Description
Icom GM1600 GMDSS VHF Survival Craft Portable Radio
GMDSS-compliant VHF survival craft radio for marine emergency communications. 156.300–156.875 MHz. 2W/1W. Lithium battery. Shock-resistant, highly visible yellow housing. Available as Radio & Battery Only or with Charger.
The Icom GM1600 is a VHF portable two-way radio designed for GMDSS-compliant survival craft communications in marine emergencies. Its shock-resistant, dye-injected polymer housing is finished in highly visible yellow to ensure it can be found quickly in a survival bag, life raft, or emergency kit. Engineered to survive the extreme environmental conditions of maritime emergencies, it incorporates the latest Search and Rescue communications technology with a large keypad, wide-angle LCD display, and one-touch access to Channel 16 and the call channel.
Key Features
GMDSS Compliant: Meets strict environmental requirements per IMO resolutions A.694(17) and MSC149(77) — including temperature, thermal shock, vibration, and 1 m drop resistance. Retains IPX7 (1 m depth) waterproof construction after passing all environmental tests.
VHF 156.300–156.875 MHz: Full coverage of the maritime VHF survival craft frequency range.
2W / 1W Output: Selectable power output for range and battery conservation.
Optional High-Capacity Lithium Battery (BP-234): Superior low-temperature characteristics provide more than 8 hours of operating time even at −20°C (duty cycle Tx:Rx:Standby = 6:6:48).
Shock-Resistant Yellow Housing: Brightly colored dye-injected polymer is easy to locate in emergency conditions.
Large Keypad with Positive Button Action: Operable with gloves or in wet conditions.
Wide Viewing Angle LCD Display: Clearly readable in varying light conditions.
One-Touch Channel 16 & Call Channel Access: Immediate access to distress and calling channels.
Bright LED Indicator: Mounted on the top of the panel for high-visibility status at a glance.
Optional VOX Headset: Available for on-board hands-free use.
Specifications
| Attribute |
Details |
| Brand |
Icom |
| Model |
GM1600 (IC-GM1600) |
| Frequency Range |
156.300–156.875 MHz (VHF) |
| Emission Type |
16K0G3E (FM) |
| Mode |
Analog |
| Output Power |
2W / 1W (Hi/Lo) |
| Power Supply |
7.5V DC nominal |
| Current Drain (Tx 2W/1W) |
1.0A / 0.7A (approx.) |
| Current Drain (Rx Max. Audio) |
200 mA (approx.) |
| Antenna Impedance |
50Ω (SMA fixed-type) |
| Ingress Protection |
IPX7 (waterproof to 1 m depth) |
| Operating Temperature (USA) |
−20°C to +60°C (−4°F to +140°F) |
| Operating Temperature (GEN) |
−20°C to +55°C (−4°F to +131°F) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) |
65 × 145 × 44 mm (2.6 × 5.7 × 1.7 in) |
| Weight (with BP-234) |
385 g (13.6 oz) |
| Compliance |
GMDSS Survival Craft; IMO A.694(17), MSC149(77) |
| Housing Color |
Yellow (high-visibility) |
| Country of Origin |
Japan |
Transmitter
| Attribute |
Details |
| Output Power (Hi/Lo) |
2W / 1W |
| Max. Frequency Deviation |
±5.0 kHz |
| Frequency Error |
±5.0 ppm / ±1.5 kHz |
| Audio Harmonic Distortion |
10% (at 60% deviation) |
| Spurious Emissions |
−70 dBc typical; 0.25 µW (30 MHz–1 GHz); 1.00 µW (1–2 GHz) |
| Adjacent Channel Power |
70 dB |
| FM Hum and Noise Ratio |
40 dB |
Receiver
| Attribute |
Details (USA / GEN) |
| Sensitivity |
0.25 µV typical at 12 dB SINAD / −2 dBµ typical emf at 20 dB SINAD |
| Squelch Sensitivity (threshold) |
0.35 µV typical / −6 dBµ typical emf |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity |
70 dB typical |
| Spurious Response |
70 dB typical |
| Intermodulation Rejection |
70 dB typical / 68 dB |
| Hum and Noise |
40 dB |
| Audio Output Power (8Ω, 10% distortion) |
350 mW typ. (USA) / 200 mW (GEN) |
Batteries
| Battery |
Use |
Details |
| BP-252 |
On-Board Use |
Rechargeable Li-ion, 7.2V / 1000 mAh (min), 1050 mAh (typ.) |
| BP-234 |
Survival Craft (GMDSS) |
Primary Lithium, 9.0V / 3300 mAh. Dated-and-sealed. Required for GMDSS survival craft compliance. 8+ hours at −20°C. |
What's Included
| Variant |
Includes |
| Radio and Battery Only (GM1600SC) |
Radio, BP-234 dated-and-sealed GMDSS Lithium Battery (3300 mAh), Belt Clip (MB-103Y), Antenna (FA-S61V), Neck Strap |
| Radio, Battery & Charger (GM1600DU) |
Radio, BP-234 dated-and-sealed GMDSS Lithium Battery (3300 mAh), BP-252 Li-ion Battery, BC-173 Desktop Charger, BC-147SA/SE AC Adapter, Belt Clip (MB-103Y), Antenna (FA-S61V), Neck Strap |
Optional Accessories
| Part Number |
Description |
| BP-234 |
Primary Lithium Battery Pack — required for GMDSS survival craft use |
| BC-173 + BC-147SA/SE |
Desktop Charger + AC Adapter — charges BP-252 in approx. 10 hours |
| MB-103Y |
Alligator-type belt clip (supplied) |
| MB-86 |
Swivel belt clip — prevents accidental dropping from belt |
| MB-96N |
Swivel-type belt hanger — swivel joint of MB-86 supplied |
More Resources
Warranty
3-year manufacturer’s warranty on the radio. 1-year warranty on accessories.
