North Wales Kayak Fishing

Cobra mr-f80 vhf fixed radio

my first impresion review of this radio
firstly below is the official list of features
* Class-D DSC Capability.
* Only Cobra has the Rewind-Say-Again (TM) Digital Voice Recording Feature.
* Local and Distant Mode for Busy Waterways and Maximum Sensitivity.
* Channel ID - Channel Description
* Channel Changing Rotary Knob
* Custom Channel Preset Buttons
* 90% Operation from Hand Mic
* 1-25 watts of Power Output
* Comes with Standard Bracket, Flsuh Mount Hardware and GPS Cable.
* PA Output with Dedicated PA Button.
* Tri-Watch & Memory Scan Feature
* Submersible to JIS7 standards.
* All International, Canadian and USA VHF Channels.
* Two-Way NMEA and Position Polling
* ATIS (Automatic Transponder Identification System)
In recent years a whole new type of fixed vhf radios have emerged
These are the waterproof ones this radio
Is Submersible/Waterproof (JIS7 Standard)
So the fixed sets are now available to all water sports users specially us kayak fishermen and this radio is right at the top of the range .the main advantages are we get a much more powerful radio a full 25watts .

 

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Above you can see the large screen display and the easy button layout
Of this radio note the rew function which replays the last 10 seconds of a call back to you so if you did not hear what was said clearly just press the rew button and it plays it back to you .the buttons and functions are very easy to use and operate eve with wet cold hands

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Several options for fitting are included with this radio including a flush mount kit
The radio casing is very stylish and robust construction which includes the built in waterproof crystal clear speaker

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The functions can be operated from the fist mike which is very comfortable in the hand so one handed operation is made easy

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Above shows the rear connectors the large black plug is so you can add a gps repeater so the radio will show you your gps co-ordinates .and if the distress button is pressed it will also transmit your co-ordinates to the coast guard during your transmission to him.

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I think cobra have got this radio just right the radio retails at £169.95 but for the quality and piece of mind you are buying its well worth the price this radio is the top of the range fixed set and offers us kayak fishermen the chance to now use fixed sets that will cope with getting wet in the kayaks.

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

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