Icom IC-M73 Handheld Marine VHF Transceiver (156–163 MHz)
The IC-M73 is a 6-watt handheld VHF marine transceiver rated IPX8 submersible — tested at 1.5m depth for 30 minutes. It covers INT, USA, CAN, and WX channel groups with Channel 16 monitoring via Dual/Tri-Watch.
The BP-245H Li-Ion battery delivers 17 hours of runtime at standard 5:5:90 duty cycle. Built to MIL-STD-810G, it's a practical choice for commercial vessel crews, harbor operations, and port facility staff.
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Why Professionals Choose the Icom IC-M73
Transmits at 6W (Hi), 3W (Mid), or 1W (Low) across the full US marine VHF band — TX 156.025–157.425 MHz, RX 156.050–163.275 MHz. FM modulation (16K0G3E). Supports INT, USA, CAN, and WX channel groups including all NOAA weather channels. Dual/Tri-Watch monitors Channel 16 and a second working channel simultaneously.
IPX8 rated — submersible to 1.5 m for 30 minutes, confirmed in official Icom datasheet. AquaQuake function clears water from the speaker grille using low-frequency vibration after submersion. MIL-STD-810G certified across 17 test procedures including salt fog, blowing dust, shock, and vibration.
BTL (bridge-tied load) amplifier delivers 700 mW internal speaker output. Receiver sensitivity: 0.22 µV typical at 12 dB SINAD. Adjacent channel selectivity: 70 dB typical. Bidirectional ANC reduces background noise by up to 90% on both TX and RX audio. Bass boost function available for low-frequency audio enhancement.
BP-245H lithium-ion battery (7.4V, 1900 mAh) provides 17 hours at 5:5:90 duty cycle. 4-level battery indicator. Last call voice recording saves incoming audio for up to 1 minute; manual recording also available.
Dimensions: 52.5 × 125 × 30 mm. Weight with battery, antenna, and belt clip: 320 g (11.3 oz). FCC Part 80 certified for US marine VHF operation.
Specification
General
| Frequency Range TX | 156.025–157.425 MHz | |
| Frequency Range RX | 156.050–163.275 MHz | |
| Usable Channel Groups | INT, USA, CAN, WX | |
| Type of Emission | 16K0G3E (FM) | |
| Operating Voltage | 7.4V DC (BP-245H Li-ion) | |
| Current Drain TX (6W) | 1.5A | |
| Current Drain RX (max. audio, Int SP / Ext SP) | 450 mA / 250 mA | |
| Battery Life (5:5:90 duty cycle) | 17 hours (BP-245H) | |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +60°C (−4°F to +140°F) | |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω | |
| Dimensions (W×H×D, projections not included) | 52.5 × 125 × 30 mm (2.0 × 4.9 × 1.2 in) | |
| Weight (with BP-245H, FA-S64V, MB-103) | 320 g (11.3 oz) | |
Transmitter
| RF Output Power | 6W / 3W / 1W (Hi / Mid / Low) |
| Modulation | FM (16K0G3E) |
| Max. Frequency Deviation | ±5.0 kHz |
| Frequency Stability | ±10 ppm |
| Spurious Emissions | −68 dBc |
| Adjacent Channel Power | 70 dB |
| Audio Harmonic Distortion | 10% at 60% deviation |
| Residual Modulation | 40 dB |
Receiver
| Sensitivity | 0.22 µV typical (at 12 dB SINAD) |
| Squelch Sensitivity | 0.35 µV typical (at threshold) |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | 70 dB typical |
| Spurious Response | 70 dB |
| Intermodulation | 70 dB typical |
| Hum and Noise | 40 dB |
| Audio Output - Internal Speaker | 700 mW typical (at 10% distortion) |
| Audio Output - External Speaker | 350 mW typical (at 10% distortion) |
Compliance
| FCC Certification | Part 80 (marine VHF, USA version) |
| IP Rating | IPX8 (submersible to 1.5 m / 30 min |
| MIL-STD | MIL-STD-810G |
| DSC Class | No DSC |
| Measurements Standard | TIA/EIA-603 |
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.
As an authorized Icom dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers with understanding marine licensing requirements. The IC-M73 does not include DSC (Digital Selective Calling) and does not require MMSI registration. For vessels where DSC distress calling is required, AXDIGITAL can recommend appropriate DSC-equipped models.
The IC-M73 is FCC Part 80 certified for US marine VHF operation across INT, USA, CAN, and WX channel groups. Contact us to confirm licensing requirements for your vessel, fleet, or port facility.
FAQ
What is the waterproof rating of the IC-M73?
IPX8 — submersible to 1.5 m depth for 30 minutes, per official Icom datasheet. After submersion, the AquaQuake function clears water from the speaker grille using low-frequency vibration. The radio is also MIL-STD-810G certified for rain, humidity, and salt fog exposure.
Does the IC-M73 have DSC (Digital Selective Calling)?
No. The IC-M73 is a voice-only marine VHF transceiver and does not include DSC or MMSI capability. It is suitable for vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore voice communication. For vessels requiring DSC distress calling, contact AXDIGITAL for DSC-equipped model recommendations.
What battery life can I expect?
17 hours at standard 5:5:90 duty cycle with the BP-245H lithium-ion battery (7.4V, 1900 mAh). The 4-level battery indicator shows remaining charge. A rapid desktop charger (BC-210) and cigarette lighter cable (CP-25H) are included in the box.
