This handheld marine VHF radio from Cobra Marine is model MR HH500 FLT BT EU with built-in Bluetooth, a floating design, and selectable transmit power of 1, 3, or 6 W. The radio is developed for marine two-way communication between boats and between boat and shore, and provides access to international marine VHF channels.
Bluetooth 2.0 makes it possible to pair the radio with a mobile phone and handle incoming and outgoing phone calls while the phone is kept dry and safe. The verified Bluetooth range is up to 10 m. The function supports automatic reconnection after initial pairing as well as VOX for Bluetooth telephony when this function is activated.
The floating design features an orange high-visibility detail, which makes the radio easier to find in the water. The IPX7 rating provides protection against immersion in up to 1 m of water for 30 minutes, provided the battery and all port covers are correctly fitted. The BURP function helps expel water from the speaker grille after contact with water or heavy rain. The radio's buoyancy assumes the use of the included battery pack.
Rewind-Say-Again automatically records the last 20 seconds of VHF communication so that a missed call can be replayed. Tri-Watch monitors channel 16 and two user-programmed channels. The radio also features channel scanning, memory channel scanning, programmable memory channels, signal strength meter, key lock, noise-canceling microphone, VibrAlert, battery status indicator, 10 selectable call tones, and selectable Roger Beep.
The illuminated LCD display and backlit function keys provide clear operation under varying light conditions. A dedicated key provides direct channel selection for channels 16 and 9, and ATIS is supported for European inland waterways where the system is required. In the EU, the international channel group must be used; American and Canadian channel groups may not be used here.
The rechargeable 1000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery has a nominal voltage of 7.4 V DC. Operating time is up to 8 hours at 6 W or 16 hours at 1 W, measured at 5% transmit, 5% receive, and 90% standby. Delivery includes battery, 220 V adapter, desktop charger, 12 V charger with accessory plug, replaceable spare antenna, and belt clip. The radio also has a port for an external speaker/microphone.
The radio measures 123 × 62 × 36 mm without the antenna and weighs 228 g without the battery. The operating temperature is -20 °C to +50 °C. The receive range is 156.025-163.275 MHz, while the transmit range is 155.450-162.425 MHz. The channel spacing is 25 kHz.
Related accessories
Verified accessories include the CM 110-024 battery tray for five AA alkaline batteries, CM 110-026 spare 1000 mAh battery, CM 110-030 desktop charger, CM 120-006 AC charging adapter, CM 300-002 replacement antenna, and CM 330-001 external lapel/speaker microphone.
Key featuresFloating handheld marine VHF radio
IPX7-waterproof construction
Selectable transmit power of 1, 3, or 6 W
Bluetooth 2.0 with up to 10 m range
Rewind-Say-Again with 20 seconds of replay
BURP function for speaker grille
Tri-Watch, channel scanning, and ATIS
1000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery
Illuminated LCD display and backlit keys
Port for external speaker/microphone
