Is ICOM handheld VHF radio any good?
Bottom Line: The Icom IC-M3A is a great entry-level VHF handheld. We recommend it highly as our top low-priced radio. The Icom IC-M1V is the company’s current high-end handheld. It’s compact, full of features, submersible and performed exceptionally well. What is the difference between the Icom A25N and A25C? The primary difference is navigation capability. The A25N is a NAV/COM radio, meaning it includes VOR navigation, GPS, and waypoint features.The IC-A25N NAV/COM Handheld VHF Transceiver is a Next Generation Icom Air Band Radio with Built-in GPS and Bluetooth. The Icom A25N is a powerful air band handheld with 6 watts of power and an IP57 waterproof rating; weather cannot stop this radio. The Icom VHF transceiver includes a large 2350mAh Li-ion battery.
How long do handheld radios last?
Two-way radios, on average, last between five and seven years. Many factors can contribute to a radio’s lifespan, such as usage patterns, environmental conditions, and the quality of the two-way radio. A lower-end radio could withstand around 3-4 years of regular use, while higher quality two-way radios can perform for up to 7+ years. Of course, this does all depend on usage. The average two-way radio will perform for approximately 5-7 years.
How far can a handheld VHF marine radio go?
A hand held radio, on the other hand, in ideal conditions can be expected to reach about 15km maximum. Therefore, depending on how far away from shore you wish to travel, determines which VHF radio would be best suited to you. For more information on VHF Radios, please do not hesitate to contact us in store or online. VHF has fewer channels available, which can lead to congestion and interference from other nearby two way radios. UHF is ideal for indoor environments. VHF is ideal for outdoor environments. UHF operates between 403-470 megahertz (MHZ frequencies), offering a decent distance while working well inside buildings.A marine VHF radio is different from other VHF radios used for land or air communications. Marine radios are specifically designed for communications on the waterways. They are installed on all large ships and most seagoing small craft, and with slightly different regulation on rivers and lakes.A marine radio is not intended for all types of communication; it is only to be used between boats, or between a boat and specific shore facilities such as the Coast Guard, traffic control, or harbor master. It is not supposed to be used to talk to friends on shore.Handheld Vessel VHF A portable ship station is defined as a single transmitter intended for use on two or more ships (§80. As standard with Marine VHF Ship Radios, communications are prohibited when on land except when used within the bounds identified in FCC Public Notice 16-119.If you are using the radio primarily outdoors with clear line-of-sight, then VHF is a better choice because it’s signal will travel farther. If you are using the radio in or around buildings, in urban areas, or heavily wooded areas, then UHF is a better choice because it’s signal will navigate around obstacles better.