FA-SC59V flexible antenna

The FA-SC59V flexible antenna is a radio communication component designed by Icom. It is specifically intended for maritime handheld transceivers and ensures the transmission and reception of radio signals in a nautical environment.

Its structure is flexible, allowing it to absorb mechanical stress, shocks, and twists. This flexibility is a major asset for shipboard maneuvers, where equipment is often subjected to movement and impacts.

The FA-SC59V antenna is specifically designed to meet the constraints and requirements of portable marine VHF radios, ensuring performance, robustness, and safety in a nautical environment:

Flexibility and shock resistance: Its flexible structure is designed to absorb mechanical stress, impacts, and frequent twisting common aboard vessels. This protects not only the antenna itself but also the radio’s connector, extending the lifespan of the portable equipment.Optimized marine band: The antenna is tuned to resonate within the standard marine VHF frequency band (156–163 MHz). This optimization ensures an optimal standing wave ratio (SWR), maximizing transmission and reception efficiency in a maritime setting.Maintenance of radio waterproofing: The antenna’s threading and base incorporate a compression seal. Once screwed onto the radio’s chassis, it ensures the device’s protection rating (e.g., IP57 for the IC-M37E) is maintained, critical for resistance to immersion and water spray at sea.Mechanical compatibility and safety features: As an original Icom accessory, the FA-SC59V guarantees exact mechanical thread compatibility. This precision is essential to preserve the radio’s waterproofing and the proper functioning of its safety features, such as flotation capability and the ‘Float’n Flash’ strobe activation function in case of immersion.

This antenna is specifically tuned to resonate on the standard marine VHF frequency band, which ranges from 156 to 163 MHz. It is optimized for peak performance across this range.

Yes, the FA-SC59V antenna is an original model from the manufacturer Icom. This guarantees exact mechanical thread compatibility and helps maintain the radio's watertightness and specific functions.

Using the original Icom FA-SC59V antenna is essential to ensure the integrity and safety of your portable VHF radio due to its specific design:

Waterproofing: The FA-SC59V is designed with exact mechanical thread compatibility and includes a compression gasket at its base. Once screwed onto the radio's chassis, this design maintains the device's protection rating (IP), such as IP57 for the IC-M37E portable marine VHF. This means the radio can withstand immersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes without compromising its operation. Using a non-original antenna could damage this gasket and compromise your radio's waterproofing.

Safety features: Precise thread compatibility is also critical for the proper functioning of certain safety features integrated into Icom radios. For example, it is essential for the correct activation of the "Float'n Flash" strobe function in the event of the radio falling into the sea. A non-compliant antenna could prevent this vital function from triggering, making recovery of the device more difficult in the event of an incident.

Always use the original antenna to ensure full functionality and safety compliance.

Yes, the FA-SC59V antenna is supplied as standard equipment with the Icom IC-M37E 6 W marine handheld VHF. It can also be purchased separately as a spare part or accessory.

The "optimal SWR" (Standing Wave Ratio) means the antenna is perfectly matched to the frequency band it is designed for. An optimal SWR ensures efficient transmission and reception of signals, allowing the radio to emit its maximum power with the best possible efficiency.

Strict optimization for the civil marine band (156 to 163 MHz) ensures maximum efficiency and enhanced performance for maritime communications. This distinguishes it from other antennas with broader bandwidths, which may be less effective on this specific band.

Although the SMA connector is a standard, the FA-SC59V antenna is an Icom original model. Its threading and base are specifically designed to ensure exact mechanical compatibility with Icom radios, which is essential to maintain waterproofing (IPX7/IP57) and features such as "Float'n Flash". Using it with other brands could compromise these characteristics.

The main difference lies in their bandwidth optimization. The FA-SC59V is strictly optimized for the civil marine band (156 to 163 MHz), while the FA-S59V (which equips the IC-M73EURO series) offers a wider bandwidth from 150 to 174 MHz, suitable for professionals using additional terrestrial channels.

Yes, as an Icom original antenna with exact mechanical thread compatibility, it is designed to preserve the "Float'n Flash" strobe light activation function in case of man-overboard, if the radio is equipped with it.

No, the FA-SC59V antenna is a flexible antenna for handheld radios. It prioritizes mobility and reduced bulk for deck use, unlike a fixed mast antenna which would require an adapter such as the AD-98FSC to connect to a handheld radio.

No, the FA-SC59V antenna installation is designed to be simple and generally does not require specific tools. It screws onto the radio’s SMA connector by hand.

Yes, as an accessory designed to be installed and removed, the FA-SC59V antenna is easy to replace. Simply unscrew it from the radio and screw the new antenna into place, ensuring it is tightened properly for waterproofing.