my Birthday is in 19 days, right? :grin:

[Spoiled Daddy]

Just so you know, Raytheon sold their consumer products line to a group of employees in 2000. Raytheon still builds electronics for military, govt and other applications.

The new company is called Raymarine and is totally seperate from Raytheon. Raymarine sells all the fishfinders, radios, etc... on a consumer level.

SD

[TyeeTom]

Spoiled Daddy is correct about Raymarine. I bought an L365 fishfinder last March and it's flamed-out three different times. They've repaired it quickly each time but it's a big hassle. I wish I'd bought something different.

[crabbait]

You can add FAA to you NASA/Military list. The latest gadjets and gizmos that we have received lately are astounding and amazingly reliable. Can't complain too much about our old stuff. The radar displays that we are using now (replacing this spring) were made in the early sixties and have been ironclad (in some cases, literally).

Sorry NFR, but PDX gets the latest stuff first because we are a good test bed (if we break down the nation does not grind to a halt). Cool toys!

PS: I hear West Marine has a Standard Horizon VHF radio on sale for $130 that is normally $230?. Has a scanner , presets, etc. Supposed to be a pretty good unit. (I feel better about the NFR now).

[ 02-15-2003, 07:36 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]