Standard Horizon
Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF/GPS Radio
Best handheld marine radio for safety-conscious boaters needing reliable GPS navigation.
The Standard Horizon HX890 is a versatile handheld VHF/GPS radio designed for marine use. It features a floating, submersible design with an IPX8 waterproof rating, making it reliable in wet conditions. The integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS receiver ensures accurate positioning, while DSC functionality allows for digital selective calling. This radio also includes two scrambler systems for secure communication and an FM receiver for entertainment. Its rugged construction meets military standards, and it boasts a loud audio output with noise cancellation for clear communication. The HX890 offers selectable transmit power and a bright, full-dot matrix display for easy readability.
$149.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
77
/ 178
#77 in Marine Radios
Price vs Category Average
-70%
Below average
Frequency range
156.025161.600156.050163.275
/ TX: MHz - MHz, RX: MHz - MHz
Who it's for
- Safety-conscious boaters needing reliable emergency location tracking
- Active mariners prone to dropping gear overboard
- Recreational sailors wanting all-in-one weather and entertainment tools
Who should skip it
- Budget-focused buyers seeking basic communication functionality
- Casual users intimidated by advanced marine electronic interfaces
- Long-distance cruisers requiring continuous, non-stop power
Performance breakdown
Durability and Buoyancy
Military-grade construction and reliable floating design ensure survival in harsh conditions.
Navigation Precision
Integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS provides highly accurate positioning for marine safety.
Audio Clarity
Powerful 700mW output and noise cancellation cut through heavy wind and spray.
Emergency Readiness
Water-activated strobe and DSC functionality offer critical peace of mind offshore.
Communication Security
Dual scrambler systems provide robust privacy for sensitive or private maritime conversations.
Operational Endurance
Eleven hours of battery life covers a full day of active use.
Key Specs
Frequency range
TX: 156.025 MHz - 161.600 MHz, RX: 156.050 MHz - 163.275 MHz
Channel spacing
25 kHz
Frequency stability
±3 ppm
Antenna impedance
50 Ω
Supply voltage
7.4V DC
Weight
10.94 oz (310 g)
Case size (W x H x D)
2.60" x 5.43" x 1.50" (66 mm x 138 mm x 38 mm)
Battery Life
11 Hours
Features
- Floating and submersible design (IPX8)
- Integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capability
- Two scrambler systems for secure communication
- FM broadcast radio receiver
- Rugged construction meeting Military Standard MIL-STD-810F
- Loud audio output with noise canceling
- Water activated emergency strobe light
- Built-in 66 channel WAAS GPS Receiver
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) ITU-R M.493 Class-H Operation
- Submersible IPX8 Construction and it floats
- Rugged case construction conforms to Military Standard (MIL-STD-810F)
- 700mW Loud Audio and Noise Canceling Function for both TX/RX audio
- Water Activated Emergency "WHITE" Strobe Light
- Two Scrambler Systems built-in – 4-code CVS2500A & 32-code FVP-42
- NOAA Weather Channels with Weather Alert
- Floating and submersible design (IPX8)
- Integrated 66-channel WAAS GPS
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling) capability
- FM broadcast radio receiver
- Loud audio output with noise canceling
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Standard Horizon HX890BK for its robust reliability and intuitive operation. Users frequently highlight its dependable performance in various marine conditions, appreciating the clear communication and accurate GPS functionality. The radio's straightforward interface makes accessing essential features simple, contributing to a confident user experience. Many find it a trustworthy companion for safety and navigation on the water, affirming its solid build and user friendly design.
Know before you buy
Yes, the radio is designed to float. It also features a water-activated emergency strobe light that will automatically illuminate if the unit falls into the water, making it easier to locate in low-light conditions.
The built-in 66-channel WAAS GPS allows the radio to transmit your precise coordinates during a DSC distress call. This ensures that rescue services receive your exact location immediately when you press the emergency button.
Yes, the HX890 includes two built-in scrambler systems: a 4-code CVS2500A and a 32-code FVP-42. These allow you to encrypt your transmissions for more private communication.
The radio features a 700mW loud audio output combined with active noise-canceling technology for both transmit and receive audio. This setup is specifically engineered to cut through wind and engine noise for clearer communication.
The included Lithium-Ion battery provides approximately 11 hours of operation on a single charge. You can also manage your power usage by selecting between 1, 2, or 6 watts of transmit power depending on your range requirements.
Yes, the HX890 includes an FM broadcast receiver for entertainment and provides access to NOAA weather channels with automatic weather alerts to keep you informed of changing conditions.
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