INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM2A This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. FOREWORD Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M2A VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with Icoms su-
perior technology and craftsmanship. With proper care this product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation. IMPORTANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com-
pletely before using the transceiver. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUALThis in-
struction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-M2A. EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS WORD RWARNING CAUTION NOTE DEFINITION Personal injury, re hazard or electric shock may occur. Equipment damage may occur. If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk of personal injury, re or electric shock. FEATURES
+ Water-resistant construction Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environ-
ment, the IC-M2A meets JIS water-resistant specication grade 7.
+ Dual watch and tri-watch functions Convenient functions which allow you to monitor the dis-
tress channel (ch 16) while receiving a channel of your choicedual watch; or monitor the distress channel and another channel while receiving a channel of your choicetri-watch.
+ Large, easy-to-read LCD With dimensions of 24(H) 35(W) mm, the IC-M2As function display is easy to read and shows operating con-
ditions at a glance. Backlighting and contrast can be ad-
justed to suit your preferences.
+ Simple operation Ergonomic design with a minimum number of switches and controls provides simple intuitive operation. After exposure to saltwater, clean the transceiver thor-
oughly with fresh water to avoid corrosion. ii CAUTIONS RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. This may pose a re hazard or result in an electric shock. RWARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the antenna is very close to, or touching exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical. NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source other than the BP-223 or BP-224. Such a connection will ruin the transceiver. AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with temperatures below 20C (4F) or above
+60C (+140F). KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children. KEEP the transceiver at least 1 meter away from your ves-
sels magnetic navigation compass. BE CAREFUL! The transceiver rear panel will become hot when operating continuously for long periods. BE CAREFUL! The IC-M2A employs waterproof con-
struction, which corresponds to JIS waterproof specication, grade 7 (1 m/ 30 min.). However, once the transceiver has been droped, waterproong cannot be guaranteed due to the fact that the transceiver may be cracked, or the waterproof seal damaged, etc. MAKE SURE the exible antenna and battery pack are securely attached to the transceiver, and that the antenna and battery pack are dry before attachment. Exposing the inside of the transceiver to water will result in serious damage to the transceiver. KEEP the transceiver at least 1 m (3.3 ft) away from the ships navigation compass. KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children. For U.S.A. only CAUTION: Charges or modifications to this device, not expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to operate this device under FCC regulations. iii SAFTY TRAINING INFORMATION Your Icom radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during transmit mode. This radio is de-
signed for and classied as Occupational Use Only, meaning it must be used only during the course of employment by individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards. This radio is NOT intended for use by the General Popula-
tion in an uncontrolled environment. W ARNING This radio has been tested and complies with the FCC RF exposure limits for Occupational Use Only. In addition, your Icom radio com-
plies with the following Standards and Guidelines with regard to RF energy and electromagnetic energy levels and evalution of such lev-
els for exposure to humans:
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields. American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Stan-
dard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz. American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Rec-
ommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Haz-
ardous Electromagnetic Fields RF and Microwave. iv To ensure that your expose to RF electro-
magnetic energy is within the FCC allowable limits for occupational use, always adhere to the foliowing guidelines:
CAU TION DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damaged the radio and may also cause you to ex-
ceed FCC RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is the antenna supplied with this radio by the manufacturer or antenna speci-
cally authorized by the manufacturer for use with this radio. DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time
(50% duty cycle). Transmitting more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be ex-
ceeded. The radio is transmitting when the TX indicator lights red. You can cause the radio to transmit by pressing the PTT switch. ALWAYS use Icom authorized accessories (antennas, batteries, belt clips, speaker/mics, etc). Use of unauthorized accessories can cause the FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded. ALWAYS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body when transmitting and only use the Icom belt-clips which listed in page 25 when attaching the radio to your belt, etc., to ensure FCC RF exposure compliance requirements are not exceeded. To provide the recipients of your transmission the best sound quality, hold the antenna at least 5 cm (2 inches) from mouth, and slightly off to one side. The information listed above provides the user with the information needed to make him or her aware of RF exposure, and what to do to assure that this radio operates with the FCC RF exposure limits of this radio. Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility During transmissions, your Icom radio generates RF energy that can possiibly cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so. DO NOT operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites. IN CASE OF EMERGENCY If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on channel 16. m USING CHANNEL16 DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE 1. MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. 2. THIS IS ........................... (name of vessel) 3. Your call sign or other indication of the ves-
sel. 4. LOCATED AT ..................... (your position) 5. The nature of the distress and assistance re-
quired. 6. Any other information which might facilitate the rescue. v TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ....................................................................... ii IMPORTANT ........................................................................ ii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ..................................................... ii FEATURES .......................................................................... ii CAUTIONS ......................................................................... iii SAFTY TRAINING INFORMATION .................................... iv IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ................................................ v TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................... vi 1 OPERATING RULES ...................................................... 1 2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ............................................... 25 n Front panel .................................................................. 2 n Top and side panels .................................................... 3 n Function display .......................................................... 4 3 BASIC OPERATION ................................................. 610 n Channel selection ........................................................ 6 n Lock function ............................................................... 7 n Adjusting the squelch level .......................................... 8 n Receiving and transmitting .......................................... 8 n Call channel programming .......................................... 9 n Automatic backlighting ................................................ 9 4 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH .......................................... 10 n Description ................................................................ 10 n Operation ................................................................... 10 5 SCAN OPERATION ................................................. 11-12 n Scan types ................................................................. 11 n Setting tag channels .................................................. 12 n Starting a scan .......................................................... 12 6 SET MODE .............................................................. 13-16 n SET mode programming ........................................... 13 n SET mode items ........................................................ 13 7 BATTERY CHARGING ............................................ 17-19 n Installing batteries in the battery case ....................... 17 n Battery charging ........................................................ 17 n Battery cautions ......................................................... 19 8 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ......................................... 20 9 TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................. 23 10 CHANNEL LIST ........................................................... 24 11 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS .............................25 n Specications ............................................................ 25 n Options ...................................................................... 25 vi OPERATING RULES 1 D Priorities Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls take priority over all others.
(2) OPERATORS LICENSE A restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio is not required for safety purposes. You must monitor channel 16 when you are not operating on another channel. False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited under law. D Privacy Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law-
fully be used in any way. Indecent or profane language is prohibited. D Radio licenses
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE When your craft is equipped with a VHF FM transceiver, you must have a current radio station license before using the transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is not licensed. The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be posted near the transceiver or be kept with the operator. Only a licensed radio operator may operate a transceiver. However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a transceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call and makes the necessary log entries. A current copy of the applicable government rules and regu-
lations is only required to be on hand for vessels in which a radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you are not required to have these on hand it is your responsibility to be thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regulations. Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license. This license in-
cludes the call sign which is your crafts identication for radio purposes. NOTE: Even though the IC-M2A is capable of operation on VHF marine channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83, according to FCC regulations these simplex channels can-
not be lawfully used by the general public in USA waters. 1 2 PANEL DESCRIPTION n Front panel q CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL SWITCH
[CH/WXU/I/C]
Selects and toggles the regular channels and weather channel when pushed momen-
tarily. Selects one of 3 regular channels in se-
quence when pushed for 1 sec.
- International, U.S.A. and Canadian channels are available. w CHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES
Select an operating channel in the selected channel group. Selects the set mode condition of the item. q e CHANNEL 16 SWITCH [16 9]
Selects channel 16 when pushed. Selects the call channel when pushed for 1 sec. Enters call channel write mode when the call channel is selected and this switch is pushed for 3 sec. w e u y t r 2 r SCAN/TAG SWITCH [SCAN TAG]
Starts and stops normal or priority scan when tag channels are programmed. Sets and clears the displayed channel as a tag (scanned) channel when pushed for 1 sec. While pushing this switch, turn the power ON to clears all tag channels in the selected regular channel group. t TRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH
[H/L LOCK]
Toggles high and low power when pushed. Toggles the lock function ON/OFF when pushed for 1 sec. y DUALWATCH / TRI-WATCH SWITCH
[DWTRI]
Starts dualwatch when pushed momentarily. Starts tri-watch when pushed for 1 sec. Stops dualwatch/tri-watch when either is ac-
tivated. u SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL]
Push this switch, then set the squelch level
] switches. (p. 6) with the UP/DOWN [
PANEL DESCRIPTION 2 q
BATTERY CASE RELEASE BUTTON To remove the battery case:
Turn the screw counterclockwise, then pull the battery pack in the direction of the arrow as shown below. To attach the battery case:
Insert the battery case in the IC-M2A completely, then turn the screw clockwise. n Top and side panels q ANTENNA CONNEC-
TOR Connects the supplied an-
tenna. w w VOLUME CONTROL
[OFF/VOL]
Turns power ON and ad-
justs the audio level. e PTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit;
release to receive. e 3 2 PANEL DESCRIPTION n Function display q TRANSMIT INDICATOR Appears while transmitting. (p. 8) w BUSY INDICATOR Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch level is set to the OFF position. (p. 8) q w e r t e TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR Appears when a tag channel is selected.
!7
!6
!5
!4
!3
!2 y u u o
!0
!1 r SCAN INDICATOR Blinks while scanning. t CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR Appears when the call channel is selected. (p. 9) y LOCK INDICATOR Appears while the lock function activated. u WEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATOR WX appears when weather channel group is selected. ALT appears while the weather alert function is acti-
vated; blinks when alert tone is received. 4 PANEL DESCRIPTION 2
!4 CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT Indicates the selected operating channel number.
(pgs. 68) In SET mode, indicates the selected condition.
(pgs. 1316)
!5 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 8) Appears when U.S.A.; when international; when canadian channel group is selected.
!6 LOW POWER INDICATOR Appears when low power is selected. (p. 8) Appears when low power chennel is selected. (p. 24)
!7 MIDDLE POWER INDICATOR. Appears when middle power is selected. (p. 8) i DUPLEX INDICATOR Appears when a duplex channel is selected. o DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS DUAL appears during dualwatch; TRI appears during tri-watch. (p. 10)
!0 SUB CHANNEL READOUT Indicates channel 16 during priority scan. (p. 11) Indicates channel 16 during dualwatch or tri-watch. (p 10).
!1 BATTERY INDICATOR Indicates remaining battery power. Indication Battery level Full Middle Charging required No battery
!2 S/RF METER AND SQUELCH LEVEL INDICATOR Appears while transmitting, signal receiving or squelch level adjusting.
!3 SQUELCH LEVEL ADJUSTING INDICATOR Appears while squelch level adjusting. 5 3 BASIC OPERATION n Channel selection D Channel 16 Channel 16 is the distress channel. It is used for establishing initial contact with another station and for emergency communications. Channel 16 is monitored during dualwatch/tri-watch. While standing by you are required to monitor channel 16. Push 9 16 D Channel (Call channel) Channel 9 is the leisure-use call channel. Each regular channel group has a separate call channel. The call channel is monitored during tri-watch. The call channels can be programmed (p. 9) and are used to store your most often-
used channels in each channel group for quick recall. Push [16 9] for 1 sec. to select the call channel for the selected channel group.
- CALL and call channel number appear.
- Each channel group can have its own call channel after changing a call channel. 6 D U.S.A., Canadian and international channels There are 61 U.S.A., 57 Canadian and 57 international chan-
nels. These channel groups may be specied for the operat-
ing area. q Push [CH/WX] to select a regular channel.
- If a weather channel appears, push [CH/WX] again. w Push [
] switches to select a channel.
- DUP appears for duplex channels. e To change the channel group, push [CH/WX U/I/C] for 1 sec.
- U.S.A., Canadian and international channels can be selected in sequence. Push for 1 sec. U.S.A. channels U/I/C CH
/WX U/I/C CH
/WX International channels U/I/C CH
/WX Canadian channels D Weather channels There are 10 weather channels. These are used for monitor-
ing weather channels from the NOAA (National Oceano-
graphic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcasts. The IC-M2A can detect a weather alert tone on a selected weather channel while scanning. See the SET mode items on p. 13. Push [CH/WX] to select weather channels. n Lock function This function electronically locks all keys and switches to pre-
vent accidental frequency changes and function access. Push [H/L LOCK] for 1 sec. to turn the lock function ON and OFF.
- Only [PTT], [H/L] and [SQL] are functional. Appears while the lock function is used. BASIC OPERATION 3 n Adjusting the squelch level The IC-M2A has a squelch even though there is no control knob for it. In order to receive signals properly, as well as for scan to function, the squelch must be adjusted to a suitable level. Appears while squelch level adjusting. Squelch level indicator
(Level 10: Max. squelch level) q Push [SQL], then select the squelch level with the [
keys.
- There are 11 squelch levels to choose from: 0 is completely open; 10 is the maximum squelch level.
- When no key pushes within 5 sec., the display returns to normal indication. w Push [SQL] once more when the desired squelch level is indicated in the function display.
- The display returns to normal indication. 7 3 BASIC OPERATION n Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. q Rotate [OFF/VOL] clockwise to turn power ON.
- Use the squelch function to mute any audio noise if necessary. Refer to the previous page for details. w Push* [SQL.MONI] for 1 sec., and rotate volume to set audio output level.
*According to Monitor switch selection in SET mode (p. 14). e Push [
] to select the desired channel.
- When receiving a signal, BUSY appears and audio is emitted from the speaker.
- Further adjustment of [OFF/VOL] may be necessary at this point. r Push [H/L] to select the output power if necessary.
- LOW appears when low power is selected.
- Choose low power to conserve battery power, choose high power for longer distance communications.
- Some channels are for low power only. t Push and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the microphone.
appears. TX
(Appears the S/RF meter while S/RF meter is ON.)
- Channel 70 cannot be used for transmission (for GMDSS use). y Release [PTT] to receive. IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your trans-
mitted signal, pause a few sec. after pushing [PTT], hold the microphone 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) from your mouth and speak at a normal voice level. NOTE: The transceiver has power save function to con-
serve the battery power and cannot be turned OFF. The power save function activates automatically when no sig-
nal is received for 5 sec. q Power ON w Set volume t Push to transmit y Release to receive e Set channel w Set volume r Set output power 8 n Call channel programming The call channel switch is used to select channel 9 by default, however, you can program your most often-used channels in each channel group for quick recall. q Push [CH/WX U/I/C] for 1 sec. several times to select the de-
sired channel group (USA, INT, CAN) to be programmed. w Push [16 9] for 1 sec. to select the call channel of the selected channel group.
- CALL and call channel number appear. e Push [16 9] again for 3 sec.
(until long beep changes to 2 short beeps) to enter call chan-
nel programming condition.
- Call channel number and channel group to be programmed ash. BASIC OPERATION 3 r Push [
] to select the de-
sired channel. t Push [16 9] to program the dis-
played channel as the call chan-
nel.
- The call channel number and chan-
nel group stop ashing. n Automatic backlighting This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The auto-
matic backlighting can be activated in SET mode. (p. 15) Push any key except for [PTT] to turn the backlighting ON.
- The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of in-
activity. 9 4 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH n Description Dualwatch monitors channel 16 while you are receiving an-
other channel; tri-watch monitors channel 16 and the call channel while receiving another channel. DUALWATCH/TRIWATCH SIMULATION n Operation q Select the desired operating channel. w Push [DW TRI] momentarily to start dualwatch; push [DW TRI] for 1 sec. to start tri-watch.
- DUAL ashes during dualwatch; TRI ashes during tri-watch.
- Beep tones sound when a signal is received on channel 16.
- Tri-watch becomes dualwatch when receiving a signal on the call channel. Call channel e To cancel dualwatch/tri-watch, push [DW TRI] again. Dualwatch Tri-watch If a signal is received on channel 16, dualwatch/tri-watch pauses on channel 16 until the signal disappears. If a signal is received on the call channel during tri-watch, tri-
watch becomes dualwatch until the signal disappears. To transmit on the selected channel during dualwatch/tri-watch, push and hold [PTT]. 10
[Example]: Operating tri-watch on INT channel 07. Push for 1 sec. Tri-watch starts. TRI DW Signal is received on call channel. Signal received on channel 16 takes priority. Tri-watch resumes after the signal disappears. SCAN OPERATION 5 n Scan types Scanning is an efcient way to locate signals quickly over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has a priority scan and a normal scan. In addition, weather alert functions is available for standby convenience. (p. 13) Set the tag channels (channels to be scanned) before scan-
ning. Clear the tag channels which inconveniently stop scan-
ning, such as those used for digital communications. NOTE: Choose priority or normal scan in SET mode. (P. 14) PRIORITY SCAN NORMAL SCAN CH 01 CH 02 CH 01 CH 02 WX*
CH 16 CH 03 WX*
CH 03 CH 05 CH 04 CH 05 CH 04
* Previously selected weather channel when weather alert function is ON.
* Previously selected weather channel when weather alert function is ON. Priority scan searches through all tag channels in se-
quence while monitoring channel 16. When a signal is de-
tected on channel 16, scan pauses until the signal disappears; when a signal is detected on a channel other than channel 16, scan becomes dualwatch until the signal disappears. Normal scan, like priority scan, searches through all tag channels in sequence. However, unlike priority scan, chan-
nel 16 is not checked unless channel 16 is set as a tag channel. 11 5 SCAN OPERATION n Setting tag channels For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as tag channels or clear tag channels for unwanted channels. Chan-
nels set as non-tag channels will be skipped during scanning. Tag channels can be assigned to each channel group (USA, CAN, INT) independently. q Select the desired channel group (USA, CAN, INT) by pushing [CH/WX U/I/C] for 1 sec., if desired. w Select the desired channel to set as a tag channel. e Push [SCAN TAG] for 1 sec. to set the displayed channel as a tag channel.
TAG appears in the function display. r To cancel the tag channel setting, push [SCAN TAG] for 1 sec.
TAG disappears. Clearing all tag channels in the selected channel group While pushing [SCAN TAG], turn the power ON to clear all tag channels in the channel group. n Starting a scan Set scan type, weather alert function and scan resume timer in advance using SET mode. (pgs. 13, 14) q Select the desired channel group (USA, CAN, INT) by pushing [CH/WX U/I/C] for 1 sec., if desired.
- When the weather alert function is in use, select the desired weather channel with [CH/WX] and the channel selector. w Push [SCAN TAG] to start priority or normal scan.
- SCAN appears and ashes in the function display.
- 16 appears during priority scan.
- When a signal is detected, scan pauses until the signal disap-
pears or resumes after pausing 5 sec. according to SET mode setting. (Channel 16 is still monitored during priority scan.)
- Push [
] to check tag channels, to change the scanning direction or resume the scan manually. e To stop the scan, push [SCAN TAG].
- SCAN disappears.
- Pushing [PTT], [16 9], [CH/WX] or [DW TRI] also stops the scan.
[Example]: Starting a normal scan. Scan starts. Scan pauses when receiving a signal and audio is emitted. Push TAG SCAN Push to stop the scan. TAG SCAN 12 n SET mode programming SET mode is used to change the conditions of 6 transceiver functions: the beep tone function, the automatic backlighting, weather alert function, normal/priority scan, scan resume timer and power save function. q Turn power OFF. w While pushing [SQL], turn power ON and continue push-
ing [SQL] until bP appears. e Release [SQL]. r Push [SQL] to select the desired item, if necessary. t Push [
] to select the desired condition of the item. y To exit SET mode, turn the power OFF, then ON again, or
push [169]. Battery voltage S/RF meter Beep tone Weather alert Scan type Self check MONI SQL Push Scan resume timer Auto power save LCD contrast Automatic backlighting Monitor switch Auto scan SET MODE 6 n SET mode items D Beep tone bP You can select silent operation by turning beep tones OFF or you can have confirmation beeps sound at the push of a switch by turning beep tones ON. The beep tone volume is linked with [OFF/VOL]. Beep tone AUTO (default) D Weather alert function AL NOAA broadcast stations transmit weather alert tones before important weather announcements. When the weather alert function is turned ON, the transceiver detects the alert, then ashes the ALT indicator until the transceiver is operated. The previously selected (used) weather channel is checked periodically during standby or while scanning. ALT appears when the function is set ON. Weather alert function OFF (default) 13 6 SET MODE D Scan type selection Pr The transceiver has 2 scan types: normal scan and priority scan. Normal scan searches all tag channels in the selected channel group. Priority scan searches all tag channels in se-
quence while monitoring channel 16. D Auto scan function AS While in standby, this function automatically starts the desired scan (normal or priority scan) 30 sec. after operation. The comment indicator indicates SCAN while scanning. Normal scan (default) Priority scan D Scan resume timer St The scan resume timer can be selected as a pause (OFF) or timer scan (ON). When OFF is selected, the scan pauses until a received signal disappears. When ON is selected, the scan pauses for 5 sec. after receiving a signal and then re-
sumes even if the signal is still being received. Auto scan OFF (default) D Monitor switch selection Sq The monitor switch can be set as a sticky switch. When set to the sticky condition, each push of [SQL] toggles the moni-
tor function ON and OFF. PUSH (Pu): Set the monitor switch to normal (default). HOLD (Ho): Set the monitor switch to sticky switch. Scan timer OFF (default) 14 Monitor switch PUSH (default) D Automatic backlighting bL This function is convenient for nighttime operation. THe au-
tomatic backlighting turns the backlighting ON when pushing any key except fpr [PTT]. The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of inactiv-
ity. Automatic backlighting ON (default) D LCD contrast selection LC The contrast of the LCD can be adjusted from 4 levels. 1 (low contrast) 4 (high contrast); 3 (default) SET MODE 6 D Auto power save function PS The power save function reduces current drain by deactivat-
ing the receiver circuit for preset intervals. Auto power save ON (default) D Self check function SC The self check function checks transceiver conditions by it-
self, and informs you in case a problem is found. The follow-
ing items are checked after the power is turned ON, then, switches to operation mode. PLL lock (both transmit and receive) Temperature Connected battery voltage Water intrusion LCD constrast Self check OFF (default) 15 6 SET MODE D Battery voltage indicator bt This function switches display or non-display voltage of con-
nected battery pack when Power is ON. The voltage of connected battery pack is displayed for 2 sec. since Power is ON. Battery voltage OFF (default) D S-meter/RF meter indicator Sr This function switches display or non-display S-meter/RF meter. S-meter/RF meter OFF (default) SET MODE LIST Function Indication Switch Beep tone
"bP"
Auto* / OFF / 1 10 Weather alert function Scan type selection Scan resume timer Auto scan function Monitor switch selection Automatic backlighting LCD contrast selection
"AL"
"Pr"
"St"
"AS"
"Sq"
"bL"
"LC"
OFF* / ON ON* / OFF OFF* / ON OFF* / ON Push* / Hold ON* / OFF 3* / 1 4 Auto power save function
"PS"
OFF* / ON Self check function
"SC"
OFF* / ON Battery voltage indicator
"bt"
OFF* / ON S-meter/RF meter indicator
"Sr"
OFF* / ON
*default setting 16 BATTERY CHARGING 7 n Installing batteries in the bat-
tery case When using a battery case attached to the transceiver, install 6 AA(R6) size alkaline batteries as illustrated below. q Remove the battery case from the transceiver. w Install 6 AA(R6) size alkaline batteries. Be sure to observe the correct polarity. CAUTION:
When installing batteries, make sure they are all the same brand, type and capacity. Also, do not mix new and old batteries together. Keep battery contacts clean. Its a good idea to clean battery terminals once a week. n Battery charging Prior to using the transceiver for the rst time, the Ni-Cd bat-
teries must be fully charged for optimum life and operation. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn it OFF while charging. Recommended temperature range for charging:
+50F to +104F (+10C to +40C) Use the supplied AC adapter (BC-147A) only. NEVER use other adapters. NEVER connect DC power to the battery case when in-
stalling alkaline batteries. Such a connection will damage the transceiver. 17 7 BATTERY CHARGING
BC-150 installations To a desktop Supplied screws Charge indicator Lights green when BP-224 (with/without IC-M2A) is inserted.
Charging connections q Connect the AC adapter (BC-147A) as shown below. w Insert the battery pack with/without the transceiver into the charger. The charge indicator light shows green. e Charge the battery pack approx. 8 hours, depending on the remaining power condition. CAUTION: DO NOT charge BP-224 more than 12 hours. Otherwise, BP-224 will be damaged. BP-224 must be charged while 812 hours. IC-M2A BP-224 18 BC-147A BC-150 n Battery cautions NEVER incinerate used Ni-Cd batteries. Internal battery gas may cause an explosion. NEVER immerse batteries in water. If the battery case be-
comes wet, be sure to wipe it dry BEFORE attaching it to the transceiver. NEVER short terminals of the battery case. Also, current may ow into nearby metal objects so be careful when placing bat-
tery cases in handbags, etc. If your Ni-Cd batteries seem to have no capacity even after being charged, completely discharge them by leaving the power ON overnight. Then, fully charge the Ni-Cd batteries again. If the Ni-Cd batteries still do not retain a charge (or very little), new Ni-Cd batteries must be purchased. D Recycling information (U.S.A. only) The product that you have purchased con-
tains a rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its life, under vari-
ous state and local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Call 1-800-8-BATTERY for battery recycling options in your area or contact your dealer. BATTERY CHARGING 7 19 8 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENT D Supplied accessories The following accessories are supplied:
Qty. q Flexible antenna . 1 w Belt clip . 1 e Rotary belt clip . 1 r Handstrap . 1 t Battery case (BP-223)* . 1 y Ni-Cd battery pack (BP-224) . 1 u AC adapter (BC-147A/E*1) . 1 i Battery charger (BC-150) . 1 o Screw for the BC-150 (M3.5 20) . 2
* Not supplied with some versions.
*1 Depending on version. D Belt clip To attach: Slide the belt clip into the plastic loop on the back of the battery case. To remove: Push the top of the belt clip towards the transceiver and out at the same time, then push it downwards and free of the plastic loop. D Flexible antenna Connect the supplied exible antenna to the antenna con-
nector. CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. D Handstrap Slide the handstrap through the loop on the side of the transceiver as illustrated at right. Facilitates carrying. 20 D Rotary belt clip To attach:
q Slide the stopper into the plastic loop on the back of the transceiver. SUPPLIED ACCSSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS 8 e Bottom up the transceiver, and then insert the stopper to the back of belt clip. w Clip the belt clip to a part of belt. r Turn the transceiver in the direction of the arrow as below. 21 8 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS To remove:
q Turn the transceiver to bottom up the transceiver. e Push the top of the stopper towards the transceiver and out at the same time, then push it downwards and free of the plastic loop. w Pull up the transceiver, and then take out the belt clip. 22 TROUBLESHOOTING SOLUTION Recharge the battery pack. Check the conection to the transceiver. Set squelch to the threshold point. Set [OFF/VOL] to a suitable level. Drain water from the speaker. PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE The battery is exhausted. Bad connection to the battery pack. Squelch level is too deep. Volume level is too low. Speaker has been exposed to water. No power comes ON. No sound comes from the speaker. Transmitting is impos-
sible, or high power can not be selected. The display channel cannot be changed. Scan does not start. Some channels are for low power or re-
Change channels. ceive only. The battery is exhausted. The output power is set to low. Recharge the battery pack. Push [H/L] to select high power. Lock function is activated. Push [H/L LOCK] for 1 sec. to cancel the p. 2 function. TAG channels are not programmed. Set the desired channels as TAG chan-
p. 12 nels. 9 REF. p. 18 p. 3 p. 7 p. 8 pgs. 2,4 p. 18 p. 2 No beeps sound. Beep tones are turned OFF. Turn the beep tones ON in SET mode. p. 13 23 10 CHANNEL LIST Channel number USA INT 01 03 02 Frequency (MHz) CAN Transmit Receive 156.050 160.650 01 156.050 156.050 156.100 160.700 Guard Guard 156.150 160.750 156.150 156.150 156.200 160.800 04A 156.200 156.200 156.250 160.850 05A 156.250 156.250 06 156.300 156.300 156.350 160.950 07A 156.350 156.350 156.400 156.400 08 156.450 156.450 09 10 156.500 156.500 156.550 156.550 11 12 156.600 156.600 13 156.650 156.650 14 156.700 156.700 15 156.750 156.750 16 156.800 156.800 17 156.850 156.850 156.900 161.500 18A 156.900 156.900 01A 02A 03A 05A 06 07A 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18A 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 22 21 20 23 21A 22A INT 19 19A 20 20A Channel number Frequency (MHz) CAN Transmit Receive USA 156.950 161.550 19A 156.950 156.950 20 157.000 161.600 157.000 157.000 21 157.050 161.650 21A 157.050 157.050 157.100 161.700 22A 157.100 157.100 157.150 161.750 23 157.150 157.150 157.200 161.800 157.250 161.850 157.300 161.900 157.350 161.950 157.400 162.000 156.025 160.625 Guard Guard 156.075 160.675 61A 156.075 156.075 156.125 160.725 62A 156.125 156.125 156.175 160.775 156.175 156.175 64 156.225 160.825 64A 156.225 156.225 23A 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 60 24 25 26 27 28 60 60A 61A 63A 64A 61 62 63 64 Channel number USA INT 65 65A 66 66A 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 Frequency (MHz) CAN Transmit Receive 156.275 160.875 65A 156.275 156.275 156.325 160.925 156.325 156.325 66A 156.375 156.375 67 156.425 156.425 68 156.475 156.475 69 70 156.525 156.525 156.575 156.575 71 156.625 156.625 72 73 156.675 156.675 156.725 156.725 74 Guard Guard 75 76 Guard Guard 77 156.875 156.875 156.925 161.525 78A 156.925 156.925 156.975 161.575 79A 156.975 156.975 157.025 161.625 80A 157.025 157.025 157.075 161.675 81A 157.075 157.075 157.125 161.725 82A 157.125 157.125 65A 66A 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78A 79A 80A 81A 82A Channel number USA INT 83 85 Frequency (MHz) CAN Transmit Receive 83 157.175 161.775 83A 157.175 157.175 84 157.225 161.825 157.225 157.225 157.275 161.875 157.275 157.275 157.325 161.925 157.325 157.325 157.375 161.975 157.375 157.375 157.425 162.025 157.425 157.425 87 88 86 83A 84 84A 85 85A 86 86A 87 87A 88 88A 84 85 86 87 88 WX channel 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive RX only 162.550 162.400 RX only 162.475 RX only 162.425 RX only 162.450 RX only 162.500 RX only 162.525 RX only 161.650 RX only 161.775 RX only RX only 163.275 Low power only. Receive only. 24 NOTE: Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 CANNOT be lawfully used by the general public in USA waters. SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS 11 n Specications GENERAL Frequency coverage Mode Channel spacing Current drain (at 7.2 V) Frequency stability Useable temperature range Dimensions
(Projections not included) Weight TRANSMITTER Output power (at 7.5 V) Modulation system Max. frequency deviation Spurious emissions RECEIVER Receive system Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) Squelch sensitivity
: Transmit 156.025157.425 MHz Receive 156.025163.275 MHz
: FM (16K0G3E)
: 25 kHz
: TX High (5 W) Max. audio Power saved
: 10 ppm (20C to +60C)
: 20C to +60C; 4F to +140F
: 61 (W) 135(H) 41(D) mm 2.4 (W) 5.3 (H) 1.6 (D) in
: 360g (12.7 oz) 1.5A typical. 200 mA typical 20 mA typical
: 5 W, 3 W and 1 W
: Variable reactance frequency modu-
lation
: 5.0 kHz
: Less than 65 dB
: Double-conversion superheterodyne
: 0.25 V typical
: Less than 0.35 V (at threshold) Intermodulation rejection ratio Spurious response rejection ratio Adjacent channel selectivity Audio output power
: 70 dB typical
: 70 dB typical
: 70 dB typical
: 350 mW typical at 10%
distortion with an 8 load All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. n Options BC-150 BATTERY CHARGER + BC-147A AC ADAPTER Used for regular charging of battery pack. The same as supplied with the transceiver. Charging time: approx. 8 hours BP-223 BATTERY CASE Battery case for R6(AA) 6 alkaline cells. The same as supplied with the transceiver. BP-224 BATTERY PACK Battery pack for Ni-Cd cells. The same as supplied with the trans-
ceiver. BC-119N DESKTOP CHARGER + AD103 CHARGER ADAPTER +
BC-145 AC ADAPTER*1 For rapid charging of battery packs. An AC adapter is supplied with the charger. Charging time: approx. 12 hours
*1 Not supplied with some versions. MB-87 ROTARY BELT CLIP Belt clip for rotary type. The same as supplied with the transceiver. 25 Count on us!
A-6113-1US Printed in Japan 2001 Icom Inc. 1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0002 Japan