INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM73 iM73EURO 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 FEATURES Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M73/ICM73EURO vhf marine transceiver is designed and built with Icom’s state of the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care, this product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation. ☞ Submersible construction IMPORTANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely before using the transceiver.
PRECAUTIONS RDANGER! NEVER short the terminals of the battery pack. RDANGER! Use and charge only specified Icom battery packs with Icom radios or Icom chargers. Only Icom battery packs are tested and approved for use with Icom radios or charged with Icom chargers. Using third-party or counterfeit battery packs or chargers may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst. RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock.
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING Icom requires the radio operator to meet the FCC and IC Requirements for Radio Frequency Exposure. An omnidirectional antenna with gain not greater than 9 dBi must be mounted a miniW ARN ING mum 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.
AVERTISSEMENT POUR LES OPÉRATEURS RADIO Icom exige que l'opérateur radio se conforme aux exigences de la FCC et d’IC en matière d'exposition aux radiofréquences. Une antenne omnidirectionnelle dont le gain ne dépasse pas 9dBi doit être fixée à une distance minimale de AVERTISSEMENT 5 mètres (mesurée depuis le point le plus bas de l'antenne) verticalement au-dessus du pont principal et de tout le personnel qui peut s'y trouver.
FCC INFORMATION COUNTRY CODE LIST FOR CLASS A UNINTENTIONAL RADIATORS • ISO 3166-1 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial 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 saltwater, and dry it before operation. Otherwise, the transceiver’s keys, switches and controllers may become inoperable due to salt crystallization. ❍ USING CHANNEL 16 DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE 1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.
TABLE OF CONTENTS vii FOREWORD...................................................................................... i IMPORTANT....................................................................................... i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS.................................................................... i FEATURES......................................................................................... i PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................
OPERATING RULES DDPriorities • Read all rules and regulations pertaining to call 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 calls are prohibited under law.
2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ■ Supplied accessories ■ Attachments DDFlexible antenna Handstrap Battery Charger (with two screws) Connect the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna connector. Belt clip (with two screws) CAUTION: • NEVER carry the transceiver by holding the antenna. • Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS DDBattery pack DDBelt clip qqAttach the battery pack into the transceiver. Battery pack wwLock the battery pack with the latch. Latch CAUTION: NEVER remove or attach the battery pack when the transceiver is wet or soiled. This may result in water or dust getting into the transceiver and battery pack, and may result in them being damaged. Be careful! The latch is tightly locked, so use caution when releasing it. DO NOT use your finger nail.
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front, top and side panels q w !2 q VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] Turns ON power and adjusts the audio level. !1 w PTT SWITCH [PTT] Hold down to transmit; release to receive. Function display (p. 6) e r t y !0 o i u Microphone Speaker e MONITOR KEY [ ] • Manually opens the squelch to monitor the channel while held down. (p. 12) • Push this switch, then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/ [Z]. (p. 13) • While holding down this switch, turn the ON power to enter the SET mode. (p.
PANEL DESCRIPTION y SCAN KEY [SCAN•DUAL] • Starts and stops normal or priority scan when pushed. (pp. 14, 15) • Enters the Watch mode when held down for 1 second. (p. 16) u CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL KEY [CH/WX•U/I/C] (IC-M73), [CH] (IC-73EURO) • Selects and toggles the regular channels and weather channel* when pushed. (pp. 9, 10) • Selects the U.S.A., International, Canadian or ATIS channel group* when held down for 1 second. (p. 9) - The function display shows which channel group is active.
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display q !7 w !6 e !4 t !5 !3 !1 u r y i !2 o !0 q CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT • Indicates the selected operating channel number. • In the SET mode, indicates the selected value. w FAVORITE CHANNEL ICON (p. 15) Appears when a Favorite (TAG) channel is selected. e BATTERY ICON Indicates remaining battery power. Indication Battery level Full Middle Low No battery (Charging required) blinks when the battery is overcharged (or over voltage).
PANEL DESCRIPTION !1 ATIS ICON (pp. 9, 23) Appears when the channel group, in which ATIS function is activated, is selected or while programming an ATIS code. • For only the HOL and FRG versions. !2 CALL CHANNEL ICON (p. 8) Appears when the Call channel is selected. !3 CHANNEL GROUP ICON (p. 9) “USA” appears when U.S.A.* 1 ; “INT” appears when International; “CAN” appears when the Canadian*2; “ATIS” appears when ATIS*3 channel group is selected. *1Only USA, UK, EXP, CHN and AUS versions.
4 BASIC OPERATION ■ Channel selection IMPORTANT!: Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, fully charge the battery pack. This will help maximize the capability and life of the battery. To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn OFF the radio while charging. DD Channel 16 Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel. It is used for establishing initial contact with another station, and for emergency communications. Channel 16 is automatically monitored during both Dualwatch and Tri-watch.
BASIC OPERATION DDU.S.A., International, Canadian and ATIS channels For Dutch version The transceiver has U.S.A.*1, International, Canadian*2 and ATIS*3 channels. You must select the proper channels for the operating area. *1Only USA, UK, EXP, CHN and AUS versions. *2Only USA, EXP and CHN versions. *3Only HOL version. qqPush [CH/WX•U/I/C] to select a regular channel. 4 Hold down for 1 second ATIS channels International channels For U.S.A.
4 BASIC OPERATION DDWeather channels The transceiver has 10 pre-programmed weather channels*. These are used for monitoring broadcasts from NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.) The transceiver can automatically detect a weather alert tone on the selected weather channel or while scanning. See the “SET mode items” on page 26 for details. * For only the USA, EXP, and AUS versions. qq Push [CH/WX•U/I/C] to select the weather channel group. wwPush [Y]/[Z] to select a weather channel.
BASIC OPERATION 4 ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. qqRotate [VOL] clockwise to turn ON power. • An opening comment scrolls across the function display. • Push [16/C] to skip the opening comment. wwSet the volume and squelch level. ➥ Push [ ], and push [Z] to open the squelch. ➥ Rotate [VOL] to set the volume level. ➥ Push [ ], and push [Y]/[Z] to set the squelch level. eePush [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel.
4 BASIC OPERATION ■ Call channel programming ■ Lock function The Call channel key is used to select Channel 9* by default. However, you can program your most often-used channel in each channel group for quick recall. This function electronically locks all keys (except for [PTT], [ ] and [H/L•LOCK]) to prevent accidental channel changes and * The channel may differ, depending on the transceiver version.
BASIC OPERATION 4 ■ Adjusting the squelch level ■ AquaQuake water draining function To adjust the transceiver’s squelch level, use the [Y]/[Z] keys, as described below. In order to properly receive signals, as well as for the scan to function effectively operate, the squelch must be adjusted to the proper level. The AquaQuake water draining function clears water away from the speaker grill. Without this function, water may muffle the sound coming from the speaker.
5 SCAN OPERATION (Except for the Dutch version) ■ Scan types Scanning is an efficient way to quickly locate signals over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has a priority scan setting and normal scan setting. In addition, the “Weather alert*” and “Auto scan” functions are also selectable for scanning. These functions can be simultaneously activated, depending on the settings in the SET mode. (pp. 26, 27) Set the Favorite channels (scanned channel) before scanning.
SCAN OPERATION (Except for the Dutch version) 5 ■ Setting Favorite channels ■ Starting a scan For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as Favorite channels, or clear the Favorite for unwanted channels. Untagged channels will be skipped during scanning. Favorite channels can be independently assigned to each channel group (USA, INT, CAN, ATIS) independently. qqSelect the desired channel to set as a Favorite channel.
6 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 on another channel. q Select a desired operating channel. w Hold down [SCAN•DUAL] for 1 second to start Dualwatch or Tri-watch (depending on the SET mode setting; p. 27). • “DUAL” blinks during Dualwatch; “TRI” blinks during Tri-watch. • A beep tone sounds when a signal is received on Channel 16.
FUNCTION MODE OPERATION 7 ■ About the function mode There are 7 transceiver functions‡ in the function mode: Play back function‡, Manual recording function‡, Automatic recording function‡, backlight function, channel naming function, opening comment entry function and the ATIS code programming function†. †For only the Dutch and German versions. ‡Depending on versions. D Entering the function mode qqPush [F] to enter the function mode. • “PLAY” (Play back function) appears.
7 FUNCTION MODE OPERATION ■M anual recording function (Depending on versions) You can record the received signal whenever you want by using the manual recording function. This function can record the received signal for maximum 30 seconds. The transmitted signal cannot be recorded. The previously recorded signal will be overwritten when you record the next audio using this function.
FUNCTION MODE OPERATION 7 ■A utomatic recording function (Depending on versions) When this function is turned ON, the transceiver automatically records the received signal into the memory. The maximum recording time is 60 seconds. • The transmit signal cannot be recorded. • If a signal less than 60 seconds is recorded, the next recorded signal is added into the same data. • The recording threshold level can be set in the set mode. See page 30 for details.
7 FUNCTION MODE OPERATION ■P lay back function (Depending on versions) This transceiver has two voice recorders. One is the manual recording function which can record for 30 seconds. The other is the automatic recording function which can record the last 60 seconds of the receiving signal. There are three play-back modes as follows. • Playing back the all contents of the manual recording Select “M-PLAY” Playing back for 30 seconds (maximum).
FUNCTION MODE OPERATION ■ Channel naming function The IC-M73/IC-M73EURO can assign up to 10-character channel names for each operating channel, including each weather channel. This provides easy recognition of the channel in use, or station names. DDChannel name programming qq Push [Y]/[Z] to select a channel to program. • Hold down [CH/WX•U/I/C] for 1 second to select a channel group, if necessary.
7 FUNCTION MODE OPERATION ■O pening comment entry function The IC-M73/IC-M73EURO can assign up to 16-character opening comments. You may replace the factory-set opening comment with a comment of your own. The opening comment appears each time the IC-M73/IC-M73EURO is powered ON. The comment may be up to 16 characters long. You can use same characters as “Channel naming function.” (p.
FUNCTION MODE OPERATION 7 ■A TIS code programming (For only the Dutch and German versions) The 10-digit ATIS code can be programmed and confirmed with the following operation. The ATIS code programming is not necessary and confirmation can only be performed when the ATIS code has been programmed by your dealer. The code programming can be performed 1 time only, if the code has not been programmed by your dealer.
7 FUNCTION MODE OPERATION ■ Backlight function This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The backlighting can also be turned OFF in the SET mode. (p. 27) ➥P ush any key other than [PTT] to turn ON the backlighting. • The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 seconds of inactivity. qq Push [F] to enter the function mode, and then push [Y]/[Z] to select the backlighting function. • “LIGHT” appears. wwPush [H/L•LOCK] to turn the function ON or OFF.
SET MODE 8 ■ SET mode programming The SET mode is used to change the status of 17 transceiver functions†: Beep tone function, Weather alert function†, Priority scan, Scan resume timer, Auto scan start function, Dual/ Tri-watch function, Monitor key action, Display backlight, LCD contrast selection, Power save function, Scroll type selection, Scroll speed selection, RX noise cancel function†, TX noise cancel function†, RX bass boost function†, TX bass boost function† and the Automatic recording threshold l
8 SET MODE ■ SET mode items DDBeep tone function “ ” Turns ON the key touch beep sound or AJ, or turns OFF the sound OFF. • ON : A fixed beep sounds (default) • AJ : The preset beeps (example: do, re, mi) sound • OFF : Silent operation DDPriority scan function “ ” Except for the HOL version, the transceiver has 2 scan types— normal (OFF) and priority (ON) scans. Normal scan searches all Favorite (TAG) channels in the selected channel group.
SET MODE DDAuto scan function “ ” Except for the HOL version, the auto scan function automatically starts the desired scan when no signal is received, and no operation is performed for 30 seconds Push Auto scan OFF (default) Auto scan ON DDDual/Tri-watch function “ “ ] for 1 second, the squelch opens • Pu (PUSH): After pushing [ and audio is heard. The squelch is held open while con].
8 SET MODE DDLCD contrast selection “ ” The contrast of the LCD can be set to Hi (default) or Lo. “ ” The auto power save function reduces current drain by deactivating the receiver circuit for preset intervals. • ON : The power save function is turned ON. The power save function will activate when no signal is received, and no operation is performed for 5 seconds • OFF : The power save function is turned OFF.
SET MODE DDRX Noise Cancel function “ ” Set the Noise Cancel function for reception. The function may not be available, depending on the transceiver version. • OFF : Turns OFF the function. • 1 : The Noise Cancel function reduces random noise components in the received signal to approximately one half. • 2 : The Noise Cancel function reduces random noise components in the received signal to approximately one third.
8 SET MODE DDAutomatic recording threshold level ” “ Set the automatic recording threshold level. The function may not be available, depending on the transceiver version. • 1 : Set the threshold level to shallow. Weak signals will automatically be recorded into memory. • 2 : Set the threshold level to mid. • 3 : Set the threshold level to deep. Weak signals will not automatically be recorded into memory.
BATTERY CHARGING 9 ■ Battery cautions Misuse of Lithium-ion batteries may result in the following hazards: smoke, fire, or battery rupture. Misuse can also cause other battery damage or degradation of battery performance. • R DANGER! Use and charge only specified Icom battery pack with Icom transceiver. Only Icom battery pack is tested and approved for use with Icom transceiver. Using thirdparty or counterfeit battery packs may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst.
9 BATTERY CHARGING • R WARNING! NEVER put the battery in a microwave oven, high-pressure container, or in an induction heating cooker. This could cause overheating, a fire, or cause the battery to rupture. • CAUTION: Always use the battery within the specified temperature range for the transceiver* and the battery itself (–20˚C to +60˚C; –4˚F to +140˚F).
BATTERY CHARGING 9 ■ Supplied battery charger DDCharging DDBC-210 installation • To a desktop Supplied screws qqConnect the AC adapter as shown below. ww Insert the battery pack with or without the transceiver into the charger. • To a wall • The charge indicator lights orange. Supplied screws eeCharge the battery pack approximately 2.5 hours, depending on the remaining power level. q • The charge indicator lights green when charging is complete. Transceiver OPC-515L* (for a Turn OFF the 13.
9 BATTERY CHARGING ■ Optional battery chargers DDAD-129 installation qq Connect the 8-pin connector of the each charger slot to the AD-129 desktop charger adapter’s plug. ww Install the adapter into the each charger slot in the direction of the arrow, then use the two supplied screws to secure the adapter to the charger. Desktop charger adapter DDRapid charging with the BC-197+BC-157S or OPC-656 The optional BC-197 with the BC-157S will simultaneously charge up to 6 Li-ion battery packs.
OPTIONAL SWIVEL BELT CLIP ■ Attaching qq Screw the base clip to the back of the transceiver using the two screws (supplied), as shown to the right. 10 ■ Detaching ➥ Turn the transceiver upside down in the direction of the Supplied screws arrow and pull out from the belt clip. ww Clip the belt clip over your belt and insert the transceiver. eeOnce the transceiver is locked in place, it swivels. R CAUTION: HOLD THE TRANSCEIVER TIGHTLY WHEN HANGING OR DETACHING THE TRANSCEIVER FROM THE BELT CLIP.
11 OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE ■ HM-167 descriptions ■ Attaching HM-202 is also an optional speaker microphone. see the page 43 for details. Insert the speaker-mic connector onto the [SP MIC] connector and carefully screw it tight, as shown in the diagram below. Be careful not to cross-thread the connection. Alligator type clip To attach the speaker-microphone to your shirt or collar. PTT switch Push to transmit. Release to receive.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE 12 SOLUTION The transceiver does not • The battery is depleted. turn ON. • Bad connection to the battery pack. • Recharge the battery pack. No sound from the speak- • Squelch level is too tight. • Volume level is too low. er. • Speaker has been exposed to water. • Water has entered to [SP MIC] connector. • Set squelch to the threshold point. • Rotate [VOL] to set a suitable level. • Hold down [F] to drain water from the speaker. • Dry [SP MIC] connector.
13 SPECIFICATIONS • IC-M73 DDGeneral • Frequency coverage : Tx 156.025–157.425 MHz : Rx 156.050–163.275 MHz • Mode : FM (16K0G3E) • Operating temperature range : –20°C to +60°C (–4°F to +140°F) • Current drain (at 7.4 V) : TX high 1.5 A (approximately) Max. audio 0.45 A • Power supply requirement : 7.4 V DC nominal (negative ground) • Frequency stability : ±10 ppm (–20°C to +60°C) • Antenna impedance : 50 ˘ nominal • Dimensions (approximately) : 52.
SPECIFICATIONS 13 DDTransmitter • Output power • Modulation system • Max. frequency deviation • Adjacent channel power • Spurious emissions : 6 W/3 W/1 W/0.5 W* *German version only : Variable reactance frequency modulation : ±5 kHz : 70 dB : 0.
14 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST DDFor IC-M73EURO • International channels 01 02 Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 156.050 160.650 156.100 160.700 03 156.150 04 156.200 05 156.250 160.850 06 156.300 156.300 CH 11 12 Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 156.550 156.550 156.600 156.600 21 22 Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 157.050 161.650 157.100 161.700 160.750 13 156.650 160.800 14 156.700 156.650 23 157.150 156.700 24 157.200 15*1 156.750 156.750 25 156.800 156.800 17* 156.
VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST 14 DDFor IC-M73EURO • USA channels (for U.K. version only) Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 01A 156.050 156.050 CH -- --- 03A 156.150 -- --- --156.150 --- CH 12 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) CH CH CH Transmit Receive Transmit Receive Transmit Receive Transmit Receive 156.600 156.600 22A 157.100 157.100 64A 156.225 156.225 75*1 156.775 156.775 13*1 156.650 156.650 156.700 156.700 15*1 156.750 14 23A 157.150 157.150 65A 156.275 156.
14 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST DChannel DFor IC-M73 and IC-M73EURO (Australia) Channel number Frequency (MHz) number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 01 156.050 160.650 01 01A 156.050 156.050 02 02 156.100 160.700 03 03 156.150 160.750 03A 156.150 156.150 04 156.200 160.800 04A 156.200 156.200 05 156.250 160.850 05A 05A 156.250 156.250 06 06 06 156.300 156.300 07 156.350 160.950 07A 07A 156.350 156.350 08 08 08 156.400 156.400 09 09 09 156.450 156.450 10 10 10 156.500 156.500 11 11 11 156.550 156.
OPTIONS 15 DDBATTERY CASE AND PACK • BP-245N Li-ion battery pack The same as supplied with the transceiver. Voltage : 7.4 V Capacity : 1900 mAh (minimum)/2000 mAh (typical) DDCHARGERS • BC-210 desktop charger + BC-123SA/SE/SV ac adapter For rapid charging of battery packs. The same as supplied with the transceiver. An AC adapter is supplied with the charger depending on versions. Charging time: Approximately 2.5 hours • BC-197 multi-charger + AD-129 charger adapter (6 pcs.
INDEX –A– About the function mode..................................................................17 AD-129 installation..........................................................................34 Adjusting the squelch level..............................................................13 AquaQuake water draining function................................................13 ATIS code confirmation...................................................................23 ATIS code programming.........................
INDEX –M– Manual recording function...............................................................18 Monitor function...............................................................................12 Monitor key action...........................................................................27 –N– NORMAL SCAN..............................................................................14 –O– Opening comment entry function....................................................22 Opening comment programming.....
MEMO 46
MEMO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 47
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