This Cobra Marine MR HH600 GPS BT EU handheld VHF radio is a floating marine radio for safety, emergency, and operational communication between vessels and coastal stations. It combines selectable transmit power of 1 W, 3 W, or 6 W with built-in GPS, DSC Class D, ATIS, and Bluetooth 4.1.
The integrated DSC function monitors channel 70 simultaneously with VHF channel 16. When a valid MMSI is programmed, a DSC distress call can include both the MMSI and the current GPS position. The radio supports international marine VHF channels as well as built-in US and Canadian channel maps. Channel scanning, memory channel scanning, Tri-Watch, direct channel selection, key lock, and a signal strength indicator make it easier to monitor relevant radio traffic.
The GPS receiver displays coordinates and supports digital compass, course, speed, distance, and navigation to saved waypoints. A dedicated MOB button saves the current position and can start navigation back to the location. The MOB function does not automatically send a distress call, but a DSC distress call can be selected subsequently. GPS data can be sent to compatible navigation equipment via the included NMEA 0183 cable with EIA-422 output.
The radio floats with the included Li-ion battery pack and has an IPX8/JIS8 water resistance rating, certified for 1 meter of water depth for 30 minutes. The black design features a high-visibility orange core, and the water-activated light flashes when a powered-on radio comes into contact with water. The LED light can also be used as a flashlight, strobe, or SOS signal. The BURP function helps expel water from the speaker grille.
Bluetooth 4.1 makes it possible to use the radio's speaker and microphone for phone calls while a compatible mobile phone is kept dry. Up to eight phones can be stored, but only one can be actively connected at a time. The stated Bluetooth range is 10 m. The function supports, among other things, receiving calls, redialing, compatible voice dialing, and VOX, but the radio cannot be paired with a standard Bluetooth headset.
Rewind-Say-Again records the last 20 seconds of an incoming VHF transmission, while the noise-canceling microphone limits background noise during speech. The radio also has VibrAlert, Roger Beep, selectable call tones, battery status indicator, backlit LCD display, and illuminated buttons. Product dimensions without antenna are 131 × 72 × 47 mm, and the weight is 329 g including the Li-ion battery pack.
Included are a rechargeable Li-ion battery pack CM 110-034, AA battery tray CM 110-035 for five alkaline AA batteries, drop-in charging base, AC charger, DC charger for car or boat, removable antenna, belt clip, wrist strap, and NMEA output cable. The charging base can sit on a horizontal surface or be mounted on a vertical bulkhead. Buoyancy is only certified with the included Li-ion battery pack and is not guaranteed with the AA battery tray.
The radio should be rinsed with fresh water after use in saltwater. During transmission, a distance of at least 5 cm to people must be maintained, and a distance of at least 0.9 m to a magnetic navigation compass is recommended.
Key featuresSelectable transmit power: 1 W, 3 W, or 6 W
Built-in GPS and DSC Class D
ATIS for relevant European inland waterways
Bluetooth 4.1 with up to 10 m range
Floating design with the Li-ion battery pack
IPX8/JIS8 – 1 m for 30 minutes
MOB, Tri-Watch, and Rewind-Say-Again function
NMEA 0183 output via included cable
LED flashlight, strobe, SOS light, and water-activated flash
Li-ion battery, AA battery tray, and AC and DC charger included
