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#1
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New VHF - Furuno vs. Icom
I'm looking for a new VHF radio for my boat. This will be for recreational
use, but it will be exposed to the elements, so I'd like something waterproof and durable. The candidates a Furuno FM3000 Icom M502 All thoughts and advice are appreciated. Thanks, Moose |
#2
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The Furuno FM3000 is OEM (manufactured) by Icom. So you are comparing Icom
with a trademarked Icom with the Furuno name on it. Doug K7ABX "Moose" wrote in message news:iZjad.340414$mD.75903@attbi_s02... I'm looking for a new VHF radio for my boat. This will be for recreational use, but it will be exposed to the elements, so I'd like something waterproof and durable. The candidates a Furuno FM3000 Icom M502 All thoughts and advice are appreciated. Thanks, Moose |
#3
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Doug wrote:
The Furuno FM3000 is OEM (manufactured) by Icom. So you are comparing Icom with a trademarked Icom with the Furuno name on it. Doug K7ABX Interesting... So even if made by the same manufacturer, there may be differences. When choosing between the M502, FM3000, and M602, are the differences merely features? ...or is one or more of these units a "commercial duty" one that will withstand abuse/elements better than the others? I like the M602, but don't want to simply pay for features that I probably won't use, (power hailer built in), but I would like the best durability/reliability possible. Again, thanks for your help! Moose |
#4
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On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 03:50:14 GMT, Moose wrote:
So even if made by the same manufacturer, there may be differences. When choosing between the M502, FM3000, and M602, are the differences merely features? ...or is one or more of these units a "commercial duty" one that will withstand abuse/elements better than the others? ============================================ My experience with ICOM equipment is that all of it seems to be well built and very reliable, regardless of model. My advice is to not pay for features that you are unlikely to use. |
#5
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Wayne.B wrote:
On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 03:50:14 GMT, Moose wrote: So even if made by the same manufacturer, there may be differences. When choosing between the M502, FM3000, and M602, are the differences merely features? ...or is one or more of these units a "commercial duty" one that will withstand abuse/elements better than the others? ============================================ My experience with ICOM equipment is that all of it seems to be well built and very reliable, regardless of model. My advice is to not pay for features that you are unlikely to use. I've looked into this situation further, and have found that the Furuno FM3000 and Icom M502 are EXACTLY the same radio - same circuit board, electronics, microphone, and display. You pay about a $65 premium for the Furuno face plate. Now the Icom M602 is a different radio. Different internals, slightly better signal to noise ratio, etc. i.e. It's a better radio. Not just more features, but higher end specs, too. Whether or not it's worth the extra $250 will be up to the individual buyer... Still, I think these are the best quality radios one can buy. If anyone knows of something better, let me know. Moose |
#6
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Have you looked at the SEA157? We have tugboat customers who won't use any
other brand. Some operator familiarization is required as the controls are not intuitively obvious. We have areas on the Columbia River where local VHF high band public safety radios (police, fire, ambulance) blast through on top of marine channels on most brands. The SEA brand is immune to the interference. I have not had reports of any public safety interference on the new Standard and Icom units, but have not really sought out the information either. From a factory warranty standpoint, Vertex Standard Horizon is hard to beat. They stand behind their equipment the best. Doug K7ABX "Moose" wrote in message news:eDZad.353683$mD.25406@attbi_s02... Wayne.B wrote: On Tue, 12 Oct 2004 03:50:14 GMT, Moose wrote: So even if made by the same manufacturer, there may be differences. When choosing between the M502, FM3000, and M602, are the differences merely features? ...or is one or more of these units a "commercial duty" one that will withstand abuse/elements better than the others? ============================================ My experience with ICOM equipment is that all of it seems to be well built and very reliable, regardless of model. My advice is to not pay for features that you are unlikely to use. I've looked into this situation further, and have found that the Furuno FM3000 and Icom M502 are EXACTLY the same radio - same circuit board, electronics, microphone, and display. You pay about a $65 premium for the Furuno face plate. Now the Icom M602 is a different radio. Different internals, slightly better signal to noise ratio, etc. i.e. It's a better radio. Not just more features, but higher end specs, too. Whether or not it's worth the extra $250 will be up to the individual buyer... Still, I think these are the best quality radios one can buy. If anyone knows of something better, let me know. Moose |
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