Icom 605 vs Icom M410BB VHF

[SearayPaul]

I am outfitting a new build trawler. I specified an Icom M605 in the pilothouse and a Icom M424g on the flybridge. The builder wants to install an Icom M410BB (black box radio) and use a HM-195 command mic in the pilothouse and on the flybridge. I wanted the noise canceling feature on both radios and the push button control in the pilothouse of the M605. The black box radio has noise canceling. I have never used a command mic so I am concerned about the audio quality and volume.

Should I insist on the two separate radios or use the black box radio? Thanks everyone.

 

[EmilyBOE]

I personally like the redundancy of two separate radios. The M605 has a built in AIS receiver. The ICOM M400bb does not have AIS built in. Something to consider if that was a feature you were interested in. (It’s very popular these days) The black boxes are nice, and the mics hold up pretty well, and the sound is decent.

 

[Skybolt]

The Icom M605 is nice as it also has the remote mic option. I also like the direct station access keypad.

I have a Garmin 210/215 with remote mic and a Vesper 800xb AIS. Great combo. Also having the AIS transceiver is nice to be able to be seen as well.

 

[SearayPaul]

We are having a Garmin 800 AIS installed in addition to the VHF. Thanks for the comments so far.

 

[ranger58sb]

I have never used a command mic so I am concerned about the audio quality and volume.

Sound quality on our M400BB is decent.

The M400BB doesn't have the automatic foghorn feature, so our second radio now is an M510 (thanks to Emily and the nice folks at Icom). Don't notice much difference in sound quality between the two.

-Chris

 

[SearayPaul]

M410BB it is. If I do not like the radio I will call Emily to try again.