ICOM F3201DEX / F4201DEX IECEx/ATEX Intrinsically Safe IDAS VHF/UHF

The ICOM F3201DEX/F4201DEX series combines analog and IDAS digital voice with an IECEx/ATEX intrinsically safe design for approved hazardous-location operations. The VHF F3201DEX and UHF F4201DEX are built for mining, energy, chemical processing and other environments where the complete radio configuration must meet a defined protection standard.

Key specifications

• Color: Dark blue housing with a yellow Ex marking.
• Use: Intrinsically safe communication for hazardous industrial locations.
• Frequency: IC-F3201DEX VHF 136–174 MHz; IC-F4201DEX UHF 400–470 MHz.
• Channel capacity: 16 channels.
• Operating modes: Analog FM and IDAS NXDN digital.
• Coverage: Site-dependent and affected by the selected band, terrain, buildings and system design.

• Modes: analog FM and NXDN IDAS digital
• Band options: VHF F3201DEX or UHF F4201DEX
• Certifications: IECEx and ATEX variants for specified mining, gas and dust classifications
• Protection: IP67 dust-tight and waterproof construction
• System features: multi-site conventional operation, Type-D trunking, voting scan and digital voice scrambling
• Approved accessories: BP-277EX battery, BC-212EX charger and MB-94EX clip in the documented configuration

The manufacturer lists this family as discontinued. Certification is configuration- and region-specific; verify the device label, accessory set and intended hazard class before purchase or deployment. Call CMI at (310) 753-0991 and we will confirm it before you order.

Who it is for

The F3201DEX and F4201DEX are for sites that must put a certified intrinsically safe radio in a worker's hand: refineries, chemical plants, grain handling, mines and fuel terminals where a spark from a normal radio is not acceptable. Icom's brochure says the transceiver is not to be used with any equipment other than its listed options, and asks that the ATEX and IECEx ratings be confirmed for the intended place of use; the hazard class your site needs is a decision for your safety officer.

Size, weight and battery

• Size: 2.48 x 5.67 x 1.97 in (63 x 144 x 50 mm) with the BP-277EX battery, projections not included.
• Weight: about 1.03 lb (466 g) with the MB-94EX clip, BP-277EX battery and antenna.
• Battery: BP-277EX, 1900 mAh typical, rated at 19.5 to 21 hours on a 5:5:90 duty cycle with power save; the BC-212EX charger refills it in about 2 hours, and Icom states that the charger must not be used in an explosive atmosphere.
• Protection: IP67 dust-tight and waterproof; MIL-STD-810G.
• Audio connector: 14-pin multi-connector, so only the Icom-listed accessories for this radio plug in.
• In the box: BP-277EX battery, MB-94EX belt clip, antenna, BC-212EX charger and BC-123S AC adapter (contents may differ by version).

Licence

This radio operates on licensed business frequencies. An FCC business radio licence (Part 90) is required to transmit; CMI can point you at the process when you order.

Accessories that fit

CMI connector code: I4. Use only the Icom-listed options for the approved configuration: the BP-277EX battery, the MB-94EX clip, the HM-203EX waterproof speaker microphone and the correct band-specific antenna (FA-SC25V or FA-SC55V on VHF, FA-SC25U or FA-SC57U on UHF). The BC-212EX charges the BP-277EX and must not be used in an explosive atmosphere. Confirm the device label and intended hazard class before deployment. CMI does not list these parts online; ask for them by part number when you order the radio.

Part number

CMI part number: 9239. Icom's UL-listed intrinsically safe radio for North American hazard classes is the IC-F52D-UL / F62D-UL. See the rest of CMI's Icom collection.