North Wales Kayak Fishing

firstly i would like to thank buddy for allowing me to use his radio for this first impresions review .
below is the full speck on this radio they are very impresive

* Unique Compact Design.
* Submersible to JIS7 Standards.
* Tri-Watch.
* Unlimited Channel Memory.
* External Speaker/Mic Jack
* Selectable Power Output - 1, 3 or 5 Watts.
* Large Illuminated Display
* Signal Strength Meter (Transmit & Receive Signal Bars).
* Illuminated Function Keys.
* Instant Channel 16.
* Spring Loaded Belt Clip.
* ATIS (Automatic Transponder Identification System)
* Alkaline Battery Tray Also included for Emergency Power Use.
* 12v and 230v Charging Leads & Docking Cradle Included.

Image description

The layout and design of this new radio make it both stylish and easy to use
All the casing edges are rounded and the radio fits nicely in to the hand
The button layout is very easy to understand and use even with wet cold hands it would be no problem using these buttons

Image description

Above you get a feel for how easy to navigate the various functions with the easy to use button lay out.
The large clear display makes it easy to see what you are reading.
Note the rew button this allows you to hear the last few seconds of a message again just press it and it will replay the last few seconds of the last received message so if you miss what someone says then just click the rew button and hear it again this feature will come in very handy.

Image description

Above shows the nice large transmit button its important that this button is large and easy to press specially with wet cold hands

Image description

Above is the rear of the radio note the positive locking catch on the battery compartment and the clever lines to aid in gripping the radio

Image description

Above is the desktop charging unit for this radio you can charge the battery either while it is on the radio or while it is off the radio by using the spacer adaptor in the charger the radio has a positive lock when it is inserted in to the charging unit.

Image description
A fantastic part of this radio kit is the addition of the second battery clip you can insert a set of batteries and replace the supplied rechargeable battery pack this is a very handy thing if you are going to be using the radio for a few days at a time and not have access to mains to re-charge it the battery capacity is plenty for 2/3 days fishing but its nice to have the option to have a spare set of batteries in case your battery runs down.

I liked the feel of this radio in the hand it feels very comfortable and its robust so It will take the knocks radios tend to get the large clearly marked buttons and easy layout make the radio very easy to use and navigate through the various functions the retail of this radio is £129.96 I feel for £129.96 you are getting a lot for your money with this radio and its sure to be a winner amongst the kayak fraternity.

To operate a vhf marine radio legally you require a certificate of competence usually this is a 1 day course and an OFCOM portable ship licence