Standard Horizon STD-HX600S Handheld Marine VHF Radio

Standard Horizon STD-HX600S Handheld Marine VHF Radio
by Standard Horizon

List Price: $399.99
Category: CE
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Digital product summary information

• Handheld marine VHF radio factory programmed with all U.S., Canadian, and international channels
• Supports all NOAA weather channels; built-in weather alert with S.A.M.E. hazard broadcasts
• NMEA charging cradle connects to GPS and transmits location along with distress signal
• User-selectable transmit power; S.O.S. distress beacon viewable from up to 1 mile away
• Includes drop-in charger; measures 2.36 x 4.09 x 1.2 inches (W x H x D); 3-year warranty

Digital camera reviews of Standard Horizon STD-HX600S Handheld Marine VHF Radio

Digital camera Review: Top Pick VHF Handheld Marine Radio
Summary: 5 Stars

Summary of Standard Horizon STD-HX600S Handheld Marine VHF Radio

As with any well-built marine radio, the HX600S is rugged and fully submersible, with an impact-resistant polycarbonate chassis that can withstand submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Users can also diversify their scanning functions with the Dual Watch mode, which lets you scan a selected channel and emergency channel 16 simultaneously, and the Priority Scan mode, which lets you monitor several channels at once. The Dual Watch and Priority Scan modes are essential for safety-conscious boaters who don't want to miss a potential distress call.

In addition to offering an NOAA weather alert--which automatically switches your radio to the appropriate weather channel when nasty weather approaches--the radio can also receive and display NOAA S.A.M.E. broadcasts. S.A.M.E. messages including warnings and post-event information for all types of hazards, including natural disasters (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental disasters (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety emergencies (such as amber alerts or 911 telephone outages).

Another nice feature is the NMEA charging cradle that lets you connect the radio to a GPS. Once connected, the radio stores your GPS location in its memory, and then notifies the Coast Guard or other emergency service should an accident occur. Other operational details include a dedicated emergency channel 16/9 key, user-selectable transmit power (2.5 watts or 1 watt, depending on the circumstances), an audio port for connecting an optional speaker microphone or headset, a backlit keypad with an extra-large display, and a high-intensity strobe light that emits the internally recognized S.O.S. signal during emergencies--a must for any boater. The S.O.S. beacon can be seen from up to 1 mile away.

When you're not using the radio, simply drop it in the cradle, which will keep the rechargeable NiMH battery operating at full capacity. And because dead batteries can be a serious safety hazard on the water, the HX600S sports a battery life indicator on the LCD that warns you when the battery needs charging. The HX600S, which includes both AC and DC chargers, measures 2.36 by 4.09 by 1.2 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a three-year warranty.

What's in the Box
HX600S radio, charging cradle, NiMH battery, AC charger, 12-volt DC charger, user's manual.