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BREAKING NEWS!

Icom NZ are proud and excited to announce Icom's marine VHF radio the IC-M506 has taken home the title of Best Marine Radio for the second year in a row.

Under the Excellence-MARINE VHF RADIO category, Icom's IC-M506 was up against some strong contendors this year who were all vying for the coveted title (as well as bragging rights). The annual NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) Product Awards are chosen by NMEA members and the winners are announced at their annual conference held this year in Baltimore. For the first time NMEA members were allowed to vote online and it was amazing to see the IC-M506 voted top in its category by fellow members for the second year in a row.

The IC-M506 secured the title based on its unbeatable features like the NMEA 0183/2000 plug-and-play functionality and integrated AIS receiver (select M506 models). The version type approved for use in New Zealand (IC-M506E) includes the integrated AIS. The IC-M506 was also recognized for its intuitive user interface, which promotes fast access to radio functions and settings like Class D DSC. Other award-winning features include "Last Call" voice recording/rewind function, enhanced audio and active noise cancelling and the unit's large 132x96-pixels dot matrix display. Another strong added feature of the IC-M506 is the option for an additional radio commandmic for second station capability. The optional commandmic is capable of being used up to 18.3m (60ft) away such as in a separate cabin or tower.

Information regarding the award and other categories is available on the NMEA website.

This year's NMEA Awards held on Sept. 29-Oct. 1 2015 saw the addition of seven new categories which reflects the technology expansion in marine electronics that can be seen today on a typical 30-plus foot vessel. Adding categories recognizes the continual expansion of marine electronics technology and products. Rounding out the categories are Multi-function Displays, Autopilots, Fish Finders, Radars, Marine VHF Radios, Satellite Communications Antennas, Satellite TV Antennas and Manufacturer with Best Product Support.

For more information on how to get your hands on this multi-award winning marine radio, please contact us on 07 575 2966 or info@mobilesystems.co.nz. With the 2015 boating season upon us, now is the perfect time to be thinking of your communications on the water - and what other radio would you trust your life with on the water than an award winning VHF radio?