The ICOM SSB transceiver deploying Digital Signal Processor technology offers a high level of communications performance while at sea.

The ICOM M802 can be used for: -

• Distress and Safety communications with coastguard
• Talking to other yachtsmen
• Monitoring of distress frequencies 2182 kHz and 2187.5 kHz
• Sending and receiving of email - requires pactor modem
• Receiving world-wide short-wave radio broadcasts
  • BBC world service
• Receiving global weather broadcasts
  • Fax, RTTY, Navtex - requires PC and software

Built-in digital selective calling (DSC) For added safety at sea, the IC-M802 offers the ability to make and receive the following DSC calls via HF SSB radio :-

• Distress alert
• Urgency
• Safety
• Individual
• Group
• Test

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.

M802 Basic specification

• Wide band receive coverage (0.5 - 29.9999MHz)
• Transmit 1.6 - 29.9999MHz
• All ITU channels plus 160 user programmable channels
• Transmit output power 150 watts
• Power supply requirement : 13.6 Volts
• Consumption 3 Amp Receive, 30 Amp Transmit

Automatic Antenna Tuner (ATU)
The AT-140 easily connects to the IC-M802 and is used to tune the SSB antenna (backstay or whip) to the transmit frequency. When the tuner cannot tune the antenna, the IC-M802 bypasses the tuner and displays a warning indicator on the LCD.

The reason for this is that marine equipment needs to meet the relevant type approval standards and marine radio's both VHF and SSB have to meet the GMDSS requirements. Here in Europe marine radios being sold today (VHF and SSB) must have digital selective calling (DSC) and comply with the European Radio Equipment and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (R&TTE) Directive

Click here and read Section 4. Radio equipment conformity requirements of the OFCOM Ship Radio Guidance Notes

The Icom M802 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