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WEST MARINE
VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio
Affordable West Marine VHF radio reflects the latest in Class D Digital Selective Calling (DSC) features and includes DSC calling with Position send, Request, and test calling. Full Class D DSC radio (meets 2013 M493.13 requirements). Built to withstand the toughest of environments, it meets the highest submersible standard of IPX8, features a microphone wih a non-slip rubber grip, and provides a large backlit full dot matrix-display for easy viewing of the DSC information.
- Channel Selection: Controls: Volume, Squelch, 8 keys
- Mic Controls: Channel, up/down, scan and 16/9 keys
- Display Type: Dot matrix LCD
- Scanning Modes: Programmable channel scan
- Weather Alert: S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert
- Receiver Performance: 0.25µV
- Interface Inputs/Outputs: NMEA0183 input and output
- Dimensions: 6.25"W X 2.5"H X 6.0"D
- Waterproof: Rated Submersible IPX8
- Warranty: Three-year waterproof
Product Specs
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
17%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Waterproof (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (4)
Reviewed by 7 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Channel Names
- Channel Names Display
- Dsc-equipped
- Dsc-equippped
- Durable
- Easy To Install
- Large display
- Reliable
- Waterproof
Cons
- "input Position" Alarm
- Low Volume Underway
- No Ext Speaker Option
- Volume
Best Uses
- Small Boats
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
The three year warranty and display features alone make this radio well worth its price. I looked at other more expensive brands, and much preferred the display of this one to the others. When changing channels, I agree that the display is small, but the normal display makes that small inconvenience worth it. Any problems described by others should be covered by the warranty, and West Marine has been very responsive to me in the past with issues on other items. I recommend this radio as a basic unit with some advanced features. The only issue I have with it is the annoyance of the "input position" alarm. Otherwise, I'm very happy with it.
Pros
Cons
- Poor quality
Best Uses
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
Received radio when I purchased a nearly new boat. Radio was wired into boat by a certified electrician and worked until speaker died after <20 hours of operation. No local repair shops would fix. Would not recommend.
Pros
- Compact
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
This radio works well. DSC is a big advantage, but requires some skill with installation. Once installed, the automatic broadcast of vessel position and identification is very useful for safety and communicating with other vessels. We connect the radio to our Vesper 850 AIS unit for location and keep additional hand held radios on board for redundancy.
Pros
Cons
- Poorly Designed
- Speaker Failure At 212 Y
Best Uses
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
I have never had a problem with previous fixed mounted or handheld radios except for this one. The speaker failed to work at 21/2 years after I purchased the radio. I prefer ICOM brand, it is very reliable.
Pros
Cons
- Difficult To Install
- Not Safe
- Poorly Designed
Best Uses
- Low Battery Alarm
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
Low battery alarm disables communications when voltage gets down to 11.7 volts. If I needed to call for help, I'm sure it would be when my engine was not running or able to charge the batteries. I am throwing mine overboad and buying a different brand. Not Uniden
Pros
- Easy To Install
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
The low battery alarms start 10 minutes in and never stop making radio unusable. Look for something else.
Pros
- Great speaker
Cons
- Gps alarms
- Low voltage alarms
- Numbers so small they are
Best Uses
Comments about VHF580 Fixed Mount VHF Radio:
"input position" alarms and "low voltage" alarms when the voltage is below 12.5 interrupt conversations and make the radio useless in an emergency.
When switching channels, the numbers are so small, your face has to be right up to the screen.
Displaying reviews 1-7
Merchant response: Please consider contacting our Customer Care Department at 1-800-262-8464 so we can try to resolve your problem. (International customers please email catintl@westmarine.com or call 1-831-761-4800).