Is the ICOM IC-M422VHF Marine Transceiver....

[Sumner]

the same as a Marine VHF with Class D DSC??

On their site for the 422 they say:

Built-in DSC watch function monitors Ch 70 (DSC channel) activity, even while you are on another channel. In an emergency situation, a formatted distress call can be sent at the touch of a button.

I thought that is what distinguishes it as a 'Class D DSC' yet for the 522 they clearly say:

ITU Class D DSC
The IC-M504 has built-in class D DSC, which enables you to constantly monitor channel 70. This functionality provides users at sea with the peace of mind that they can call for help by pressing the “Distress” button if the need arises.

They don't clearly say that the 422 is Class D. We want a radio that has the DSC function that operates at all time. Anyone have either of these?

http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/marine/mountedvhf/m422/default.aspx

Maybe I'll call them Monday. Thanks for any help,

Sum and Ruth

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac Links

 

[Sumner]

Just in case anyone is interested, I called Icom and they clarified my question.

A class D DSC VHF has two receivers and one is always receiving on channel 70. Their IC-M504 AND IC-M604 both have the two receivers.

Their IC-M404 only has one receiver. What it does have is a priority scan that is always scanning channel 70. If you are using another channel, say 16, it is always scanning 70 and will divert to it if it sees that it is active. The tech guy said that since it is scanning there is that possibility that it could miss a call on 70.

I don't know how long it is away from 70 on a scan but I can't imagine the time missed would be great, but that is a guess and I forgot to ask :cry:. Now if you have it set to scan all channels it will 'prioritize 70' and go back to it between every other channel it is scanning according to the tech guy.

If your are transmitting on any of these radios, even the ones with a second receiver (true class D) it will not pickup a channel 70 call while you are transmitting.

With that in mind we feel the 422 will probably fit our needs. It has the distress call feature that will send your position if you are hooked to a GPS and we will be. We will count on the rest of you buying a 502 or 602, so you don't miss our call .

c ya,

Sum

Our Trips to Lake Powell, UT - Kootenay Lake, Canada - Priest Lake, ID

Our Mac Pages

Mac Links