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Entel HT20 Coming from a company with such resounding commercial pedigree was always an auspicious start for the HT20 and its performance doesn’t disappoint. The RA 2400 (2), the Entel HT20 (3) and the Standard Horizon HX300 (4).
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While 5 or 6W transmit power is now routinely available, you should not expect a handheld to match a fixed unit with masthead aerial for transmission range.But whatever features you favour, you should be aware that the Marine Radio Short Range Certificate remains a legal requirement for the use of any marine VHF radio in the UK. It is a much more effective means of getting emergency help than a simple voice request on CH 16 - and for that reason alone, it ought to win a place on your wish list. It enables you to contact a similarly equipped craft directly or to send a distress signal embedded with your identity and location at the press of a button.
#ICOM M25 VS STANDARD HORIZON HX300 BLUETOOTH#
There are plenty of other modern features available, like weather alerts and even Bluetooth capability, but for most boaters, Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is the most exciting feature in the armoury of the modern handheld. In addition to a long battery life, you should also look for a generous array of channel presets (with dual or even triple scan facility), a lengthy warranty of three years or more and transmit power of around 5W. It should also be powerfully constructed and buoyant and it should provide a simple user interface with big buttons, an easily legible screen and idiot-proof shortcuts.
#ICOM M25 VS STANDARD HORIZON HX300 PORTABLE#
In terms of basic features, a really good portable VHF radio should be waterproof to at least IPX4 and ideally IPX7. After all, while a fixed VHF radio, with its large, elevated external aerial, its permanent power source and its generous physical proportions, is always likely to give you better performance as a marine communication device, the compact size, easy portability and independent battery source of a modern handheld make it not just a useful backup but also quite a capable standalone device for small craft with short-range communication requirements (see Handheld VHF survives 120 days lost at sea).