iCom M710RT

[Guest]

Hi there,
Anyone know of a supplier for these SSB's on the South coast (Brighton/Southampton). I'm also looking for installation and aerial advice. Ideally I'm after one with both Marine HF and ham frequencies (version 2 I believe). The iCom website states they are for export only? Does anyone have a clue why this is as well.
Many thanks in advance
Colin Wright
Galago
Brighton.

 

[HaraldS]

I have one. Don't think you'll get it in Europe (icluding UK). One problem is that they haven't been type approved in Europe, so you normally can't register them. As I understand it, you can register a unit in any EU country, if it passed approval in any other. But these units have only been FCC approved in the U.S. and I think regulations are that an "open" unit like the vers. 2.1 wouldn't pass in Europe.

That's unfortunate for people who have both HAM and ships license, because in theory they would need two differnt rigs. Crazyness goes on to the antenna tuner where you would have to have a European model, that has an extra tuning circuit for the 218x frequencies, that kicks in if the tuner has power loss!

If you want to know more, send me a privaye note.

 

[PaulJ]

Colin, there is a company called "Nevada" (www.nevada.co.uk). They are based just outside Portsmouth and cater for the Ham radio community and should be able to help you with most of the info you need. The reason that the 710 "version 2" is for export only is that you need a separate licence for Marine Band frequencies and Ham frequencies. My understanding is that your installation also has to be inspected before you will get a "Ship's Licence" and you won't get that licence if the rig can transmit on both bands.

For what it is worth, if you are thinking of going cruising, I think you are only likely to use Marine Band in an emergency and what many people seem to do is get a Ham rig (the Icom 706 seems to be very popular) which has been "wide banded". The intention is never to use Marine Band frequencies unless an emergency arises and then argue about the legal niceties afterwards should the need arise.... That way you will only need an Amateur Radio Licence and will be a "Maritime Mobile" on Ham fequencies and don't need to get a Ship's Licence either ;o)

 

[Guest]

Hi Paul, if I went down the 710RT route, would this work ok if used only with a Ham licence?
Kind Regards
Colin

 

[HaraldS]

Absolutely, any HAM can use the 710. But you will not get a ship station license and a ship call sign. You can operate the 710 on HAM frequencies and as said in an emergency, send on an ITU frequency.

BUT, if you do this, I would go for the 706 that was mentioned. It also has a remote head, just much smaller, and it is easier to use in a HAM fashion, as you can just dial in frequencies, rather than configuring new "channels". On the 710 you can only get direct frequency access through a PC and some extra software. In the regular case you have to go through a sequence to set up a channel which involves, typing in receive and transmit frequencies, type of modulation, filters etc, and name it.

The only other differnce would be that the 706 is 100W and the 710 is 150W, but I don't think that will make a big differnce and the price is almost half, since it is HAM and not a yacht gadget.

 

[snowleopard]

tips

1. warning: recently icom started selling a version of the 710 which could not be programmed, ie. all the 160 'user' channels were pre-programmed and couldn't be altered.

2. im told you can remove the tx block on ham bands by removing a chip if you can find someone who knows what they're doing.

3. contact icom tech dept and they will send you a wad of advice on installation and earthing. v useful.

 

[SimonJ]

Strongly recommend the ICOM 706 can advise USA source if you wish. Mine cost $900,plus tuner at $275, $50 for opening up to SSB plus shipping and customs charges if sent to UK.

 

[aph]

Can you advise where I can get a ham radio license. (either UK or USA) I am presently doing the same thing ie looking at different options and not sure whether to buy ham or marine but leaning towards ham.

 

[PaulJ]

The info you want should be on the website of the "Radio Societyof Great Britain"...www.rsgb.org