iCom M502 purchase

[alansmith]

I have an opportunity to upgrade my basic radio to this radio. I have read some information and would like to ask those who have experience educate me or share their ideas about it.

1. when the distress call is made...does it just go out on the local airways as a
radius to the antenna? Or does it work like an EPIRB to a satellite?

2. This radio is connectable to a GPS so that it gives boat's location, right?

3. How do i go about registering this radio with the Feds as new to my boat?

4. Can you explain briefly how you can use it on private conversations....in the
sense ....how do you get someone's MMSI (like a cell phone number)?

5. Is it pretty basic to hook up a gps with this radio?

thanks in advance

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by alansmith

I have an opportunity to upgrade my basic radio to this radio. I have read some information and would like to ask those who have experience educate me or share their ideas about it.

1. when the distress call is made...does it just go out on the local airways as a
radius to the antenna?
YES

Or does it work like an EPIRB to a satellite?
NO

2. This radio is connectable to a GPS so that it gives boat's location, right?
YES

3. How do i go about registering this radio with the Feds as new to my boat?

4. Can you explain briefly how you can use it on private conversations....in the
sense ....how do you get someone's MMSI (like a cell phone number)?
There is no way to have a private voice communication using this marine VHF.

5. Is it pretty basic to hook up a gps with this radio?
YES.

thanks in advance

I'll let others answer your Q3 as this USA specific.

[transmitterdan]

Originally Posted by alansmith

3. How do i go about registering this radio with the Feds as new to my boat?

There are two ways. One way is to get an FCC ships station license and restricted operator's permit. This is the legally mandatory license (and MMSI) needed when venturing into international waters or into other countries outside the US.
The second way is to contact Boat US. They can issue an MMSI for US only boats. The cost is considerably less for the latter then the former.
The Boat US method will not send your MMSI to all international SAR databases. The FCC issued MMSI will be valid anywhere in the world.

[alansmith]

thanks guys...much appreciated