What is ITU-RM493-14 and how will it affect DSC marine radios?
As of November 30th 2018, DSC marine radios must comply with a new specification, EN301 025 V2.2.1 (ITU-RM493-14) which mandates an integrated GNSS Receiver and external antenna.
Essentially this means that Class D leisure, like Class A and B commercial DSC radio equipment must be manufactured with an INTERNAL GNSS (GPS) receiver and an antenna that must be able to be mounted externally if required.
This new standard ensures that a radios GPS functionality should always have an unobstructed view of satellites as the external antenna supplied can be mounted inside or out, depending on signal strength or the vessels construction, i.e. wood, GRP, aluminium or steel. A good example of this new approach is our
IC-M330GE Compact Marine VHF/DSC marine radio.
As of November 30th, 2018, all Europe versions of Icom DSC marine radios will be manufactured to meet the EN301 025 V2.2.1 (ITU-RM493-14). DSC marine radios manufactured and in the supply chain prior to this date will be unaffected by this new legislation.
If you have any questions regarding this new information, contact our marine sales team on 01227 741741 or email
sales@icomuk.co.uk.
30/10/2018
