Icom IC-M73 Plus Handheld VHF Radio, 6 W
- Brand:
- Icom
- Part no:
- M73 PLUS 71 USA
Image: Fisheries Supply
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- Waterproof
- IPX8
- Battery life
- 16 h
The Icom IC-M73 Plus is a handheld marine VHF with 6 W of transmit power. It adds active noise cancelling, which cuts background noise by up to 90%, and keeps the last incoming call recorded for 1 minute. It carries an IPX8 rating, tested at 1.5 m for 30 minutes. The maker gives 16 hours of battery life under normal conditions, and the radio offers dual and tri-watch for Channel 16.
Our take
The IPX8 rating, tested at 1.5 m for 30 minutes, means a drop over the side is something the radio was built to survive. The 16 hour battery figure is quoted for a 5:5:90 duty ratio, so treat it as a typical-use number.
From our buying guide
Standard Horizon says range depends far more on the antenna than on transmit power, and that a handheld on its stock antenna at sea level may only reach a mile or two. It has its own battery and antenna, so it keeps working if the boat's power fails.
Check before you buy:
- It has DSC and GPS if you want a distress button that sends your position, since handhelds are not required to have DSC.
- The waterproof rating comes with the maker's depth and time, since IPX8 has no fixed depth or time.
- The maker says it floats on its own, since some float only in an optional case.