Icom M73EURO VHF Radio
£239.95
% £299.99 (20.01% saved)
Estimated Delivery 3 days
The Icom IC-M73EURO is a professional-grade handheld marine VHF radio — 6W of transmit power, Icom's deepest waterproofing at IPX8, and a slim hourglass body shaped for a full day in the hand. It's the handheld Icom pitch at commercial users, instructors and crews, and the build quality shows next to lighter leisure sets.
The 700mW audio comes from a bridge-tied amplifier that doubles the output of a conventional design — genuinely loud, clear over wind and engine. IPX8 means it survives 1.5 metres of water for 30 minutes, half a metre deeper than the IPX7 standard, and AquaQuake shakes the speaker dry afterwards. A rapid charger comes in the box, refilling the li-ion pack in around two and a half hours, and an auto power-save function stretches the battery through long working days.
Distinctive to this radio: VOX hands-free operation. With the optional headset adapter and a compatible headset, the radio transmits when you speak — both hands free for the work. VOX needs enabling by an Icom dealer before use, which we can arrange; ask when ordering.
Specification
6W transmit power
700mW audio output, BTL amplifier
IPX8 waterproof — 1.5 metres for 30 minutes
AquaQuake water-draining speaker
VOX hands-free capability with optional OPC-1392 adapter and headset
Slim hourglass body, wide viewing angle LCD
Dual/tri-watch for channel 16 and/or call channel
Favourite channel and tag scan functions
Four-level battery indicator with auto power save
BP-245 li-ion battery; BC-210 rapid charger supplied, approx. 2.5 hour charge
FA-S64V short antenna supplied
Optional HM-167 and HM-202 waterproof speaker-microphones
We can assist with programming private channels for marinas, club frequencies or commercial users — call or email before ordering. Comes with a 1 year warranty, extendable to 3 years (subject to terms and conditions) when registered with Icom UK.
What's the difference between IPX7 and IPX8?
Depth and margin. IPX7 — the usual standard for marine handhelds — means survival at 1 metre for 30 minutes. The IC-M73EURO's IPX8 rating is tested at 1.5 metres for 30 minutes, Icom's best waterproof protection on a handheld. In practice, both handle rain, spray and a dunking; the IPX8 rating is extra protection for a radio that works hard in bad weather.
How does the VOX hands-free function work?
VOX (voice-operated transmit) keys the radio when you speak, so with a headset connected both hands stay on the job — useful for instructors, race coaching or deck work. It needs the OPC-1392 adapter cable and a compatible headset (HS-94, HS-95 or HS-97 — note these aren't waterproof), and the function must be enabled by an Icom dealer before first use, which we can arrange when you order.
Does the IC-M73EURO have DSC or GPS?
No — it's a voice radio, done to a professional standard. If you want DSC distress calling and AIS in a handheld, that's the IC-M94DE; the M73EURO's case is build quality, waterproofing and hands-free capability for hard daily use.
How is it different from the IC-M37E?
Both transmit at 6W. The M73EURO is the professional tool: IPX8 rather than IP57, the VOX hands-free option, a rapid charger in the box, and a slimmer, tougher body. The M37E counters with buoyancy — it floats with a flashing LED, which the M73EURO doesn't — and a lower price. Working users tend to the M73EURO; for leisure use where a dropped radio means a swim, the floating M37E has the extra piece of mind as it is a IPX8.