I've had some time to use my new HH54VP2 and I must say I'm very pleased.
I've been able to check out all the features and they work as advertised.
The radio has three alert methods - Display/Tone/Voice
- Display causes the LED to activate green/yellow/red depending on the type of alert and the alert is shown on the display. This is great for locations where the tone would be disruptive (example: while operating the sound board at church)
- Tone will also activate the LED, display the alert and sound an alert tone for 5 minutes. Possibly usefull if you will not be near the radio for a while.
- Voice will also activate the LED, display the alert, sound the alert tone for 8 seconds and then announce the alert, returning to the standby mode at the end of the message. This would be the typical method you will use.
The radio has two operating modes - Home/Travel (each of these can use any of the three alert methods, so remember to program each as desired)
- Home is programmed with the desired frequency, S.A.M.E. "County" code(s) (up to 9) and alert method. (weekly tests will not activate the tone)
- Travel will search for the first strong frequency and will sound/display an alert (using your desired alert method) for any messages it receives (except the weekly test). Pressing the TR/HM button will force the radio to search for the next available frequency.
This radio also allows you to truly turn it OFF when not being used, thus saving your batteries (very desirable for a PORTABLE radio). When the radio is "on" (standby mode) simply press the [WX] button to hear the current broadcast.
Programming the radio is very simple - [MENU], then [UP] or [DOWN] to select the option needed, then [SELECT], then [UP] or [DOWN] for the desired setting, then [SELECT] to lock in the choice.
Turning the radio ON/OFF and switching HOME/TRAVEL modes requires a press and hold of the ON/OFF or TR/HM buttons, making it nearly impossible to accidentally turn the radio off or change modes.
The radio has a headphone jack, the included battery pack can be charged using the included drop in charger or by connecting the power supply directly to the radio. The radio can also be powered with three AA batteries if needed.
The radio has a clock with alarm and snooze which does a very good job keeping the correct time.
The radio is very solid, has great reception and very clear audio.
I'm extremely pleased with this purchase!