New VHF radio boosts safety at sea

The 25W Furuno FM4800’s built-in GPS receiver means it does not require an external GPS source to enable its DSC functionality and can be used as a backup source of GPS positioning for other onboard electronics.

Its built-in AIS Receiver can be used to overlay AIS targets with networked GPS Plotters or MFD’s, such as Furuno’s NavNet TZtouch and NavNet TZtouch2, or its new GP1871F/GP1971F combo units. Users can also share GPS, DSC and AIS information via NMEA0183 or NMEA2000.

Easy communication

When connected via NMEA2000 to any NavNet TZtouch2 MFD, DSC calling can be initiated directly from the TZtouch2 display by tapping on the AIS/DSC target and selecting [DSC Call]. Additionally, when MOB (Man Overboard) is activated on a TZtouch2 MFD, the FM4800 enters a special mode where users can initiate a distress call by pushing the rotary knob.

The FM4800 can operate as a simplified loudhailer with eight patterns of alert sounds. Loudhailer, fog horn and warning signal features enhance onboard safety and communications while navigating in the dark or fog.

When connected with the second-station handset, the intercom feature is available, allowing communications between the two devices. Additionally, the horn speaker can be used to collect external sounds and transmit them through the built-in speaker with a ‘listen back’ function.

The unit is additionally waterproof to an IP68 standard.

By Rebecca Jeffrey