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IC-M505 Waterproof Combined VHF/DSC

Icom is pleased to provide details of its new Class D DSC/VHF transceiver, IC-M505 and optional multifunctional COMMANDMIC, HM-162. Stylish in design, with fantastic functionality, the IC-M505 and HM-162 have an impressive waterproof construction to meet IPX8: (1.5 metre/30 min) giving them a waterproofing level greater than anything else currently in the market.

One of the biggest selling features of these products is that the IC-M505 VHF can itself be remotely controlled by the HM-162 COMMANDMIC?. By using the central jog dial and clearly laid out buttons you can operate all functions of the IC-M505 including DSC operation, loud hailer and foghorn from remote locations such as the cockpit or (fly bridge up to a maximum distance of 21.3 metres (70ft)). The HM-162 features slim dimensions and a sizeable LCD makes this process very easy.

The IC-M505 radio has a stylish, ergonomic design. Large buttons and knobs are laid out for easy, user-friendly operation. These are also backlit for night time use. The screen of the IC-M505 is a 168 character full dot-matrix display that allows a variety of information such as GPS data and DSC emergency data etc to be seen instantly and easily. With the backlit display, the large 10-button keypad and knobs, the IC-M505 is easy to operate.

Being a DSC radio the IC-M505 has a built-in Ch 70 receiver, which monitors activity, even while you are receiving another channel. In an emergency situation, an automated distress call can be sent with a touch of a button. When connected to an external GPS receiver, the position request and position report functions allow you to exchange ship’s position information. The use of a suitable GPS potter with this radio will allow a visual display of incoming DSC distress alert and position requests.

The IC-M505 features a large front facing speaker that can produce very loud and clear reception even over engine or other background noise. The IC-M505 has excellent receiver performance making calls remarkably clear and free from noise.

When connected to a two-way hailer horn, communication with other boats or deck-hands is easy. The built-in amplifier increases talk power to 25W making your message loud and clear. Four fog horn patterns are available for the automatic foghorn, adding further to the safety to the vessel.

Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK said, ‘Icom has once again produced a VHF/DSC that other manufacturers will want to emulate. The outstanding features and stunning design of the IC-M505 make it a radio that would be at home in any setting. The integration of the new Commandmic allows simple yet effective control of a station up to 21.3 metres away. All in all we expect this radio to be the fit of choice for leisure and commercial users’.

Preview products will be shown on the Icom UK stand (S2415) at the London Boat Show 2006. Type-approval is in progress and the radio should be in the shops by the start of the season. An extended 3 year warranty will be available for this product.

Icom UK Marketing - marketing@icomuk.co.uk