Standard Horizon HX320 Floating Handheld VHF Radio
- Brand:
- Standard Horizon
- Part no:
- HX320
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- Waterproof
- IPX7
- Battery life
- 17 h
- Bluetooth
- Yes
- Charging
- USB-C
- Battery
- 2100 mAh
Manuals
- Owner's manual (PDF)productimageserver.com
The Standard Horizon HX320 is a floating handheld VHF marine transceiver with 6W of transmit power, selectable down to 2.5W or 1W. It has an IPX7 rating covering 3.3 ft (1 m) for 30 minutes and a water activated strobe light. A built-in 2100mAh Li-Polymer battery gives 17 hours of operating time and charges through USB Type C. Bluetooth allows hands-free use with the optional SSM-BT10 headset.
Our take
The HX320 floats and has a water activated strobe, so a radio dropped over the side stays on the surface and flashes to be found. It also gives 6W at the top setting with selectable 2.5W and 1W steps, and 17 hours of operating time.
From our buying guide
Standard Horizon says range depends far more on the antenna than on transmit power, and that a handheld on its stock antenna at sea level may only reach a mile or two. It has its own battery and antenna, so it keeps working if the boat's power fails.
Check before you buy:
- It has DSC and GPS if you want a distress button that sends your position, since handhelds are not required to have DSC.
- The waterproof rating comes with the maker's depth and time, since IPX8 has no fixed depth or time.
- The maker says it floats on its own, since some float only in an optional case.