Standard Horizon has upgraded its top of the range HX500E hand-held VHF to include a lithium-ion battery, resulting in a lighter unit, with higher capacity and additional benefits.
The company says it now has a battery drain of only 5-10% per month, whereas with a NiMH battery there would be about 30%.
Launched at the Collins Stewart London Boat Show, the HX500E-Li is the smallest, lightest European hand-held that Standard Horizon has ever produced (W x H x D: 60 x 104 x 30.5 mm), and the most feature packed.
Those features include a connection to add an optional speaker mic or hands-free headset, something not often found in a hand-held. This is particularly helpful for yacht racing, so the navigator can listen to the start sequences, recalls, and course information while at the same time having his hands free to concentrate on the racing.
Also included is a high intensity distress strobe light, which, in an emergency, blinks internationally recognised SOS signals to attract assistance.
The VHF is fully submersible (IPX7), with a bright LCD display and backlit keypad and screen. The user has a choice of power output options, resulting in longer talk-time. Select 2.5 or 1 watt close inshore or 5 watts when at sea or in an emergency situation. The radio will automatically select high power on Channel 16.
Additional features include a battery life indicator, 700 mW of audio power and a dual watch facility. There's also a large rotary knob, designed to make handling the radio easier with cold or gloved hands.
With antenna, lithium ion battery, charge cradle, overnight charger and DC cable with cigarette plug included, the Standard Horizon HX500E-Li retails at £139 inc VAT.
