Movember, Thanks from Ian, Virgil and Darrell at Icom UK December 1, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Company News.add a comment
The staff at Icom UK who have been sporting moustaches in aid of ‘Movember’ would like to thank all those who have donated nearly £200 towards charity.
Those involved in raising money for Men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer included Ian Lockyer (left) (Marketing Manger), Virgil Parker (middle) (Marine & Avionic Product Specialist) and Darrell Bosley (right) (Commercial Product Specialist).
If you would still like to make a donation please click on the Team Icom Movember page.
Icom UK Marketing: marketing@icomuk.co.uk
The Benefits of Licence Free 2 Way Radio! November 18, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Licence Free Radio.Tags: IC-F27SR, IC-F4029SDR Digital Walkie Talkie, Licence Free 2 Way radios, Professional Licence Free Two Way Radio
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Licence Free 2 Way radios have been around for a number of years now. Consumers and businesses recognize the advantages that good comms can bring and that these radios offer effective and general purpose communications at low cost. The great thing about Licence Free 2 way radios is that it can be used by anybody, anywhere – licence free!! These radios are an ideal tool for all sorts of users for example in construction, catering, event management, neighbourhood watch, factories, farms. A family could use them whilst walking or rambling.
Licence free 2 Way radios are simple. There are generally only a few buttons making them very easy to use. There is no need for a licence, no call charges, no need to pass a test and no airtime contract. They can even be used in many EU countries; however we do suggest that you should check that the relevant countries have implemented all PMR446 legislation.
Licence free 2 Way radios are less expensive than conventional licenced two way radio equipment. Ranging from the very cheapest which are suitable for leisure use through to the more expensive units which are ideal for professional business applications. The power source of Walkie Talkies can vary from basic models using AA cells through to commercial grade models using Li-ion rechargeable packs and chargers which offering longer operating time. To see an example of a professional Licence free 2 Way radios check out Icom’s new IC-F27SR Professional Licence Free Two Way Radio.
Digital Licence Free 2 Way radios are also now available. Icom was the first manufacturer to launch a licence free digital Walkie Talkie with the IC-F4029SDR Digital Walkie Talkie . The IC-F4029SDR utilises the latest digital voice technology bringing excellent voice quality, performance and access to less congested digital PMR channels…all without a licence.
So if you are looking for a simple radio solution with up to a range of 3 kilometres*, look no further than Icom UK’s range of licence free Licence free 2 Way radios.
* Dependant on terrain.
Icom Marketing: marketing@icomuk.co.uk
Icom UK Business Page Now On Google+ November 8, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Company News.Tags: Google+, Icom UK
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I have just set up a Google+ Business Page for Icom UK. It can be found here at
https://plus.google.com/108949095434700003867 .
If you have any interest in radio whether it is part of your hobby or work, please interact with us and include us in your circles.
Ian Lockyer
Marketing Manager
Icom UK Ltd
http://www.icomuk.co.uk
A Simple Guide to Marine Radio – Part 2 November 4, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Marine Radio.Tags: LRC (Long-Range Certificate), MF/HF/SSB, SRC (Short Range Certificate)
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Range
Many customers ask about the range (distance) over which a radio can communicate. It is the most popular question, with the hardest answer. Radio travels as waves… similar to light, and like light it can be reflected, reduced or even stopped by other objects. A popular answer is ‘line of sight’ which essentially means ‘if you can see it, you can talk to it’. This is generally a good guide.
You must remember that the radio signal comes from the radio aerial (not the radio itself) and therefore mounting the antenna higher allows the radio to ‘see’ further. The same rules apply for receiving a signal, although some base station aerials are also mounted on very high masts. This is another influencing factor.
As a stronger, more powerful light can be seen from further away, the same applies to radio. Radio power is measured in watts and the higher the power the further the range, but it’s not quite that simple. Even very low power can give some range, subject to conditions.
Power can be used to improve the quality of signal and to overcome some obstacles. Remember, more power out means more power in, giving shorter battery life for handhelds or non-recharging batteries. Always start with the lowest power setting and work up. All fixed sets have at least two power settings, 5 watt and 25 watt. Handhelds have various power levels, ICOM models are typically 1 watt to 6 watt as standard, with 1~5 watts available on entry models.
Because VHF travels in straight lines, like light, as you travel away from land the curvature of the earth prevents the signal from reaching you. This happens between 35 and 50 miles off shore and if you still need to communicate over that distance you need to look for some other way of achieving this, ie., by using HF (SSB) radio.
MF/HF/SSB
Longer distance (beyond VHF) communications are achieved using an MF/HF/SSB radio. MF means Medium Frequency and gives a range of up to 200~250 miles. HF or High Frequency extends that range to thousands of miles and maybe even global. SSB means Single Side-Band and is the mode that the radios use to communicate. This subject can quickly become very technical and we will not dwell on the whys and wherefores here. Many books exist for those who want to know more.
Installation
As HF relies on propagation to achieve long range, it is essential that the signal is given the best possible start. This generally means that the antenna and RF ground need to be correctly installed. Whilst an ATU will improve antenna operation, the RF ground and power supply are more complex and require a degree of technical knowledge and experience. For this reason we advise customers to seek professional advice on HF installations. It is worth noting that this equipment may be used in a safety of life situation and cutting corners to save a few pounds is really not worth the risk. MF/HF/SSB equipment draws a high current (around 30 Amps at 12 Volts) and when incorrectly installed, transmitting can affect other instruments such as GPS, autopilots etc.
Operation
All radios require the user and the vessel to hold a relevant licence. The vessel’s licence is like a car tax disc, but is also the key to obtaining an MMSI number, which will uniquely identify your vessel. The user requires a radio ‘driving licence’ and two different types are available.
1. For VHF only, the SRC (Short Range Certificate) takes one days training and essentially instructs users in radio etiquette and procedures. VHF operation itself is fairly straightforward, however, the the course also teaches you about digital selective calling (DSC) functions and emergency procedures.
2. For other communications (HF, Satcom etc.) the LRC (Long-Range Certificate) is required. This covers procedures such as setting up an HF call etc. and takes about 3 or 4 days. Courses are available nationwide at RYA registered schools.
We hope this short guide has thrown some light on the topic of marine radio. For more information about ICOM marine products, visit: http://www.icomuk.co.uk/Marine_Radio
A Simple Guide to Marine Radio – Part 1 October 27, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Marine Radio.Tags: Fixed or panel-mount Marine VHF radio, Fixed or panel-mount VHF radio, Handheld VHF radios, ICOM fixed-mount marine VHF radios have DSC calling capability, rescue services and ship-to-shore or ship-to-ship communication
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This guide goes someway to explain suitable radio products used to communicate at sea. It is not intended to replace guidance from professional radio specialists such as RYA appointed instructors. This is general information about the different types of marine radio products available and will hopefully help you make an informed choice when purchasing.
What is VHF?
The most popular way of communicating at sea is via a marine VHF (Very High Frequency) set. These are combined transmitter/receivers that operate on allocated frequencies known as ‘channels’.
Marine VHF radios are used for a variety of purposes including; contacting harbours, marinas, locks, summoning the rescue services and ship-to-shore or ship-to-ship communication. To prevent maritime transmissions creating interference with other radio users, a section of the radio spectrum has been allocated specifically for marine communications.
To make operation within the spectrum as simple as possible, radio frequencies have been organised into numbered channels (eg. Ch.16 actually refers to156.800MHz). The VHF marine radio band remains consistent around the world, ensuring that vessels travelling on international voyages can always communicate. There are 55 international marine channels, a similar number of private channels (allocated on a local basis to commercial organisations), and some unique national channels. Channel 16 (156.800MHz) is the international calling and distress channel.
Handheld Marine VHF radios work in exactly the same way as their fixed equivalents. Many of the features are shared and in ICOM’s range they even follow the same operating protocol, to help users who use both types. As with any tool there are advantages and disadvantages.
Handheld advantages include small size and portability, usefulness in an emergency, should a vessels electrical power fail, independence from the vessel’s power and antenna, and value. Disadvantages are related to the power output and battery life, which affects range and how long the handheld can be used.
To summarise, compact size makes handhelds more suitable for small vessels without their own battery source; or as emergency back-up for fixed radios or as additional radios for crew and use in tenders etc.
Fixed or panel-mount Marine VHF radio
All ICOM fixed-mount marine VHF radios have DSC calling capability, allowing you to alert other boats, ships and shore stations with the single press of a button.These DSC capabilities include; position polling, a variety of group calling options and the ability to connect to a remote microphone and act as an inter-ship intercom system. Many radios also have automated fog horns that connect to an external hailer horn to act as a public address system and built-in hailers .
Fixed radios do require installation, including connection to a power source, VHF antenna and GPS antenna. When siting your radio, you should think about how it will be used. You will probably need it whilst navigating and at the helm when entering or leaving port. Think carefully before installing.
Icom Digital Two Way Business Radios: 6.25 kHz channel spacing, spectrum efficient….save you money October 13, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Business Radio.Tags: Icom Digital Two Way Business Radios, IDAS
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Icom have recently launched a number of digital two way business radios under its IDAS brand. These models utilise 6.25 kHz channel spacing double the channel capacity of current 12.5 kHz narrow band technology. This means that users will have twice the capacity which is important when there is such a demand on channels in some areas of the UK. It can also save organisations 50% on licensing.
Here is a really useful diagram to explain this.
D-STAR QSO Party to be Held in November 2011 October 6, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Amateur Radio.Tags: D-STAR QSO Party, ID-31E D-STAR UHF handheld transceivers
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Icom Inc. is organising a weekend long D-STAR QSO Party for 2011 to be held between 0:00 on the 11th of November to 24:00 on the 13th of November (UTC).
This event differs from previous D-STAR contests that have taken place over the last few years. Instead of competing for numbers of contacted call signs, the goal this year is to encourage D-STAR operators to communicate through as many D-STAR repeaters and with other D-STAR operators across the globe. The more countries a user contacts during the time period, the more entries in the prize pool they will have. Icom Inc. has a total of fifteen of the forthcoming ID-31E D-STAR UHF handheld transceivers. available as prizes for this event.
More detailed information will be available on the following website from the 10th October 2011: Icom Inc. D-Star Party Microsite.
For more details about D-Star (Digital Smart Technology for Amateur Radio) visit the Icom UK D-Star microsite.
Pictures Courtesy of the Cambridge Hams October 5, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Amateur Radio.Tags: Cambridge Hams
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I have been busy putting together the conference materials for Contest University for this coming weekend when I came across this fantastic image. I thought I would share it with you all. I also include another picture of what is inside the van. Thanks Gavin for letting me show both pictures.
Picture courtesy of the Cambridge Ham (http://www.camb-hams.com/)
I also love the choice of chocolates in this picture!
Picture courtesy of the Cambridge Ham (http://www.camb-hams.com/)
For more details of the Icom UK sponsored Contest University, please click on Contest University UK at RSGB Convention 2011. Sponsored by Icom UK!
What type of Business Radio Licence would be best for me? September 27, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Business Radio.Tags: Business Radio Licences, Simple Site Light, Simple Site Light (the old UK General Licence):, Simple UK Light, Suppliers Light, Technically Assigned and Area Defined.
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If you were not aware, Business Radio Licences have recently gone though a bit of a transformation. Whereas in the past there were over 20 forms of licences, the amount of licences has been rationalized by OFCOM to just five.
They are Simple UK Light, Simple Site Light, Suppliers Light, Technically Assigned and Area Defined.
Sounds confusing? Read on, as we have put a simple explanation of what is involved with each licence.
Simple UK Light:
This licence authorises the use of hand-portable or mobile radio equipment anywhere within the UK. Base station use is not permitted. Licensees have access to fifteen frequencies spread across four Business Radio frequency bands and must self-coordinate with other Simple UK Light licensees. The licence fee is £75 for five years.
Simple Site Light (the old UK General Licence):
This licence authorises the use of a radio system operating a base station and mobile stations within a small area (typically 1 kilometre or less). Frequencies available under this licence class are typically used for radio paging systems. Licensees have access to a range of frequencies and must self-coordinate with other Simple Site Light licensees. The licence fee is £75 for five years.
Suppliers Light:
This is a specialist licence for Radio Suppliers and permits them to:
• Service and repair business radio and marine equipment
• Hire out business radio (including trunked business radio) and/or radio paging equipment to customers for up to one year
• Allocate business radio (including trunked business radio) equipment to customers awaiting Business Radio licences, for up to three months (known as ‘parking’)
• Demonstrate business radio (including trunked business radio) equipment to customers for up to 8 days.
• The maximum permitted ERP is 10 Watts for base stations and 25 Watts for mobile stations. The maximum permitted base station antenna height above ground level is 20m
Licensees have access to a wide range of frequencies and must share and self-coordinate with other Suppliers Light licensees. The licence fee is £75 for five years.
Technically Assigned:
This is a flexible licence that authorises the use of a wide variety of business radio equipment. Licensees can choose from a wide range of frequencies across all Business Radio bands and a wide range of coverage areas, from very small (e.g. in-building coverage) to very large (e.g. a county).
Licence fees are calculated on a number of factors including the size of the coverage area and the popularity of the frequency band and typically range from £75 to £1480 for a single channel assignment.
Area Defined:
Area Defined licences give customers exclusive use of a frequency across either a 50km grid square, a country, or the whole of the UK. Licence fees are calculated using a combination of frequency width, frequency range and region covered.
As an example, a duplex 12.5kHz frequency between 450 and 470MHz to be used across the UK would cost £9,900. A duplex 12.5kHz frequency between 68 and 80MHz to be used across the UK would cost £3,300.
Availability of UK wide channels is extremely limited above 165MHz, so if you wish to purchase an Area Defined licence you should check spectrum availability with Ofcom.
This information is only a summary designed to guide you in the initial right direction. However if you have any further questions, please contact your local Icom Business Radio Dealer. Alternatively, information can be found on the at: Ofcom website business radio section.
Introducing the Icom Two Way Business Radio Buyers Guide September 24, 2011
Posted by Icom UK in Business Radio.Tags: Icom Two Way Business Radio
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Icom UK have produced a straight forward guide to take customers through what could be the painful steps of buying a two way business radio system. The simple 12 Point Guide has been designed to navigate those with the task of buying a two way radio solution through the process of matching business communication needs to Icom’s two way business radio solutions.
The two way business radio guide has the following sections:
– Why should I choose two way business radios?
– What can two way business radios do for me?
– Who will use them?
– Where will I use the two way business radios?
– Two Way Business Radio vs. Mobile Phones?
– So what types of two way business radio are there?
– How do I choose what sort of two way radio system I need?
– Analogue or Digital Two Way Business Radio?
– What features do I need on a two way business radio?
– What will it cost?
– Do I need a licence for a two way business radio?
– Where can I find more information about a two way radio scheme?
Ian Lockyer, Marketing Manager of Icom UK said, ‘there is a bewildering choice of manufacturers and two way radio solutions in the market place with loads of pitfalls that can potentially slip up a customer and put their project over budget. We have put together a simple guide to answer those common questions from; how do you even start looking, how do you stay on budget, and what do you even look for? Hopefully by following these tips we will make the process a lot faster, simpler and help avoid any frustrations.‘
The information is available as a webpage by following the above links as well as a downloadable PDF.
Icom UK Blog 