Standard Horizon have introduced a new hand held VHF radio in to their range, the HX280E and the company kindly loaned WSF one of the first sets to take a look at and review.

Taking the set out of the box the battery cell simply clips in to the back of the set, the antennae screws on to the antennae connector and the set is ready to work. It couldn’t be easier!

Its dimensions equate to 56mm wide x 133mm high and 27.5mm deep. It weighs just 310 grammes so is easily carried in pockets and trousers. The antennae is also fully flexible.

We like the simplicity of the design too. The ON/OFF switch and volume control rotary switch is on top of the set, so is less likely to be inadvertently switched on. The PPT (transmission) switch is a simple continual press in type and is situated on the left hand side of the set and ideally placed for use by both left or right handed users.

The internal speaker is at the top of the radio face and provides a powerful 700mW output at full volume. We tested this when aboard a 16ft boat powered by an outboard at full cruising speed and could still hear conversation from the radio easily and clearly. This means the set is ideal for open top boats and centre console craft.

The wide screen is positioned in the middle and highlighted in an orange surround. During testing we liked the bold black numbers and letters which are highly distinguishable against the screens light grey background in all light levels, and when water splash is on the screen. The screen is also backlit for night time use.

Screen information obviously includes the current selected channel, also a 5-level Squelch indicator, it indicates which power band, 1W or 5W, you are currently set at, also highlights when a channel is busy, plus has an all important battery life indicator.

The function keys are arranged in 3 x 3 rows below the screen. The middle row carries the most important function buttons, Channel Up, Channel Down and 16/9 Dual Watch. Other functions keys include Squelch, Scan and Preset options. The Preset key gives you access to no fewer than 10 separate channels. The set carries 57 channels in all. An important point is that the function keys are nice and big, so those of you with big hands and fingers will find the set easy to work with, even with gloves on, plus the key pad is fully back lit too.

You can switch transmit power between 1W for close range personal conversations to 5W which gives more power and therefore a greater transmission range for contacting the Coastguard or Marina etc. The set also features a time out facility which sees transmission time to 5-minutes which eliminates unintentional prolonged transmission. Anyone who’s used hand held radios will appreciate how important this feature is.

Battery life is the main concern of all users of hand held VHF radios but the HX280E is one of the best. It uses a powerful 7.4volt 1650mAh Lithium-Ion battery. This is quoted as being capable of powering the radio for 13 hours on a single charge when used on 5Watts power. We found during testing that our set slightly exceeded this, though the battery was obviously brand new and fully charged. We judged this over several full charges and virtually complete discharge.

The set is also waterproof to IPX7 standard. This means should the set be inadvertently immersed in water to a depth of 1-metre for 30 minutes it will still work. Again this vindicates its choice for RIB’s, open boats and centre console craft where water splash when under way at speed is a factor.

The HX280E is supplied as a complete kit including the antennae, lithium-ion battery cell, belt clip, AC charger and charging cradle. It is also covered by a full three-year waterproof guarantee.

OVERALL CONCLUSION
A terrific all round buy with superb performance and audio features. We tested the set for nearly two months and couldn’t fault it!

We liked the simplicity of use, also that it’s easy to operate with cold wet fingers, and with gloves on. At night you also have clear channel numbering and indicator recognition even with rain and salt splash on the screen.

Also impressive was that even when under way at speed the volume and clarity of audio was excellent. Signal reception was also outstanding. WSF is based right on the beach front and we were picking up Holyhead and Milford Haven Coastguard from the beach as clear as bell in all conditions, also our local charter boats working way out in Cardigan Bay on selected channels and other craft.

The sets compact sizing also makes it easy to fit in to coat pocket, or for easy stowage in a small corner of a centre console for quick access and constant monitoring.

Our overall rating would be 9/10 with no hesitation! We’d give it 10/10 if it came with its own carry case for protection when not in use!

PRICE
The Standard Horizon HX280E Hand Held VHF radio retails for £99.95 including VAT, though shop around for the best prices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Standard Horizon, Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close, Winchester, Hants, SO23 0LB, UK Tel 00 44 (0) 1962 866667. E-mail: marinesales@standardhorizon.co.uk  Website: www.standardhorizon.co.uk

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