Handheld VHF Marine Radios are more than portable communications devices. They are essential marine search and rescue items to monitor and co-ordinate in dangerous situations and link with mothership, life raft, dinghy, or shore.
Latest handheld VHF radios include technology previously only available in fixed models – frequency scanning, weather reports, GPS integration, and distress signal calling. Here are some features to look for …
The HX890 floating, waterproof (IXP8) 6-Watt Class H DSC Handheld VHF/GPS features a water-activated emergency strobe light, a scrambler system for secure communications, and built-in FM Broadcast band receiver for relaxation. It has switchable daytime/nighttime mode, waypoint and route navigation and group monitor function utilizing DSC Group position call. The case has been rigorously tested to Military Standard MIL-STD-810F.
The 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver locks onto a position quickly and accurately so the user can share position information using DSC and navigate to waypoints. Packaged with rechargeable 11-hour operating time 1800 mAh high-capacity Li-ion battery, Alkaline battery tray should rechargeable battery get run down, 110 V wall charger, 220 V adapter, charging cradle, 12 V charger, PC programming cable, belt clip & lanyard.
Most marine VHF handhelds are waterproof and can float for some time without damage to internal electrics, usually with submersible ratings of IPX7 or IPX8.
Icom set the trend for the Float N Flash emergency strobe light feature. The 5-Wat M25 VHF floats and flashes when dropped in water, even if power is off. The LCD and key backlight on the front panel flash, and a red LED light blinks through the rear panel. It can be reconfigured to flash on and off, flash SOS, or stay on continuously. AquaQuake™ draining function removes water from the speaker.
Icom’s Class-H DSC VHF M94D 6-Watt transceiver was the world’s first handheld to provide an integrated AIS receiver, with vessel traffic information shown on the display. The AIS target call function allows you to easily set up a DSC individual call. Distress calls can be made with the rear panel button. The simplified navigation function guides you to a specified waypoint and you can assign up to 50 favorite fishing spots or MOB waypoints. It has a 1500 mW speaker and the supplied 2400 mAh high-capacity Li-ion battery, provides 10 hours operating time.
Channel options can include All USA, International & Canadian Channels,LMR (Land & Mobile Radio) Channels, WX Weather Channels and FM Radio Bands for relaxation when the unit is not in use for communication.
High-resolution dot matrix LCD displays that are large, and backlit (sometimes dimmable for different light conditions), soft keypads, customizable menus, and dual/tri/quad watch functions make operating a modern marine handheld radio easy, day or night.
In ideal conditions they can be expected to reach about 15 km maximum. High-power Speakers with Noise Cancelling Technology deliver a much clearer message in windy marine environments, and some have a digital last call voice recorder to make sure you do not miss important information.
VHF handhelds come in different sizes, styles, weights, and degrees of rugged construction. The Icom M25 has a slim, curvy, shape with side grips and the rugged, durable Icom M73’s ergonomic design fits easily in the user’s hand. Standard Horizon HX890 case has been rigorously tested to Military Standard MIL-STD-810F.
Standard Horizon’s compact HX40 and Icom’s mini M85 are some of the smallest handheld VHF’s around. A conveniently compact unit may be chosen with fewer features but increased battery life – depending on intended use.
Standard Horizon’s GX2400 Matrix AIS/GPS/NMEA2000 interface supports all PGN’s for Navigation, GPS, AIS and DSC function. Simply plug it into your existing network to complement your system with full VHF and DSC features.
Wirelessly control all radio functions with the RAM4X wireless Remote Access Microphone. You can sync up to 4 RAM4X units within 65 feet. AIS target information (MMSI, Call Sign, Ship Name, BRG, DST, SOG and COG) displays on the large front panel. The 30-Watt integrated PA system has loudhailer and listen back capabilities with foghorn mode. An internal 32-code voice scrambler secures private communication.
