Radios in Action

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Icom presents a wide variety of thought-leading, educational videos. In particular, our podcast, Radios in Action is where we delve into the exciting world of radio communication. Our channel brings you insight into the features and performance of our cutting-edge products. Our interviews with industry leaders provide a unique perspective on the latest trends and advancements in the communications sector. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to shape the future of radio communications, setting new standards, and exploring innovative ways to connect the world. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to stay updated on the latest videos, interviews, and reviews. Welcome to Radios in Action - where radio comes to life!

  1. FEB 5

    Solo Sailing Around the World Demands Responsible Communication, Sound Judgment, and a Respect for Risk

    For most people, crossing an ocean by sail sits firmly in the realm of the dangerous and impractical. Doing it alone, on a small boat, means weeks without land, crew, or margin for error. While modern adventure is often designed to feel safe and predictable, solo ocean sailing offers none of that—only isolation, consequence, and the constant demand for sound judgment. What drives someone to leave land behind, trust their own judgment in dangerous waters, and keep going when the margin for error disappears? That’s the question at the heart of this episode of Radios in Action, brought to you by Icom. Host Ray Novak, Senior Sales Manager at Icom America, speaks with Captain Olivia Wyatt, a solo sailor currently navigating the world one weather window at a time. Their conversation moves beyond romance and bravado to examine what solo sailing actually demands—mentally, technically, and emotionally—when the ocean doesn’t care about your plans. Together, they explore Wyatt’s unlikely path from a landlocked upbringing to single-handed ocean passages, the moments when things went wrong far offshore, and why communication, preparation, and restraint are as important as courage when you’re alone at sea. The conversation delves into… How Olivia Wyatt went from her first sailing lesson to crossing entire oceans solo.What it’s really like to make critical decisions with no crew, no backup, and nowhere to hide.Why reliable communication is a lifeline—not a luxury—when sailing alone.Olivia Wyatt is an award-winning filmmaker and television producer whose career in visual storytelling runs parallel to her life offshore. She is also a U.S. Coast Guard–licensed 50-Ton Master and an experienced blue-water sailor who has been voyaging internationally since 2019 aboard her boat Juniper, much of it solo. Her ongoing sailing project, Wilderness of Waves, documents that journey as both a physical voyage and a creative practice. Along the way, Wyatt has rebuilt her vessel after severe damage, waited out dangerous conditions in remote ports, and continued forward with a clear-eyed respect for risk. Her work bridges adventure, self-trust, and storytelling—showing what it looks like to commit fully to a difficult path and stay with it.

    20 min

  2. 10/01/2025

    Icom Powers 3Y0K: Ham Radio’s Most Ambitious DXpedition to Remote Bouvet Island (Part 2)

    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.

    6 min

  3. 10/01/2025 · VIDEO

    From Ground to Sky: How Icom Radios Connect Crews, Docks, and Air Traffic at AirVenture 2025

    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.

    3 min

  4. 10/01/2025 · VIDEO

    Clear Signals, Safe Waters: Why Icom Radios are Key to Seamless Seaplane Operations at AirVenture 2025

    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.

    8 min

  5. 10/01/2025 · VIDEO

    The Backbone of AirVenture 2025: How Icom Radios Power the World’s Largest Aviation Gathering

    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.

    1 min

  6. 10/01/2025 · VIDEO

    Voices of History: How Icom Radios Keep Warbirds Flying Safely at AirVenture 2025

    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.

    1 min

  7. 10/01/2025 · VIDEO

    The Heart of the Lagoon: Andrew Elert on Icom Radios, Safety, and Tradition at Oshkosh’s Seaplane Base for 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.

    2 min

  8. 10/01/2025 · VIDEO

    Voices Over the Water: From Air Traffic to Shore Teams, Icom Radios Are the Lifeline of the Seaplane Base at AirVenture 2025

    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.

    3 min
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About

Icom presents a wide variety of thought-leading, educational videos. In particular, our podcast, Radios in Action is where we delve into the exciting world of radio communication. Our channel brings you insight into the features and performance of our cutting-edge products. Our interviews with industry leaders provide a unique perspective on the latest trends and advancements in the communications sector. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to shape the future of radio communications, setting new standards, and exploring innovative ways to connect the world. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel to stay updated on the latest videos, interviews, and reviews. Welcome to Radios in Action - where radio comes to life!

Information

  • Creator
    Icom
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Radios in Action