A VHF is a device used to communicate. To be marketed, each model must have received an approval that will validate the quality of transmission and reception. All VHF are therefore equal in this respect. But it is on the additional functions that manufacturers differ. The Japanese Icom has worked hard to make its product range.
If the sealing characteristics ( see IP standard ) or buoyancy (for portable VHF models) are now commonplace for VHF, other functions are much rarer.
Red flashing light that is activated as soon as the VHF falls into the water.
If your portable VHF floats, like spot it at night if it falls into the water? With the"Float'n Flash" function, which triggers a red flashing light by day or night on contact with water (the light flashes even if the radio is not switched on), you no longer risk losing your VHF.
Reception and transmission quality
If water comes on the microphone or loudspeaker, the transmissions and receivers lose quality. The AquaQake function ejects water by infrasound, to"dry" the microphone and speaker.
Icom also worked a lot on the perceived quality of the message. The new"Bass Boost" function improves the audio communication in reception and transmission by increasing the bass.
VHF is often used outdoors with ambient noise (wind, engine noise...) A digital processor reduces background noise in both directions of communication (transmission, reception) up to 90% (20 dB) to ensure an ideal link in all circumstances.
Automatic recorder
You may be called upon to do other tasks, have to intervene and not necessarily listen to a message. To be sure to have received or simply to listen again an information (weather report, position of a boat...), certain VHF Icom have a function of recording. This recorder automatically stores the last minute of reception. No need to press a button or do anything, it's automatic.
Connection and scalability
The possibility of connecting accessories (loudspeaker, microphone, antenna...) on its VHF is a plus. To do this, the VHF must be equipped with corresponding sockets to connect these accessories.
