ICOM IC-M324G 22 Marine VHF Radio, with GPS, in White Review

Icom M324G Marine VHF Radio, w/ GPS, in white. The Icom M324 is a fixed mount VHF radio w/ built-in GPS, class D DSC, and intuitive user interface. The rugged unit is IPX7 submersible with AquaQuake draining function and AIS capability. The common NMEA Interface features NMEA 0183 in/out connectivity, dual watch/scan and favorite channel function. The built-in GPS receiver shows your current position and time and can be used for DSC calls. GPS data source is selectable from internal and external GPS (and GPS-OFF setting). Icom’s common Marine Family User Interface provides simple operation for the boat owner. A rotary selector and directional keypad provide intuitive operation. The high-definition dot-matrix display allows all information to be clearly viewed. Product measures 7.1″W x 3.2″H x 4.7″D and weighs 2.7 lbs. The built-in DSC watch function monitors Ch.70 (DSC channel) activity, even while you are receiving another channel. DSC functions include: distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, position request/report, polling request and DSC test calls. When receiving DSC information from another vessel, the IC-M324/G can transfer it to a navigational device via NMEA 0183 connectivity. The IC-M324/G can be integrated with the MA-500TR Class B AIS Transponder, which allows you to transmit DSC individual calls to a selected vessel instantly without manual MMSI entry. It is very handy if you are waiting to contact vessels on the AIS screen – an essential safety feature in an emergency. The IC-M324/G withstands submersion in up to 1.0m depth of water for 30 minutes. It is equivalent to the IPX7 standard. The Icom M324 comes with a two-year warranty. Included in the box are M324 VHF radio, power cord, mounting bracket, installation hardware and owner’s manual.