The Icom M801E is the only CE approved marine SSB transciever manaufactured by Icom.
The transceiver deploying Digital Signal Processor technology offers a high level of communications performance while at sea.

The ICOM M801E can be used for: -

• Distress and Safety communications with coastguard
• Talking to other yachtsmen
• Monitoring for DSC calls
• Sending and receiving email via SSB - requires pactor modem and PC.
• Receiving world-wide short-wave radio broadcasts
  • BBC world service
• Receiving global weather broadcasts
  • Fax, RTTY, Navtex - requires PC and software

• Receive 500 kHz to 30000 kHz
• Transmits on all MF/HF marine bands
• Operation mode USB-J3E, AM-H3E, CW-J2A & FSK-F1B.
• 1195 channels
• 125 watts power PEP output
• Supply 12 or 24 volts options
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP) to eliminate noise and interference
• Built in DSC meeting GMDSS requirements class E DSC for non-SOLAS regulated vessels.
• Auxiliary socket for connection to SCS Pactor modem
• ICOM AT141 antenna tuning unit (ATU)

Built-in digital selective calling (DSC), Class E

The IC-M801E meets Class E standards for non-SOLAS vessels and is ideal for fitting to the average yacht.
The M801E offers the ability to make and receive the following DSC calls via HF SSB radio :-

• Distress alert
• Distress relay
• Urgency
• Safety
• Individual
• Group
• Test calls
• Semi/Auto calls

The advantage of DSC via HF SSB is that calls can be made over a far greater range than can be achieved using VHF DSC.

The AT-141 easily connects to the IC-M801 and is used to tune the SSB antenna (backstay or whip) to the transmit frequency.
When the tuner cannot tune the antenna, the IC-M801 bypasses the tuner and displays a warning indicator on the LCD.

The Icom M801E can be connected to a pactor modem for low cost email.
Using SSB email is as easy as sending email via your telephone line or mobile phone.

Click here for modem pricing information

Although the M801E and M802 look the same that is where the difference finishes.
The M801 is housed in a more robust housing with heavy duty connectors, ideal for the marine environment.

The M801 as an internal DC to DC converter which allows for better voltage stability and reduces the possibilty of Galvanic corrosion .

By using the latest DSP technology, the M801E has better receiver performance.
The M801E is a fully compliant class 'E' DSC unit offering a full range of DSC features compared with the M802 limited range of DSC functions.
The M801E is CE approved where the M802 is not.

Which marine SSB to install

Click here for M801 training course

Before you can use a DSC marine radio you do need a GMDSS Long Range Certificate radio operator's certificate.

The GMDSS Long Range Certificate is for off-shore and ocean sailor or blue water and commercial yachtsmen who are looking for long range communications while at sea.

The GMDSS Long Range Certificate covers all aspects of marine communications from the use of SSB to EPIRBs and SARTs. Click here for more information