The IC-M603 has a stylish, ergonomic design to blend into your cabin or console it can be flush mounted. Large buttons and knobs are laid out for easy, user-friendly operation. These are also backlit for night time use. The large, dot-matrix, display allows a variety of information such as GPS data and DSC emergency data etc to be seen instantly and easily. With the backlit display, large 10 keypad buttons and knobs, the IC-M603 is easy to operate.

Being a DSC radio the IC-M603 has a built-in Ch 70 receiver, which monitors activity, even while you are receiving another channel. In an emergency situation, an automated distress call can be sent with a touch of a button. When connected to an external GPS receiver, the position request and position report functions allow you to exchange ship’s position information. The use of a suitable GPS potter with this radio will allow a visual display of incoming DSC distress alert and position requests.

One of the biggest selling features of the IC-M603 is that it can be remotely controlled by the HM-162 COMMANDMIC. By using the central jog dial and clearly laid out buttons you can operate all functions of the IC-M603 including DSC operation, loud hailer and foghorn from remote locations such as the cockpit or fly bridge up to a maximum distance of 18.3 metres (60ft). The HM-162 features slim dimensions and a sizeable LCD, making this process very easy. In addition, intercom is possible between two COMMANDMIC’s and even between radio mic and COMMANDMIC.

The IC-M603 features a large front facing speaker that can produce very loud and clear reception even over engine or other background noise.

When connected to a two-way hailer horn, communication with other boats or deck hands is easy. The built-in amplifier increases talk power to 30W making your message loud and clear. Four fog horn patterns are available for the automatic foghorn, adding further to your safety.

Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK said, ‘Icom has again used its vast experience in the Marine market to produce another excellent VHF radio – waterproof, rugged, functional, these are the hallmarks of Icom quality and reliability.’

Preview products will be shown at the Southampton Boat Show 2006. An extended 3 year warranty will be available for this product.