Icom GM1600 GMDSS VHF Radio w/BP-234 Battery - Mid-Atlantic Rescue Systems

Icom GM1600 GMDSS VHF Radio w-BP-234 Battery

IC-GM1600E ICOM Long Range Handheld Marine VHF Two way Radio

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ICOM

IC-GM1600E

GM1600E marine portable VHF GMDSS

The ICOM GM1600E handheld VHF radio is designed for life raft communications, meeting the stringent requirements of the GMDSS and MED "Wheelmark" certification. Offering a 2W output power, its robust construction is IPX7 waterproof and ensures reliable operation in extreme conditions (-20°C to +55°C).

Product Range: The GM1600E is a specialized and proven model in the ICOM range, dedicated to GMDSS applications. Although its design is not new, it remains a benchmark for SOLAS compliance and has no direct replacement in the current product range for this specific use.

Included: 1050 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, MB-103Y belt clip, FA-S61V antenna, wrist strap. An additional 3300 mAh battery is available as an option in the package.

Retail priceBenefit from the professional rate

589,20€

589,20€ ~~598,80€~~

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In stock

Free pickup point shipping over €150 in France
Pickup at Skysat possible

Custom installation

Trust Skysat to install the equipment on board

Request a quote

Installers near you

thanks to our network of approved installers

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Support service

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Technical specifications

Operating temperature	-20 to +55
Product height	145
Product width	65
Product depth	44
IP rating	IPX7
Certifications	GMDSS,IMO A.809(19),IMO A.694(17),IEC 61097-12
Wireless connectivity	None
DSC	No
ATIS	Yes (programmable)
GPS	No
AIS class	N/A
AIS RX	No
AIS TX	No
VHF frequency range	TX: 156.000-161.450, RX: 156.000-163.425
VHF transmit power	2 / 1
Battery type	Supplied with Lithium battery (BP-252). Compatible with 3300 mAh Li-Ion emergency battery (BP-234 optional).
Battery capacity	80 (BP-252)
Charging method	Desktop charger
Audio output power	0.2
Display type	LCD
Display resolution	N/A
Buoyancy	No
Keypad lock	Yes
Emergency strobe	No
Product weight	0.385
IP rating	IPX7 (1 meter for 30 minutes)

Detailed description

The ICOM GM1600E handheld VHF radio is an essential piece of survival communication equipment, designed to meet the stringent standards of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Intended for use in lifeboats, it is the ultimate communication tool when reliability is paramount.

GMDSS compliance and professional-grade robustness

The GM1600E fully complies with the temperature, thermal shock, vibration, and drop resistance (from a height of 1 meter) requirements specified by the GMDSS standards. It is certified to IMO A.809 (19), A.694 (17), and IEC 61097-12. Its high-visibility yellow casing and IPX7 water resistance, guaranteeing protection against immersion at a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes, make it perfectly suited to the harshest marine environments.

Radio performance optimized for survival

Unlike recreational handheld VHF radios that can reach 6W, the GM1600E operates at a power output of 2W (high) or 1W (low). This choice is deliberate to maximize battery life in an emergency. The superheterodyne double-conversion receiver ensures high sensitivity (0.25 μV typ. at 12 dB SINAD) for picking up even the weakest signals. The radio covers the transmit frequency range of 156.000 to 161.450 MHz and the receive frequency range of 156.000 to 163.425 MHz, including all international maritime channels.

Ergonomics and technical specifications

With dimensions of 65 × 145 × 44 mm and a weight of 385 g (with the BP-234 battery), the GM1600E is designed for easy handling, even with gloves. The user interface is simplified for quick access to critical functions, including channel 16. It operates in a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C and is powered by a nominal voltage of 7.2 V DC. Its positioning is clear: where an ICOM IC-M94D offers convenience features like AIS and GPS, the GM1600E focuses exclusively on ruggedness and compliance for its survival mission.

Documentation

Type	Nom
	EN - Datasheet - GM1600E Marine GMDSS Handheld VHF
	EN - Accessory Connector Pinout - GM1600E Marine GMDSS Handheld VHF
	EN - Service ROM Content Guide - Handheld VHF GM1600E Marine GMDSS
	EN - Instruction Manual - GMDSS Handheld VHF GM1600E Marine

Expert opinion

Pol CONIN

Digital Manager

« The GMDSS Reference for Survival Situations »

The ICOM GM1600E VHF is not a recreational radio, it is a certified survival instrument. Its design meets extremely rigorous GMDSS specifications, where each component is tested to withstand the most extreme conditions: drops, vibrations, thermal shocks. Its interface is deliberately minimalist to ensure infallible handling in stressful situations, even with gloves. The transmission power limited to 2W is a standard feature for this type of equipment, aiming to preserve maximum battery life, a critical factor in distress situations. It is the reference equipment for commercial fleets and offshore navigators subject to SOLAS regulations, for whom absolute compliance and reliability take precedence over all other considerations.

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GM1600E marine portable VHF GMDSS

589,20€

589,20€ ~~598,80€~~

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the main use of the ICOM GM1600E handheld VHF?

The ICOM GM1600E VHF is specifically designed as survival communication equipment for distress situations at sea. It meets the strict standards of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and is intended for use in lifeboats and liferafts.

Why is the transmission power 2W, while other VHF radios go higher?

The output power is intentionally limited to 2 Watts (high) and 1 Watt (low) to comply with GMDSS requirements. This power is optimized to maximize battery life in a survival situation, where communication duration is more critical than maximum range.

Can an external microphone or speaker be connected?

Yes, the VHF is equipped with an accessory jack [MIC/SP] that allows connecting a remote speaker-microphone or other compatible audio accessories.

How to switch between high and low transmit power?

You can change the transmission power by pressing the [HI/LO] key. A "LOW" indicator appears on the screen when low power (1W) is selected. No indication is displayed for high power (2W).

What is the reception system used by the GM1600E?

The VHF uses a high-quality dual-conversion superheterodyne reception system, which ensures excellent sensitivity and selectivity for picking up weak signals.

Is a lanyard provided with the VHF radio?

Yes, in accordance with regulations for survival equipment, a neck lanyard is supplied with the GM1600E VHF to allow it to be securely attached to the user.

What is the audio power of the speaker?

The VHF's internal speaker delivers an audio power of 0.20 Watt into an 8 Ω load, sufficient for clear listening in noisy environments.

Is the antenna removable?

Yes, the GM1600E VHF is equipped with a standard 50 Ω antenna connector, which means the antenna is removable. You can unscrew it for storage or replace it if necessary.

What is the audio output power of the speaker?

The internal speaker of the GM1600E VHF delivers an audio power of 0.20 W with an 8 Ω load, ensuring clear listening of received communications.

What is the purpose of the monitor (MONI) function?

The monitor function, activated via the [SQL•MONI] key, allows temporary opening of the squelch. This is useful for listening to very weak transmissions that might be below the squelch trigger threshold, so as not to miss any important communications.