Cobra MR HH 125 VHF Radio

[JIMBOB]

I have just taken delivery of a Cobra MR HH 125 Marine VHF Radio. On first inspection it appears to be a good quality piece of kit. I bought it off Ebay from an American seller, it came sealed in the manufacturers packaging.

Here is the Manufacturer's product description:

The Cobra MR HH125 is a fully featured VHF radio with a rugged compact design. It's perfect for recreational boaters or as a portable backup on larger vessels. It comes standard with a removable spring loaded belt clip, lanyard and DC cigarette lighter charger. Anyone who lives, works or plays on the water needs one of these VHF radios. It is packaged with long-lasting rechargeable NiMH batteries that won't develop a memory when charging. It can also be used with 5 standard AAA alkaline batteries in emergencies. The backlit LCD and keypad allows it to be used in low light conditions and will turn off automatically to conserve battery power. The built-in NOAA channels and NOAA weather alert give you 24-hour access to local weather information. It also acts as an all-hazards emergency receiver and will alert you to weather, natural disasters and other emergencies provided to the National Weather Service by local and state government officials.

In the box:

MR HH125 Marine VHF Radio
Five 850 mAh AAA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
12V Accessory Charger
Spring Loaded Belt clip
Wrist Strap
Instruction Manual

Specifications:

Length : 31 mm
Width: 62 mm
Height: 102 mm
Weight: 228 g
Battery life: 9.4 hours @ 3 Watts or 12 hours @ 1 Watt
Waterproof: to JIS4 Specifications

The radio came supplied with a users manual, a wrist strap, a belt clip, five rechargeable Nimh AAA batteries and a 12v charger with cigar lighter plug. The batteries came fully charged.

The radio itself is very compact and fits nicely in the hand, and as such is ideal for use on a kayak. The on / off button is easy to use and the other buttons shouldn't present a problem even when using with wet or cold hands. It has a dedicated channel 16 button for use in an emergency situation. The antenna is about 6" long and made from a rubbery type flexible plastic which seams quite robust.

Here are some pictures of the radio:















I paid £24.00 for this radio and including delivery it was £33.00 I also had to pay a customs and excise charge of £11.00 which meant the total came in at £44.00! I think that for this kind of money it represents very good value and would consider it to be an affordable entry level model. One thing that I would say is that the belt clip isn't that good and lets the unit down. I shall probably not use the belt clip but will attach a longer more suitable lanyard to attach to my PFD.

I shall add to this review as and when the radio gets more use.

Jim.

[vlad]

I think it is very important to mention that this model has only 2 WATS output - covers 2 miles. This is less than half the usual 5 WATS output of the other VHF radios used for kayak fishing.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cobra-MR-HH125-Marine-VHF-Hand-Held-Radio-waterproof_W0QQitemZ220268104245QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220268104245&_trkparms=72%3A984|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

[ZEBRA]

great review jimbob it will be interesting to see how it gets on after its been used a few times
but initialy it looks very good

[JIMBOB]

That write up on ebay is wrong Vlad, the maximum is 3 watts not 2. Like I said, my personal view is that this would make an ideal entry level radio for somebody new to the sport who will be mainly fishing close to shore. It will be more than adequate for any solo fishing which I shall be doing and if I do choose to go out further I will be with the more experienced members who are better equiped. Having said that, this radio would be invaluable for keeping in contact with those more experienced, if the need arose, as it could be used to communicate directly with them if I got into difficulty.

Whilst I think you have a valid point I feel I should point out that
I chose this particular radio for a number of reasons. It is a quality brand at an affordable price which meets my requirements and forms part of my basic safety kit. If I fish solo it will be a local venue to where I live where there is a coastguard station over looking me in the water ( I could probably wave to them through the window ;D) There are also two life guards at this venue whom I could be in radio contact with through the tide.

As and when the time comes for me to upgrade then yes I would spend a lot more money for a more powerfull radio with a longer range, but until then I would sooner go out armed with this radio than none at all !!

[SEAJUNKY]

3 Watts are better then no watts. In fact the Icom M71 which a few of us have, has a reduced power output option, so when fishing close together your battery lasts longer and you do not interfere with other radio traffic. It will as you say allow you to communicate with other kayakers in a group. How durable it is remains to be seen. But at that price it looks the business.

[JIMBOB]

My sentiments exactly Steve. This radio is switchable between 1 and 3 Watts to conserve power too. It also has a kind of sleep mode which helps to save power it awakes again at the press of a key or if receiving a transmission.

[vlad]

I am convinced!
If it proves to be properly waterproof I am buying one

[izzetafox]

One question that is unanswered is 'Is the unit 'CE' marked?
I think I am right in saying that unless it is so marked it is deemed illegal for use in Europe. Apparrently there is a possibility that transmissions 'could' interfere with other emergency frequencies.

[JIMBOB]

That's an interesting point! I have looked into this briefly but will delve a bit deeper when I get the chance. It would appear that this type of equipment is exempt from CE marking classifications because they must comply with international maritime regulations. I believe this has something to do with the fact that all vessels at sea, with permission, can travel globally through international waters and therefore have their own systems of regulation in place, which are recognized across the world.

One article I found was this and I draw your attention to the last paragraph high lighted in bold italics.

The R&TTE directive and the UK radio interference requirements and the merchant shipping (marine equipment) regulations 1999

Under the Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Regulations 2000, which implements the EU Directive 99/5/EC (the R&TTE Directive), it is a legal requirement that all radio equipment (with certain specific exceptions) meets certain essential requirements. It is the responsibility of any person who places radio equipment on the market or takes it into service to ensure that the requirements of the R&TTE Directive are met, that it is marked with the CE marking, and that a written declaration of conformity has been drawn up for it together with information for the user on the intended use of the equipment (e.g. Maritime radio).

The R&TTE Directive replaced the old type approval regime and came into force on 8 April 2000; prior to this time it was still a legal requirement for maritime radio equipment to be type approved under section 84 of the Telecommunications Act 1984. The Directive also had a one year transition period during which equipment already covered by a type approval continued to be placed on the market and taken into service. No new type approvals have been issued since 7 April 2000. Since 7 April 2001 only equipment that complies with the R&TTE Directive may be placed on the market, though equipment already type approved may continue to be taken into service. Moreover, such equipment already taken into service would satisfy the terms of the licence.

In addition, it is the licensee's responsibility to ensure that all maritime radio equipment to be covered by the ship licence meets the relevant UK Radio Interface Requirement. UK Radio Interface Requirements provide a high level description of spectrum use (frequency range, channel spacing, output power, where appropriate a technology to be used, licensing regime, etc). Details of the relevant UK Radio Interface Requirements can be obtained from the Radiocommunications Agency.

One of the exceptions mentioned above is that of maritime radio equipment within the scope of the Directive 96/98/EC (the "Marine Equipment Directive"). This is implemented by the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 1999. This equipment is not within the scope of the R&TTE Directive but must meet the requirements of the Marine Equipment Directive.

I must add that it does seem to be a very confusing issue and probably a legal mine field of red tape and small print. I will look into this more over the next few days to see if I can clarify the ruling. How many radios are there amongst us with or without the CE marking? Mine has no CE marking that I can see but then I haven't removed the batteries to check yet (I'm supposed to be working ) I shall look later.

[izzetafox]

Jim,
Mine has...but it was brought from a UK seller and I think you will find all EU sellers ( except possibly some grey importers) will be CE marked and all non EU sellers will not.
I believe I read somewhere, but I may be wrong, that some channels are a different frequency either side of the pond.
I cannot believe EU supplies would go to the expense of CE certification unless they were obliged to.
Interesting.....

[JIMBOB]

My understanding is that if the equipment is manufactured for the European market then it must be certified and display the CE markings. However, the use of Maritime radio equipment (which includes VHF) is regulated by the international Radio Regulations as set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and therefore such equipment is exempt from the CE regulations in relation to their use. If I had bought the radio from a UK or European seller and the unit didn't display the CE markings then yes it would be in breach of the regulations and therefore against the law.

As I say this is my understanding of the regs, through searching the net, but it shall seek proper advice regarding the situation and post my findings here.

I'd still be interested to find out how many other members' radios are CE marked.

[izzetafox]

I bow to your investigations.