ICOM M302 v's M402

[Fat_Chilli]

Hi all, I posted this question is a previous thread about VHF's and didn't get a reply so I thought I'd ask it in my own thread:

Realistically what are the benefits (in usability / laymans terms) of the icom M402 over the M302, as I am considering the M302.
Also most of the gumpf on their site means jack to me apart from DSC which both models have, but is the DSC different? i.e. the M402 has DSC that meets U.S.C.G. SC-101 and the M302 has DSC that meets RTCM SC-101, what is this?
I am a strong believer in K.I.S.S will the M302 suffice? My boat is a Sig 500C so I ain't going to far offshore.

Cheers

FC

[Grand_Marlin]

G'day Fat Chilli,

I think you will find that the 302 has superceeded the 402.

I have fitted a few 302's and they are fine.

Have also fitted a number of GME 600's ... they are very good too ... and cheaper.

Apart from a few marketing gimmicks, you will find the 302 will do everything you need it too.

Cheers

Pete

[Fat_Chilli]

Grand Marlin - The 402 is still current and appears to be an up-spec version of the 302, a lot more expensive with (like you said) more gimmicks. I want to understand the benefits of the up-spec'd 402 (gimmicks), are they functions that would actually be used by your average recreational fisherman?
Still leaning toward the M302, have had ICOM UHF sets before - Paragliding, so I know how good they are, also use GME UHF's for 4 wheeling, also good.

There is $120 difference in price between the ICOM M302 and GME GX 600 (Whitworths dogalog prices), however, the GX 600 does not have DSC, is it worth getting a set with DSC? Or is it a gimmick? Or could it be the one time you need it is the one time it saves you?

Cheers

FC.

[Noelm]

DSC could be a savior when you need it, not absolutly necessary but a "nice" feature when things come undone at the worst possible time.

[Megatop]

Hi Fat Chilli,
I had a ICOM 302 installed in my new Markham Dominator 7000 with 2 x 150HP Honda's. Finally had to get rid of it as I was getting noise from the Hondas and nothing would fix the problem. Jim from TRYMAX Marine tried everything but the only one that was clear of the noise was the Navman 7200. Even the GME was noisy. When they were connected direct to the battery terminals there was no problem with any of the radios we tried - only when they were connected to the battery x-over switch. I'm talking with engines running.
This might be worth thinking about as there is nothing wrong with the ICOM 302 but there may be compatibility problems depending on the motor you are using.

Adrian

[Grand_Marlin]

G'day Fat Chilli,

The DSC is a feature worth having ... one touch and it keeps relaying your coordinates every ? seconds / minutes.

Remember that this is only relevant whilst you have radio and battery and gps power ... if any one of these goes down then you are without your dsc.

Your epirb is a better line of defence if the $hit hits the fan in a big way.

But, it is of no harm to have dsc on board.

I dont remember what all the extra features were on the 402, but if you are like evrybody else, you use it to talk on or scan channels to see what is happening.

Now, please double check about the 402. We priced one to go in a new 35 Caribbean Flybridge, but ended up going with the 302 as it was superceeding the 402... There are obviously still stocks of 402,s available.
Maybe they have changed their mind, but that was current information 8 months ago.
The 402 was about $100 dearer than the 302 as well at that stage.

For my money, if I wanted DSC, I would by a 302.

If I didnt want it, I would buy the GME 600.

Cheers

Pete