USING CHANNEL 16 DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. 2. THIS IS.. (name of vessel) 3. Say your call sign or other indication of the vessel. 4. LOCATED AT. (your position) 5. State the nature of the distress and assistance required. 6. Give any other information which might facilitate the rescue.

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M72 VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with Icoms state of the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care this product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.

FEATURES

Submersible construction
Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environment, the IC-M72s submersible construction meets IPX8 of the corresponding International Standard IEC 60529 (2001) while using BP-245. In addition, the new speaker grill structure with a water self-draining function is helpful for draining water or seawater easily.

IMPORTANT

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
pletely before using the transceiver. carefully and com-
Dualwatch and tri-watch functions
Convenient functions that allow you to monitor the distress channel (Ch 16) while receiving one other channel of your choice (dualwatch), or while receiving one other channel of your choice and the call channel (Ch 09) (tri-watch). See p. 16 for details.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUALThis instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-M72.

Large, easy-to-read LCD

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
DEFINITION Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock RWARNING may occur. CAUTION NOTE iii Equipment damage may occur. If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk of personal injury, fire or electric shock. WORD
With the generous dimensions of 22.5(H) 31.5(W) mm; 78(H) 114(W) inch, the IC-M72s function display is easy to read and shows operating conditions at a glance. Backlighting and contrast can be adjusted to suit your preferences. The volume knob is on top of the radio, while the channel buttons are on the front panel. This allows for convenient, one-handed operation.

I Supplied accessories

The following accessories are supplied: Qty. q Handstrap 1 w Battery charger 1 e Screws for the battery charger (M3.530) 2 r Belt clip (with screws) 1 t AC adapter 1 y Li-Ion battery pack 1 u Flexible antenna 1

antenna

Connect the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna connector. CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. NEVER HOLD by the antenna when carrying the transceiver.

D Handstrap

Pass the handstrap through the loop on the top corner of the transceiver as illustrated at left. Facilitates carrying.

D Battery pack

q Attach the battery pack into the transceiver as below.

D Belt clip

Attach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated below. Supplied screws
w Lock the battery pack with the latch.
CAUTION!: NEVER attach or detach the battery pack when wet. Be careful when releasing the latch. Because the latch is tightly locked, dont use a nger nail to open it you may injure yourself. Instead, use something relatively at, like the edge of a coin or the tip of a screwdriver, to carefully release the latch. 3

PANEL DESCRIPTION

q VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level. !0 o w e r w PTT SWITCH [PTT] Push and hold to transmit; release to receive. e MONITOR KEY [ ] Manually opens the squelch for monitoring the channel while pushed and held. (p. 10) Push this switch, then adjust the squelch level with Y Z [Y]/[Z]. (p. 11) While pushing and holding this switch, turn power ON to enter the SET mode. (p. 17) Y Z r CHANNEL UP/DOWN KEYS [Y]/[Z] Selects an operating channel. (pgs. 79) Selects the SET mode condition of the item. (p. 17) Selects the SET mode item when pushed with [

(p. 17)

I Front, top and side panels
Function display (p. 5) i u y

t Microphone

Checks TAG channels or changes scanning direction during scan. (p. 15) Speaker t CHANNEL 16 KEY [169] Selects Channel 16 when pushed. (p. 7) Selects call channel when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 7) Enters call channel write mode when the call channel is selected and this key is pushed and held for 3 sec. (p. 10)

I Function display

y TRANSMIT POWER/LOCK KEY [H/LLOCK] Selects high, middle or low power when pushed. (p. 9) Toggles the lock function ON/OFF when pushed and held for 1 sec. (p. 10) u SCAN KEY [SCANDUAL] Starts and stops normal or priority scan when pushed.

(pgs. 14, 15)

!5 !3 !1 !0 o !4 !2

q w r y i

Enters watch mode when pushed and held for 1 sec.

(p. 16)

i CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL KEY [CH/WXU/I/C] Selects and toggles the regular channels and weather channel when pushed. (p. 8) Selects the U.S.A, International, or Canadian* channel group when pushed and held for 1 sec. (p. 8) - The function display shows which channel group is active. *Available with the USA versions only. Push to return to the condition before selecting the channel when the priority channel or the call channel is selected. o SPEAKER-MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [SP MIC] Connects the optional external speaker-microphone or headset. NOTE: Attach the [SP MIC] cap when the optional speaker-microphone or headset is not used. !0 ANTENNA CONNECTOR Connects the supplied antenna.
q CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT Indicates the selected operating channel number. In SET mode, indicates the selected condition. DUP appears when a duplex channel is selected. w TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 15) Appears when TAG channel is selected. e BATTERY INDICATOR Indicates remaining battery power. Indication Battery level Full Middle Charging required No battery
blinks when the battery is overcharged (or over voltage).
r MONITOR INDICATOR (p. 10) Appears when the monitor function is activated. t DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS (p. 16) DUAL blinks during dualwatch; TRI blinks during triwatch. y VOX INDICATOR (p. 12) Appears when the VOX function is used. u SCRAMBLER INDICATOR (pgs. 11, 22) Appears when the voice scrambler is activated.
*The voice scrambler function is available with some versions only.
!2 WEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATORS (p. 8) WX appears when the weather channel group is selected. WX ALT appears when the weather alert function is activated. !3 TRANSMIT POWER INDICATORS (p. 9) LOW appears when low power is selected. MID appears when middle power is selected. No indication appears when high power is selected. !4 TRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 9) Appears during transmit. !5 BUSY INDICATOR (pgs. 9, 10) Appears when a signal is received or squelch is open.
i CHANNEL NAMING Indicates or scrolls operating channel name or comment. (p. 13) In SET mode, indicates or scrolls the selected item. (pgs. 1722) o LOCK INDICATOR (p. 10) Appears when the lock function is activated. !0 CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 7) Appears when the call channel is selected. !1 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 8) USA appears when U.S.A.; INT appears when International; CAN* appears when Canadian channel group is selected.

*Available with the USA versions only.

BASIC OPERATION

I Channel selection
IMPORTANT!: Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, fully charge the battery pack. This will help maximize the capability and life of the battery. To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn the radio OFF while charging.
D Channel 9 (Call channel)
Channel 9 is the leisure-use call channel. Each regular channel group has separate call channels. In addition, the call channel is monitored during tri-watch. The call channels can be re-programmed (p. 10) and may be used to store your most often used channels in each channel group for quick recall. q Push and hold [169] for 1 sec. to select the call channel.
CALL and the call channel number appear. Call channel can be re-programmed. See the Call channel programming on p. 10 for details.

D Channel 16

Channel 16 (Distress channel) is used for establishing initial contact with another station and for emergency communications. Channel 16 is automatically monitored during both dualwatch and tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor Channel 16. q Push [169] to select Channel 16. w Push [CH/WXU/I/C] to return to the condition before seY Z lecting Channel 16, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating channel.
w Push [CH/WXU/I/C] to return to the condition before seY Z lecting Channel 9 (call channel), or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating channel.

Push Push for 1 sec.

D U.S.A., International and Canadian channels
The IC-M72 has 57 U.S.A., 57 International and 61 Canadian* channels. You must select the proper channels for the operating area. *Available with the USA versions only. q Push [CH/WXU/I/C] to select the regular channel.
If the weather channel appears, push [CH/WXU/I/C] again.

D Weather channels

The IC-M72 has 10 weather channels. They are used for monitoring NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcasts (reception of weather channels possible in U.S.A. only). q Push [CH/WXU/I/C] to select the weather channel group. Y Z w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a weather channel. e Push [CH/WXU/I/C] to return to the condition before selecting the weather channel group.
Y Z w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a channel.
DUP appears for duplex channels.
e To change the channel [CH/WXU/I/C] for 1 sec.

group,

Repeat until you reach the desired channel group. Push
Push for 1 sec. International channel

Push for 1 sec.

(pgs. 18, 19)

Set the TAG channels (scanned channel) before scanning. Clear those TAG channels which are not needed or inconveniently stop scanning, such as digital communications. Choose priority or normal scan on the SET mode. (p. 18)

PRIORITY SCAN

CH 01 CH 02

NORMAL SCAN

* Previously selected weather channel when weather alert function is ON Priority scan searches through all TAG channels in sequence while monitoring Channel 16. When a signal is detected on Channel 16, scan pauses until the signal disappears; when a signal is detected on a channel other than Channel 16, scan becomes dualwatch until the signal disappears. 14
* Previously selected weather channel when weather alert function is ON. Normal scan, like priority scan, searches through all TAG channels in sequence. However, unlike priority scan, Channel 16 is not checked unless Channel 16 is set as a TAG channel.

I Setting TAG channels

For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as TAG channels or clear the TAG for unwanted channels. Untagged will be skipped during scanning. TAG channels can be assigned to each channel group (USA, INT, CAN) independently. q Select the desired channel to set as a TAG channel. Y Z w Push and hold both [Y] and [Z] for 1 sec. to set the displayed channel as a TAG channel.
appears in the function display.

I Starting a scan

Set the weather alert function, priority scan function, scan resume timer and auto scan function in advance, using the SET mode. (pgs. 18, 19) q Make sure the desired channel group (e.g., USA, CAN, INT) is selected. Move between channel groups by repeatedly pushing [CH/WXU/I/C] for 1 sec. at a time.
When the weather alert function is in use, select the desired Y Z weather channel with [CH/WXU/I/C] and [Y]/[Z].
w Push [SCANDUAL] to start priority or normal scan.
SCAN blinks in the function display. 16 appears on the comment indicator during priority scan. When a signal is received, scan pauses until the signal disappears or resumes after pausing 5 sec. according to scan resume timer setting. (Channel 16 is still monitored during priority scan.) Y Z Push [Y]/[Z] to check the scanning TAG channels, change the scanning direction or resume the scan manually.
Y e To cancel the TAG channel setting, push and hold both [Y] Z and [Z] for 1 sec.

disappears.

Clearing All Tagged Channels in the Selected Channel Group Y Z While pushing and holding both [Y] and [Z], turn power ON to clear all TAG channels setting in the channel group.
e To stop the scan, push [SCANDUAL].
SCAN disappears. Pushing [PTT], [169] or [CH/WXU/I/C] also stops the scan.
[Example]: Starting a normal scan.
Scan starts Push When receiving a signal, SCAN indication blinks and audio is emitted. Push

Scroll speed

Channel name scroll type

Squelch sensitivity
Battery voltage indication

Self-check function

I SET mode items

D Beep tone function

ON : A xed beep sounds (default) US : The preset beeps (e.g. do, re, mi) sound OFF: Silent operation

D Priority scan function

Selects the key touch beep sound ON or US, or turns sound OFF.
The transceiver has 2 scan types normal (OFF) and priority (ON) scans. Normal scan searches all TAG channels in the selected channel group. Priority scan searches all TAG channels in sequence while monitoring Channel 16.
Push Beep tone ON (default) Beep tone OFF Normal scan (default)

Push Priority scan

D Weather alert function

D Scan resume timer

A NOAA broadcast station transmits a weather alert tone before any important weather announcements. When the weather alert function is turned ON, any detected weather alert will make the IC-M72 activate a blinking WXALT alert indicator on the function display and repeatedly sound a beep tone. The blinking and beeping stops when the radio is picked up and operated. The previously selected weather channel is checked any time during standby, or while scanning, when the power save function is activated.
ALT appears when the function is set ON.
The scan resume timer can be set as a pause (OFF) or timer scan (ON). When OFF is selected, the scan pauses until a received signal disappears. When ON is selected, the scan pauses for 5 sec. after receiving a signal and then resumes even if the signal has been received.
Push Scan resume timer OFF (default) Scan resume timer ON
Push Weather alert function OFF (default) Weather alert function ON
SET MODE D Auto scan function D Monitor key action
The auto scan function starts the desired scan automatically when no signal is received, and no operation is performed for 30 sec.
The monitor key action cuts off the squelch function temporarily. This key action contains PUSH (Pu) or HOLD (Ho) settings as shown below.

Pu (PUSH): After pushing [ ] for 1 sec., the squelch opens and emits audio. The squelch is held open while continuously pushing and holding [ ]. (default) Ho (HOLD): After pushing [ ] for 1 sec., the squelch opens and emits audio even [ ] is released. To close the squelch, push any key.
Push Auto scan OFF (default) Auto scan ON
D Dual/Tri-watch function
Push setting (default) Push Hold setting
This item selects dual or tri-watch as desired. See p. 16 for details.
Push Dualwatch (default) Tri-watch

D Backlight function

This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The backlight can be selected from ON and OFF.
The backlight is automatically activated when any key except for [PTT] is pushed. The backlight is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of inactivity.
Push Backlight ON (default) Backlight OFF
@@@ @@@@@@@@? @@?@@@@@? @@? @@? @@? @@? @@?
@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@? @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@ @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@? @@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@?e@@@@@@@@e?@@@@@@@@? g@@ g@@ g@@ g@@ g@@ g@@

ON : The power save function is turned ON. The power save function will activate when no signal is received, and no operation is performed for 5 sec. OFF : The power save function is turned OFF.
The auto power save function reduces current drain by deactivating the receiver circuit for preset intervals.
D Auto power save function
The contrast of the LCD can be selected from Hi (default) and Lo.

D LCD contrast selection

High contrast (default)
Power save ON (default) Push Push
Power save OFF Low contrast
When any of the bellow error messages appear, see the troubleshooting section of this document for advice. (p. 30)
Temperature : Outside of 35C to +73C; 31F to +163F (approx.) Connected battery voltage Water intrusion
The self check function informs you in case a problem is found with the radio. Self check automatically and quickly runs through its diagnostic steps each time the radio is turned ON. Afterwards, the radio switches to normal operation mode.

D Self check function

Battery voltage error

Self check OFF (default)

Temperature error Push

Self check ON

Water intrusion
SET MODE D Battery voltage indicator D Channel name scroll type
This function controls display or non-display settings of the connected battery packs voltage when the power is ON.
The voltage of the connected battery pack is displayed for 2 sec. after power is turned ON.
Selects the channel name/comment scroll type from 1 and 2.
1: The first 7 characters are displayed for 1 sec. (approx.) then scrolls. When the channel name/comment is 7 character or less, it does not scroll (default). 2: The channel name/comment scrolls regardless of the number of characters after no name/comment (blank) is indicated for 1 sec.
Push Voltage indication OFF (default) Voltage indication ON Scroll type 1 (default) Push Scroll type 2
D Squelch sensitivity function
When this function is turned ON (local), blocking against noise is improved and the squelch is not easily affected by noise.

D Scrolling speed

1: Scrolls 3.33 characters in a second. 2: Scrolls 2.5 characters in a second. 3: Scrolls 2 characters in a second.
Selects the channel name/comment scroll speed.
Push Squelch sensitivity OFF (default) Squelch sensitivity ON
Push Scroll speed 1 (default) Scroll speed 3

SET MODE D VOX delay

D Voice scrambler code (available with some versions only)
There are 32 codes (1 to 32) available for programming. In order to understand each other, all transceivers in your group must share the same scrambler code.

Sets the VOX delay timer (0.5 to 3.0 sec. in 0.5 sec. steps) so that the transceiver keeps on transmitting after you stops speaking.
Push Push VOX delay 1.0 (default) Scramble code 1 (default) Scramble code 32 VOX delay 3.0

D VOX gain

Adjusts the VOX gain level from 1 (low sensitivity) to 6 (high sensitivity) when speaking with the optional headset.
Push VOX gain 1 (default) VOX gain 6

BATTERY CHARGING

I Battery cautions
Misuse of Lithium-ion batteries may result in the following hazards: smoke, re, or battery rupture. Misuse can also cause other battery damage or degradation of battery performance.
R DANGER! Use and charge only specified Icom battery pack with Icom transceiver. Only Icom battery pack is tested and approved for use with Icom transceiver. Using thirdparty or counterfeit battery packs may cause smoke, re, or cause the battery to burst.
R DANGER! DO NOT expose the battery to rain, snow, seawater, or any other liquids. Do not charge or use a wet battery. If the battery gets wet, be sure to wipe it dry before using. The battery by itself is not waterproof. R DANGER! NEVER incinerate a used battery pack since internal battery gas may cause a rupture or explosion. R DANGER! NEVER solder the battery terminals, or NEVER modify the battery pack. This may cause heat generation, and the battery may rupture, emit smoke or catch re. R DANGER! Use the battery only with the transceiver for which it is specified. Never use a battery with any other equipment, or for any purpose that is not specied in this instruction manual. R DANGER! If fluid from inside the battery gets in your eyes, blindness can result. Rinse your eyes with clean water, without rubbing them, and see a doctor immediately. WARNING! Immediately stop using the battery if it emits an abnormal odor, heats up, or is discolored or deformed. If any of these conditions occur, contact your Icom dealer or distributor. WARNING! Immediately wash, using clean water, any part of the body that comes into contact with uid from inside the battery.

D Battery caution

R DANGER! DO NOT hammer or otherwise impact the battery. Do not use the battery if it has been severely impacted or dropped, or if the battery has been subjected to heavy pressure. Battery damage may not be visible on the outside of the case. Even if the surface of the battery does not show cracks or any other damage, the cells inside the battery may rupture or catch re. R DANGER! NEVER use or leave battery pack in areas with temperatures above +60C (+140F). High temperature buildup in the battery, such as could occur near fires or stoves, inside a sun-heated car, or by setting the battery in direct sunlight may cause the battery to rupture or catch re. Excessive temperatures may also degrade battery performance or shorten battery life.

WARNING! NEVER put the battery in a microwave oven, high-pressure container, or in an induction heating cooker. This could cause overheating, a re, or cause the battery to rupture. CAUTION! Always use the battery within the specied temperature range for the transceiver (20C to +60C; 4F to +140F) and the battery itself (20C to +60C; 4F to +140F). Using the battery out of its specied temperature range will reduce the batterys performance and battery life. Please note that the specied temperature range of the battery may exceed that of the transceiver. In such cases, the transceiver may not work properly because it is out of its operating temperature range. CAUTION! Shorter battery life could occur if the battery is left fully charged, completely discharged, or in an excessive temperature environment (above +45C; +113F) for an extended period of time. If the battery must be left unused for a long time, it must be detached from the radio after discharging. You may use the battery until the battery indicator shows half-capacity, then keep it safely in a cool dry place with the temperature between 20C to +25C (4F to +77F).

D Charging caution

R DANGER! NEVER charge the battery pack in areas with extremely high temperatures, such as near res or stoves, inside a sun-heated car, or in direct sunlight. In such environments, the safety/protection circuit in the battery will activate, causing the battery to stop charging. WARNING! DO NOT charge or leave the battery in the battery charger beyond the specified time for charging. If the battery is not completely charged by the specied time, stop charging and remove the battery from the battery charger. Continuing to charge the battery beyond the specied time limit may cause a re, overheating, or the battery may rupture. WARNING! NEVER insert the battery and transceiver (battery attached to the transceiver) into the charger if it is wet or soiled. This could corrode the battery charger terminals or damage the charger. The charger is not waterproof. CAUTION! DO NOT charge the battery outside of the specied temperature range: 0C to +45C (+32F to +113F). Icom recommends charging the battery at +20C (+68F). The battery may heat up or rupture if charged out of the specified temperature range. Additionally, battery performance or battery life may be reduced.
I Supplied battery charger

D BC-166 installation

To a desktop Supplied screws To a wall

D Charging

q Connect the AC adapter as shown below. w Insert the battery pack with/without the transceiver into the charger.
The charge indicator lights orange.

Supplied screws q

e Charge the battery pack approx. 11 hours, depending on the remaining power condition.
The charge indicator lights green when charging is complete.
NOTE: The battery charger, BC-166, has charging timer. The timer stops the charging process after 14 hours (approx.).

Turn the transceiver power OFF when connecting the HM-125.
NEVER immerse the connector in water. If the connector becomes wet, be sure to dry it BEFORE attaching it to the transceiver. NOTE: The microphone is located at the top of the speaker-microphone, as shown in the diagram above. To maximize the readability of your transmitted signal (voice), hold the microphone approx. 2.5 cm (1 inch) from your mouth, and speak in a normal voice level.
IMPORTANT: KEEP the transceivers [SP MIC] connector cap attached when the speaker-microphone is not in use. Water will not get into the transceiver even if the cover is not attached; however, the terminals (pins) will become rusty, or the transceiver will function abnormally if the connector has become wet. 29

No sound speaker.

TROUBLESHOOTING
POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION Recharge the battery pack. Check the connection to the transceiver. Set squelch to the threshold point. Rotate [VOL] to set a suitable level. Push and hold both [169] and [H/LLOCK] to drain water from the speaker. Dry [SP MIC] connector. REF. pgs. 2527 p. 3 p. 11 p. 9 p. 12 pgs. 8, 9, 31 pgs. 2527 p. 9 p. 10 p. 15 p. 18

PROBLEM

The transceiver does not The battery is depleted. turn ON. Bad connection to the battery pack. from the Squelch level is too tight. Volume level is too low. Speaker has been exposed to water. Water has entered to [SP MIC] connector.
Transmitting is impossible, Some channels are for low power or receive Change channels. or high power can not be only. selected. The battery is exhausted. Recharge the battery pack. The battery is overcharged. The output power is set to low. The displayed channel Lock function is activated. cannot be changed. Scan does not start. No beeps. Self check error. (Temperature) Self check error. (Battery voltage) TAG channels are not programmed. Beep tones are turned OFF. Verify the battery voltage is correct. Push [H/LLOCK] to select high power. Push [H/LLOCK] for 1 sec. to cancel the function. Set the desired channels as TAG channels. Set the beep tones to ON (Fix Beep/User Beep) in the SET mode.
The temperature is outside of 35C to +73C; Leave the transceiver at room temperature for a 31F to +163F (approx.). while. Turn the power ON to check if the internal temperature has returned to normal. The connected battery packs voltage is more Verify the battery voltage is correct. than 11 V. Push [ ] and [H/LLOCK] to deactivate the VOX function. Set the VOX gain to lower sensitive value. Recharge the battery pack.

p. 12 p. 22 pgs. 2527

Transmitting continuously Ambient noise is too loud. while not speaking when using VOX function. CHARGE comment blinks The connected battery is depleted.

VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST

Channel number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 01 01A 03A 05A 06 07A 12 13* 14 15* 16 17* 18A 15* 13* 14 15* 16 17* 156.050 160.650 156.050 156.050 156.100 160.700 156.150 160.750 156.150 156.150 156.200 160.800 04A 156.200 156.200 156.250 160.850 05A 156.250 156.250 156.300 156.300 156.350 160.950 07A 156.350 156.350 156.400 156.400 156.450 156.450 156.500 156.500 156.550 156.550 156.600 156.600 156.650 156.650 156.700 156.700 156.750 156.750 156.800 156.800 156.850 156.850 156.900 161.500 18A 156.900 156.900 156.950 161.550 65A 64A 65 65A 63A 63 61A 62 23A 22A 23 21A Channel number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 19A 20 20A 20 19A 156.950 156.950 20* 157.000 161.600 157.000 157.000 157.050 161.650 157.100 161.700 22A 157.100 157.100 157.150 161.750 157.150 157.150 157.200 161.800 157.250 161.850 157.300 161.900 157.350 161.950 157.400 162.000 156.025 160.625 156.075 160.675 61A 156.075 156.075 156.125 160.725 62A 156.125 156.125 156.175 160.775 156.175 156.175 156.225 160.825 83A 84 84A 84 156.275 160.875 65A 156.275 156.275 64A 156.225 156.225 82A 83 81A 84 80A 81 79A 80 78A 79 21A 157.050 157.050 Channel number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 66 66A 67* 74 77* 77* 156.325 160.925 156.375 156.375 156.425 156.425 156.475 156.475 Rx only 156.525 156.575 156.575 156.625 156.625 156.675 156.675 156.725 156.725 156.875 156.875 156.925 161.525 78A 156.925 156.925 156.975 161.575 79A 156.975 156.975 157.025 161.625 80A 157.025 157.025 157.075 161.675 81A 157.075 157.075 157.125 161.725 82A 157.125 157.125 157.175 161.775 157.225 161.825 157.225 157.225 83A 157.175 157.175 WX channel 66A 66A* 156.325 156.325
157.275 161.875 157.275 157.275 157.325 161.925 157.325 157.325 157.375 161.975 157.375 157.375 157.425 162.025 157.425 157.425 Rx only 161.650 Rx only 161.850 Rx only 162.000 Rx only 161.775
Channel number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 85 85A 86 86A 87 87A 88 88A 21b 25b 28b 83b 85 85
Frequency (MHz) Transmit RX only RX only RX only RX only RX only RX only RX only RX only RX only RX only Receive 162.550 162.400 162.475 162.425 162.450 162.500 162.525 161.650 161.775 163.275
*Low power only. NOTE: Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 CANNOT be lawfully used by the general public in USA waters.
The programmed channels are differ according to versions.

D GENERAL

SPECIFICATIONS

D RECEIVER

: Double-conversion superheterodyne Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) : 0.22 V typical Squelch sensitivity : 0.35 V typical (at threshold) Intermodulation rejection ratio: 70 dB typical Spurious response rejection ratio: 70 dB typical Adjacent channel selectivity : 70 dB typical Audio output power : Internal speaker 0.6 W typical at 10% distortion with an

8 load

: TX 156.025157.425 MHz RX 156.050163.275 MHz Mode : 16K0G3E Power supply requirement : Specied Icoms battery pack only Current drain (at 7.5 V DC; approx.): TX High (at 6 W) 1.7 A TX Mid. (at 3 W) 1.3 A TX Low (at 1 W) 0.7 A RX Max. audio 400 mA (internal speaker) 200 mA (external speaker) Useable temperature range : 20C to +60C; 4F to +140F Frequency error : 10 ppm Antenna connector : SMA (50 nominal) Dimensions : 52.5(W) 125(H) 30(D) mm (Projections not included) 2116(W) 42932(H) 1316(D) inch Weight (with BP-245) : Approx. 280 g (9.9 oz)

Frequency coverage

Receive system

External speaker

0.35 W typical at 10% distortion with an

D TRANSMITTER

Output power (at 7.5 V DC) Modulation system Max. frequency deviation Adjacent channel power Spurious emissions : 6 W* (High), 3 W (Middle) and 1 W (Low) *5 W for some versions : Variable reactance frequency modulation : 5 kHz : 70 dB : 68 dBc typical
All stated specications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

OPTIONS

D BATTERY CASE AND PACK
BP-245 Li-Ion BATTERY PACK 7.4 V/2000 mAh Li-Ion battery pack.

D DC CABLES

CP-17L CIGARETTE LIGHTER CABLE Charges the battery pack through a 12 V cigarette lighter socket. (For BC-119N) OPC-515L/OPC-656 DC POWER CABLES Charges the battery pack using 13.8 V power source instead of the AC adapter. OPC-515L: For BC-119N OPC-656 : For BC-121N

D CHARGERS

BC-119N DESKTOP CHARGER + AD-114 CHARGER ADAPTER + BC-145 AC ADAPTER For rapid charging of battery packs. An AC adapter is supplied with the charger depending on versions. Charging time: approx. 3 to 4 hours BC-121N MULTI-CHARGER + AD-114 CHARGER ADAPTER (6 pcs.) + BC-157 AC ADAPTER For rapid charging of up to 6 battery packs (six AD-114s are required) simultaneously. An AC adapter should be purchased separately. Charging time: approx. 3 to 4 hours. BC-166 DESKTOP CHARGER + BC-147A/E/BM-95V AC ADAPTER Used for regular charging of battery pack. The same as supplied with the transceiver. Charging time: approx. 11 to 12 hours

D OTHER OPTIONS

HM-125 SPEAKER-MICROPHONE Full sized waterproof (IPX7; 1m/30 min.) speaker-microphone. Includes an alligator clip to attach the speaker mic to your shirt, collar, etc. HS-94/HS-95/HS-97 HEADSET + OPC-1392 HEADSET ADAPTER HS-94: Ear-piece type HS-95: Neck-arm type HS-97: Throat microphone
*These headsets and headset adapter are non-waterproof.

D BELT CLIPS

MB-103 BELT CLIP The same as supplied with the transceiver. MB-86 SWIVEL BELT CLIP Belt clip for swivel type.
FA-S64V FLEXIBLE ANTENNA Same as that supplied with the transceiver.
Available or applicable options may differ according to countries. Ask your authorized dealer for details. 33
A-6479D-1EX-q Printed in Japan 20052006 Icom Inc.

Reprinted from

July 2006

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 7

www.powerboat-reports.com

JULY 2006

3 Regal 2400
This fun-to-drive bow rider has ample seating and storage, but wider swim ladders and additional handrails would make it more family friendly.

7 Handheld VHF Radios

A solid performer with multi-band reception and DSC emergency calling, the Standard Horizon HX600S takes top honors.

Family Focus: Page 3

13 PFDs for Kids
Mustang, Stearns, and Sospenders have top-quality vests for youths that provide buoyancy well beyond regulation.

17 Suzuki DF300

Suzuki introduces the biggest four-stroke yet with a 300-hp V6 that weighs less and burns less fuel than the 275 Mercury Verado.
Can You Hear Me Now?: Page 7
19 Anti-Fouling Paints for Outdrives and Outboards
All three products failed to stop barnacle growth. Pettits Alumacoat SR allowed the least amount of slime and hard growth.

20 Mooring Chain Test

After six months, the standard Acco Grade-30 proof coil looks good. Forget the Campbell and Chinese proof coils.

PFD Plunge: Page 13

Also in This Issue
2 Editorial Better mileage and fewer
maintenance woes with more horsepower, and tips on getting kids into PFDs. 22 Letters/Advisor Stepping up, bottom paint through Jamestown Distributors, VHF output, windlass installation, and digital charts.
24 Product Monitor Tideminders mooring/docking system and a propane canister locker.
First 300-hp Outboard: Page 17
Expensive Handheld VHF Radios: Standard Horizon Edges Icom
With its solid performance, multi-band reception, and DSC emergencycalling capability, the Standard Horizon HX600S takes top honors. The radios from Icom had the longest battery life.
andheld VHF radios come in handy for a variety of tasks aboard any boat. On small skiffs, they serve well as the main method of communicatingand you dont have to worry about the mounting, antenna, and wiring issues associated with a fixed-mount radio. On larger vessels with a fixed-mount VHF already installed, handhelds can serve as a viable backup radio or as a means of two-way communication if the dinghy is launched. When used as a backup, your handheld can even connect to the boats main antenna via an adapter and significantly increase your transceiver range.
of handheld VHF radios into two groups. In this review well report on upper-echelon units that sell for more than $175. Next time, well cover less expensive radios. Our lineup includes two units from perennial VHF leader Icom (models IC-M72 and IC-M88), four from Standard Horizon (models HX370S, HX500S, HX600S, and HX471S), the Ray101 from Raymarine, and the West Marine VHF 250.

How We Tested

The first order of business was to charge the batteries, which we did using the associated AC chargers. Next, we ran each radio through a series of bench tests, including transmitter power output, frequency accuracy and stability, and receiver sensitivity. We used a sophisticated piece of radio test gear, a Ramsey COM3010 com-
munications service monitor. Maximum power output on a portable handheld marine radio is limited to 5 or 6 watts. A low-power setting, 1 watt, for harbor use, is also available. In addition to the high- and low-power settings, most of the radios we tested had a midpower setting. We tested only at the max power and 1 watt. We took transmitter power measurements directly off the radio antenna port located on the top of each radio. Frequency accuracy is defined as Below, from left to right: Standard Horizon HX471S, Icom IC-M88, Icom IC-M72, West Marine VHF 250, Standard Horizon HX500S, Standard Horizon HX600S, Standard Horizon HX370S, Raymarine Ray101.

What We Tested

To keep our reports reasonable in both scope and size, as well as to make fair comparisons, weve divided coverage
value guide: Handheld VHFs over $175
Maker Model Price Price Source AA or AAA Battery Pack Battery Warranty Period (Months) Battery Type Battery Capacity (mAH) Battery Replacement Cost Maximum Charge Time Claimed Time of Operation (single charge) (hrs) Tested Time of Operation (single charge) (hrs) Head Set External Speaker/Microphone Scrambler *Frequency Bands DSC Capabilities Unit Size (Inches W x H x D) Weight (Ounces) Tx Settings (Watts) Transmitter Power Output and Stability Transmitter Frequency Stability Receive Sensitivity Selectivity (dB) Display Rating Audio Output (dBA at 1 foot) Audio Quality Raymarine Ray101 $179.99 pyacht.com Included $22.N/A 9 N/A N/A N/A M No 2.6 x 6.3 x 2.0 12.8 5/1 Good Good Good 70 Good 85 Good Standard Horizon HX370S

$179.99

Icom IC-M72 $199.99 westmarine.com N/A 12 Lithium Ion 2000 $129.15 to 16 15+ Optional Optional Yes M No 2.2 x 5.4 x 1.4 9.9 6/3/1 Excellent Fair Excellent 70 Excellent 99 Good
Standard Horizon HX500S $199.99 westmarine.com Optional 18 Nickel Metal Hydride 1400 $Optional Optional Optional M No 2.5 x 4.8 x 1.9 13.0 5/2.5/1 Excellent Good Excellent 65 Excellent 92 Excellent
pyacht.com Included $18 15+ Optional Optional Optional M, L No 2.5 x 5.4 x 1.8 13.4 5/2.5/1 Good Excellent Good 70 Excellent 88 Good
Nickel Metal Hydride Nickel Metal Hydride
*Aircraft (A), AM Broadcast (AM), Family (F), FM Broadcast (FM), Land Mobile (L), Marine (M), Multi-Use Radio Service (R).
the ability of the transmitter to send signals out on the selected frequency. Frequency stability measures the transmitters ability to maintain frequency accuracy over its entire temperature operating range. Regulations mandate an accuracy of 10 parts per million, while industry groups typically call for half that error. This equates to being about 1550 hertz (Hz) off frequency in the marine frequency band. Each transmitter test was done on channel 16 at room temperature (75 F), as well as temperature extremes near the maximum ranges of each radio. To reach the cold extreme, each radio was put in a bait freezer at 15 F for four hours prior to testing. We used a fish smoker as an environmental chamber to get the radios to high-temperature extremes. Each

was left to cook for two hours at 122 F and then immediately run through another transmitter-power and frequency test. We also checked each units lowpower setting, measuring both power output and frequency accuracy. Frequency stability was rated over the entire range of transmitter testing; the closer a unit held to the appropriate frequency, the higher it was rated. Receiver sensitivity is the ability of the radios receiver section to hear a weak signal. Typical marine VHF receiver sensitivity ratings run from.22 to.35 microvolts, with industry groups recommending a minimum.50 microvolts. Each radio receiver was tested for the minimum signal it could receive at a specific industry standard setting between background noise and generated signal (12 dB SINAD). All the radios rated Good or
better, meaning they are more than sensitive enough to pick up very weak incoming signals. Another receiver standard is selectivity, the ability of the receiver to reproduce only the signals you want to hear, and not others, even though they may be strong and nearby. Our test equipment did not allow us to test each radio for this characteristic. Each manufacturer provided information, which is listed in the chart under selectivity; a higher number is better. Display ratings were based on the size of the channel number display, the amount of other information shown, the value of the channel comments, the size of the screen, and the quality of the backlighting. One important part of the marine radio often overlooked is the audio amplifier and speaker. Boats can be
West Marine VHF 250 $219.99 westmarine.com Included 12 Lithium Ion 1400 $69.N/A Optional No A, AM, F, FM, M N/A 2.7 x 5.1 x 1.7 8.8 5/2.5/1 Good Good Good 72 Excellent 83 Good
Standard Horizon HX471S $299.99 westmarine.com Optional 18 Lithium Ion 1400 $10 to Optional Optional Optional A, AM, F, FM, M, R MMSI/LL 2.6 x 5.5 x 1.6 9.3 5/2.5/1 Good Good Excellent 65 Good 87 Good
Standard Horizon HX600S $249.99 pyacht.com Optional 18 Nickel Metal Hydride 1400 $14 15+ Optional Optional Optional A, AM, FM, M MMSI/LL 2.5 x 4.8 x 1.9 13.0 5/2.5/1 Excellent Excellent Excellent 65 Excellent 92 Excellent
Icom IC-M88 $271.95 pyacht.com Optional 12 Lithium Ion 1700 $15 15+ N/A Optional No L, M N/A 2.4 x 4.4 x 1.6 9.9 5/3/1 Good Good Excellent 70 Good 93 Good
drop test to confirm the radios survivability. Each radio was turned on then dropped from a height of 4 feet onto concrete. Again, all of the radios passed this test. The clock started ticking for the battery-life test immediately following charging. We allotted the first hour of use to run our bench tests. Radios were off during their time in our environmental chambers and then turned back on the following day and allowed to run continuously for the next 14 hours. We transmitted at full power for about three minutes every hour and received voice signals for about five minutes every hour until the battery died or the unit began to malfunction. Total battery test time was 15 hours. Radios still fully functional at that time were rated at 15+ hours of battery life. In the final analysis, we considered performance, cost (initial and battery replacement), warranty (both unit and battery), battery life, included equipment, recharge time, display, and audio output.

Icom IC-M72

Ergonomically, the IC-M72 tops the field. Its lightweight, fits into one hand well, and is comfortable to hold and use. The most powerful battery in the field provides the muscle for a sixwatt transmitter, the highest output power rating of any handheld VHF weve tested. Tested battery life was excellent with the transmitter still
noisy places, and if you cant hear the output, it doesnt really matter how well the transmitter or receiver works. To rate the audio system of each radio, we measured the sound pressure at maximum volume while generating a 1 KHz tone with the COM3010 and inputting the tone into the radio. Measurements were taken at a distance of 1 foot using a Radio Shack decibel meter. Our tester also rated each audio system with a voice input by monitoring a weather channel and rating the quality of sound reproduction. A submersion test was conducted on each radio to confirm it as waterproof. The tester turned on the radios and submerged them in a bucket of fresh water for 30 minutes. After Right: We used a Ramsey COM3010 communications service monitor to record and rate transceiver specifications.
removal, we checked the radio for proper operation immediately and then again the next day. All of the radios passed this test. Since a user typically carries a handheld radio either in hand or on a belt clip, we elected to perform a
pumping out plenty of power even after 15 hours of use. One downside: Replacing the battery will cost you nearly as much as the radio itself: $130. Overall performance ratings on the IC-M72 were Good to Excellent, though it fell a bit short in two areas. It scored only a Fair for transmitter frequency stability because the transmitter went off frequency by a small amount after emerging from the heat chamber. It was still within design specifications and completely usable, however. Following submersion, we noticed the battery compartment had some minor water intrusion. According to Icom advertising manager, Dave Kruzic, water in the battery area is not a problem for Icom radios. There is no huge gasket between battery and radio to prevent water intrusion. Where it is important to protect against water intrusion is where the battery contact points meet the radio mainframe. If you look at both the M72 and M88, the gasket is small and only covers this critical area. If you submerge the radios with the battery properly fitted in place, remove from water and shake the radio off, you should hear a small suction snap when removing the battery and the contact point seal is disrupted. It should be dry in that small area. The rest is unimportant. This radio is operated with a rotary on/off/volume control located on top,
a push-to-talk and a squelch button on the side, and six pushbuttons on the front panel. Controls on the front select transmitter power, channel changing, weather, quick 16 or 9, and scanning. An optional microphone or speaker connects through a port in the top. Bottom Line: A well-built radio with highly rated ergonomics, good performance, and excellent battery life. Battery replacement cost is high.

as to why water in the battery area is not a big deal. Bottom Line: A great performer, but its expensive and so is battery replacement.

Raymarine Ray101

At about twice the size of the diminutive Icom M88, the Ray101 is the heftiest handheld in this test. It uses six AA-size nickel metal hydride batteries contained in a sealed battery pack that fits securely to the back of the unit. This setup gives the Ray101 the lowest battery replacement cost in the group, as well as the opportunity to quickly install standard AA batteries should the need arise. Unfortunately this setup also yielded the worst performance in our battery life test by only lasting nine hours. Raymarine communications manager Nancy Baumgartner commented on the Ray101 batteries. Since the battery is a consumable item, it is not covered under the 3-year radio warranty. One of the major advantages of the Ray101 is that it does not use a proprietary battery pack; instead the consumer can go to any retail store in the US and buy regular AA rechargeable NiMH batteries for a fraction of the price of the proprietary custom batteries used by other radio manufacturers. Ray101 also allows flexibility for the users to upgrade their batteries to the bigger capacity battery. Upgrading to the bigger capacity battery would instantly increase the battery life and make the radio up to date to the latest battery technology. Two rotary knobs are mounted on the top of the unit: an off/on/volume control and a squelch control. The side-mounted, push-to-talk switch is too hard to press, in our opinion. Seven front panel pushbuttons select transmitter power, scanning options, channel change, weather, panel backlighting, and quick 16. Left: A few drops of water got inside of the Icom IC-M88s battery compartment after our dunk test, but a gasket protects the battery-to-radio connection.

Icom IC-M88

This expensive sub-compact packs a load of features into a lightweight package about the size of a bar of soap. The M88 operates by using the rotary on/off/volume control located on top, a push-to-talk and a squelch button on the side. Six front-panel pushbuttons control transmitter power, channel changing, weather, quick 16 or 9, and scanning. An optional external speaker/microphone plugs in on the side. The M88 earned Good or Excellent ratings across the board. During the battery-life test it was one of only four radios still functioning after 15 hours and it was going strong even then, pumping out plenty of transmitter power during our final check. This radio shares two less-than-desirable traits with its sibling, the M72: It has a very expensive battery ($122) and it had some water in the battery area following our dunk test. See the Icom IC-72 text for Icoms explanation

Overall performance of the Ray101 was Good. We found water in the battery area after the dunk test. It did not penetrate the battery compartment or the area where the battery-to-radio connections are located as they are protected with a small gasket. Bottom Line: Too big and heavy for our liking, plus it has a rather short battery life.

Standard Horizon HX600S

The HX600S is the product line leader for Vertex Standard. It features multi-band and digital-selective-calling capabilitiesone of only two radios with the latter feature. If it is sitting in its charger and the charger is wired to a GPS unit, the HX600S will transmit vessel position data along with the MMSI number when making an emergency Digital Selective Call (DSC). The HX600S has a top-mounted volume control and side-mounted pushbuttons for on-off, squelch, and push-to-talk. Eight front-mounted pushbuttons control transmitter power selection, channel changing, weather, scanning, and band choice. It can receive signals on the Marine, Aircraft, AM, and FM bands. It transmits on Marine only. An optional headset, microphone, or speaker plugs into a jack on the top of the unit. The HX600S was the only radio to achieve Excellent ratings across the board and pass the drop and submersion tests with no glitches or caveats. Battery life was also Excellent and rated at 15+ hours. Battery replacement cost, at $65, is the lowest of any unit that requires a specialized battery. Bottom Line: Excellent performance coupled with features like multi-band technology and DSC capability make the HX600S our top pick.
Above: Standard Horizon packs a smorgasbord of features into its HX471S. Here, the radio is set on the Aircraft Band, which would allow a boater in trouble to monitor aircraft search-and-rescue communications. side-mounted pushbuttons for onoff, squelch, and push-to-talk. Seven front-mounted pushbuttons control transmitter power selection, channel changing, weather, and scanning. An optional headset, microphone, or speaker plugs into a jack on the top of the unit. The HX500S performed very well in our testing, earning mostly Excellent ratings. It passed the drop and submersion tests. Though it uses the same battery as the HX600S, it did not perform quite as well, lasting 13 hours. When we ended its battery-life test, the HX500S was not deadit simply stopped transmitting just seconds before it would have been set aside for another hour. The HX500S has a cutout circuit that will lock out the transmitter when the battery voltage drops below a certain point. It still had life and could transmit, just not for the sustained 3 minutes we used during our testing. Battery replacement cost on the HX500S is $65. Bottom Line: Rugged construction, very good overall performance, and a reasonably priced replacement battery make the HX500S a good choice. HX500S and HX600S, it is bigger and heavier. It also has a larger display screen. The HX370S has a top-mounted on/off/volume control and sidemounted pushbuttons for push-totalk and squelch. Seven pushbuttons on its face control transmitter power selection, channel changing, weather, and scanning. An optional headset, microphone, or speaker plugs into a jack on the top. The HX370S performed well in our testing, earning all Good and Excellent ratings. It did, however, trail most in the group in audio output. Submersion testing went well. The battery separated from the radio during the drop test, however. After we picked it up and reinstalled it, everything was operating normally. Battery life on the HX370 was rated at 15+, though upon reaching hour 15 it was fairly weak. We dont think this radio had much left at that point. Battery replacement is $65. Bottom Line: A decent overall performer; its just a little big and heavy for us.

Standard Horizon HX500S

Identical in looks to the HX600S, the less expensive HX500S operates only on the Marine band and does not have DSC capabilities. It has a top-mounted volume control and

Standard Horizon HX471S

Even though the HX471S is the smallest and lightest radio in our test, its also packed with features like multiband and DSC capabilities. This radio

Standard Horizon HX370S

Though the HX370S shares the same control layout as the more expensive
receives voice traffic on the Marine, Aircraft, Family, AM, FM, MURS, and Aircraft bands. It can transmit on Marine and Family radio channels. During a DSC emergency call, it will transmit the vessels MMSI number andif configured properlywill relay position data in lat/long. HX471S has top-mounted volume and squelch knobs and a side-mounted pushbutton for push-to-talk and backlighting. Front-panel pushbuttons control transmitter power output selection, channel changing, weather, scanning, band choice, and a quick 16. An optional headset, microphone, or speaker plugs into a jack on the top of the unit. The HX471S performed well in our tests, earning mostly Good ratings. We noted no problems during the drop or submersion tests. Battery life on this radio was rated for 13 hours, well beyond the manufacturers 10to 12-hour claim. One thing to keep in mind: When this radio dies from
a low battery, it is completely dead and will require a charge before it will come back to life. Recharge time on the HX471S is the fastest in the groupthree hours. Battery replacement is $83. Bottom Line: This radio has a ton of features packed into a small package. Performance was middle of the pack.

West Marine VHF 250

In addition to full marine-band capabilities, the multi-talented VHF 250 can receive signals from the Family radio, AM, FM, and Aircraft bands. It can transmit on Family radio channels too. Other features include a diecast metal case and a top-mounted adapter ready to accept an optional head set, speaker, or microphone. A scrambler is optional. The VHF 250 is controlled with a pair of top-mounted knobs for on/off/ volume and squelch, as well as seven front-panel pushbuttons for selecting the operating band, channels, weather, scanning, or quick 16 or 9. On the side is an easy-to-operate, push-to-talk switch and a backlit on-off switch. Overall performance of the VHF 250 was Good, but the audio system was weak compared to the competition. Testing took its toll on this radio. The internal connection between the unit and the antenna failed and the antenna mount was noticeably loose. In our battery-life test, the VHF 250 lasted 14 hours, well beyond its 10hour claim. Bottom Line: Lots of features in a reasonably priced package. A weak antenna mount holds this one back.

Above: The push-to-talk button on the side of the Ray101 was harder to press than any other test radios button. ner in every category. Certain radios excel in particular areas, while others provide all-around good service. We rated the Standard Horizon HX600S our top pick because it performed wellwith no hiccupsand had a bevy of added features, including the ability to listen on several voice bands and transmit a DSC call in an emergency. It is certainly not the smallest, lightest, or least expensive handheld out there, but when viewed as an overall package we think its the best. If youre looking for a radio with the longest battery life, wed opt for an Icom radio, either the IC-M72 or the IC-M88. Both had plenty of juice left at the end of our grueling battery life test. Technology enthusiasts trying to stay on the edge should look at the Standard Horizon HX471S. It packs all the features one could want into the smallest and lightest package weve tested. n Standard Horizon, 714/827-7600, standardhorizon.com Icom, 425/454-7619, icomamerica.com West Marine, 800/BOATING, westmarine.com Raymarine, 800/539-5539, raymarine.com

Conclusions

In this price range, you have plenty of options when choosing a handheld VHF. No unit stands out as a clear winAbove: The Standard Horizon HX600S fared well in every aspect of our evaluation.
Reprinted from Powerboat Reports 2006 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. Powerboat Reports is published monthly (12 issues) by Belvoir Media Group, LLC, 800 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06854. Subscriptions are $29 annually. 800-829-9081. www.powerboat-reports.com