Standard Horizon HX320E Floating VHF Handheld Radio

The Standard Horizon HX320E Floating Handheld VHF Radio is a 6W portable marine transceiver for European and international channels. It combines IPX7 submersibility, a water-activated white strobe, Bluetooth headset operation, 700mW internal audio, USB Type-C charging and a built-in 2100mAh Lithium-Polymer battery rated for up to 17 hours under the stated operating cycle.

What is the Standard Horizon HX320E used for?

The HX320E is designed for marine voice communication between vessels, marinas, harbour authorities and shore stations on permitted VHF marine channels. Its portable, floating construction makes it suitable as the primary radio aboard a small craft or tender and as a backup VHF aboard a larger sailing or motor vessel.

A dedicated 16/S control provides immediate access to emergency Channel 16. Memory scanning, priority scanning and dual or triple watch functions help monitor working, priority and preset channels. Up to 10 frequently used channels can be stored for quick recall.

Does the HX320E float and is it waterproof?

Yes. The Standard Horizon HX320E is designed to float and is submersible to IPX7, equivalent to immersion in up to 1 metre of water for 30 minutes.

When the radio comes into contact with water, its white emergency strobe automatically illuminates to make the unit easier to locate in poor light. The water-activated strobe operates whether the radio is switched on or off.

The IPX7 protection applies when the microphone and speaker socket and USB charging socket are securely closed with their rubber caps.

What transmit power and audio output does the HX320E provide?

The HX320E provides three selectable transmit settings:

• 6W for maximum permitted transmitting power
• 2.5W for medium-range communication
• 1W for short-range communication and reduced battery consumption

Some countries require the highest transmit output to be restricted to 5W. Channel availability and permitted output power depend on the selected region and applicable national regulations.

The internal speaker produces up to 700mW of audio output, helping voice transmissions remain audible in engine noise, wind and other demanding marine environments.

Does the HX320E support Bluetooth?

Yes. The HX320E has built-in Bluetooth functionality for wireless headset operation. It is compatible with the optional Standard Horizon SSM-BT10 Bluetooth headset and may also connect to compatible commercially available Bluetooth headsets.

When used with a supported headset, the radio can provide wireless received audio, push-button transmission and hands-free VOX operation. Standard Horizon does not guarantee operation with every third-party Bluetooth headset.

Is the HX320E suitable for European marine channels?

Yes. The HX320E is the European and Asian version of the HX320 platform and supports international and applicable regional marine channel groups.

The HX320E also supports ATIS mode for use on compatible European inland waterways. An ATIS identification number must be obtained from the relevant marine or communications authority. The ATIS number can only be entered once by the user, so it must be checked carefully before programming.

Battery and USB-C Charging

The HX320E has a built-in 7.4V, 2100mAh Lithium-Polymer battery. It provides approximately 17 hours of operation based on a cycle of five seconds transmitting, five seconds receiving and 90 seconds in standby, with high transmit power selected and Bluetooth switched off.

The radio is equipped with a USB Type-C charging connection and accepts a 5V/1A USB charging input. A fully discharged battery takes approximately five hours to recharge using the specified charging equipment.

The radio is supplied with a USB AC adapter, charger cradle and USB Type-A to USB Type-C charging cable. Other compatible USB charging devices may be used, although operation with every third-party charger is not guaranteed.

Display and Controls

The large LCD presents bold channel information for improved visibility in daylight and low-light conditions. Three programmable soft keys can be assigned to frequently used functions through the setup menu.

• Direct Channel 16 access
• Memory and priority scanning
• Dual-watch and triple-watch monitoring
• Preset storage for up to 10 channels
• Programmable function keys
• Battery-level display
• Transmit time-out timer
• Keypad lock
• Adjustable volume and squelch
• Integrated FM broadcast receiver

FM Broadcast Receiver

The integrated FM broadcast receiver covers 65–108MHz in 100kHz frequency steps. Its stated sensitivity is 1.0µV for 12dB SINAD.

NOAA weather-channel reception and weather alerts are available only in regions covered by the NOAA weather service and are not a core European HX320E function.

What is included with the HX320E?

• Standard Horizon HX320E handheld VHF radio
• SRA-19B VHF marine antenna
• SBH-49 charger cradle
• SAD-27 USB AC adapter
• USB Type-A to USB Type-C charging cable
• CLIP-22 belt clip
• Hand strap
• Operating manual

Key Features

• Floating handheld marine VHF transceiver
• IPX7 submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes
• Water-activated white emergency strobe
• Selectable 6W, 2.5W and 1W transmit power
• 700mW internal speaker output
• Built-in Bluetooth wireless operation
• Compatible with optional SSM-BT10 Bluetooth headset
• European and international marine channel groups
• ATIS support for European inland waterways
• Large LCD channel display
• Direct access to emergency Channel 16
• Memory scan and priority scan
• Dual-watch and triple-watch monitoring
• Storage for up to 10 preset channels
• Built-in 2100mAh Lithium-Polymer battery
• Up to 17 hours operating time under the stated duty cycle
• USB Type-C charging connection
• Integrated 65–108MHz FM broadcast receiver
• Compact 60 × 133 × 42mm housing
• Approximate weight of 290g