ICOM Battery option

[Simon B]

Q for Jon Brooks really

Can you get a spare tray for the Icon M1 V that allows it to be powered by AAA or AA Alkalines in tray? A few manufacturers are offering it but couldnt see if Icom did. The well specced Standard Horizon H370e has one.

Encountered the need for spare batteries as a question from an RYA instructor

[Jon Brooks]

Simon

No AA option for the M1EuroV.
There is for the M31, M87E and the new M90E.

We produced a sample unit for the M1EuroV a number of years ago.
It made the radio look so ugly that it was decided not to put it into production.

Hope that answers your question.

Regards

[Simon B]

Jon,

The intended unit will be to hook up to Gecko comms set.

[Simon B]

Just seen the price!

Another NiMh battery might be a cheaper option!

[Jon Brooks]

As far as I know the Gecko unit is only made for our radio's and Simrad.
Be worth checking with them before you buy a readio to ensure they can mate up with it.

If you buy a radio with a Lithium Ion pack you will have to go some to need a second battery in a day!!

Regards

[Simon B]

Jon,

Gecko said they can within reason make units for other sets. I agree the capacity is good for a day, however, this might still not satisfy the requirement "do you have a spare battery" especially if it did not get recharged the following evening.

Spare battery trays for alkalines appear to be a sensible and economic backup, its curious Icom deemed it ugly for the broader market set but ok for a new model aimed at professionals. The only other set I found of a similar spec was Raymarine's.

[Jon Brooks]

Another way round it might be a second charger unit for the M1V.
The unit will recharge from mains or 12v.
It will also charge in about 5 hours from flat.

One of the beauties of Li-ion batteries is that than can be charged in any state.
The M1V charger is aslo semi intelligent so it wont over charge or charge if the battery does not need it (more than 80% capacity)

Regards

[Jon Brooks]

Originally Posted by Simon B

Jon,
Spare battery trays for alkalines appear to be a sensible and economic backup, its curious Icom deemed it ugly for the broader market set but ok for a new model aimed at professionals. The only other set I found of a similar spec was Raymarine's.

The Raymarine only runs on AA's, there is no battery back just a battery tray supplied with AA batteries like our old M3.

I did not think the Raymarine could be fitted with a headset or speaker/mic.
I stand to be corrected.

Simon if you have not brought already may I suggest you wait for a week or two.
It will pay you to wait trust me

Regards

[Simon B]

Mum's the word JB, but dont tell anyone else!

Looked at the spec of the M90 and I'm impressed well put together and simply laid out.