Standard Horizon HX380 Submersible Handheld VHF Radio
- Brand:
- Standard Horizon
- Part no:
- HX380
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 5 W
- Waterproof
- IPX7
- Battery life
- 13 h
- Battery
- 1600 mAh
Manuals
- Owner's manual (PDF)defender.ca
The Standard Horizon HX380 is a submersible handheld VHF radio with a selectable 5 or 1 watt transmit output. It carries USA, Canadian and international marine channels plus NOAA weather channels with a weather alert. The supplied 1600mAh lithium-ion battery gives up to 13 hours of operating time. Waterproofing is rated IPX7, meaning 3.3 feet for 30 minutes. A charging cradle with 110 VAC and 12 VDC chargers comes with it, and scanning includes priority scan and dual watch.
Our take
The IPX7 rating covers 3.3 feet for 30 minutes, so a dunk is within spec but deeper or longer is not. The 5 watt output can be dropped to 1 watt, and the 1600mAh battery is quoted at up to 13 hours.
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.