This week's product - the hand-held VHF that swims

4:58 AM Wed 15 Apr 2009 GMT

'The VHF that goes swimming' .

You may say "I would NEVER drop the VHF in the drink." but haven't sailors have said that often about keys, sunglasses and barbecue tongs? When one is typically using the VHF for communications in less secure situations - like on the beach or in the dinghy - a VHF that floats and doesn't stop operating when it gets its toes wet is sure to bring a little extra peace of mind. Of course, this VHF has other virtues too.

Designed by people who have been in the situation and know what is needed, this hand-held has a 'loud' button. When you need an instant "boost" in the volume, a simple push of the "loud" button gives you full volume immediately. In addition, holding the "loud" button in for a few seconds mutes the audio.

Ever tried communicating from the engine room? The sub-microphone on the rear panel inverts phase and cancels out quite a lot of ambient noise from the main microphone, and it also detects the high noise environment and increases the volume. As a result, it reduces the effect of background noise reasonably effectively. It certainly makes it easier to catch voice communication in any noisy environment.

Its other feature seem reasonably similar to other hand-held VHF units, it's got pretty low power consumption, is quite compact and easy to use.

As for its waterproof ability, the manufacturers claim that it can withstand water at 1 metre depth for half an hour. That means you really wouldn't go swimming with it, but it WILL give you a chance to reach, scoop or dive overboard to retrieve it, and that is the winner.

For more information or to find a dealer near you go to the ICOMwebsite

by BW Media

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This week's product - the hand-held VHF that swims

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