Icom just announced its new compact IC-M33OGE fixed-mount VHF/DSC radio at the London boat show. The new radio, with a display about the size of a smartphone, is one of the smallest in the world, and it’s designed to be installed in any area of your boat where space is limited.
Despite its size, the new IC-M33OGE has the same interface and performance as Icom’s larger radios, with intuitive, easy-to-use soft keys for fast access to all its functions. And its new speaker delivers distortion-free audio even at full volume.
The new VHF includes an integral GPS, which provides your location, speed and bearing for DSC calls. It constantly monitors CH 70 even when you are receiving on another channel. DSC functions include distress, individual, group, all ships, safety and other types of calls. The radio comes with an external GPS antenna to maximize coverage.
Both the radio and microphone are waterproof and can withstand submersion for up to 30 minutes in water one yard deep. Icom’s AquaQuake function offers a quick drain if water gets on the speaker grill; AquaQuake then sounds a buzz which sheds water from the speaker systems.
The new IC-M33OGE will be available in the UK in mid-January, and costs the equivalent of about $350. It will be available in the U.S. at a later date.
