Installed it to replace a very old radio on my 17' fish and ski. Picks up all the weathe channels, easy to install. Finally was out in the local channels and had the occasion to use it to communicate with some passing barges, and it works fine with no complaints. The only issues I foresee is the mic clip. On the back of the mic it's a plastic clip to slide into the metal holder, could easily break off, but time will tell. Overall seems to be a very good product. Definetly need an antenna with it if you plan to buy this
Decent product. I got this as a backup from my Cape Horn. This doesn't have the integrated gps but it can be connected to to exterior devices to get reading. Easy install and setup
Extremely durable and great quality....
Very easy to install unless you are trying to connect it to your GPS for auto location broadcast.
It wasn't worth the hassle.
I just give the coordinates myself.
If you are running the Nemo setup and want to auto broadcast your location get a better model.
I haven't used it on the water yet, but the radio is built solid and the mounting hardware is great.I paired it up with a Cobra GPS unit that works great (Just connect the yellow wire to the green and the green to the yellow) and so now the DSC functions work as they are supposed to. I just wish they had included a speaker on the mic handle.
I'm replacing an old uniden oceanus that bit the dust.
Versus the old one, this does not accommodate remote handsets, the old one I had (model unknown) had a jack in the back to plug in a remote base station.
In fact, the only pluggable jack on this thing is for the antenna. Leads out to power and accessories (gps mostly) are just bare wires. There's a fuse that's at least easily removable on the positive power cable.
That said, a pair of crimped heat shrink butt connectors and plugging in the antenna and I'm in business. The tuning is smooth, the speaker is not as grating as the prior one I had. The display is large and easy to read. VHF channel selection comes with brief text descriptions of the channels. The display is generally more intuitive than older models, having more resolution. The signal strength and region are all prominently displayed in a way that's intuitive.
Feature Product
- With triple watch features, DSC capabilities, a range of international marine channels and S. A. M. E Weather Alert-the UM385/UM385BK brings everything you'll need on the water into one compact design.
- Uniden's Marine Radios protect you from what lies ahead, as well as getting you out of dicey waters, by informing you the moment a storm starts brewing and transmitting your location should you need help.
- All USA/international/Canadian Marine channels, including the new 4-digit, and the Canadian "B" channels.
- IPX4 JIS4 waterproof level
- Digital Selective calling and position send and request
Description
UM385 fixed mount VHF radio - Black Features: front panel designed Canadian Marine broadcast “B” channels International 4 digit channels mea 0183 in/out25 watt fixed mount Marine Radioipx4/JIS4 waterproof level memory channel SC an triple watch features/along power switches. A. M. E. Weather Alert - specific area message encoding backlit keypad and display channel name SD SC (digital Selective calling)distress, individual, urgency, safety, position report and send, DSC test call and menu selection for auto DSC channel switching triple watch plus compatible with Uniden mrn-gpsk GPS receiver
I use it for hunting and talking to club members. Has a range of about 5 miles straight line. which is good for the area we hunt.
My 6 year old Uniden VHF Radio finally died when the microphone cord broke at the radio. I bought this radio because it is the same size of the old one and fit into the same hole (permanently mounted in my center console).
The radio is obviously meant to be mounted overhead because the microphone connection at the radio is pointed downward and CANNOT BE MOVED. That's where/why my old one failed. It's mounted near the helm in my center console and I pull UP on the mic when transmitting. I wish that the mic cord would swivel at the radio or at least allow me to change its position based on how/where it's mounted. Mind you... My last one lasted for 6 years so for the price... I figure I got my money's worth and this one appears to be at least as tough.
I installed the radio and, following the isntructions and those included with my Garmin GPS Chartplotter I wasn't able to get the units to "talk" to one another using NMEA so that the DSC would work.
I called my mechanic who, using the same instructions, hooked it all up in about 20 minutes for just a few bucks. The problem was apprently USER DEFECT rather than anything related to the product or the manual.
Now that it's all hooked up I was able to test it with the USCG who immediately responded to my "Test Message." DSC provides some real peace of mind for safety and some really cool options for calling others.
I tested the voice calling and everyone I talked to commented on how much clearer it sounds compared to my old radio (same antenna) and they all sound a whole lot more clear to me!
The display is a little hard to read but once again... That might just be my old trifocal wearing eyes.
While it's not "perfect" I'm pleased with this radio for the price!
I got this to use in my 40+ year old boat on lake Erie and thankfully I have not needed it. But it seems to work as well as anyone would expect. Has some nice features and price is not too bad.
I bought this and mounted it under the Icom radio. Being much newer, it has more bells and whistles on it including a connection to mu GPS. I now usr it as a primary and the Icom as a backup.
I missed the part that I can't replace the mic; it's molded in, not screwed on, like my previous, ancient radio. Also, I need to solder in a connection for an external speaker. It's kind of ok, because the RAM mic--or whatever it's called, the speaker in the mic--is very loud and clear. I have the unit in the cabin of my sailboat and usually keep the speaker outside but I don't think it'll be necessary.
Installation was super easy, as far as hooking up the power and antenna. Haven't hooked it to the gps yet...
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