Radios in Action

Few places on Earth are as inaccessible—and as coveted by amateur radio operators—as Bouvet Island. Located in the South Atlantic, this uninhabitable rock has long been regarded as the “Mount Everest of DXpeditions.” According to the DXCC Most Wanted List, Bouvet ranks near the very top of sought-after contacts, making every attempt to activate it a historic event. With renewed momentum after a 2023 attempt, the 3Y0K team is back, bringing with it high stakes, innovative planning, and rigorous safety protocols.What does it take to run one of the most ambitious ham radio DXpeditions in history—on one of the harshest and most dangerous islands on the planet?In the second installment of this special coverage from Radios in Action by Icom, host Ray Novak, N9JA, Senior Manager at Icom America, speaks with Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC, Co-Leader of the DXpedition. Together, they dive into the complex logistics, safety planning, and behind-the-scenes infrastructure that make the 3Y0K activation of Bouvet possible.Key takeaways from the conversation…Safety at the Core: Cezar explains the team’s rigorous hazard assessments, risk mitigation strategies, and the “safety first” philosophy guiding every decision, from helicopter drops to antenna maintenance.Logistics of the Impossible: The episode explores how every landing, equipment transport, and living arrangement is meticulously planned—accounting for contingencies like helicopter failures or Zodiac landings.The Hidden Heroes: Beyond operators, Cezar highlights the engineers, designers, and support crew who make the expedition possible, drawing a parallel to the unseen workforce behind Neil Armstrong’s moon landing.Cezar Trifu, VE3LYC, is a seasoned DXpeditioner with decades of experience activating some of the world’s rarest locations. A co-leader of the 3Y0K Bouvet Island DXpedition, he brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to safety and operational excellence. Cezar is also an active voice in the amateur radio community, respected for his contributions to rare DX activations and his ability to manage high-stakes, high-complexity projects.

Nestled in the shaded quiet of Oshkosh’s Seaplane Base, there exists a side of EAA AirVenture that many attendees never see. Unlike the bustling main grounds, the Seaplane Base operates for just one week each year, transforming from an unused shoreline into a hub of aviation activity. It takes hundreds of volunteers and days of concentrated effort to prepare the space, clean the docks, and establish the systems that make it a safe and welcoming environment for pilots and visitors alike.But what truly sets the Seaplane Base apart isn’t just its natural beauty—it’s the way communication and coordination keep the operation running smoothly. With planes arriving and departing over water, volunteers managing pontoons, and families spanning generations helping on site, the role of radios and clear communication becomes critical. Icom equipment, for example, isn’t simply a convenience—it’s a lifeline, ensuring that ground crews, dock staff, and air traffic remain in sync. These tools bridge the gap between land and sky, where even a small misstep could have outsized consequences.What emerges is more than just logistics—it’s a story of community. Families have been raised at the base, with second and third generations now stepping into volunteer roles. For many, it’s a “hidden gem” of AirVenture, a place where shade, camaraderie, and purpose blend into a unique experience. To explore this behind-the-scenes world—and the essential role of communication in keeping it safe and welcoming—hear directly from longtime volunteers Lori Barger and Larry Schaack in their conversation at EAA AirVenture 2025 with Icom.

At the heart of EAA AirVenture 2025, the Seaplane Base offers a unique glimpse into aviation’s most delicate dance—where water and air meet. Unlike traditional runways, this floating airfield demands a constant balance of precision, coordination, and communication. Here, pilots don’t just rely on their own skill; they depend on an entire team of volunteers who quietly orchestrate every movement from dock to open water.The unsung backbone of this operation is communication. With dozens of aircraft and tow boats moving at once, the potential for confusion is high. That’s where Icom radios come in—bridging land and water operations in real time. These radios allow volunteers like tow boat drivers to connect seamlessly with ground crews, dock teams, and pilots, ensuring every aircraft transition remains smooth and safe. It’s a system that functions like a control tower on water, giving structure to an environment where unpredictability is always a factor.Managing seaplanes during a major airshow isn’t just about moving airplanes; it’s about managing risk, anticipating problems, and ensuring no detail slips through the cracks. Volunteers are constantly listening, adjusting, and communicating—often improvising solutions that keep operations fluid despite the challenges of wind, waves, and weather.For a behind-the-scenes perspective on how this all comes together, few voices are better suited than Jim Zirbel, volunteer tow boat driver at the EAA Seaplane Base, who shares firsthand how Icom radios keep the seaplane zone safe, connected, and efficient.

Every summer, Oshkosh becomes more than just a destination—it transforms into the center of the aviation universe, where passion, history, and innovation collide. At EAA AirVenture, the world’s largest aviation gathering, the magic isn’t only in the sky but also in the unseen coordination on the ground. With hundreds of thousands of attendees and thousands of aircraft converging in one place, safety and communication are as critical as the spectacle itself. What makes the event truly remarkable is the human element: 5,000 volunteers who arrive not simply to watch but to build, organize, and sustain this massive operation.Behind the scenes, real-time communication is the thread that ties it all together, and Icom radios serve as the backbone—bridging pilots, ground crews, and volunteers in seamless connection. This orchestration ensures that the event not only runs smoothly, but also upholds the community spirit that makes aviation culture so unique.To uncover how this extraordinary collaboration comes to life at AirVenture 2025, we turn to Adam Kokke, EAA Senior Sales Support Associate, who offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role of communication and coordination with Icom.

For aviation enthusiasts, few sights stir the imagination quite like the thunder of restored warbirds filling the skies at AirVenture. What began in 1964 as a small group of former military pilots salvaging surplus aircraft has grown into one of the most celebrated showcases of flying history, preserving the legacy of WWII and Korean-era aviation. Yet this heritage comes with responsibility: maintaining safety, ensuring smooth operations, and bridging the gap between pilots and the public. That’s where reliable communication becomes critical.Organizations like Warbirds of America have long relied on Icom radios not just for flight coordination, but for managing emergencies, weather challenges, and even lost children on the field. To explore how tradition meets technology in preserving this living history, we turn to Mark Shilobrit of Warbirds ATC – CIC, who brings firsthand insight into the vital role of communication at AirVenture 2025.

For one week each summer, the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh transforms a quiet stretch of private shoreline into the bustling Seaplane Base—a hidden gem where aviation meets water. Unlike the high-energy pace of the main airport grounds, the base offers a more relaxed, up-close experience with pilots and their aircraft, creating a unique connection between visitors and the world of seaplanes. Yet behind the calm surface lies an immense logistical challenge: managing people, planes, and boats while ensuring smooth, safe operations on the water.Communication is the backbone of this effort, and Icom radios play a central role. With aircraft relying solely on aviation band frequencies, every message is critical—especially when pilots forget equipment, encounter issues beyond line of sight, or face unexpected complications on the water. Volunteers often depend on Icom’s speaker mics, which allow them to keep the radios secure on their belts while maintaining quick, reliable access. Still, operating in a water-heavy environment brings unique challenges: radios sometimes get dropped in the lagoon, and while crews tether them with string, more water resistance is always in demand.It’s a blend of precision and improvisation, powered by reliable communication tools and a deep love for aviation traditions. At the heart of this operation is Andrew Elert, Co-Chairman of Lagoon Operations, who has been keeping the Seaplane Base running for nearly two decades. His journey from a young volunteer to a leader of this one-of-a-kind experience reflects the dedication required to sustain Oshkosh’s most serene aviation outpost. In a conversation with Icom, Elert shares how his team balances challenges, traditions, and the thrill of welcoming seaplanes year after year.

At Oshkosh’s AirVenture, aviation enthusiasts flock to the skies, but one of the most unique experiences happens off the runway at the Seaplane Base. This watery extension of the world’s largest fly-in is where aircraft meet the elements—and where communication becomes the ultimate safety tool. Unlike traditional fields, the seaplane base operates in a dynamic environment where pilots, volunteers, and boats must work in harmony. Without seamless radio transmissions, even small lapses could turn into major hazards.For decades, Icom radios have been the backbone of that safety net. Known for their durability and reliability, models like the IC-A24E handheld airband transceiver have proven essential in coordinating both air and water operations. From point control guiding incoming pilots, to boat crews spread across the lake, to ground shuttles running nonstop, the IC-A24E ensures everyone is connected on the right frequency. Even when a radio takes an accidental plunge into the water, these units are resilient enough to return to service—sometimes with just a little help from a bag of rice.Still, the demands are enormous: multiple frequencies, overlapping communications, and the constant need to link the seaplane base with the main AirVenture grounds miles away. It’s a reminder that in aviation, infrastructure isn’t just about engines, pontoons, and runways—it’s about crystal-clear voices over the airwaves.Few understand this better than Shane Albers, Chairman of the Oshkosh Seaplane Base, who has volunteered for nearly three decades. As he explains, radios like the IC-A24E don’t just support logistics; they safeguard tradition, efficiency, and safety for the entire seaplane community.

In today’s world of complex communication networks, interoperability isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Organizations often rely on multiple radio systems, internet-based communications, and cellular solutions, yet bridging these different platforms has historically been a major challenge.That’s where devices like the VE-PG4 RoIP Gateway come into play. Designed to merge diverse protocols, this unit allows teams to unify VHF, UHF, P25, LTE, and even satellite communications into a single, seamless system. For industries such as public safety, utilities, and transportation, that level of integration can mean the difference between siloed chaos and streamlined coordination.Beyond its technical versatility, the VE-PG4 reflects a broader shift toward flexibility in communications infrastructure. Its compatibility with Icom’s cellular and Wi-Fi solutions makes it particularly valuable at a time when mobility and remote access are as important as wired reliability. The inclusion of multiple connection ports, USB options for updates, and antenna mount bases demonstrates how manufacturers are anticipating user needs for both scalability and ease of deployment. Ultimately, tools like this empower organizations to adapt their communications strategy to evolving technology without being locked into a single standard.To bring this innovation closer to reality, we turn to Mikayla Servidad, Sales Admin at Icom America, who takes us inside the unboxing of the VE-PG4 RoIP Gateway and shows how it comes together straight out of the box.

Search and rescue missions are often measured in minutes, where clear communication can mean the difference between life and death. In King County, Washington, search and rescue operations are powered primarily by volunteers—about 600 individuals alongside 16 sheriff’s deputies. Collectively, these volunteers respond to 150–200 missions per year, contribute more than 49,000 hours annually, and save taxpayers an estimated $8 million each year in donated labor and avoided costs.But when missions unfold in rugged terrain without cell service, how do search and rescue operators ensure coordination, safety, and success?Welcome to Radios in Action, brought to you by Icom. In the latest episode, Tim Price, Inside Sales Manager at Icom America, sits down with Nathan Lorance of King County Search & Rescue. Together, they explore the sacrifices of volunteers, the indispensable role of radios, and the realities behind search and rescue missions that the public rarely sees.The main topics of discussion…Volunteers as Professionals: While unpaid, search and rescue volunteers undergo extensive training and certification, functioning as highly skilled emergency responders.The Lifeline of Radios: In areas where cell phones fail, VHF radios remain the most reliable form of communication, enabling coordination between ground teams, command posts, and even aircraft during multi-agency operations.Sacrifices Beyond the Call: From Thanksgiving dinners replaced with fast-food cheeseburgers to families waiting anxiously at trailheads, the personal commitment of volunteers underscores the human cost—and value—of this lifesaving work.Nathan Lorance is a long-serving volunteer with King County Search & Rescue in Washington State. With more than 14 years of experience, he has worn multiple hats, ranging from field leader to organizational administrator. Lorance’s expertise spans operational logistics, communications infrastructure, and mission leadership. His dedication, informed in part by personal experience with Alzheimer’s in his family, underscores his deep empathy and commitment to serving the community.

In an era where digital communication happens at the speed of light, it’s easy to overlook the enduring charm and ingenuity of amateur radio. Yet, events like the Ham Radio fair in Friedrichshafen, Germany, remind us that radio isn’t just a relic—it’s a thriving, inventive community built on experimentation and exploration. One striking example is Icom’s IC-705 rig, showcased as part of a fully portable backpack system. Paired with a military-grade antenna, this setup recently achieved a contact over 22,000 kilometers away—proof that global connection doesn’t always require satellites or cell towers.This is more than hobbyist tinkering; it’s a celebration of hands-on innovation and global camaraderie. Ham radio empowers individuals to become engineers, operators, and explorers in one, all while embracing the core human desire to reach out across vast distances. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or simply curious, the stories emerging from Friedrichshafen serve as a reminder: some of the world’s most compelling tech journeys still begin with a soldering iron and a sense of wonder.

The 2024 Pacific Marine Expo served as a platform for exploring how advanced radio technologies are supporting specialized industries. Secure and far-reaching communication remains a critical need for the commercial fishing sector. Rick Waedekin, the President of Coast Marine Marketing and Icom's West Coast Sales Rep, spoke with Harold Whittlesy of Satellite Technical Services about the growing excitement around Icom’s IP radios. Whittlesy highlighted the technology’s value for commercial fishermen who require discreet, one-to-one or group communication without broadcasting openly. He described the radios as filling a major void in the market by delivering long-range, global connectivity at a low cost. The IP radios also give crews a flexible, modern alternative to traditional marine comms, enabling broader communication without compromising privacy. Whittlesy called it a game-changer for a sector that has long operated with limited tools.

Bouvet Island sits at the edge of the world. It is frozen, uninhabited, and almost impossible to access. Fewer people have set foot there than in space. That level of remoteness is exactly what makes it so valuable to amateur radio operators. The island ranks tenth on ClubLog’s list of Most Wanted DXCC entities, making it a highly coveted contact in amateur radio.. A team of 24 operators is preparing a bold, carefully planned mission to return Bouvet Island to the airwaves. The 3Y0K DXpedition, powered by Icom and backed by years of preparation, will push the limits of logistics, endurance, and technical expertise in one of the harshest operating environments on Earth.What does it take to pull off a successful radio expedition in such extreme isolation, where weather, equipment, and timing leave no room for error?What does it take to pull off a successful radio expedition in such extreme isolation, where weather, equipment, and timing leave no room for error?Part 1 of this special coverage from Radios in Action by Icom, recorded at Hamvention 2025 in Xenia, Ohio, features operators Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, Co-leader of the 3Y0K DXpedition, and Bob Ronk, W9AP, Expeditioner with the 3Y0K team. Host Ray Novak, N9JA, Senior Sales Manager at Icom, explores how they plan to reach Bouvet by icebreaker and helicopter, establish dual operating camps, and stay on the air using a full suite of Icom radios. The discussion offers a rare look into the planning, risk, and passion behind one of the largest DXpeditions ever attempted.Key Highlights:Advanced Logistics for Extreme Conditions: The team will endure freezing temperatures, 75-mph winds, and limited sunlight during a multi-week stay on the island.Icom Radios Across All Modes: Operations will run across satellite, marine, and HF bands using sixteen Icom radios, including the IC-7610, IC-7300, and SAT100.Global Coordination and Safety Focus: The 24-person team is supported by satellite links and a superstation team led by Krassy, K1LZ, ensuring technical precision and safe execution.Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, is an accomplished DXer and contester with over three decades of experience in amateur radio and a professional background in IT consulting. He has participated in major contests from top-tier superstations like K1LZ and K1TTT and competed in WRTC 2018. Adrian has operated from rare and remote locations across the globe, combining his passion for CW, SSB, and digital modes with extensive DXpedition experience and active involvement in multiple radio clubs.Bob Ronk, W9AP, is an experienced Amateur Extra–class operator active in high-profile DXpeditions and convention leadership within the ham radio community. He plays a key role in the upcoming Bouvet Island 3YØK expedition and serves as Convention Chair and Prize Committee member for W9DXCC. Bob regularly collaborates with major operators and suppliers, including DX Engineering, contributing to both the planning and promotion of international amateur radio efforts.Part 1 of this special coverage from Radios in Action by Icom, recorded at Hamvention 2025 in Xenia, Ohio, features operators Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, Co-leader of the 3Y0K DXpedition, and Bob Ronk, W9AP, Expeditioner with the 3Y0K team. Host Ray Novak, N9JA, Senior Sales Manager at Icom, explores how they plan to reach Bouvet by icebreaker and helicopter, establish dual operating camps, and stay on the air using a full suite of Icom radios. The discussion offers a rare look into the planning, risk, and passion behind one of the largest DXpeditions ever attempted.Key Highlights:Advanced Logistics for Extreme Conditions: The team will endure freezing temperatures, 75-mph winds, and limited sunlight during a multi-week stay on the island.Icom Radios Across All Modes: Operations will run across satellite, marine, and HF bands using sixteen Icom radios, including the IC-7610, IC-7300, and SAT100.Global Coordination and Safety Focus: A 24-person team is supported by satellite links and a superstation team led by Krassy, K1LZ, ensuring technical precision and safe execution.Adrian Ciuperca, KO8SCA, is an accomplished DXer and contester with over three decades of experience in amateur radio and a professional background in IT consulting. He has participated in major contests from top-tier superstations like K1LZ and K1TTT and competed in WRTC 2018. Adrian has operated from rare and remote locations across the globe, combining his passion for CW, SSB, and digital modes with extensive DXpedition experience and active involvement in multiple radio clubs.Bob Ronk, W9AP, is an experienced Amateur Extra–class operator active in high-profile DXpeditions and convention leadership within the ham radio community. He plays a key role in the upcoming Bouvet Island 3YØK expedition and serves as Convention Chair and Prize Committee member for W9DXCC. Bob regularly collaborates with major operators and suppliers, including DX Engineering, contributing to both the planning and promotion of international amateur radio efforts.

When cities plan parades for Super Bowl champions or ski resorts need to link radios across miles of mountain terrain, there’s no time for trial-and-error communications. That’s why Icom America brought real-world solutions to the forefront at the 2025 International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE), showcasing how their versatile technology helps organizations solve critical operational challenges—without blowing their budget or starting from scratch. With the radio communications market expanding rapidly, Icom’s emphasis on flexible migration paths over full system replacements offers a model that’s both financially and operationally smarter.So, how can agencies and enterprises upgrade their radio systems without pulling the plug on operations—or their budgets?That’s the question at the heart of this episode of Radios In Action, hosted by Icom Inside Sales Manager Tim Price. He’s joined by fellow Icom Sales Manager Jon Paul Beauchamp for a conversation that explores the real-world applications and advantages of Icom’s solutions, straight from the floor of IWCE.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why migration paths beat forklift upgrades for long-term efficiency and lower financial strainHow Icom radios helped power emergency communications during Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory paradeReal-world examples of Icom’s technology blending digital, LAN, and LTE systems to create seamless communications—from ski resorts to city operationsJon Paul Beauchamp is a seasoned business development leader with over two decades of experience in the radio communications industry, specializing in land mobile, LTE, satellite, and WLAN systems. As Senior Manager at Icom America, he drives sales growth and brand visibility through strategic partnerships and market expansion, while also serving in leadership roles with the Enterprise Wireless Alliance, NXDN Forum, and Radio Club of America. His background spans operations management, public safety communications, and security consulting, making him a trusted expert in delivering scalable, real-world solutions for commercial and emergency communication needs.

As the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2025 came to a close, the Icom team reflected on another successful year of meaningful connections, shared expertise, and hands-on interaction with industry professionals.Chris Vargas, Inside Sales Representative at Icom, summed up the experience with one word: personal. After months of remote communication and countless email threads, IWCE offered the chance to meet face-to-face with dealers, partners, and industry peers.For Chris, the value wasn’t just in the deals—it was in the conversations. From shaking hands to sharing stories, the event brought a renewed sense of meaningful connection to the Icom community. It reminded everyone that behind every radio, every order, and every sale, there’s a real relationship.Icom America represents one of the few companies in the world that manufactures a complete line of Land Mobile, Marine, Amateur, Aviation, and Satellite radios. Since 1954, Icom has set the standard for quality and innovation, with a legacy of reliability that spans industries and continents. With ongoing advancements in digital technologies, Icom continues to lead the way toward the future of radio communications.As Icom continues to lead in the world of mission-critical communications, events like IWCE help reaffirm what matters most: trust, collaboration, and showing up in person.We're proud of another successful year—and already looking forward to the next one.

At the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) 2025—an event focused on mission-critical communications for industries like public safety and utilities—EPCOM and Icom stood out by demonstrating how trusted technology and long-term partnerships can deliver real impact.Representing EPCOM, Director of Customer Success Abril Rodriguez highlighted the company’s role as a long-time partner and recent U.S. distributor for Icom—one of the few global manufacturers offering a complete lineup of land mobile, marine, aviation, amateur, and satellite radios.With a strong focus on mission-critical industries, the companies showcased why radio communications remain essential—especially during emergencies, when reliability is key. Icom’s products stand out for their Japanese engineering, dependable performance, and strong warranty, making them a trusted choice for customers across sectors.A recent deployment of 500 Icom radios at immigration shelters in Las Vegas demonstrated how these solutions make a tangible difference in critical environments.Together, EPCOM and Icom are committed to delivering technology that works—when and where it’s needed most.

At this year’s International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE), Telex and Icom introduced an important step forward in critical communications: the integration of Telex dispatch consoles with Icom’s P25 mobile radios.This new compatibility allows dispatchers to access key radio functions—such as channel change, ANI (Automatic Number Identification), and emergency alert decoding—directly from the Telex console. The result is faster, more efficient communication for industries where every second counts.The announcement responds to growing demand from sectors like public safety, utilities, and transportation for communication tools that are not only powerful, but easy to use and adaptable to real-world challenges.While Telex and Icom have partnered in the past—previously integrating with Icom’s ITIS system—this latest advancement builds on that history with support for both ITIS and P25 technologies.As IWCE 2025 highlights the need for industry-specific solutions, this collaboration stands out as a practical example of innovation tailored to mission-critical environments.Telex and Icom are moving forward—together—toward a more connected future.

The landscape of critical communications is evolving, and IWCE 2025 is proving to be a turning point. This year’s event is marked by a clear focus on serving vertical markets—industries with distinct, mission-critical needs. From public safety to utilities, the demand is no longer just for cutting-edge technology, but for solutions tailored to real-world challenges. It’s a shift that underscores a growing realization: putting the customer first isn’t just good business—it’s essential. Companies that embrace this mindset are setting themselves apart, forging deeper connections and delivering greater value.For a closer look at how this philosophy is shaping the conversation at IWCE, Tim Price, Inside Sales Manager at Icom America, shares his Day 1 wrap-up and insights into what’s driving the momentum.

In the fast-evolving world of wireless communications, events like the International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) serve as a critical hub for innovation, collaboration, and industry advancement. Each year, professionals from public safety, utilities, transportation, and other mission-critical sectors gather to explore the latest in radio, broadband, and emerging technologies. IWCE 2025 in Las Vegas promises to be more than just a trade show—it’s a launchpad for the future of connectivity. With exhibitors showcasing groundbreaking solutions and thought leaders discussing the next frontier of communication, the event highlights how technology is shaping the way we work, respond, and stay connected. Companies like Icom are at the forefront, preparing to unveil new advancements that could redefine reliability and performance in wireless communications. Whether it’s improving emergency response networks or enhancing day-to-day operational efficiency, IWCE is where these conversations turn into reality. As attendees step onto the expo floor, they’ll find not just products, but a vision for the future—one that industry experts like John Pau from Icom are eager to share.

Dive into the heartwarming story of how the late Tim Price's passion for ham radio lives on through a generous donation of his equipment to the Case Amateur Radio Club. Discover how models like the ICOM 7300, celebrated for their unmatched DX capabilities, continue to connect enthusiasts across the globe, from local neighborhoods to Australia.More than just radios, ICOM fosters a deep sense of community and shared memories, from earning that coveted ICOM hat at Dayton to cherishing a first HF radio. Join us in honoring the legacy of silent keys, celebrating the stories behind the equipment, and connecting with the ever-growing ham radio community. Watch now and be part of this timeless tradition!

From getting his license at just 12 years old to leading expeditions and contest teams, this seasoned ham radio enthusiast shares his lifelong journey with ICOM. Discover why the IC-7300 and other iconic ICOM models have become trusted companions on his expeditions and contests, thanks to their unmatched reliability, sleek designs, and cutting-edge technology.Hear personal stories of early transceivers like the IC4E and 2GAT, which powered his graduate school days, and learn how ICOM continues to fuel his passion for CW and SSB contesting. Whether you're a budding radio enthusiast or a seasoned operator, this video is your gateway to the wonders of ICOM and the vibrant ham radio community. Tune in and join the adventure!