The Uniden Oceanus is an inexpensive basic marine VHF radio with a variety of extra features for little extra money. Let’s call it a mid-level performer for an entry level price tag.
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.
Buy this Uniden marine VHF radio here.
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—Now Class D Equipped
The Oceanus has been updated a class D DSC rating to meet new FCC regulations which specify all marine VHF radios contain two integral receivers, one for voice and one for digital. 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.
Buy this Uniden marine VHF radio here.
Final Thoughts
The Uniden Oceanus is an impressive design with a myriad of features including a class D DSC rating, a 3-year warranty and a submersible waterproof rating.