The Uniden Solara D UM380 is the current entry level marine VHF radio from marine electronics maker, Uniden. It features basic transmit and receive capabilites as well as a DSC class D rating.
Beyond the basics its feature list is relatively short.
Buy this Uniden marine VHF radio here.
Performance
Transmitter power output was fairly stable throughout the range of tests.
Frequency accuracy was off at temperature extremes causing us to rate the transmitter frequency stability only fair.
Receiver performance was a bit better with an excellent rating achieved for sensitivity.
The selectivity specification was about average at 67 dB. Audio performance was only mediocre.
Operation
Scanning on the Solara is limited to all-channel scanning. We rated this unit only fair for value added features.
The display window in the Solara is small. Channel numbers are shown on the right side of the screen and no channel comments are displayed. Backlighting is factory set to one level.
Digital Selective Calling—Now Class D
The Solara has been upgraded to full Class D capabilities to meet the latest revision to FCC regulations governing marine VHF radios. The Class D rating means the Solara has two internal receivers, one for full time voice reception and anther dedicated to full time digital calling reception. It can make a DSC distress call, an individual call, and an all-ships call using priority messaging.
Buy this Uniden marine VHF radio here.
Final Thoughts
The inexpensive Uniden Solara D UM380 marine VHF radio is an average performer and with a minimal list of features and a new class D DSC rating.