INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM2A This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the follow two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION W ARN ING Your Icom radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during transmit mode. This radio is designed for and classified 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 Population” in an uncontrolled environment.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY RECOMMENDATION If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16. CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH WATER after exposure to salt water. ❍ USING CHANNEL 16 Otherwise, the transceiver’s keys, switches and controllers may become inoperable due to salt crystallization. DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE 1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.” 2. “THIS IS ...........................” (name of vessel) 3.
FOREWORD FEATURES Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M2A VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with Icom’s superior technology and craftsmanship. With proper care this product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation. carefully and com- pletely before using the transceiver. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-M2A.
CAUTIONS RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. This may pose a fire 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 (2 to 4 inches) 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION ................................... i IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ............................................... ii RECOMMENDATION .......................................................... ii FOREWORD ...................................................................... iii IMPORTANT ....................................................................... iii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .................................................... iii FEATURES ......................
OPERATING RULES 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. • You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating on another channel. 1 (2) OPERATOR’S 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.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front, top and side panels q CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL SWITCH [CH/WX•U/I/C] t TRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH [H/L•LOCK] • Selects and toggles the regular channels and weather channel when pushed. (pgs. 6, 7) • Selects one of 3 regular channels in se- o quence when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 6) - International, U.S.A. and Canadian channels i y DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SWITCH [DW•TRI] (p. 10) are available. w CHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z] • Select an operating channel.
PANEL DESCRIPTION ï BATTERY CASE RELEASE SCREW 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. NOTE: When removing or attaching the battery case, use a coin or flat-head screwdriver to loosen or tighten the bottom screw.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display q TRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 8) Appears while transmitting. q w e r w BUSY INDICATOR (p. 8) Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch opens. t y u i !6 o !5 !0 !4 !1 !3 !2 e TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 12) Appears when a tag channel is selected. r SCAN INDICATOR (p. 12) Blinks while scanning. t CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 6) Appears when the call channel is selected. y LOCK INDICATOR (p. 7) Appears while the lock function is activated.
PANEL DESCRIPTION o DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS (p. 10) “DUAL” appears during dualwatch; “TRI” appears during tri-watch. !0 SUB CHANNEL READOUT • Indicates Channel 16 during priority scan. • Indicates Channel 16 during dualwatch or tri-watch. (p. 10) • Indicates the SET mode item while in SET mode !1 BATTERY INDICATOR Indicates remaining battery power. 2 !5 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 6) “U” appears when U.S.A.; “I” appears when International; “C” appears when the Canadian channel group is selected.
3 BASIC OPERATION ■ Channel selection D Channel 16 D U.S.A., International and Canadian channels 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 or tri-watch. While standing by you are required to monitor Channel 16. There are 57 U.S.A., 57 International and 61 Canadian channels. These channel groups may be specified for the operating area.
BASIC OPERATION D Weather channels There are 10 weather channels. These are used for monitoring weather channels from the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcasts. The IC-M2A can detect a weather alert tone on the selected weather channel while scanning. See the “SET mode items” on p. 13. q Push [CH/WX] to select a weather channel group. w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a weather channel. e Push [CH/WX] to return to the condition before selecting weather channel group.
3 BASIC OPERATION ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your transmitted 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. 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.
BASIC OPERATION 3 ■ 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. r Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel. q Push [CH/WX•U/I/C] for 1 sec. to select the desired channel group (USA, INT, CAN) to be programmed. t Push [16•9] to program the displayed channel as the call channel. - The call channel number and channel group stop flashing. w Push [16•9] for 1 sec.
4 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ■ Description ■ Operation Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving another channel; tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the call channel while receiving another channel. q Select the desired operating channel. w Push [DW•TRI] momentarily to start dualwatch; push [DW•TRI] for 1 sec. to start tri-watch. DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION Call channel - “DUAL” flashes during dualwatch; “TRI” flashes during tri-watch.
SCAN OPERATION 5 ■ Scan types Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has a priority scan and a normal scan. Set the tag channels (channels to be scanned) before scanning. Clear the tag channels which inconveniently stop scanning, such as those used for digital communications. In addition, weather alert functions are available for standby convenience. (p. 13) NOTE: Choose priority or normal scan in SET mode. (p.
5 SCAN OPERATION ■ Setting tag channels ■ Starting a scan For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as tag channels or clear tag channels for unwanted channels. Channels set as non-tag channels will be skipped during scanning. Tag channels can be assigned to each channel group (USA, INT, CAN) independently. 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, INT, CAN) by pushing [CH/WX•U/I/C] for 1 sec.
SET MODE ■ SET mode programming ■ SET mode items SET mode is used to change the conditions of 12 transceiver functions: beep tone, weather alert, scan type, scan resume timer, auto scan, monitor switch, automatic backlighting, LCD contrast, auto power save, self check, battery voltage and S/RF meter functions. D Beep tone “bP” q Turn power OFF. w While pushing [SQL•MONI], turn power ON and continue pushing [SQL•MONI] until “bP” appears. e Release [SQL•MONI].
6 SET MODE D Priority scan function “Pr” D Auto scan function “AS” 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 sequence while monitoring Channel 16. While in standby, this function automatically starts the desired scan (normal or priority scan) 30 sec. after operation. • Scan indicator blinks while scanning.
SET MODE 6 D Automatic backlighting “bL” D Auto power save function “PS” This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The automatic backlighting turns the backlighting ON when pushing any key except for [PTT]. The power save function reduces current drain by deactivating the receiver circuit for preset intervals. • The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of inactivity.
6 SET MODE D Battery voltage indicator “bt” SET MODE LIST This function contains display or non-display settings of the voltage of the connected battery pack when the power is ON. Function Indication Switch • The voltage of the connected battery pack is displayed for 2 sec. after power is turned ON.
BATTERY CHARGING 7 ■ Battery charging ■ Battery cautions Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, the Ni-Cd batteries must be fully charged for optimum life and operation. NEVER incinerate used Ni-Cd batteries. Internal battery gas may cause an explosion. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn it OFF while charging. NEVER immerse batteries in water. If the battery case becomes wet, be sure to wipe it dry BEFORE attaching it to the transceiver.
7 BATTERY CHARGING ï Charging connections q Attach the BC-150 to a flat surface, such as desk or cabin, etc., if desired. w Connect the AC adapter (BC-147A/E or BM-95V) as shown below. e Insert the battery pack with/without the transceiver into the charger. • The charge indicator lights green. r 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 for 8–12 hours only.
BATTERY CHARGING 7 ■ Optional battery chargers D Rapid charging with the BC-119N+AD-103 D Rapid charging with the BC-121N+AD-103 The optional BC-119N provides rapid charging of battery packs. The following are additionally required. • AD-103 • An AC adapter (may be supplied with BC-119N depending on version). The optional BC-121N allows up to 6 battery packs to be charged simultaneously. The following are additionally required. • Six AD-103. • An AC adapter (BC-124) or the DC power cable (OPC-656).
8 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS D Supplied accessories The following accessories are supplied: Qty. q Flexible antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 w Swivel belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 e Handstrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 r Battery case (BP-223)*1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 t Ni-Cd battery pack (BP-224) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS 8 D Swivel belt clip To attach: q Slide the stopper into the plastic loop on the back of the e Insert the stopper to the back of the belt clip. transceiver. w Clip the belt clip to a part of your belt. Once the transceiver is locked in place, it will swivel 360 degrees.
8 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS To remove: q Turn the transceiver upside down, and then lift to release the transceiver from the belt clip. w Release the belt clip. 22 R CAUTION! HOLD THE TRANSCEIVER TIGHTLY, WHEN ATTACHING OR REMOVING THE TRANSCEIVER FROM THE BELT CLIP. If the transceiver is accidentally dropped and the swivel belt clip’s stopper is scratched or damaged, the swivel belt clip may not work properly.
9 TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM No power comes ON. POSSIBLE CAUSE • The battery is exhausted. • Bad connection to the battery pack. No sound comes from • Squelch level is too deep. • Volume level is too low. the speaker. • Speaker has been exposed to water. SOLUTION. REF. • Recharge the battery pack. • Check the connection to the transceiver. p. 17 p. 3 • Set squelch to the threshold point. • Set [OFF/VOL] to a suitable level. • Drain water from the speaker. p. 7 p.
10 CHANNEL LIST Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive USA INT CAN Transmit Receive USA INT CAN Transmit Receive USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 01 01 01A 156.050 160.650 19A 156.050 156.050 20 20A 02 02 156.100 160.700 03 03 156.150 160.750 03A 156.150 156.150 04 05 05A 06 06 157.050 161.650 68 156.425 156.425 86A 21A 157.050 157.050 69 69 69 156.475 156.
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS 11 ■ Specifications ■ Options • GENERAL D BATTERY CASE AND PACK • BP-223 BATTERY CASE Battery case for 6 × AA (R6) alkaline cells. The same as supplied with the transceiver depending on versions. • BP-224 Ni-Cd BATTERY PACK 7.2 V/750 mAh Ni-Cd battery pack. The same as supplied with the transceiver depending on versions. Frequency coverage : Transmit 156.025–157.425 MHz Receive 156.050–163.275 MHz Mode : FM (16K0G3E) Channel spacing : 25 kHz Current drain (at 7.
Count on us! A-6113H-1EX-q Printed in Japan © 2001, 2002 Icom Inc.
