I have used this app almost every day for the last year and for hours on end. At this point I’ve got a pretty good understanding of it’s strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths- the RS-M500 App connects easily via WiFi to my M510 Icom marine radio while my phone is also connected via Bluetooth to my aircraft Bose A20 headset. I communicate with marine traffic right through my headset with noise canceling clarity. Even inside of a noisy Cessna the clarity is outstanding for the marine vessels listening to me.
Weaknesses- the WiFi often disconnects while using the app. I can be speaking one second and it disconnects the next. Then due to some glitch it won’t reconnect when prompted. It will show that the m510 is connected via WiFi but the app will not reconnect and I am unable to speak until I get everything set back up. I need to turn WiFi off in my phone settings, turn it back on, reconnect to the M510 WiFi and then reconnect the RS-M500 App. It can be very frustrating.
I use the app for 4-8 hours a day continuously and this glitch will happen 2-4 times a day. It takes about 30 seconds to reboot everything… it’s not a big deal but I think that should be fixed.
Also you can’t open any other apps or look at a pop-up window or notification of any kind. The RS-M500 app will disconnect if you do. It would be nice to be able to read a notification without losing connection to the radio.
All in all it’s a life saver of an app, super convenient and a lot cheaper than wiring a marine radio into the aircraft. I think most people won’t be as heavily reliant on the app as I am, so you may not even experience the glitches that I have. It’s really an original idea and well thought out app. I do recommend it.
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saltz80
SV Chara
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