Licence-free communications with new transceiver

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 13, 2000

A new PMR 446 licence free transceiveris extremely compact in size (with a rather neat foldaway antenna) and is a great way to stay in touch which unlike cellular telephones, is completely free

Radio communication specialists Icom (UK) is pleased to announce the launch of their new PMR 446 licence free transceiver - the IC-446S.

The new addition to the company's extensive product range is remarkable for two reasons.

Firstly it is extremely compact in size with a rather neat foldaway antenna which makes it ideal for a wide range of applications and users.

Secondly, it is a great way to stay in touch and unlike cellular telephones, it is completely free! Featuring a high level of flexibility, the IC-446S allows instant communication between members of a group in and around buildings and over short distances.

This makes it the perfect tool for keeping in touch with friends, family and work colleagues whilst in close proximity to them.

The application for the PMR446 service are almost limitless and the IC-446S would be suitable for camping, golf, catering, use in sports centres, on building sites, catering, events management, neighbourhood watch, factories, farms etc.

What's more it is water-resistant making it ideal for rambling, trekking, or for use on inland waterways etc.

The IC-446S is Icom's successor to the very successful IC-F4SR(446).

The new transceiver is much smaller than its predecessor which makes it just right for travel in a small compartment such as a handbag or a pocket.

A foldaway antenna is incorporated into the design, making it even more convenient to carry and use.

The IC-446S has all the hallmarks of a quality product.

It is well designed, easy to use and very robust.

Its strong body makes it ideal for outdoor activity enthusiasts, for example.

In fact the IC-446S is ergonomically designed and there are an absolute minimum number of switches making operation quick and intuitive.

The large, easy to read LCD shows operating information at a glance with clear status icons such as 'low battery', 'timer' that are easily recognisable.

For low light conditions, the display has an auto backlight function.

A useful one hour fast charge will be available with the ability to use ordinary batteries as well as rechargeable ones.

In addition to its ease of use and aesthetic design the IC-446S is packed full of communication features that provides the user with a high level of usability and convenience.

Among these useful functions are the handy Automatic transponder function which automatically warns you if the other radios are out of range.

Other useful operating functions include a call ring function, which allows you to send a ring tone when calling another party - similar to using a mobile phone.

Ten different ring types can be selected from.

To ensure clear communications with other radios, you can select from 8 different radio channels and 38 different group codes, giving more than 300 different combinations to choose from.

A Smart Ring function is also included which lets you know whether your call has got all the way through.

The IC-446S transceiver is now available for sale in two formats.

It can be purchased, body for only ?109.00 (RRP ex.VAT).

Alternatively you can buy an accessory pack, which includes transceiver, charger with rechargeable batteries for ?120.30 (RRP ex.VAT) Ian Lockyer, Marketing Executive for Icom (UK) Ltd said: "The size and design of the IC-446S makes it one of the most convenient radios that Icom have ever produced.

Couple this ease of use with a basic strong performance, then I have sure that the IC-446S is going to be one of our most successful products ever.".