New transceiver completes GMDSS package
NavComms distributor Icom (UK) Ltd has added a new VHF/DSC marine transceiver to its commercial line up. The unit is so new that only its first consignment has been sold.
The IC-GM651 suits any commercial vessel requiring high performance communications as crucial to its daily operation. The list of likely candidates includes cruise liners, tankers, offshore tugs, salvage vessels and deep sea fishing vessels.
The new IC-GM651 is designed for Class A DSC operation and provides a complete GMDSS VHF communication system as required for Commercial SOLAS regulated vessels engaging in international voyages. The radio also meets MED 96/98/EC, ‘wheel mark’ approval for European merchant ships.
It has an independent DSC receiver, which constantly monitors Channel 70 whilst using another VHF channel. The DSC allows crew to call other ships or coast stations directly as well as all ships in their geographical area.
The unit has been designed to fit comfortably on any commercial bridge and blend in with other instrumentation. Its main head can be neatly installed on a bridge whilst the power supply discretely mounts out of the way and out of sight. Its styling matches its counterpart MF/HF GMDSS radio, the IC-M801GMDSS.
The transceiver features an easy to use keypad, allowing direct frequency entry. The large dot matrix display offers seven levels of backlighting intensity to suit operating conditions. Large dials and buttons allow for easy operation in rough seas and low light conditions.
Ian Lockyer of Icom (UK) Ltd said, ‘The IC-GM651, when teamed up with the IC-M801GMDSS MF/HF radio, offers a complete MF/HF/VHF GMDSS communications station. The IC-GM1600E survival craft radio completes Icom’s new GMDSS line up.’
