The HX300E has unlimited memory scan channels, which can be organised into a priority list if preferred. In default it does indeed alternate between Ch16 and Ch09, but once you set a dual-watch (DW) channel, it changes to toggle between that and Ch16, perhaps Ch80 for marina calling, or the local coastguard – Ch67 for us. There is also a Ch16/09 key, which is for quick selection between Ch16 and a second calling channel (Ch09 is reserved for calling in the US). You could of course add the regular ship-to-ship channels as well. I preset channels 80, 67, 23, 13 and 12 so that, along with the dedicated Ch16 button, I had all I needed for the Solent area. Up/down arrow keys are used for rapid channel change, menu selection and level settings.īeing able to preset up to 10 channels is a really useful function when you only have up/down keys to scroll through to the one you want. This radio is simple to use, with many of the most frequently used functions, such as scan, dual watch, high/low power, keypad lock and channel preset having their own dedicated keys. Unlike the 290E, it doesn’t have a remote microphone socket.
There is also a permanent, 5-stage battery charge level indicator. The LCD shows the current channel in large digits, along with the volume and squelch levels, which are adjusted via the keypad rather than rotating knobs. The transmit button falls easily to your thumb or forefinger, depending on which hand you hold it in, and the large, backlit LCD is easy to read – even without glasses. With the body measuring just 125mm by 62mm by 35mm, it fits neatly into your palm and has the usual bendy antenna. In addition it is fully submersible, floats and has a water-activated light to help trace it at night should it go overboard. The radio comes with a mains/USB charger and lead, but an optional pack for alkaline batteries is also available for emergency use. It is also lighter (240g) as a result of the smaller, lithium-ion battery pack, but has no less duration thanks to its 1,560mAh capacity. While its 280E and 290E models are still available, the HX300E’s main difference is that it has the new 3.7V battery technology and can therefore be charged using any USB power source. Prolific marine VHF producer, Standard Horizon, recently introduced its latest compact handheld VHF, the 5W/1W HX300E.