The Standard Horizon PS1000 Phantom couples a VHF radio to a RAM+ microphone and replaces the radio faceplate with a blank cover.
The radio box mounts in an out-of-the-way place, and only the large hand microphone with full controls hangs at the helm.
Standard Horizon PS1000
According to Scott Iverson, Standard Horizon Marketing Manager, the Phantom is a “black box VHF specifically designed for center consoles and other vessels with little or no dash space.”
Performance
Transmitter power output was above average and fairly stable over the full range of temperatures and voltages. Frequency stability was rated excellent. Receive sensitivity was rated good, while the selectivity specification is 70 dB. In audio testing, the PS1000 managed a sound level of 89 dB.
The display on the RAM+ microphone coupled to the PS1000 was rated good. It has easy-to-see block-style channel numbers, adjustable backlighting and contrast, displays alpha channel information, and has both transmit and receive icons.
Operation
Dedicated on the front of the Phantoms RAM+ microphone provide quick 16/9 channel selection, scan, dual watch, high/low transmitter power, and access to the menu. Power, volume, and squelch are controlled by pushbuttons on the top of the hand mike. Manual channel selection is accomplished using a toggle on the side. The Nav button on the Phantom toggles between channel comments and boat position.
Phantom features Dual Watch, Priority scan, and Memory scan. Memory and Priority scanning is available after the desired channels are placed in memory. Memory scan looks at all channels in memory in numerical order from lowest to highest. Priority scan inserts a look at channel 16 each memory channel.
Digital Selective Calling
DSC calling capability of the PS1000 Phantom is limited. This radio will send and receive distress, individual, and all ships calls.
Compare Prices for VHF Radios.
Final Thoughts
If panel space is limited on your boat, the Standard Horizon Phantom is a good choice.