Entel DX544-IS UL913 Marine VHF Handheld Radio

The Entel DX544-IS UL913 Marine VHF Handheld Radio is aimed at non-EU projects that base hazardous-area selection on UL913 certification. It gives operations teams 5 W high and 1 W low transmit settings across 156-163 MHz VHF, allowing a radio manager to include output level in the channel and coverage plan for each site. The handset provides INT/USA/CAN marine channels and 16 private channels, with a white-on-black OLED display and 3 programmable buttons. Its CNB450E-IS 2200 mAh Lithium-ion battery has a specified 14-hour endurance under a 5/5/90 analogue duty cycle. The unit also combines IP68 protection and 3 W audio output in a 269 g body, making it the lighter, higher-output choice in this family comparison.

Entel DX544-IS UL913 Marine VHF Handheld Radio in field use

The 5 W and 1 W settings provide a practical way to align transmission with the site’s communications plan. A radio team can approve the required setting for each group and channel after testing at working points, then document that choice in the programming record. The handset is analogue only and supports 12.5 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing with 16K0F3E FM modulation. Analogue receiver sensitivity is -120 dBm, or 0.2 uV for 12 dB SINAD, giving a technical reviewer a defined input for reception assessment. Regional INT/USA/CAN marine plans and 16 private channels support separation between marine-plan traffic and internally arranged groups.

The 3 W audio output is operationally relevant for teams working near movement and equipment, and it can be checked in the actual environment before a wider rollout. The high-contrast OLED presents channel and status information in white on black, while 3 programmable buttons place recurring functions within direct reach. The radio operates at 7.6 V, and the battery supports the specified 14-hour duration under the stated duty cycle. Charging schedules can connect this figure to shift length and the site’s real calling pattern, establishing when units return to their chargers between duty periods.

UL913 certification for hazardous areas

Intrinsic-safety certification was issued by SGS to UL913 and ANSI/UL913 5th Ed. It covers Class I, II and III, Division 1, Groups C-G, T4, together with Class I, Division 2, Groups A-D, T4. These details make the DX544-IS relevant for assessment at Saudi facilities that apply the North American hazardous-location framework. Selection starts with the safety officer’s classification of each work area, followed by matching the class, division, group and temperature code to the radio’s approved markings. This model is for non-EU markets only, so market region belongs in the procurement review before a project standardizes on the unit.

Facilities, security and operations teams at ports, processing areas and industrial yards can use that framework to determine appropriate deployment points. IP68 protection is defined as submersion to 2 m for 4 hours, supporting procedures for jetties, exposed walkways and damp maintenance locations. The radio also complies with MIL-STD-810 C/D/E/F. Its operating range is -20°C to +55°C, and its storage range is -40°C to +85°C. An asset manager can therefore set separate boundaries for active use, storage and internal transport instead of applying one temperature rule to every stage.

How the DX544-IS differs from the DT944

The DX544-IS and DT944 share regional marine channel plans, 16 private channels and IP68 protection, but they address different safety frameworks. The DX544-IS is centered on UL913 and non-EU markets, whereas the DT944 is centered on ATEX. For a buyer, the hazardous-area map therefore comes before a general comparison of the handsets. Once the certification framework is settled, the DX544-IS offers 5 W high and 1 W low transmission, 3 W audio and a 2200 mAh battery. Those are concrete inputs for configuring coverage, listening and energy management for this model without copying settings from its sibling.

The DX544-IS measures 97 x 59.5 x 37 mm and weighs 269 g with the CNB450E-IS battery. These dimensions are useful when testing a carry position on protective clothing, allocating cabinet space and arranging handsets around a charger. The shorter body and stated weight make carry testing a clear part of user acceptance before a full issue. Holster or attachment choice remains specific to the site’s procedure, so access to the push-to-talk control, display and programmed buttons should be tested while users wear their normal work equipment.

Receiving and programming before rollout

The package includes a Li-ion battery pack, drop-in charger, belt clip, high-efficiency antenna and quick-start user guide. A practical receiving process begins by checking those components, pairing each battery with its intended handset, fitting the antenna and completing the initial charge. The radio team can then apply the channel plan, output levels and channel spacing, assign the 3 button functions and record the approved configuration. Audio clarity at 3 W, OLED visibility, transmission and reception should be tested at authorized working areas before radios are handed to users.

A shift supervisor can maintain a record linking the handset, battery, channel, work position and expected charger-return time. A short operational trial also shows how the stated 14 hours at 5/5/90 relates to the site’s actual call intensity. If the unit moves to another location, the UL913 classification, channel plan and operating temperature should be reviewed again instead of carrying forward the old assumptions. With that process, the DX544-IS becomes a defined choice for teams requiring UL913 certification, selectable output and higher audio power in an analogue marine VHF handset.

Package Contents

• Li-ion battery pack
• Drop-in charger
• Belt clip
• High-efficiency antenna
• Quick-start user guide