Icom IC-M400BB Black Box VHF/DSC, the Perfect VHF Communication Solution for Safety Craft
Neil Farnham, one of the most experienced water based safety officers in the UK is now using an Icom IC-M400BB VHF/DSC black box radio system onboard his Personal Watercraft (PWC). The IC-M400BB provides Neil’s Yamaha VXR with 25W output power for VHF comms and a full range of fixed radio functions allowing him to perform his safety role on the water more effectively and efficiently.
Neil Farnham, one of the most experienced water based safety officers in the UK is now using an Icom
IC-M400BB VHF/DSC black box radio system onboard his Personal Watercraft (PWC). The IC-M400BB provides Neil’s Yamaha VXR with 25W output power for VHF comms and a full range of fixed radio functions allowing him to perform his safety role on the water more effectively and efficiently.
Neil has over 15 years experience within the PWC community. He built up his experience from being a member of The Solent Skiers Association, the Queen's Harbour Master Portsmouth Harbour Patrol and he is also now a RYA PWC Instructor.
Neil drives a Yamaha VXR, which he finds an exceptionally good craft, reliable and provides a stable platform for safety marshalling. Over the last 12 months, Neil has marshaled in a large range of big events including Xtreme Action Events Displays, JetBou UK, Whitehaven Festival, FNT Freeride Event, Euro Freestyle, P1 Superstock, P1 Aqua X and the EJSBA JetSki European Finals in Doncaster.
He said, ‘Radio comms provide an important part in the role of a marshal. Communications equipment is essential, being able to communicate your requirements in the heat of an incident quickly and concisely is vital to a swift resolution.’
‘In the last ten years I have used the
IC-M1EuroV handheld followed by the
IC-M71 as soon as it was launched. They have lasted me for years and have put up with an awful lot of use and abuse. I now use an Icom IC-M400BB VHF/DSC which is a black box radio controlled by an Icom Commandmic/waterproof handset.’
He said, ‘The radio system was easy to install. The fitting of the IC-M400BB allowed me to drill small holes, hiding the entire system out of sight. Traditionally it has been difficult to put a fixed mount radio on a PWC because of the space issue. Normally PWCs have very few flat surfaces, so mounting a fixed VHF unit normally means one of the most useful storage places is lost. The new black box VHF unit allows me to retain the glove box for storing sun cream, water and lunch as the bulk of the unit is hidden away inside the front bin. On the top of that, the fixed radio provides 25 watts transmit power as opposed to the 5-6 watts I have been traditionally use to.’
He added, ‘The IC-M400BB provides some other excellent advantages for me including loud speaker and continual battery supply from the ski. The noise cancelling on the set is impressive as well. It’s also just as easy as a handheld radio to operate…easier as you can see the screen. Normally a handheld radio is attached to your buoyancy aid and so is difficult to see the screen.’
To find more bout Nell Farnham please visit his website at:
http://www.farnham.tv/on-water/
27/10/2015
