Icom have added the IC-M35 to their range of handheld VHF’s, and for sea kayakers the headline news is that it is not only waterproof but floats! Released at the London Boat show, I am lucky enough to have a review unit in my possession and will be bringing a full review to the site very soon.
For now, I will post the technical specs from ICOM and some pictures taken during the ‘un-boxing’ (click pics to enlarge).
ICOM IC-M35 Boxed
ICOM IC-M35 - Open Box
ICOM IC-M35 - Packed
ICOM IC-M35 - Bits
ICOM IC-M35 Keypad
ICOM IC-M35 - Left side
ICOM IC-M35 - Rear View
ICOM IC-M35 - Right Side
Icom IC-M35 - VHF
Manufacturers Description:
CLEAR VOICE BOOST (Clear Voice + Voice Boost)
In marine environments there are many sources of noise that can affect the quality of your communications, such as engine noise, roar of the waves etc. The IC-M35 automatically adjusts the outgoing voice and the incoming audio to compensate for the ambient noise level: whether you’re in a loud environment or in a quiet area, the IC-M35 ensures your radio conversation is sent and received as clearly as possible.
LOUD button
When you need an instant boost in the volume, a simple push of the LOUD button gives you full volume immediately. In addition, holding the LOUD button mutes the audio output.
Noise cancelling microphone
The sub-microphone on the rear panel inverts phase and cancels out ambient noise from the main microphone. As a result, the IC-M35 reduces the affect of background noise (particularly trebly noise) from the transmitted signal and makes it easier to catch voice communication.
Automatic volume adjustment
In a high noise environment, the sub-microphone detects the ambient noise and the IC-M35 automatically increases the volume output to suit the surrounding environment.
700mW audio output
The IC-M35 employs a bridge-tied load (BTL) audio amplifier to increase the audio output power. The internal speaker delivers a loud 700mW (typical) audio output with clear sound even in noisy environments.
And yes, it floats too!
The IC-M35 floats in the water. If the radio is dropped over the side, it will come to the surface so you can retrieve it. As the radio has a rugged, waterproof body, it will keep on working even after it has been submerged.
* 1m depth for 30 minutes, equivalent to IPX7. Please note that the IC-M35 is not designed to be used under the water.
6W RF output with low power consumption
Although the IC-M35 delivers a high 6W RF output and 700mW audio output, its current saving circuit offers 8 hours* of operating time with the supplied 980mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack.
* Typical operation with Tx (Hi): Rx: standby=5:5:90
Large buttons and slim dimensions
The IC-M35 has large, easy-to-operate buttons that provides intuitive operation. A slender design body makes it extremely natural to handle.
Easy to see LCD with large channel indication
The IC-M35 has an easy to see large LCD (32 x 16 mm) with a clear 2-digit channel number indication. The LCD is laid out on the top of the front panel not to be covered with your hand. LCD and key backlighting is standard for night time operation.
Other Features
- Keypad backlighting
- Waterproof construction equivalent to IPX7 (1m depth for 30 minutes)
- Optional battery case for use with alkaline cells (The IC-M35 floats flat when this battery case is connected)
- Dual/Tri-watch functions
- 4-step battery life indicator
- Auto scan function
- Instant access to Ch 16 or programmable call channel
- Soft flexible antenna supplied
- Quick channel selection with Favourite channel function
- AquaQuake draining function
Dealers can be found using the ICOM Website.
Being new to sea kayaking (but having been an inland kayaker for 20 years) I have a question….is a VHF radio considered an essential piece of kit? I have friends with boats who have been on classes and have licenses for these – is this the same with sea kayakers?
Good question Simon. I’ve been sea kayaking and sailing for a long time and did once get a VHF licence for a club radio but never used it. In my experience contact with coastguard etc has only brought hassle and unwanted attention. Years ago it was good when you could listen to all shipping calling on ch16 to know what ships were about, but with direct calling by big boats that benefit has largely gone.
I prefer more stealthy paddling with as few people knowing as possible.
I’m wondering whether to get VHF radio again, but if used for emergency and listening only, who will care if I have a current licence?
So, apart from calling the coastguard, what do kayakers really do with VHF?
If I am only paddling on a shorter trip (ie: no concern over saving battery) I have the VHF on ‘dual-watch’ with the volume set quite low so I can listen in to Solent Coastguard. As I paddle solo most of the time, it adds an interesting dimension to the paddle hearing what is going on around me. I will occasionally request a radio check if radio traffic is low to ensure the unit is still fully functional and apart from that it is just the added security of having the VHF ‘just in case’ – kind of like carrying flares – hopefully they sit redundant in my buoyancy until they expire when I’ll have to stump up £40 for another set, but if I ever do run into trouble I’m sure I’ll be glad I’ve got them!
I’d consider a VHF as essential kit. You might not want or need to use it for years but the day you do it will probably save your life. A bit like your bouyancy aid or pump. I don’t carry one all the time and I don’t have a license. It is not illegal to make a Mayday or Pan Pan in genuine situations if you do not have a license. I agree about stealth paddling and all this electrical stuff is heavy, and boring quite frankly. It’s better to have good instincts than to think you’re GPS will save you, but a radio just might.