Orangemarine is hitting the portable VHF market hard with its new WP 200. Indeed, by succeeding in offering it for less than 70 euros (69.90 euros exactly), we wanted to know more about what this product contained.
If the packaging (a simple transparent plastic blister) and the instructions are succinct, the equipment of this portable VHF is not ridiculous. It comes with a 12 and 220 V charger (we'll come back to that), a strap and a belt clip. On the other hand, the manual (translated into 4 languages) is limited to 7 pages. A bit short to understand all the features and an informed user (who knows what is a Dual/Tri watch function or the "surveillance function"...) will be better able to understand its use.
All the functions of a large
As far as functionality is concerned, this portable VHF is waterproof to IPX7 (it can withstand immersion to 1 m for 30 minutes), but only if you close the cover of the jack on top of the VHF (next to the antenna). This is undoubtedly the weak point of this device, because this plug will be used each time to recharge the VHF. As for the battery, it is delivered with 5 rechargeable batteries (in AAA format, which allows to replace them if necessary). No autonomy is advanced by the manufacturer.
It will be necessary to take care, because the VHF is charged via a traditional USB cable, not in 5 V like all the mobile devices (telephone, tablet...), but in 13,8 V. So do not use the wrong charger and do not use the WP 200 to recharge a phone. Its battery could not like... Point of detail, the VHF is not usable while it is charging. Indeed, the device cuts the speaker when a jack is connected (as the one of the recharge), thinking to deal with a hands-free kit (optional).
3 watts of emission power
Another detail, this small VHF has a maximum transmission power of 3 W. This will be largely sufficient in most situations, but may become annoying in extreme cases. In contrast, other portable VHFs transmit at twice the power (6 W).
For the rest, we find all the functions usually used on a portable model (channel scanning, dual and tri Watch, lighting adjustment ...) and even the possibility of removing water from the speaker to improve listening after immersion.
Despite some criticizable details, the exceptional price of this VHF leaves it currently without competition. Its technical characteristics, its small size and its waterproofness are likely to attract boaters to this model.
Orangemarine WP 200
- Dimensions: 63 x 119 x 35 mm
- Screen size: 33 x 24 mm
- Character size: 16 mm
- Weight with batteries: 136 g
- Waterproofing: IP-67
- Output power: 3 W and 1 W
- Price : 69,90 euros
