Icom IC-M802 SSB

By Capt. Patrick Sciacca — September 2002

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The IC-M802 is a digital SSB, which should produce clearer reception for the user. In addition, Icom claims that the IC-M802 is the first SSB that offers digital selective calling, which is found on many VHFs today and is highly valued as a safety feature. Just integrate the SSB with your boat's GPS via a plug-in port on the back of the unit, and if your boat is in distress, press the DSC button to send out a long-range distress message. DSC can also be used to locate vessels you are communicating with, provided they have the same technology onboard.

The IC-M802 contains filters that make it ready to use as a Ham radio, and you can use it for e-mail with the touch of the aptly named e-mail button on the unit's keypad. It can also be used as a weatherfax and connected to a printer via a plug-in port. The unit's front panel is four inches tall, so reading the display should be easy even for the Mr. Magoos of the world. The standard speaker can be remote-mounted, and if you're on a night watch, just plug in a headset to keep background noise to a minimum.

The IC-M802 is available through Icom dealers nationwide and has suggested retail price of about $3,200.

Icom Phone: (425) 454-8155. Fax: (215) 223-3017. www.icomamerica.com.

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