Icom IC-M424G Fixed Mount Marine VHF Transceiver (156–163 MHz)
The IC-M424G is a 25W fixed mount marine VHF transceiver with built-in Class D DSC and integrated GPS receiver. DSC distress and position calls include GPS coordinates automatically — no external GPS connection required. Built-in bidirectional ANC, 10W PA output, IPX7 rated. Supports NMEA 0183 for chartplotter integration and AIS target calling via optional MA-500TR/MA-510TR transponder. Available in Black and Super White.
Why Professionals Choose the Icom IC-M424G
TX output: 25W (Hi) / 1W (Lo) at 13.8V DC. TX covers 156.025–157.425 MHz; RX covers 156.050–163.275 MHz; Ch.70 (DSC watch) at 156.525 MHz. Supports USA, CAN, INT, and WX channel groups. Frequency tolerance ±10 ppm across −20°C to +60°C operating range.
Built-in Class D DSC meets ITU-R M493-13. DSC watch monitors Channel 70 continuously while operating on a working channel. DSC call types: distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, position request/report, polling, and test calls. Built-in GPS receiver (66 channels, 1575.42 MHz, WAAS/EGNOS/MSAS/GAGAN) supplies position and time to DSC calls without external GPS connection. GPS data source is selectable: internal, external (NMEA 0183), or GPS-OFF.
Bidirectional ANC reduces background noise by up to 90% on received audio and 30% on transmitted audio. Built-in 10W amplifier drives external PA speaker for public address and foghorn functions. Internal speaker current draw: 1.5A; external speaker: 5.0A at max audio.
NMEA 0183 in/out supports RMC, GGA, GNS, GLL, DSC, DSE formats for chartplotter integration. Compatible with optional MA-500TR/MA-510TR Class B AIS transponder — enables AIS target DSC calling without manual MMSI entry. Optional HM-195GB/GW COMMANDMIC provides full remote control from a second station (cabin, bridge, tower).
IPX7 rated — submersible to 1 m for 30 minutes, confirmed in official Icom datasheet. AquaQuake clears water from the speaker.
Specification
General
| Frequency Range TX | 156.025–157.425 MHz |
| Frequency Range RX | 156.050–163.275 MHz |
| DSC Channel (Ch.70) | 156.525 MHz |
| Usable Channel Groups | USA, CAN, INT, WX |
| Type of Emission | 16K0G3E, 16K0G2B |
| Power Supply | 13.8V DC nominal (11.7–15.9V DC) |
| Current Drain TX (25W) | 5.5A |
| Current Drain RX (max. audio, Ext SP / Int SP) | 5.0A / 1.5A |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +60°C (−4°F to +140°F) |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω (SO-239) |
| NMEA 0183 Formats | RMC, GGA, GNS, GLL, DSC, DSE |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 180 × 82 × 119.9 mm (7.09 × 3.23 × 4.72 in) |
| Weight (approx.) | 1.2 kg (2.65 lb) |
Transmitter
| RF Output Power | 25W (Hi) / 1W (Lo) at 13.8V DC |
| Modulation | FM (16K0G3E) |
| Max. Frequency Deviation | ±5.0 kHz |
| Frequency Tolerance | ±10 ppm (−20°C to +60°C) |
| Spurious Emissions | Less than −70 dBc (Hi) / Less than −56 dBc (Lo) |
Receiver
| Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) | −13 dBµ typical |
| Squelch Sensitivity | Less than −10 dBµ |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | More than 70 dB |
| Audio Output — External Speaker (10% distortion, 4Ω) | 10W typical |
GPS Receiver
| Receiving Frequency | 1575.42 MHz |
| Receiving Channels | 66 channels |
| Differential Support | WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS, GAGAN |
Compliance
| FCC Certification | Part 80 (marine VHF, USA version) |
| IP Rating | IPX7 (submersible to 1 m / 30 min) |
| DSC Class | Class D (meets ITU-R M493-13) |
| MMSI | Required for DSC distress calling — registration via BoatUS or Sea Tow |
FCC Licensing and Compliance Support
Operation of a marine VHF radio in US waters requires an FCC Ship Station License under Part 80. This applies to all vessels operating in international waters or communicating with foreign ports. For vessels operating exclusively in US domestic waters, a license is not required by FCC rules — but a Ship Station License is strongly recommended for any vessel with DSC capability.
The IC-M424G includes Class D DSC. To activate DSC distress calling, the radio must be programmed with a valid 9-digit MMSI number. AXDIGITAL recommends registering MMSI through BoatUS or Sea Tow before putting the radio into service. MMSI registration is separate from the FCC Ship Station License.
As an authorized Icom dealer, AXDIGITAL assists commercial vessel operators and port facility managers with understanding FCC Part 80 licensing and DSC configuration requirements. Contact us to discuss setup and compliance for your fleet.
FAQ
Does the IC-M424G need an external GPS antenna?
No. The IC-M424G has a built-in 66-channel GPS receiver. It acquires position and time independently and uses this data for DSC calls automatically. An external GPS source can also be connected via NMEA 0183 — the data source is selectable from the menu. For installations with obstructed GPS reception, external antenna input provides a reliable alternative.
What MMSI registration is required for DSC operation?
MMSI is required to activate DSC distress calling on the IC-M424G. The 9-digit MMSI must be programmed into the radio before DSC distress functions are active. For US vessels, MMSI registration is available free of charge through BoatUS or Sea Tow. Commercial vessels may register through the FCC as part of the Ship Station License application. AXDIGITAL can provide guidance on the process.
Can the COMMANDMIC control all functions of the IC-M424G?
Yes. The optional HM-195GB (Black) or HM-195GW (White) COMMANDMIC provides full remote control of all IC-M424G functions from a second location — bridge, cabin, or tower. It also operates as an intercom between stations. The COMMANDMIC features the same white backlit LCD and laser-cut keypad as the main unit.