Icom M94DE Handheld DSC VHF Radio with AIS Receiver
£309.95
% £389.99 (20.52% saved)
Estimated Delivery 30 days
The Icom IC-M94DE is a handheld marine VHF radio with a built-in AIS receiver — the first handheld to carry one — plus DSC and GPS. Vessel traffic shows on the radio's large display, an AIS target can be DSC-called directly, and a rear-panel distress button sends your GPS position with the alert. It puts fixed-set safety functions in a jacket pocket, which is what makes it interesting for RIBs, tenders and small craft where a fixed installation isn't practical.
Transmit power is 6W, audio a class-leading 1500mW — genuinely loud, built for wind and engine noise, with active noise cancelling on top. The navigation function stores up to 50 waypoints and steers you to them from the radio alone. If it goes in the water, Float'n Flash keeps it on the surface with screen, keys and distress button flashing — and pressing distress while it floats transmits a man-overboard alert with position. The BP-306 battery gives around 10 hours of operation.
IPX7 waterproof — 1 metre for 30 minutes — with AquaQuake to clear the speaker after a dunking.
Specification
6W transmit power
Integrated AIS receiver with on-screen vessel traffic
Class D DSC with rear-panel distress button
Integrated GPS receiver
1500mW audio output
Active noise cancelling
Navigation function, up to 50 waypoints
Float'n Flash — buoyant, flashing screen, keys and distress button
MOB distress transmission while floating
BP-306 2400mAh li-ion battery, approx. 10 hours
IPX7 waterproof — 1 metre for 30 minutes
AquaQuake water-draining speaker
Dual/tri-watch and favourite channel functions
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.
Does the IC-M94DE transmit AIS, or only receive?
Receive only. You see AIS-equipped traffic on the radio's screen; other vessels don't see you. Transmitting your own position needs an AIS transponder, which on the small craft this radio suits is usually a separate decision.
Does it need an MMSI programmed before DSC works?
Yes — DSC functions, including the distress button, need an MMSI number, which in the UK comes free with your Ship Portable Radio Licence from Ofcom. The MMSI is programmed into the radio once; we can help with this, so call or email before ordering if you'd like it set up.
How is it different from the IC-M37E?
The M94DE adds DSC with a distress button, GPS, and the AIS receiver — fixed-set safety functions in a handheld — plus double the audio at 1500mW. The M37E is the simpler, lighter, cheaper voice radio. If the handheld is a backup to a fixed set, the M37E is the sensible choice; if it's the only radio aboard a RIB, tender or kayak, the M94DE's safety functions are the point.
Will the AIS receiver work at deck level, or does antenna height matter?
It works, with honest limits. AIS range, like all VHF, is governed by antenna height — a handheld at deck level will typically see large ships (whose transmitting antennas are high) at useful range, but less traffic and later than a masthead installation would. For collision awareness on small craft that's still valuable; it's just not the same picture a fixed set with a masthead antenna gives.