Icom Communications: What Makes Them the Go-To Choice for Aviation
Ask anyone who’s involved with civil aviation what the most crucial aspect of their activity is, and they’ll probably tell you that it’s communications. Whether it’s between multiple aircraft, or aircraft and ground support, there’s an endless flow of radio communications conveying everything from routine weather updates to coordinating distress responses, and the equipment supporting that flow has to be the best there is.
Airband radios are designed to operate in the narrow range of VHF frequencies between 108MHz and 137MHz that are dedicated to aviation communications. Critically though, there are both voice (COMM) and navigation (NAV) channels residing within that relatively small spectrum, which means that these radios need to be capable of faultless signal transmissions at all times.
It’s to be expected, however, that some radios are better than others, especially when it comes to the rigours of handheld and mobile usage. It takes skill to build an airband radio that’s tough and technically advanced, and there’s one brand that does it better than any other.
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Rugged Icom Transceivers That You Can Always Count On
source: aviationconsumer.com
Let’s be honest: as aviation’s accessibility has changed, so have the requirements of airband radios. Feature-rich simplicity has become the standard, and the latest generation of handheld and mobile Icom radio transceivers are synonymous with rugged, easy-to-learn operations.
Starting with their first handheld airband radio in 1985, the IC-A2, Icom is recognised for producing the kinds of radios that utility and agricultural pilots, airship and aerostat operators, and even ground support crews know they can trust to perform flawlessly in demanding environments. They need full-function radios which, as a minimum, include:
- IP-rated protection against the dust and moisture that can be expected at most remote airfields;
- Auto Noise Limiting (ANL) for environments like noisy flight decks and ground support areas; and,
- Longer battery life, and a choice of DC power options for areas or aircraft where power sources may not be limited or unavailable.
These same rugged airband radios also need to incorporate the latest COMM and COMM / NAV capabilities, including:
- Built-in Bluetooth® integration for hands-free operation;
- A built-in GPS receiver with waypoint navigation; and,
- Integrated flight planning with Android™ and IOS™ app support.
It’s no surprise that Icom has developed a complete range of airband radios, adapters, and accessories to satisfy all of these requirements. They specialize in simplifying communications, and you can count on them both when you’re in the air and on the ground.
Airband Excellence With Icom Handhelds
source: haloidradios.com
Icom’s trademark lineup of handheld airband transceivers are as renowned for their rugged reliability as they are for their feature richness. From their compact IC-16 to their flagship IC-25, these easy-to-use VHF transceivers are perfect for all types of flight line and aircraft duty, and host an array of standard features that include:
- 6W peak envelope power (PEP) output power;
- Internal VOX (voice-operated switch) and ANL capabilities;
- Fully integrated Bluetooth and intelligent 17-hour Li-ion battery;
- Respectively, IP67- and IP57-rated protection against dust and water intrusion; and,
- Easy to use interfaces.
Features like VOR navigation, GPS integration, flip-flop channel control, and up to 300 channel memory with either 8.33kHz, or combination 8.33 / 25kHz channel spacing are also available, making these handhelds the ideal choice for pilots who don’t have the luxury of panel-mounted radios, regularly move between multiple aircraft, or prefer the security of flying with a reliable spare.
Icom also manufacturers a handheld, all-mode HF / VHF / UHF receiver, the IC-R6, that offers frequency coverage from 100kHz – 1309MHz, that’s perfect for listening to airport and ground support communications, amateur radio stations, and all kinds of short wave broadcasts.
Mobile transceivers that mount anywhere
source: airbandlistening.blogspot.com
Icom airband mobile VHF transceivers are designed for desk and panel-mounted installs, and are ideal for ATCs and ground support at small airfields, forward operations centres, and open-air vehicles. Their easy to operate, IC-A12xx series is the leader when it comes to fully featured, 12V-24V DC fixed-station transmitters, and they include:
- 36W PEP output power;
- IP54-rated protection against dust and water intrusion;
- ANL, with built-in Active Noise Canceling (ANC);
- Bluetooth functionality, with side tone and ON-hook scan functionality; and,
- A full dot-matrix LCD screen for optimal visibility in less-than-optimal conditions.
With both 8.33kHz and 25kHz channel spacing and up to 200 memory channels, these transceivers also boast dual-watch and priority channel scanning, making them exceptional VHF base station units. A full range of optional equipment, including mounting kits, external speakers, and antenna power supplies are also available for them.
Tough Citizens Band Transceivers for Land Use
Although Icom is most commonly recognized for their VHF airband radios, they also manufacture a superior range of 128-channel UHF citizens band (CB) transceivers for professional or recreational land use.
The Icom IC-4xx is a family of waterproof, UHF CB transceivers that are available in either durable 7.2V Li-ion handheld (IC-41PRO), or shockproof 12V – 24V DC mobile (IC-410PRO) configurations. These no-nonsense transceivers are simple to use, ideal for ground crew intercommunications, remote jobsites, or even off-roading, and boast a solid core of features that include:
- 5W PEP output power;
- 18-hour operating time on the handheld IC-41PRO;
- IP67-rated protection against dust and water intrusion;
- 80 channel capability with built-in scrambler and RECEIVE ONLY functionality; and,
- Dealer-provided, private channel programmability.
Icom even produces a stylish, slim-line version of the IC-410PRO mobile, the IC-455, which includes seven-colour backlighting and voice recording.
Icom Accessories That Keep All Your Comms Connected
Accessories are an essential part of adding value to any communication package, and Icom has a full selection of accessories for all of their communications products. From mounts and microphones, to battery chargers and power supplies, Icom’s accessory lineup is designed to ensure that all of their handheld and mobile radios and accessories are capable of integrating with each other.
Icom mobile transceivers even feature optional VE-PG3 Radio over Internet Protocol (RoIP) compatibility that allows them to connect with other radio and communication systems. VE-PG3’s versatility allows for:
- Interconnectivity of radio networks with IP and analog phones;
- Site-to-site, and site-to-multisite communications; and,
- Crossband, and cross-category connectivity.
In short, Icom has all the tools and accessories it takes to keep communications open, no matter which type of radio system you’re using.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, no matter if you’re trying to land at a nontowered airfield, or driving out to one, reliable communications are an essential part of staying safe, as well as informed. That means having radios with you that you know you can count on, particularly in less-than-perfect conditions.
These are the conditions that the latest generation of handheld and mobile Icom radio transceivers are built for. Better than any other family of radios in their class, they’re designed to deliver uncompromised signal integrity from a package that’s fully featured and easy to operate. You simply won’t find a harder working radio than an Icom.
