The new Ultra-Compact HX40E marine hand held VHF with built in FM radio
About the size of a pack of playing cards, the new waterproof HX40E VHF transceiver offers a powerful 6 Watts of transmitting power, so is ideal for boaters, anglers and kayakers who may want to carry a radio on their life-vest or console whilst out on the water.
When fitted with its optional SHC-29 floatation case, the diminutive HX40E is fully buoyant, with greater protection yet retaining access to all the main marine VHF channels via the easy-to-navigate menu. A preset key can be used to recall up to 10 of the user’s preferred channels, with scanning operations such as dual watch and triple watch for those that need to be monitored.
Despite the small size – a mere 2.05in (W) x 3.74in (H) x 1.3in (D), the HX40E is a rugged piece of equipment, similar in many ways to its bigger brother, the HX210E. Power comes from a built-in 7.4V lithium polymer battery pack, offering a very respectable 1850mAh of battery life. A battery-save function allows this life to be maximised for lengthy excursions.
The dot matrix screen is backlit for a bright display, even in direct sunshine, and the built-in speaker pushes out a maximum of 600mW, making it easy to hear in adverse weather. For distress situations, there is a dedicated button for Channel 16, which also gives quick access to other important functions.
For boaters wishing to use the inland waterways of Europe, the set supports ATIS, the Automatic Transmitter Identification System, a legal requirement for navigating within the EU. When this function is enabled, the set transmits a unique ATIS code every time the PTT (press to talk) button is used.
Should you want to keep abreast of the news or weather, or just enjoy some light entertainment, then the built-in FM radio can receive broadcasts between 65MHz to 108MHz.
As with all Standard Horizon products, the HX40E, (when used with its floatation case) carries a full no-quibble 3-year waterproofing warranty. So, if you are looking for a pocket-sized yet highly dependable radio that is no effort to carry, then the HX40E is ideal for you.
Retail price: £159.95 including VAT and they are available now.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: HX40E
Type: Marine VHF transceiver with FM receiver
Size: 52mm x 95mm x 33mm (ex knob and antenna)
Weight: 230g
Frequency ranges: TX: 156.025MHz – 161.600MHz
RX: 156.050MHz – 163.275MHz
Channel spacing: 25kHz
Emission type: 16KOG3E
Operating voltage: 7.4V
Current consumption: 330mA (receive)
100mA (standby)
RF output: 6W/2.5W/1W
RF consumption: 1.6A (6W) 1.0A (2.5W) 0.7A (1W)
FM receiver: 65MHz – 108MHz
