INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM304
FOREWORD IMPORTANT Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M304 VHF is designed and built with Icom’s state of the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care, this radio should provide you with years of trouble-free operation. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely MARINE TRANSCEIVER We hope you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology first.” Many hours of research and development went into the design of your IC-M304.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY NOTE If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16. A WARNING STICKER is supplied with the transceiver. To comply with FCC regulations, this sticker must be affixed in such a location as to be readily seen from the operating controls of the radio as in the diagram below. Make sure the chosen location is clean and dry before applying the sticker. (p. 32) USING CHANNEL 16 DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE 1.
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING Icom requires the radio operator to meet the FCC Requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure. An omnidirectional antenna with gain not greater than 9 dBi must be mounted a minimum W ARN ING of 5 meters (measured from the lowest point of the antenna) vertically above the main deck and all possible personnel. This is the minimum safe separation distance estimated to meet all RF exposure compliance requirements.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD …………………………………………………………… i IMPORTANT …………………………………………………………… i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ……………………………………………… i IN CASE OF EMERGENCY…………………………………………… ii NOTE …………………………………………………………………… ii RADIO OPERATOR WARNING ……………………………………… iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………… iv PRECAUTIONS ………………………………………………………… v 1 OPERATING RULES ……………………………………………… 1 2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ………………………………………… 2–4 ■ Front panel ……………………………………………………… 2 ■ Microphone ……………………………………………………… 3 ■ Function display ……………………………
PRECAUTIONS RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC BE CAREFUL! The transceiver rear panel will become outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock. hot when operating continuously for long periods. Place the transceiver in a secure place to avoid inadvertent use by children. CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to operate this device under FCC regulations.
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. • False or fraudulent distress signals are prohibited and punishable by law. D PRIVACY • Information overheard but not intended for you cannot lawfully be used in any way.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front panel q Speaker Function display (p. 4) w w POWER/VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] (p. 7) Rotate to turn the transceiver power ON and OFF and adjusts the audio level. e SQUELCH CONTROL [SQL] (p. 7) Rotate to set the squelch threshold level. r CHANNEL 16/CALL CHANNEL KEY [!6•9] ➥ Push to select Channel 16. (p. 5) ➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to select call channel. (p. 5) • “CALL” appears when the call channel is selected.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 2 ■ Microphone y SCAN KEY [SCAN•TAG] (p. 11) ➥ Push to start or stop the Normal or Priority scan. ➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to set or clear the displayed channel as a TAG (scanned) channel. 2 q Microphone • The favorite channels are set by the TAG channel setting. ➥ While pushing and holding [HI/LO] on the microphone, push for 3 sec. to clear all TAG channels in the selected channel group. w e • Repeat above procedure to set all TAG channels. u DISTRESS KEY [DISTRESS] (p.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display q w t CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 5) Appears when the call channel is selected. e y LOW POWER INDICATOR (p. 7) Appears when low power is selected. r !0 t y !1 u !2 i o q CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 6) Indicates whether a U.S.A. “U,” International “ ” or Canadian “C” channel is in use. w CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT ➥ Indicates the selected operating channel number. • Refer to CHANNEL LIST. (p. 36) ➥ In Set mode, indicates the selected condition. (p.
BASIC OPERATION 3 ■ Channel selection ï Channel 16 ï Channel 9 (Call channel) Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel. It is used for establishing initial contact with a station and for emergency communications. Channel 16 is monitored during both Dualwatch and Tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor Channel 16. Each regular channel group has a separate leisure-use call channel. The call channel is monitored during Tri-watch. The call channels can be programmed (p.
3 BASIC OPERATION ï U.S.A.,Canadian and international channels ï Weather channels The IC-M304 is pre-programmed with 59 U.S.A., 59 international and 63 Canadian channels. These channel groups may be specified for the operating area. The IC-M304 has 10 pre-programmed weather channels. These are used for monitoring broadcasts from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.) q Push [CH/WX] to select a regular channel.
3 BASIC OPERATION ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna will damage the transceiver. Simplex channels, 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 CANNOT be lawfully used by the general public in U.S.A. waters. q Rotate [VOL] to turn power ON. w Set the audio and squelch levels. ➥ Rotate [SQL] fully counterclockwise in advance. ➥ Rotate [VOL] to adjust the audio output level. ➥ Rotate [SQL] clockwise until the noise disappears.
3 BASIC OPERATION ■ Call channel programming ■ Channel comments Call channel is used to select Channel 9 (default), however, you can program the call channel with your most often-used channel in each channel group for quick recall. Memory channels can be labeled with a unique alphanumeric ID of up to 10 characters each. More than 6 characters comment scrolls automatically at the channel comment indicator after the channel selection.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Microphone lock function The microphone lock function electrically locks [Y] and [Z] keys on the supplied microphone. This prevents accidental channel changes and function access. ➥ While pushing and holding [HI/LO] on the microphone, turn power ON to toggle the Microphone lock function ON and OFF. 3 ■ AquaQuake water draining function The IC-M304 uses a new technology to clear water away from the speaker grill: AquaQuake.
4 SCAN OPERATION ■ Scan types Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has Priority scan and Normal scan. When the Weather alert function is turned ON, the previously selected (last used) weather channel is also checked while scanning. (p. 29) PRIORITY SCAN CH 01 CH 02 CH 16 CH 05 CH 03 CH 04 Priority scan searches through all TAG channels in sequence while monitoring Channel 16.
SCAN OPERATION 4 ■ Setting TAG channels ■ Starting a scan For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as TAG channels or clear the TAG for unwanted channels. Channels that are not tagged will be skipped during scanning. TAG channels can be assigned to each channel group (U.S.A., International and Canada) independently. Set scan type (Priority or Normal scan) and scan resume timer in advance using Set mode. (p.
5 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ■ Description ■ Operation Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving on another channel; Tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the call channel while receiving another channel. Dualwatch/Triwatch are convenient for monitor Channel 16 when you are operating on another channel. q Select Dualwatch or Tri-watch in Set mode. (p. 29) w Select the desired channel. e Push and hold [DUAL] (CH/WX) for 1 sec. to start Dualwatch or Tri-watch.
DSC OPERATION ■ MMSI code programming ■ MMSI code check The 9-digit MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity: DSC self ID) code can be programmed at power ON. The 9-digit MMSI (DSC self ID) code can be checked. This code programming can be performed only twice. 6 q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ ” and push [DSC]. 5 6 q Turn power OFF. w While pushing and holding [DSC], turn power ON to enter MMSI code programming condition. e After the display appears, release [DSC].
6 DSC OPERATION ■ DSC address ID A total of 30 DSC address IDs (9-digit) can be programmed and named with up to 5 characters. D Programming address ID q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ ,” and push [DSC]. r Push [Y] or [Z] to input 9-digit of the appropriate address ID. • Push [!6] or [CH/WX] to move the cursor forward or backward, respectively. • Push [SCAN] to cancel and exit the condition. 1st digit ‘0’ is fixed for a group ID.
DSC OPERATION D Deleting address ID q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ ” and push [DSC]. ”, then push [DSC]. • When no address ID is programmed, “ ■ Position indication When a GPS receiver (NMEA0183 ver. 2.0 or 3.01) is connected, the transceiver indicates the current position data in seconds of accuracy. A NMEA0183 ver. 2.0 or 3.01 (sentence formatters RMC, GGA, GNS, GLL) compatible GPS receiver is required. Ask your dealer about suitable GPS receivers.
6 DSC OPERATION ■ Distress call A Distress call should be transmitted if, in the opinion of the Master, the ship or a person is in distress and requires immediate assistance. NEVER USE THE DISTRESS CALL WHEN YOUR SHIP OR A PERSON IS NOT IN AN EMERGENCY. A DISTRESS CALL CAN BE USED ONLY WHEN IMMEDIATE HELP IS NEEDED. q Confirm no Distress call is being received. w While opening the key cover, push [DISTRESS] for 5 sec. to transmit the Distress call.
DSC OPERATION 6 ■ Transmitting DSC calls To ensure correct operation of the DSC function, please make sure you set the squelch correctly. (p. 7) D Transmitting Individual call The Individual call function allows you to transmit a DSC signal to a specific ship only. e Push [Y] or [Z] to select a desired intership channel, push [DSC]. • Intership channels are already preset into the transceiver in recommended order. • Channel 70 is selected and “ ” appears after pushing [DSC].
6 DSC OPERATION t After transmitting the Individual call, standby on Channel 70 until an acknowledgement is received. •“ ” scrolls at the channel comment indicator. y When the acknowledgement ‘Able to comply’ is received, the specified channel (in step e) is selected with beeps automatically. Or, when the acknowledgement ‘Unable to comply’ is received, the display returns to the operated channel (before entering the DSC menu) with beeps. •“ ” item appears after an Individual call is received.
DSC OPERATION 6 D Transmitting Group call r Push [DSC] to enter the standby condition for Individual acknowledgement call. •“ The Group call function allows you to transmit a DSC signal to a specific group only. ” appears at the channel comment indicator. q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ ,” and push [DSC]. 6 t Push [DSC] to transmit the acknowledgement to the selected station. e Push [Y] or [Z] to select the desired pre-programmed group address, and push [DSC].
6 DSC OPERATION r Push [Y] or [Z] to select the desired intership channel, and push [DSC]. • Channel 70 is selected and “ y After the Group call has been transmitted, the display changes to the previously specified channel. ” appears. Scrolls u Push and hold [PTT] to communicate your message to the responding ship. t Push [DSC] to transmit the Group call. • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel becomes clear. • Routine category only is available.
DSC OPERATION 6 D Transmitting All Ships call Large ships use Channel 70 as their ‘listening channel.’ When you want to announce a message to these ships, use the ‘All Ships call’ function. r Push [DSC] to transmit the All Ships call. • Routine category only is available. • Low power is selected. q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ .” 6 While transmitting t After the All Ships call has been transmitted, the display changes to Channel 16 automatically.
6 DSC OPERATION D Transmitting Position Request call Transmit a Position Request call when you want to know a specified ship’s current position, etc. r Push [DSC] to enter the standby condition for Position Request call. • Channel 70 is selected and “ ” appears. q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ ,” then push [DSC]. t Push [DSC] to transmit the Position Request call. Scrolls e Push [Y] or [Z] to select the desired pre-programmed individual address.
DSC OPERATION D Transmitting Position Report call Transmit a Position Report call when you want to announce your own position to a specific ship and to get an answer, etc. 6 r Push [DSC] to enter the standby condition for Position Report call. • Channel 70 is selected and “ ” appears. q Push [DSC] to enter the DSC menu. w Push [Y] or [Z] to select “ ,” and push [DSC]. 6 t Push [DSC] to transmit the Position Report call. Scrolls e Push [Y] or [Z] to select the desired pre-programmed individual address.
6 DSC OPERATION ■ Receiving DSC calls D Receiving a Distress call D Receiving a Distress acknowledgement While monitoring Channel 70 and a Distress call is received: ➥ The emergency alarm sounds. While monitoring Channel 70 and a Distress acknowledgement to other ship is received: ➥ The emergency alarm sounds. • Push any key to stop the alarm. ➥ “DSC” appears and “ ” scrolls at the channel comment indicator, then Channel 16 is automatically selected.
DSC OPERATION 6 D Receiving an Individual call D Receiving a Group call While monitoring Channel 70 and an Individual call is received: ➥ The emergency alarm or beeps sound depending on the received category. ➥ “DSC” appears and “ ” scrolls at the channel comment indicator. ➥ Push any key to stop beep, then push [DSC] to reply the call and select the channel specified by the calling station for voice communication (depending on your replying condition see p.
6 DSC OPERATION D Receiving an All Ships call D Receiving a Geographical Area call While monitoring Channel 70 and an All Ships call is received: ➥ The emergency alarm sounds when the category is ‘Distress’ or ‘Urgency’; 2 beeps sound for other categories. ➥ “DSC” appears and “ ” scrolls at the channel comment indicator. ➥ Push any key to stop beep, then push [DSC] to monitor channel 16 for an announcement from the calling vessel, push any other key to ignore the call.
DSC OPERATION 6 D Receiving a Position Request call D Receiving a Position Reply call While monitoring Channel 70 and a Position Request call is received: ➥ “DSC” appears and “ ” scrolls at the channel comment indicator. ➥ Push any key to stop the beep, then push [DSC] to reply to the call; push any other key to ignore the call. While monitoring Channel 70 and a Position Reply call is received: ➥ “DSC” and “POS REPLY” appear in the display.
7 SET MODE ■ Set mode programming Set mode is used to change the conditions of the transceiver’s functions: Scan type (Normal or Priority,) Scan resume timer, Weather alert, Dual/Tri-watch, DSC watch, Beep tone, Auto acknowledgement and Favorite channel function. Available functions may differ depending on dealer setting. D Set mode operation q Turn power OFF. w While pushing [!6], turn power ON to enter Set mode. e After the display appears, release [!6]. •“ ” appears at the channel comment indicator.
SET MODE 7 ■ Set mode items D Scan type D Weather alert 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. A NOAA broadcast station transmits a weather alert tone before important weather information.
7 SET MODE D DSC watch D Automatic acknowledgement DSC watch monitors Channel 70 while you are receiving another channel. If a distress signal is received on Channel 70, the transceiver monitors Channel 16 and 70 alternately until the distress signal disappears. If a signal is received on another channel, DSC watch pauses until the signal disappears. This item sets the Automatic acknowledgement function ON or OFF.
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE 8 ■ Connections q w e DC POWER CONNECTOR Connects the supplied DC power cable from this connector to an external 13.8 V DC power source. e r CAUTION: After connecting the DC power cable, GPS receiver lead and external speaker lead, cover the connector and leads with an adhesive tape as shown below, to prevent water seeping into the transceiver. Rubber vulcanizing tape 7 8 q EXTERNAL SPEAKER LEAD Connects to an external speaker.
8 CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ■ Supplied accessories ■ Antenna The following accessories are supplied: A key element in the performance of any communication system is the antenna. Ask your dealer about antennas and the best place to mount them. Mounting bracket For mounting bracket Knob bolts Screws (5×20) ■ Fuse replacement Flat washers Spring washers (M5) (M5) Microphone hanger and screws (3×16) One fuse is installed in the supplied DC power cable.
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE 8 ■ Mounting the transceiver ■ Optional MB-92 attachment D Using the supplied mounting bracket An optional MB-92 DUST COVER is available for attaching the transceiver’s front panel to prevent the keys and knobs getting wet when the transceiver is not used. The universal mounting bracket supplied with your transceiver allows overhead or dashboard mounting.
8 CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ■ Optional MB-69 installation An optional MB-69 FLUSH MOUNT is available for mounting the transceiver to a flat surface such as an instrument panel. e Attach the clamps on either side of the transceiver with 2 supplied bolts (5 × 8 mm). • Make sure that the clamps align parallel to the transceiver body. CAUTION: KEEP the transceiver and microphone at least 1 meter away from your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. q Using the template on p.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION 9 REF. The transceiver does • Bad connection to the power supply. not turn ON. • Check the connection to the transceiver. p. 31 No sound from speaker. • Squelch level is too high. • Volume level is too low. • Speaker has been exposed to water. • Set squelch to the threshold point. • Set [VOL] to a suitable level. • Drain water from the speaker. p. 7 p. 7 p. 9 pgs. 5, Transmitting is impossi- • Some channels are for low power or re- • Change channels.
10 Channel number USA INT CAN 01 01 01A 02 02 03 03 03A 04 04A 05 05A 05A 06 06 06 07 07A 07A 08 08 08 09 09 09 10 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 13*2 13 13*1 14 14 14 15*2 15*1 15*1 16 16 16 17*1 17 17*1 18 18A 18A 19 19A 19A 20 20 20*1 20A CHANNEL LIST Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 156.050 160.650 156.050 156.050 156.100 160.700 156.150 160.750 156.150 156.150 156.200 160.800 156.200 156.200 156.250 160.850 156.250 156.250 156.300 156.300 156.350 160.950 156.350 156.350 156.400 156.400 156.450 156.450 156.
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS 11 ■ Specifications ï General ï Receiver • Frequency coverage • Receive system : Transmit 156.025–157.425 MHz Receive 156.050–163.275 MHz • Mode : FM (16K0G3E) DSC (16K0G2B) • Channel spacing : 25 kHz • Current drain (at 13.8 V) : TX (at 25 W) 5.5 A max. Max. audio 1.5 A max. • Power supply requirement : 13.
11 SPECIFICATIONS ■ Options D Dimensions 137.0 (5 13⁄32) • MB-92 DUST COVER For attaching to the front panel of the transceiver to protect it when not in use. 51.0 (2) 67.0 (2 5⁄8) 133 (5 1⁄4) 143.5 (5 21⁄32) • MB-69 FLUSH MOUNT KIT For mounting the transceiver to a panel. 153.0 (6 1⁄32) 42.2 (1 21⁄32) 86.
TEMPLATE 12 153.0 (6 1⁄32) 67.0 (2 5⁄8) 53.0 (2 3⁄32) 139.0 (5 15⁄32) 11 12 Cut here Unit: mm (inch) NOTE: The solid line is the line to use when cutting into the dash/helm. The dotted line shows the outline of the IC-M304’s front panel once the radio is fitted into the hole. Do not follow the dotted line when making the hole in your dash/helm.
MEMO
A-6542D-1US Printed in Japan © 2006 Icom Inc.
