GME
GME GX625 Handheld VHF Marine Radio – 5W Floating Waterproof Radio
The GME GX625 Handheld VHF Marine Radio is a compact, floating marine communication radio designed for recreational boating, sailing, fishing, kayaking and yacht tender operations.
Featuring 5W/1W selectable transmission power, IP66 water resistance and GME Float & Flash technology, the GX625 provides convenient vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communication in a portable, easy-to-use design.
Its floating construction and automatically flashing LCD backlight help make the radio easier to locate if accidentally dropped overboard, while the large, bright display makes it practical for use in a variety of boating conditions.
Powered by a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium-ion battery, the GME GX625 is an excellent choice for New Zealand boaties who need a dependable handheld marine VHF radio without installing a fixed-mount communication system.
Available from Barton Marine NZ, the GX625 is suitable for yacht tenders, trailer boats, fishing boats, jet skis, kayaks and general marine communication.
Key Features
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5W/1W selectable transmission power for marine communication
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IP66 water-resistant construction protects against dust and powerful water jets
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Floating design helps prevent the radio from sinking if dropped overboard
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Float & Flash technology activates a flashing LCD backlight when the radio enters the water
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1200mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
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Large, bright LCD display for convenient operation
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Dual Watch and Triple Watch monitoring functions
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Programmable channel scanning
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International, USA and Canadian marine VHF channel sets
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Flexible, removable antenna
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Compact handheld design
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Supplied with desktop charging cradle, power adaptor, belt clip and wrist strap
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Ideal for dinghies, yacht tenders, kayaks, jet skis and small boats
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Suitable for recreational marine communication throughout New Zealand
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | GME |
| Model | GX625 |
| Product Type | Handheld Marine VHF Radio |
| Transmission Power | 5W / 1W selectable |
| Frequency Range | 156.025–163.275 MHz |
| Marine Channel Sets | International, USA and Canadian |
| Waterproof Rating | IP66 |
| Floating | Yes |
| Water-Activated Flashing Display | Yes |
| Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1200mAh |
| Battery Voltage | 7.4V |
| Battery Operating Life | At least 8 hours under GME's specified 5/5/90 duty cycle |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Monitoring | Dual Watch / Triple Watch |
| Channel Scanning | Programmable |
| Antenna | Flexible, removable |
| Dimensions | 67mm W × 153mm H × 43mm D |
| Weight | Approximately 297g |
| Charging | Supplied desktop charging cradle and AC adaptor |
Specifications are based on GME's published GX625 information and may be subject to manufacturer updates.
5W/1W Selectable Transmission Power
The GME GX625 provides two selectable transmission power settings, allowing the operator to choose an appropriate output for the communication situation.
5W High Power
The higher transmission setting is useful when additional radio transmission power is required.
1W Low Power
The lower setting is useful for shorter-range communications and can help conserve battery power.
Actual communication range depends on antenna height, surrounding terrain, obstructions, atmospheric conditions and other factors. A handheld VHF should not be expected to provide the same range as a properly installed fixed-mount radio with an elevated antenna.
Floating Marine VHF Radio with Float & Flash
A particularly useful feature of the GX625 is its floating design.
If accidentally dropped into the water, the radio is designed to float, while its automatic flashing LCD backlight helps make it easier to locate.
This is especially valuable for people operating from small vessels where equipment can easily be dropped overboard.
Typical applications include:
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Yacht tenders
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Dinghies
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Jet skis
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Kayaks
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Small fishing boats
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Trailer boats
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Recreational sailing
The floating feature adds convenience, but the radio should still be secured with its wrist strap or an appropriate attachment when in use.
IP66 Water-Resistant Protection
The GX625 has an IP66 ingress protection rating, making it suitable for exposure to marine spray, rain and demanding wet conditions.
IP66 indicates protection against dust ingress and powerful water jets.
It does not mean the radio is rated for continuous underwater immersion.
For reliable operation, follow GME's instructions regarding seals, charging contacts, cleaning and drying.
Large, Bright LCD Display
The GX625 features a large, bright LCD display designed for straightforward marine radio operation.
The display provides access to important radio information, while the backlighting improves visibility in low-light conditions.
This is useful when operating a vessel early in the morning, late in the evening or in changing weather conditions.
Dual Watch & Triple Watch
The GX625 includes Dual Watch and Triple Watch monitoring functions.
These features allow the operator to monitor selected channels according to the radio's programmed operation.
This can be useful when maintaining communication with another vessel while also monitoring an important marine channel.
Programmable Channel Scanning
Programmable scanning allows the GX625 to scan selected marine VHF channels.
This is particularly useful when monitoring activity across multiple channels without manually switching between them.
Channel use should always comply with New Zealand marine radio procedures and applicable operating requirements.
Rechargeable 1200mAh Lithium-Ion Battery
The GME GX625 is powered by a rechargeable 1200mAh lithium-ion battery.
This eliminates the need to continually replace disposable batteries during normal operation.
GME specifies at least eight hours of operating life under its stated 5% transmission, 5% reception and 90% standby test cycle.
Actual battery life will vary with transmission power, frequency of use, temperature, battery condition and other operating factors.
The supplied desktop charging cradle provides a convenient way to recharge the radio between trips.
Ideal for Yacht Tenders & Dinghies
The GX625 is particularly suitable for smaller boats that do not have space or electrical power available for a fixed-mount VHF radio.
A handheld radio can provide convenient communication between a yacht tender and its main vessel, subject to suitable range and operating conditions.
Its compact size and rechargeable battery make it practical for occasional or regular tender use.
Suitable for Kayaking & Jet Skiing
A handheld marine VHF radio can be a valuable communication device for kayakers and jet ski operators travelling in areas where marine VHF communication is appropriate.
The GX625's floating construction, IP66 rating and compact dimensions make it useful for these activities.
For added security, attach the radio appropriately and keep it accessible while on the water.