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**carstenb** · 01-10-2013, 04:44

I'm getting ready to buy an HF radio. I want to be able to use e-mail (so I know I need a Pactor).

I live in the EU, but have the opportunity to buy from the US. What is the difference between an ICOM801 and an ICOM802? The European models cost about 3-4 times the amount the american models do. I am under the impression that there is no difference between the two models (except european tax and duty).

I have both a Long Range Certificate and will get my Ham Operators License this winter, so I need the radio to be able to use all bands/frequencies.

goboatingnow · 01-10-2013, 04:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by carstenb

I'm getting ready to buy an HF radio. I want to be able to use e-mail (so I know I need a Pactor).

I live in the EU, but have the opportunity to buy from the US. What is the difference between an ICOM801 and an ICOM802? The European models cost about 3-4 times the amount the american models do. I am under the impression that there is no difference between the two models (except european tax and duty).

I have both a Long Range Certificate and will get my Ham Operators License this winter, so I need the radio to be able to use all bands/frequencies.

The European version has different specs to meet ETSIs requirement and also to meet GMDSS specs for class D

However the us one is fine , go for it

Just tell them you have the European model on your ships license

Dave

**Dockhead** · 01-10-2013, 05:09

They are quite different, and if you Google it you will uncover various articles on it.

The 801E has lower power, is fully encapsulated and I believe is fanless, is higher spec in several ways.

It is also CE marked which makes it legal on an EU flagged boat.

The 802 is not legal on EU flagged boats, but is widely used and I have never heard of any enforcement.

It is more lightly built but from everything I've heard still very good.

I don't know about Danish licenses, but the Ofcom ship's station license in the UK does not require stating what model the radio is, so no problem with that.

goboatingnow · 01-10-2013, 06:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dockhead

They are quite different, and if you Google it you will uncover various articles on it.

The 801E has lower power, is fully encapsulated and I believe is fanless, is higher spec in several ways.

It is also CE marked which makes it legal on an EU flagged boat.

The 802 is not legal on EU flagged boats, but is widely used and I have never heard of any enforcement.

It is more lightly built but from everything I've heard still very good.

I don't know about Danish licenses, but the Ofcom ship's station license in the UK does not require stating what model the radio is, so no problem with that.

By the way I don't believe icom has ANy HF radio that complies with current EU requirements. The 801E was supposed to be a ETSI class E HF. But it does not actually meet that spec. I don't think icom are selling anymore in europe and once sticks are gone that's it.

So its all moot anyway. , neither radio is fully approved. Get the cheaper one

Dave

**Dockhead** · 01-10-2013, 07:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

By the way I don't believe icom has ANy HF radio that complies with current EU requirements. The 801E was supposed to be a ETSI class E HF. But it does not actually meet that spec. I don't think icom are selling anymore in europe and once sticks are gone that's it.

So its all moot anyway. , neither radio is fully approved. Get the cheaper one

Dave

Indeed.

From everything I've read, the 802 is a really good radio. I am itching to get mine hooked up to try it. It's been languishing not connected since January waiting for me to get around to it

ka4wja · 03-10-2013, 07:22

Fair winds...

John
s/v Annie Laurie

sestina · 03-10-2013, 07:30

If you get the 802, just be aware of the Mickey Mouse plug that is used for the connection to the ATU. If you are careful, you can pull the female part out of the main box and put a decent connector on. Otherwise, use a flylead.

**carstenb** · 03-10-2013, 10:14

thank you! a little bedtime reading.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by ka4wja

Fair winds...

John
s/v Annie Laurie

**Dockhead** · 03-10-2013, 11:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by carstenb

thank you! a little bedtime reading.......

When you source the radio and get it hooked up, we can try some contacts if you like -- assuming mine is hooked up by then!

Are you planning to get an amateur radio license so that you can use the ham bands, too?

Jonna · 03-10-2013, 11:27

Hello carstenb,

We just got an IC-M801E installed in August. As you have already been answered the EU and US models are not the same. I think the remote is the same, but the main unit is different. We think that the closed and fanless casing is good on a boat.

Opening the 801 for ham bands is also very easy.

And then the main reason why I replyed. You don't necessary need Pactor. We have now been using winlink with a sound card. With Pactor you get a faster connection, but we didn't think it was worth the money it costs.

You can read our pactorless installation from our blog in S/Y Iiris

- Johanna -

Quote:

Originally Posted by carstenb

I'm getting ready to buy an HF radio. I want to be able to use e-mail (so I know I need a Pactor).

I live in the EU, but have the opportunity to buy from the US. What is the difference between an ICOM801 and an ICOM802? The European models cost about 3-4 times the amount the american models do. I am under the impression that there is no difference between the two models (except european tax and duty).

I have both a Long Range Certificate and will get my Ham Operators License this winter, so I need the radio to be able to use all bands/frequencies.

goboatingnow · 03-10-2013, 17:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by carstenb

I'm getting ready to buy an HF radio. I want to be able to use e-mail (so I know I need a Pactor).

I live in the EU, but have the opportunity to buy from the US. What is the difference between an ICOM801 and an ICOM802? The European models cost about 3-4 times the amount the american models do. I am under the impression that there is no difference between the two models (except european tax and duty).

I have both a Long Range Certificate and will get my Ham Operators License this winter, so I need the radio to be able to use all bands/frequencies.

the 801E is about £500 pounds dearer then the UK priced 802. £2950 v £2250

dave

**Dockhead** · 03-10-2013, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

the 801E is about £500 pounds dearer then the UK priced 802. £2950 v £2250

dave

2250? Yikes! The M802 is $1800, or just about half of 2250 pounds, in the States.

Tim Godber · 03-10-2013, 22:59

A side issue, but we had a Pactor and 802 which we used a lot with Sailmail when in the States and Carribean, when we reached European waters we found that the shore stations were few and far between for Sailmail and so never used it, just in case that is relevant to you!

Wraith_Mac · 03-10-2013, 23:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dockhead

2250? Yikes! The M802 is $1800, or just about half of 2250 pounds, in the States.

Dockhead,
That's not including the AT140 tuner is it?
That's another $480 [GPS Store]
Still, UK price is worth a "Yikes" unless it includes tuner and a gold watch.

Cheers,
Mac