Uniden Oceanus Marine VHF Radio

The Uniden Oceanus is another entry level marine VHF radio. This one though has a variety of extra features for little extra money that makes it a mid-level performer.

Uniden Oceanus

Performance

Transmitter performance results were generally good. The Oceanus fell a bit short in power output during the low voltage test. The receiver managed an excellent rating for sensitivity. The selectivity specification for this radio is 65 dB. Audio output hit 88 dBA with audio quality rated excellent.

Operation

The redesign of the Oceanus yielded features not normally seen on a radio in this price range. It has a public address system, time display (needs GPS input) with an alarm clock, local time adjustment, and daylight savings time adjustment.

Other features include the ability to use and input NWS FIPS codes (they allow geographical weather alert selection) and the ability to use a wireless handheld microphone.

Triple watch scanning of channel 16, 9, and any other voice or weather channel can be accomplished by pressing and holding for more than 2 seconds the 16/9/Tri key. Momentary hits of this key select channel 16 or 9. Memory scan is also available.

Digital Selective Calling

DSC capabilities on this Uniden VHF radio are extensive for a unit in this price range. It has the ability to make distress, individual, all ships, group, position request, position send, and geographical calls.

This radio can also store a group MMSI number to allow for outgoing group calls. The individual MMSI directory can store numbers for 20 other vessels.

Odds and Ends

The display screen on this radio was rated excellent. It has 12-character symbols to display channel comments, a transmit and weather alert mode icon, and 3 levels of backlighting and numerous contrast levels.

One thing missing is Alpha channel display.