Ruggedness is the quality you get with Icom VHF Radio from the Marine Electronics Center. We have Icom VHF Radio in handheld or mount models, with ranges from 5 miles (handheld) to 25 miles (mounted), and antenna to match your radio. All items are in stock, ready to ship quickly, and our knowledgeable customer service staff is loaded with answers to your marine equipment questions.
Your Icom VHF radio is one of the most important pieces of equipment you take with you on commercial or recreational boats. Icom VHF Radio is known for reliability and heavy duty durability. Weather protected, designed for easy visibility, and packed with features you want, Icom VHF Radio is user friendly, tough and at your service! Some units are programmable, have SSB, and HAM and aircraft radio bands for more options.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING VHF AND SSB RADIO SYSTEMS
- Is there a preference for hand held or fixed mount VHF radios ?
Answer = If you are going to be using your VHF radio continously or require maximum range you will want a fixed mount unit. Hand held VHF radios operate on approx 6 watts with a range of about 5 miles due to the short antenna. A fixed mount unit has a max output of 25 watts with a useful range of approx 20-25 miles; Antenna height is the key to range optimization.
Answer = Digital Selective Calling or "DSC" is similar to a mayday button on a VHF or SSB radio. When activated it automatically broadcasts an encoded distress call that will be picked up by other nearby vessels equipped with DSC. If the radio is interfaced with a Loran or GPS, it will also automatically broadcast the distressed vessels position. To use DSC you must obtain a MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number. To obtain a MMSI number go to www.boatus.com/mmsi
- How does an SSB radio differ from a VHF radio ?
Answer = SSB radio requires a large ground plane in order to radiate its signal. With SSB radios, antenna selection and installation is more complicated. SSB radios generally require a much longer antenna than VHFs and different antenna tuning for different bands.