Uniden MHS550 Marine VHF Handheld Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was looking for a portable VHF marine radio to use on kayaking trips in and around the San Francisco Bay.After researching everything available, I chose the Uniden MHS550 -- and am glad I did.Here's why:

1.SIZE: this unit is quite small and compact; it easily fits into the pocket of my PFD.

2.TOUGHNESS: The radio is waterproof to the JIS8 standard.This means it can be submerged to a depth of 5 feet for 30 minutes, without any water intrusion.It looks to be all cast-aluminum and rubber, and should take quite a hit without damage.It is nicely designed and very well-built.

3.FRS COMPATIBLE: I bought my wife and daughter Midland waterproof FRS radios because they're tough AND cheap.Since the Uniden has FRS channels, this allows me to easily keep in touch with them -- without the expense of buying 3 VHF radios.

4.MULTI-BAND: in addition to VHF and FRS, this unit has AM, FM, AIR, and NOAA bands.This is a feature I like a lot, as we can listen to our local AM news station if we need to keep tabs on traffic as we're headed back to our put-in.

5.LAYOUT: the radio has the on/off, volume, and squelch dial all on top of the radio.This makes it very easy to adjust without removing it from my pocket.The display is clear and bright, even in sunlight.

6.IDIOT-PROOF: I am not familiar with the VHF spectrum, but I do realize the channels are allocated for specific uses.The Uniden makes playing by the rules quite simple, as each channel appears on the display along with a description.

7.BATTERY LIFE: the radio uses lithium-ion batteries that are supposed to last 14 hours.This would clearly depend on how much transmitting you did, but I'm getting at least 20 hours of usage between charges.I use the radio for roughly two hours at a stretch, and hardly transmit at all.In addition, the radio comes with a "backup" battery pack that holds 4 AAA batteries.This is a very nice touch as it's nice to have a backup available just in case.

8.EASE OF USE: The features on the radio are very easy and intuitive to use.I've only had to consult the manual to clarify a couple of details, like how to mount the charger (which can be screwed to a counter-top or wall-mounted).

9.SOUND QUALITY: the MHS550 has a good speaker that is well amplified; it is loud yet clear, without any noticeable distortion.

The only "CONS" I've found so far:

1.The radio lacks buoyancy, so if it fell into the water it would sink.I plan to install a wrist strap with floatation, just in case.

2.I would like to have a neoprene case to store the radio in, but Uniden does not yet offer this as an accessory.

In short, this is a great little VHF that I highly recommend.It's so much better to be safe out on the water, and I know this radio is going to be there when I need it!If the MHS550 is too expensive for your needs, Uniden also offers two more affordable models -- the Uniden MHS450 and Uniden MHS350 -- that seem to share the same superb build quality.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Uniden MHS550 Marine VHF Handheld Radio

Product Description:
Waterproof Uniden MHS550 AM / FM / FRS Hand Held Radio. S.A.M.E. message coding means you never have to wonder about weather alerts. Now you don't have to run for the chart every time a weather alert comes up. The Uniden MHS550 2-way Marine Radio features the S.A.M.E. (Specific Area Message Encoding) Weather Alert feature: During a NOAA Weather or Emergency Alert, a code for your specific location will alert you to severe conditions in your immediate area. And the MHS450 also pulls in AM / FM and AIR bands so you don't have to carry 2 receivers. Built for extreme use meeting the rigorous JIS8 submersible standards (5' 30 min.). Details: Covers all USA, International and Canadian marine channels keeping you up-to-date with all the latest marine activity; All N.O.A.A. weather channels with S.A.M.E. weather alert function; AM / FM / AIR band receiver; Superior receiver performance means you hear what you're suppose to hear and nothing else; Selectable 1/2.5/5 watt switchable transmit power settings lets you change form maximum transmitting power to extended battery life; One touch 16/9 dual watch and 16/9/triple watch allows you to monitor emergency channel 16 and 9, another user selectable channel plus weather alert; 2" full Dot-Matrix display and brilliant backlighting for low light conditions; Alkaline battery tray for using common "AA" batteries (not included); Includes a 12 hour LiON battery plus 3 hour rapid charging cradle, 110/220 v AC charger and 12v DC chargers; Rubber wrapped die-cast aluminum construction; SMA flexible rubber antenna; Speaker / mic jack (mic not included). It's the marine radio that always comes back for more. Order Today! Uniden MHS550 Hand Held Radio

Want to buy Uniden MHS550 Marine VHF Handheld Radio at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below:

GARMIN 010-00564-01 Rino 530HCx 2-Way Radio With GPS/FRS/GMRS Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the 530HCx about two weeks ago to use while deer hunting in East Tennessee.Everyone in our group has GPS and two-way radio to find our way around and communicate when we are in unfamilar territory.I have been searching for a device that will take care of both needs, without having to handle two seperate pieces of equipment, and the 530HCx has worked flawlessly so far.

The satellite positioning seems to be right on and positioning after start-up was quick.I used the unit to mark several deer trails, rub lines, and possible stand placements and I was able to return to those areas very easily.I used the averaging feature to fine tune the locations and was able to get within 5-7 feet of everything I marked.

Everyone in the group said that radio transmission was crystal clear, they could hear my transmissions better than anyone elses.Don't get me wrong the Garmin in definetly a GPS first and radio second but I was very pleased with its two-way capabilities.It performed as well, if not better, than the midlands and motorolas in the group.

I also invested in TOPO US 2008 to install on the unit.I wasn't that impressed with the TOPO map but area detail is alot better than the basemap.We make several trips to Fort Campbell every year and all roads, creeks, and even fire

Click Here to see more reviews about: GARMIN 010-00564-01 Rino 530HCx 2-Way Radio With GPS/FRS/GMRS

Product Description:
Hit the trail in confidence with the Garmin Rino 530HCx, which combines a two-way FRS/GMRS radio with a high-sensitivity GPS navigator. The waterproof unit offers 22 channels and 5 watts of transmit power, so you can contact friends or rescue crews from up to 14 miles away (line of sight) over GMRS channels or up to 2 miles over FRS channels. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver, meanwhile, locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear: whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Rino 530HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most. The combined radio and navigator functions make the device a must-have for mountain climbing, alpine camping, back-country skiing, and a host of other outdoor activities.


The 530HCx navigator/2-way radio is compact and lightweight, with a 10.3-ounce housing that won't slow you down on the trail. Like the rest of the Rino series, the Rino 530HCx offers a unique Position Reporting feature, which lets you send your exact location to other Rino users in your group so that everyone can see your position on the map page. No more worrying about the lagging hikers in your group each time you reach a fork in the trail. Plus, because the 530HCx is a standard FRS/GMRS radio, you can use it to communicate with other conventional FRS/GMRS radios in the area.
The 530HCx is also equipped with a built-in electronic compass that provides bearing information even when you're standing still, along with a barometric altimeter that tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint your precise altitude. You can even use the altimeter to plot barometric pressure over time, which can help you keep an eye on changing weather conditions. And thanks to the NOAA weather radio, you'll know well in advance when a storm is advancing.


Receive detailed mapping information on the navigator's 1.3-by-1.7-inch, 256-color TFT display. Perhaps the most important feature, however, is the crystal-clear 256-color TFT display, which clearly shows attributes from the built-in basemap, including lakes, rivers, cities, interstates, national and state highways, railroads, and coastlines--in short, a host of helpful details for your outdoor adventures. Users can also expand the mapping possibilities via the microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps and the Rino 530HCx will provide step-by-step or turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
Other details include a USB interface, 500 waypoints and 50 routes, a hunt/fish calendar, hands-free voice activation (requires separately sold headset), a voice scrambler, and external temperature recording. The Rino 530HCx, which includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs for up to 14 hours per charge, measures 2.3 by 5.1 by 1.8 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Rino 530HCx radio, Americas Recreational basemap, wrist strap, belt clip, USB cable, lithium-ion battery pack and charger, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager, AC adapter, quick-start guide, user's manual.

Get 30% OFF

Want to buy GARMIN 010-00564-01 Rino 530HCx 2-Way Radio With GPS/FRS/GMRS at other amazon sites? Click the corresponding icon below: