Icom GMDSS GM800 Marine VHF Pack

The Icom GMDSS GM800 Marine VHF Pack is an MF/HF transceiver designed for compliance with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). This radiocommunication system is essential for maritime safety, providing automated distress alerts and communication services with location information. Compliant with the EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED) and SOLAS requirements, the GM800 is intended for commercial and regulated vessels operating beyond the range of VHF coastal stations.

Optimized User Interface and Display

The Icom GM800 features a 4.3-inch TFT LCD color screen with a nearly 180-degree viewing angle. This high-resolution display ensures optimal readability of characters and icons, even from varied angles. The night mode enhances clarity in low-light conditions. The user interface, unified with that of the VHF GM600, combines a directional keypad, programmable buttons for quick access to common functions, and a large numeric keypad for efficient channel and MMSI number entry. The audio system, equipped with a new waterproof speaker cone, delivers 4 W of power, ensuring clear sound and extended frequency response.

Advanced GMDSS and ASN Features

The GM800 is equipped with a dedicated ASN (Digital Selective Calling) watch receiver that continuously scans the six distress channels. It allows storage of 100 MMSI members with a 10-character identifier. The ASN multitasking function displays up to seven ASN procedures simultaneously, and the device is capable of sending distress relay calls. This capability is crucial for maritime zones A2 (MF coverage), A3 (Inmarsat coverage), and A4 (polar regions), where MF/HF communication is a cornerstone of the GMDSS. The GM800 meets ITU-R M.493-13 DSC standards, ensuring reliable safety communication.

Robust Performance and Connectivity

The Icom GMDSS GM800 Marine VHF Pack delivers 150 W PEP output power at 50 Ω (at the radio terminal), with 125 W for frequencies 4.0–27.5 MHz and 85 W for 1.6–3.999 MHz (at the coupler output). Its frequency range covers 1.6–27.5000 MHz for transmission (ITU marine channels) and 0.5–29.9999 MHz for continuous reception. Specific DSC frequencies are 2.1875, 4.2075, 6.3120, 8.4145, 12.5770, and 16.8045 MHz. The device supports various transmission types including J3E (USB/LSB), H3E (AM), J2B (AFSK), F1B (FSK), and A1A (CW). Powered by 24 V DC (21.6–31.2 V) with floating ground, it integrates a 24 V DC-DC converter. Consumption is less than 20 A during transmission (max power) and 3.0 A during reception (max audio). For system integration, it features an IEC 61162-1 interface compatible with GGA, GNS, GLL, RMC, FSI input formats and FSI, DSC, DSE output formats, as well as a printer connector (Centronics IEEE1284). The controller meets IPX7 waterproofing standards. Its dimensions are 367 × 95 × 260 mm for the main unit (8.6 kg) and 274 × 114 × 86 mm for the controller (760 g).

Positioning in the Icom GMDSS Range

The GM800 sits at the core of Icom's GMDSS offering, complementing the VHF transceiver GM600 and the IC-GM1600E survival portable radio. While the GM600 handles VHF communication (25 W/1 W, IPX7 for the front panel) for zone A1 and supports zones A2, A3, and A4, the GM800 manages long-range MF/HF communications essential for zones A2, A3, and A4. The IC-GM1600E, with its robust design and BP-234 Lithium battery offering 8 hours of autonomy at -20°C, is specifically designed as a survival radio (2 W/1 W). All of these Icom devices comply with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) and SOLAS requirements. For full MED compliance, the GM800 must be used with the AT-141 automatic antenna coupler, while the GM600 requires the PS-310 DC-DC converter and the IC-GM1600E requires the BP-234 battery. The GM800 stands out for its ability to operate in the most demanding marine environments, offering a duplicate maintenance solution essential for zones A2, A3, and A4.