Why is the Icom M802s not available from vendors?

[buzzstar]

Originally Posted by Roy M

So, I'm sitting here with my still unopened 802 purchased before the fireworks began. Will it matter to anyone if I install it on my boat and use it internationally on ham and ssb bands? Will the DSC work?

No. It is almost worthless, but I'll buy it for parts for $1.00 Canadian, plus shipping. I am just kidding, and believe Paul L is correct.

[Roy M]

Thanks, folks. This has been a most productive conversation. I love CF.

[radios.net.au]

Hello All

In respect to Icom M802 availability

I own the radios.net.au web store in Australia and we have four brand new / unopened Icom M802 with DSC type 01 USA version left in stock.

We have shipped four units to the USA in recent weeks.

The price for these units is A$2399 plus A$195 for shipping plus a credit card surcharge (no surcharge if payment made by wire transfer).

We also advertise these on Ebay but the price is much higher there due to exorbitant Ebay fees.

I am about to depart tomorrow for an overseas posting and will not return until around 8 April. I have as a result taken down my Ebay ads but still have the four M802s available should any one need a brand new unit. I will not however be able to ship any out until post 8 April.

Delivery time to the USA is generally 4-5 days.

I can provide reference info from recent US buyers if so required

Cheers
Paul - vk4ma

[gjorgensen]

Originally Posted by Roy M

Thanks, folks. This has been a most productive conversation. I love CF.

As others have said it'll work fine. If you install it before you get your general/extra let me know and I'll be happy to give it a whirl. Also, if you have your license, I can do a short range check just up the hill once it's going - just let me know.

[Roy M]

Thanks, gjorgensen, very kind of you. It's going to be a bit before I can install it. I'm overhauling my interior and that comes toward the end.

[buzzstar]

UPDATE: Received the following from Terry Sparks on Pacific Puddle Jump:

The FCC has now published a Public Notice asking for comments on the M802. This would allow Icom to sell the M802 in the US again, primarily to cruisers. While it would not allow commercial GMDSS vessels to use the radio, it will provide a means to contact GMDSS vessels as they only thing they monitor are DSC calling frequencies.

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Rele...A-17-435A1.pdf

Please review and respond favorable to help keep your fellow cruisers safer.

[radios.net.au]

Link to Terry Sparks does not work for me at least.

We have sold all of our remaining M802s down here in OZ.

Cheers
Paul
radios.net.au shop

[Wotname]

Originally Posted by radios.net.au

Link to Terry Sparks does not work for me at least.

We have sold all of our remaining M802s down here in OZ.

Cheers
Paul
radios.net.au shop

Hmm... worked for me. Its a pdf file and I can email it to you if you like, just pm me with an email address.

[radios.net.au]

Link is working today for some reason - so all good

[joehersey]

Originally Posted by buzzstar

UPDATE: Received the following from Terry Sparks on Pacific Puddle Jump:

The FCC has now published a Public Notice asking for comments on the M802. This would allow Icom to sell the M802 in the US again, primarily to cruisers. While it would not allow commercial GMDSS vessels to use the radio, it will provide a means to contact GMDSS vessels as they only thing they monitor are DSC calling frequencies.

http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Rele...A-17-435A1.pdf

Please review and respond favorable to help keep your fellow cruisers safer.

Let's Support Icom's M-802 waiver request.

I was going to make the same post but glad to see Terry Sparks already has gotten the word out. I concur with him and others who have posted here. Support Icom's waiver request for the M-802. It's a good radio and never should have been barred. The Coast Guard is much more likely to receive a distress alert from a DSC-equipped HF radio than an HF radio w/o DSC. That's reason enough to support it.

Comment deadline is June 8th. Link for making comments is https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/, select "Submit a Filing", type "17-122" under "Proceeding", and fill out the form. You can also view submitted comments by selecting search and searching using the 17-122 proceeding.

Icom unfortunately missed an arcane requirement in the ITU M.493-13 DSC standard, exacerbated by 14 year old test standard IEC 62238 that hasn't kept up to date with changes in the ITU technical standard. IEC 62388 tests to ITU M.493-10, now superseded by four editions. The FCC regulations are not at fault. Its more of a standards issue than a regulatory one; I understand other marine radio manufacturers may have missed the same arcane standards requirement that Icom missed. I suspect Icom got caught because they honestly admitted that they missed that requirement.

I believe most other administrations require compliance with M.493-13, or the current -14 which has the same requirement. But the requirement they missed is a minor one and isn't covered in the recognized IEC test standard, so I'm not surprised other administrations. Icom deserves a waiver. The M-802 is an excellent radio.

Joe Hersey
USCG retired

[SV THIRD DAY]

The FCC has granted the waiver...icom is working on a press release and the Icom M802 is now legal to sell in the USA again....well as soon as vendors can get them Back in Stock!!!