Standard HX350S Is Top-Rated Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio

In our bench tests of seven waterproof VHF radios, the Standard stood out in both performance and value. The Garmin VHF 720 and Icom M1+ failed their dunkings.

From left to right, the Standard HX350S, Uniden HH940P, Icom M15, Icom M1+, Garmin VHF 720, Raytheon 106 and Raytheon 102. VHF radios are the key to getting help in most emergencies on the water, making their reliability critical. That's why waterproof handheld VHF radios make so much sense. Until recently, they've been expensive. Prices have dropped, though, and there's a handful of them to choose from. Before we go forward, we must answer this question: How does one define waterproof? There are a number of standards, developed both in the United States and Europe. The principal U.S. standard, CFR 46, subpart 110.20, defines a waterproof machine as one that can withstand a stream of water from a 1" nozzle of 65 gallons per minute for 5 minutes from all directions without leaking. The standard does not intend to cover immersion. For boat owners, there are two categories of waterproofness to which devices such as handheld VHF radios ought to comply. The first is rain or spray that might damage a radio if left outside in the cockpit or when being used in the open. The second is immersion, which is not as likely, but could occur if the radio were dropped. We tested for both simulated rain and immersion. Testing Procedures We found seven handheld VHF models marketed as waterproof, water-resistant or sold with warranties against water damage. Their range is generally 3-5 miles, depending on antenna height and output power. After charging for approximately 20 hours, each was connected to our communications service monitor, and its basic functions were tested to industry standards. For each radio, we noted transmitter output power, deviation, frequency error and receive sensitivity. In all cases, the radios tested within acceptable limits. This was interesting because the seven radios tested range in price from $170 to $400 discount. Each radio was then individually exposed to a handheld shower at a distance of 1' for 5 minutes. Each was manually rotated to ensure direct exposure to water on all sides. After the dousing, we first checked for the operation of the radios buttons, controls and display. Audio quality was checked for degradation. The radios were then immediately retested for the same

technical parameters previously listed and any changes noted. This ensured that we could identify a radio that seemed to be fully operational but was actually degraded by water exposure. Radios that survived were then further tested for water-resistance by being placed in a bucket of clean tap water. The radios were turned on and set to channel 16 prior to being dropped into the water. Each was removed at any indication of a problem. All radios were removed after 30 minutes. Those that apparently survived were again bench tested, and then resubmerged for an additional 30 minutes. Test Results The chart outlines each model and the results of our evaluation. Measured technical parameters are listed. Note that most radios did not have a power output exactly as advertised. Being a few tenths of a watt low will not significantly affect the range of communication you can expect from your radio. All the models tested had very good receive sensitivity and were acceptably close to transmitting on the assigned frequency. Click here to view Value Guide: Handheld VHF Radios. Modulation levels should be set as close as possible to the legal maximum of 5.0 kHz. Several radios tested below 4.5 kHz. While this is acceptable, if we were repairing these we would turn up the level slightly. Certain important features are listed for each model. All had one-button direct access to channels 16 and 9. Additionally, some models offer the ability to decode the weather alert tone transmitted by the National Weather Service in the event of a severe weather warning. This feature allows monitoring for weather problems without having to tolerate the constant drone of the local forecast. In our opinion, the low-battery indicators on VHF handhelds cannot be relied upon. An accurate indicator would take the guesswork out of knowing when you should recharge the radio. All models tested except the Icom M15 have a low-battery indicatorfor what theyre worth. A more positive indication, of course, is when the VHF radio begins to sputter, flash or sound fuzzy. If this happens, its time to recharge. Dont start worrying about damage unless the radio continues to behave abnormally even after being recharged. Each radio was rated for waterproofness, ergonomics, its accompanying battery charger, audio quality and overall performance. Radios with the highest waterproofness rating on our chart survived the longest and remained functional. The failure points are described in our individual analysis of each model. The ergonomics rating indicates the ease of operating each radio, especially with one hand, as well as the clarity of its display, and includes an allowance for size and weight. Audio quality was rated for loudness and fidelity. To be usable, a VHF handheld should be audible over a moderate amount of background noise. Unfortunately, the trend toward smaller radios and correspondingly smaller speakers makes this a considerable design challenge. Some of the radios we tested included desktop chargers that failed to hold the radio securely in place during rough conditions. Our charger rating indicates the appropriateness of the standard chargers for the marine environment. Note that better optional chargers are available for some models. For the overall performance rating, we included the results of bench testing and our experience using each radio for several days. Since our last two tests in 1996 and 1998, SMA connectors have become the norm for the antennas of better VHF handhelds. This style of connector is small, secure and can easily be made watertight. Adapters to attach an external antenna are available from most retailers who sell these radios. An adapter for the stud-mounted antenna used by the Standard is also available. Raytheon Ray 102 (Apelco 520) and Ray 106 The Raytheon Ray 102 and Ray 106 radios are nearly identical. The Ray 102 is also sold under the Apelco brand name. Both of these are well-designed, compact radios. The Ray 102 is light gray in color and is supplied with a 600 milliamp-hour (mAh) Nicad battery pack. The Ray 106 has a rubberized dark gray finish and includes a larger 1200 mAh Nicad battery. An AA alkaline battery holder, belt clip, lanyard, carrying case and mountable desktop charger are included with each of these models.

The Standard HX350S is large but fits the hand well. It's our highest-rated handheld. Volume and squelch knobs are on the top of the radio with five push-buttons and a channel selector rocker on the front panel. A panel light switch is below the push-to-talk switch on the radios side. The battery packs are held in place by one large screw. These are full-featured radios that also include a weather alert function and three-level transmit power selection, for full power3 watts or 1 watt. The Ray 106s charger also includes a discharge function to aid in keeping the battery in top condition. During testing, both of these radios performed very well. Audio output could be louder and was only slightly distorted. Neither radio failed after being submerged for more than 1 hour. The Ray 106 is sold and labeled as having 6 watts of transmit power. But during testing, it only produced a maximum of 5.4 watts, which was only marginally more than the 102s 4.95 watts. Following the dunking, we found a moderate amount of water between the battery pack and radio of each model. Had we tested the supplied AA battery holders, they would have filled with water. We would have appreciated Raytheon letting us know that these were not watertight. As we have come to expect from Raytheon, the manuals were excellent and include technical and service information. Bottom line: The Ray 102 and Ray 106 are excellent radios but not our top choice. The 102 is a better value. We recommend the more expensive 106 with its larger battery only if extended operation is anticipated. Uniden HH940P The Uniden HH940P was the smallest model tested and is probably the smallest VHF handheld currently on the market. The cost of its minute size, however, is its feeble 1-watt transmit power output. This makes it most suitable for use over short distances and not as an emergency radio. The HH940P is marketed primarily toward personal watercraft (PWC) users, an application for which it is ideal. Its light weight and slim profile allow it to easily fit in a pocket or even be clipped to a swimsuit. Its display is top-mounted and easily visible without removing the radio from your belt. The radio is controlled by seven push-buttons and a rocker switch located on the front panel. Our only complaint with this design is that volume and squelch adjustments require two operations, first selecting the desired function and then adjusting the level. Uniden includes a spring-loaded belt clip, lanyard, 400 mAh battery and desktop charger. An AA battery pack is not available. During testing, the Uniden HH940P performed exceptionally well. It met or exceeded its published specifications and did not waiver after being submerged. Its receive audio was adequate but slightly tinny. Unidens manual is good but contains no technical service information. Bottom line: The Uniden HH940P is an excellent radio. We recommend it highly for PWC users or when a more powerful radio is not needed. But we would like to see an AA battery holder and a larger 600 mAh battery pack.

Garmin VHF 720 The Garmin VHF 720 is compact and lightweight but boxy in design. All controls are buttons on the front panel. Six individual buttons and a four-way button pad along with two added buttons above and below the PTT switch control all functions. Its display is large and readable. Garmin includes a plastic belt clip, AA battery tray and a lanyard. It is sold without a rechargeable Nicad battery pack and charger. These items must be purchased separately. It is a full-featured radio with weather alert, scan and tri-watch functions.

The Garmin VHF 720 failed our dunk test and the charger contacts gave us trouble.
Garmins drop-in charger is a unique designa simple plastic holder. The cable from a wall pack transformer snaps into the holder and is intended to make contact with the radios charging contacts. This approach probably saves money but is unreliable. We had significant difficulty ensuring a good connection to the radio. Furthermore, theres no indication that the radio is properly connected and charging. We dont think this is acceptable. Garmin markets this model as a waterproof and submersible radio. During testing, the 720 survived its shower test but failed within minutes of being submerged. Even after a full day out of the water, this radio did not resume operation. Water droplets were clearly visible under the display. The Garmin 720 is rated at 3 watts of transmit power. All test parameters were within acceptable levels. Garmins manual is good. Bottom line: The Garmin VHF 720 cannot be recommended as a submersible handheld VHF radio. Standard HX350S The Standard HX350S is the companys newest model VHF and is being marketed as fully submersible. It is sold with a drop-in charger, belt clip, lanyard, watertight AA battery tray, 1100 mAh rechargeable battery and DC charging cord. This makes it the most complete package tested. The HX350S is slightly larger than all of the other handhelds tested except the Icom M15, yet it fits comfortably in one hand. Volume and squelch controls are conventional top-mounted knobs. Seven buttons on the radios front and two additional buttons above and below its PTT switch control all functions. All customary features except a weather alert function are included. The 350s display, with its extra large, extra visible 3/4" channel numbers, is especially notable. Receive audio quality was very good. During testing, the Standard HX350S performed flawlessly. No performance degradation occurred even after the radio was submerged for 1 hour. Its battery compartment remained completely dry. Standards manual is good but contains no technical or service information. Our only criticism of the HX350S is that its stud-mounted antenna does not allow for the easy connection of an external antenna. Bottom line: The Standard HX350S is an excellent radio and is fully submersible, even when

operated with its AA battery pack. We highly recommend this model, our top choice for both performance and value. Icom M15 The Icom M15 is the companys first waterproof VHF radio. It has been available for a number of years and was previously tested in our first look at waterproof VHFs. The Icom M15 was the largest and heaviest radio tested. Ironically, it also has one of the smallest displays. It is supplied with a rechargeable battery, metal belt clip, lanyard and desktop charger. The channel selector, volume and squelch knobs are located on the top of the radio. Five small buttons on the front control all other functions. Since our last test of the M15, Icom has not made any ergonomic improvements to this model. Its buttons and display are too small. Most importantly, there is no direct access to the weather channels. Weather as well as international channels are chosen by rotating the channel selector. This scheme is not only slow but makes it easy to land on an international channel instead of a U.S. channel. The Icom M15 did very well during testing. It remained operational and within specifications with no evidence of water intrusion. Speaker audio was slightly distorted at high volume. Bottom line: The Icom M15 is well-built and performed well. However, this model needs updating, in our opinion. Icom M1+ The Icom M1+ is identical to the M1 model that we previously tested except that it is supplied with a higher capacity 1050 mAh battery. A lanyard, belt clip and wall-mount drop-in charger also are included. This models flat design and well-placed controls make it ergonomically superior to the M15. Volume and channel knobs are located on its top. Five push-buttons are smartly arranged on the front to allow one-handed operation. The wall-mount charger works best if mounted. If not, it must be used while lying on its back and does not securely hold the radio in place during charging. The Icom M1+ passed the shower test. However, compared to the other radios, we experienced severe distortion when the speaker was wet. After immersion for 30 minutes, the M1+ continued to perform well. However, when it was resubmerged for an additional extended period, it failed within a few minutes. Later that day we noticed a considerable amount of water under its display. Icoms manual needs technical information. Bottom line: The Icom M1+ was previously our top choice among waterproof handheld VHF radios, but is no longer due to its failure of our immersion testing. Conclusion Waterproof handheld VHF radios have come a long way in the past several years. Eventually, we expect all but the least expensive VHFs to be fully submersible. Not tested this time but still available on the market is the Navico Axis 200, a good but expensive radio that we dont think has much appeal in the consumer market. It is especially pleasing to see both increased competition and product quality in the waterproof handheld VHF radio market. We can't recommend the Garmin or the Icom M1+ because each failed our submersion tests. We'd go with the Standard simply because it was the best all-around performer; the Raytheon radios performed well, too, and they're in the same price range as the Standard. They're our runners-up. The small Uniden works effectively, but its limited 1-watt transmitting power shouldn't be relied upon for transmitting emergency messages, the most important duty of a VHF radio.