Icom M73 Handheld Submersible VHF Radio, 6W
- Brand:
- Icom
- Part no:
- M73 41
Image: nvnmarine.com
Where to buy
Specifications
- Mounting
- Handheld
- Transmit power
- 6 W
- Waterproof
- IPX8
Manuals
- Instruction manual (PDF)cdn.shopify.com
The Icom M73 is a handheld VHF radio with three power settings, topping out at 6 watts. It carries US, Canadian and international channels and has dual and tri-watch for keeping an ear on channel 16 or the call channel. The case is IPX8 rated for 30 minutes of submersion in 1.5 meters of water, and it meets MIL-STD 810. Audio output is 700mW, and a water draining function is built in.
Our take
IPX8 submersion for 30 minutes at 1.5 meters means a dunking over the side or in the cockpit will not end this radio's day. It transmits at 6 watts on high and drops to 1 watt on low, and it has 700mW of audio output.
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.