Standard Horizon HX40 6W Compact Handheld VHF
- Brand:
- Standard Horizon
- Part no:
- HX40
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- NOAA weather alerts
- Yes
- Battery
- 1850 mAh
Manuals
- Manual (PDF)images.boatid.com
The Standard Horizon HX40 is a small handheld marine VHF, measuring 2.05 in wide, 3.74 in tall and 1.3 in deep, roughly the size of a deck of cards. It puts out 6W, selectable down to 2.5W or 1W, and carries a built-in 7.4V, 1850mAh lithium polymer battery. On the operating side it has NOAA weather channels with alert, scanning with dual and triple watch, and a preset key that recalls up to 10 favorite channels. It also receives FM broadcast radio. It is backed by a three-year waterproof warranty, and it only floats when fitted in the optional SHC-29 flotation case.
Our take
The HX40's selectable 6, 2.5 or 1W output lets you drop power for short-range chatter and save the battery, then go to full 6W when distance matters. Since it floats only in the optional SHC-29 case, plan on that if it might go over the side.
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.