IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:25 PM Page A (1,1) INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM88 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.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page ii (1,1) 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.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page iii (1,1) 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. 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.” 2. “THIS IS ...........................
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page iv (1,1) FOREWORD FEATURES Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M88 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. ☞ Tough waterproof construction carefully and com- pletely before using the transceiver.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page v (1,1) PRECAUTION 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.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page vi (1,1) TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION ................................... i IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ............................................... ii RECOMMENDATION .......................................................... ii FOREWORD ...................................................................... iii IMPORTANT ....................................................................... iii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .........................................
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 1 (1,1) 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.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 2 Page 2 (1,1) SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS D Supplied accessories The following accessories are supplied: Qty. • Swivel belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 • Stopper for the swivel belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 • Screws for the swivel belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 • Flexible antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 • Handstrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 3 (1,1) SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS To remove: Turn the transceiver upside down, and then lift up to release the transceiver from the belt clip. 2 D Flexible antenna Connect the supplied flexible antenna to the antenna connector. CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. NEVER HOLD by the antenna when carrying the transceiver. D Handstrap Slide the handstrap through the loop on the side of the transceiver as illustrated at right.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 3 Page 4 (1,1) PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front, top and side panels q VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level. w ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 3) Connects the supplied antenna. q e SPEAKER-MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [SP MIC] (p.27) Connects the optional speaker-microphone. w [SP MIC] jack cover !0 e r SCAN [SCN•DUAL] (pgs. 14, 15) • Starts and stops normal or priority scan. • Enters Watch mode when pushed for 1 sec.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 5 (1,1) PANEL DESCRIPTION u CHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z] • Select an operating channel. (p. 9) • Selects the SET mode condition of item. (p. 17) • Checks tag channels or changes scanning direction during scan. (p. 14) • Sets and clears the displayed channel as a tag (scanned) channel when pushed both switches for 1 sec. • While turning power ON, clears all tag channels in the selected channel group when both switches are pushed.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 3 Page 6 (1,1) PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display q TRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 10) Appears while transmitting. w BUSY INDICATOR (p. 10) Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch opens. “ ” blinks while monitoring. q w e r t y u e TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 14) Appears when a tag channel is selected. i o !0 !1 !2 !7 !6 !5 !4 !3 r SCAN INDICATOR (p. 14) Blinks while scanning. t LOCK INDICATOR (p. 12) Appears while the lock function is activated.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 7 (1,1) PANEL DESCRIPTION i WEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATORS • “WX” appears when the weather channel group is selected. (p. 9) • “ALT” appears while the weather alert function is activated. o BELL INDICATOR Blinks when an alert tone is received. !0 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS (p. 15) “DUAL” appears during dualwatch; “TRI” appears during tri-watch. 3 !5 CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 8) Appears when the call channel is selected. !6 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (pgs.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 8 (1,1) 4 BASIC OPERATION ■ Channel selection D Channel 16 D Channel 9 (Call channel) Channel 16 (Distress channel) is used for establishing initial contact with another station and for emergency communications. Channel 16 is automatically monitored during both dualwatch and tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor Channel 16. Channel 9 is the leisure-use call channel. Each regular channel group has separate call channels.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 9 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION D U.S.A., International and Canadian channels There are 57 U.S.A., 57 International, and 61 Canadian channels. These channel groups may be specified for the operating area. q Push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] to select a regular channel. • If a weather channel appears, push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] again. w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a channel. • “DUP” appears for duplex channels. D Weather channels (Available for USA version only) There are 10 weather channels.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 4 Page 10 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. q Rotate [VOL] clockwise to turn power ON. w Use the squelch function to mute any audio noise if necessary. After pushing the [SQL] for 1 sec., the squelch function is cut off until [SQL] is released. (default) e Push [SQL] for 1 sec. (see the SET mode on p. 19), and rotate volume to set the audio output level.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 11 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION ■ Adjusting the squelch level The IC-M88 has a squelch even though there is no control knob for it. In order to receive signals properly, as well as for the scan to function effectively, the squelch must be adjusted to the proper level. q Push [SQL], then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z]. - “SL” indicator appears. - There are 11 squelch levels to choose from: OP is completely open; 10 is the tight squelch level.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 4 Page 12 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION ■ Call channel programming The call channel key 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/L] for 1 sec. several times to select the desired channel group (USA, INT, CAN) to be programmed. w Push [16•9] for 1 sec. to select the call channel. • “CALL” and call channel number appear. e Push [16•9] again for 3 sec.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 13 (1,1) SCAN OPERATION 5 ■ Scan types Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has priority scan and normal scan. In addition, the weather alert and auto scan function is available for standby convenience. These functions can be activated simultaneously, depending on the settings in SET mode. (pgs. 18, 19) CH 01 CH 01 CH 02 CH 16 CH 05 Choose priority or normal scan in SET mode. (p.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 5 Page 14 (1,1) 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. Nontag channels will be skipped during scanning. Tag channels can be assigned to each channel group (USA, INT, CAN) independently. Set the weather alert function, priority scan function, scan resume timer and auto scan function in advance, using SET mode. (pgs.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 15 (1,1) DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH 6 ■ 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 [SCN•DUAL] to start dualwatch or tri-watch (depending on SET mode setting). DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION Call channel • “DUAL” blinks during dualwatch; “TRI” blinks during tri-watch.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 16 (1,1) 7 LAND CHANNEL OPERATION ■ LAND Channel Group ■ Function display A max. of 22 free LAND mobile channels (allocated 146.000 to 174.000 MHz) can be programmed into the LAND channel group for simple communication with LMR transceivers in the VHF band. Moreover, any of the marine channels in the USA, INT and CAN channel groups can be programmed. The default setting of the LAND channel group is the same as that of the INT channel group.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 17 (1,1) SET MODE 8 ■ SET mode programming SET mode is used to change the condition of 13 transceiver functions: beep tone function, weather alert function, priority scan function, scan resume timer, auto scan function, dual/triwatch function, monitor switch action, automatic backlighting, LCD contrast selection, auto power save function, self check function, battery voltage indicator and scrambler code*. D SET mode operation q Turn power OFF.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 8 Page 18 (1,1) SET MODE ■ SET mode items D Priority scan function “Pr” D Beep tone function “bP” You can select silent operation by turning the beep tones OFF, or you can have 2 types of confirmation beeps sound at the push of a switch. When ON is selected, a fixed beep (Pi) sounds and when US is selected, the preset beeps (e.g. do, re, mi) sound.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 19 (1,1) SET MODE 8 D Auto scan function “AS” D Monitor switch action “Sq” The Auto scan function starts the desired scan automatically when no signal is received, or no operation is performed for 30 sec. The monitor switch action cuts off the squelch function temporarily. This switch action contains PUSH (Pu) or HOLD (Ho) settings as shown below. PUSH • Pu (PUSH): After pushing the [SQL] for 1 sec.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 8 Page 20 (1,1) SET MODE D LCD contrast selection “LC” D Self check function “SC” The contrast of the LCD can be adjusted from 4 levels. The self check function checks transceiver conditions by itself, and informs you in case a problem is found. The following items are checked after the power is turned ON, then it switches to operation mode. • Temperature : Outside of –35°C to +73°C; –31°F to +163°F (approx.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 21 (1,1) 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.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 9 Page 22 (1,1) BATTERY CHARGING ■ Battery charging ■ Cautions Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimum life and operation. NEVER incinerate used battery packs. Internal battery gas may cause an explosion. CAUTION: To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn it OFF while charging. NEVER immerse the battery pack in water.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 23 (1,1) BATTERY CHARGING 9 ï Charging connections q Attach the BC-152 to a flat surface, such as desk or cabin, etc., if desired. w Connect the AC adapter (BC-147A/E) 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. 9–10 hours, depending on the remaining power condition. BP-227 Charge indicator lights green when BP-227 (with/without IC-M88) is inserted.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 9 Page 24 (1,1) BATTERY CHARGING ■ Optional BP-226 battery case When using the optional battery case attached to the transceiver, install 5 × AA (R6) size alkaline batteries as illustrated at right. The IC-M88 meets JIS waterproof specification grade 7. However, the BP-226 meets JIS waterproof specification grade 4. q Hook your finger under the latch, and open the cover in the direction of the arrow (q). (Fig.1) w Then, install 5 × AA (R6) size alkaline batteries. (Fig.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 25 (1,1) BATTERY CHARGING 9 ■ AD-100 installation Install the AD-100 desktop charger adapter into the holder space of the BC-119N/121N. Connect the plugs of the BC-119N/121N to the AD-100 desktop charger adapter with the connector, then install the adapter into the charger with the supplied screws.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM 9 Page 26 (1,1) BATTERY CHARGING ■ Optional battery chargers D Rapid charging with the BC-119N+AD-100 D Rapid charging with the BC-121N+AD-100 The optional BC-119N provides rapid charging of battery packs. The following are additionally required. • AD-100 charger adapter • 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.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 27 (1,1) SPEAKER-MICROPHONE ■ HM-138 Description 10 ■ Attachments Insert the connector of the speaker-microphone into the [SP MIC] connector on the transceiver and tighten the screw. Alligator type clip To attach the speaker-mic. to your shirt or collar, etc. PTT switch Transmits during push Receives during release w q e Microphone Detaching: Unscrew (q), then detach the jack cover (w). Attaching: Attach the jack cover (e), then tighten the screw (r).
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:24 PM Page 28 (1,1) 11 TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION. • Recharge the battery pack. • Check the connection to the transceiver. p. 22 p. 5 No sound from speaker. • Squelch level is too deep. • 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. 11 p. 10 — Transmitting is impossi- • Some channels are for low power or re- • Change channels.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:25 PM Page 29 (1,1) VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST 12 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 04A 156.200 156.200 05 05A 06 21 157.000 157.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:25 PM 13 Page 30 (1,1) SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL • Frequency coverage Marine TX RX LMR TX/RX • Mode Marine LMR • Channel spacing • Current drain (at 7.2 V DC) • Frequency stability • Usable temperature range Marine LMR • Dimensions (Projections not included) • Weight (approx.; with BP-227) RECEIVER : 156.025–157.425 MHz : 156.050–163.275 MHz : 146.000–174.000 MHz : 16K0G3E (Wide) : 16K0F3E (Wide)/8K50F3E (Narrow) : 25 kHz (Wide) 12.5 kHz (Narrow; LMR only) : TX High (5 W)1.
31 6. Any other information which might facilitate the rescue. 5. The nature of the distress and assistance required. 4. LOCATED AT (your position) 3. Your call sign or other indication of the vessel. 2. THIS IS (name of vessel) 1. MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. U/I/C/L U/I/C/L for 1 sec. Push USA/International/Canadian/LAND channels Push Weather channel 9 Channel 16 9 played channel as the call channel. t Push [16•9] to program the dis- channel.
Page 32 (1,1) 02.11.22 3:25 PM IC-M88-2.qxd Refer to pgs. 17—21 for set mode item. ■ SET MODE (pgs. 17—21) q While pushing [SQL], turn power ON. w Push [SQL] again to select an item. condition. e Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired erating mode. r Push [16•9] to return to regular op- ■ DUAL/TRI-WATCH (p. 15) q Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel. w Push [SCN•DUAL] for 1 sec. to start dualwatch or tri-watch depending on SET mode setting (p. 19). LOCK ■ LOCK FUNCTION (p. 12) Push for 1 sec.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:25 PM Page 33 (1,1) OPTIONS 15 • BP-226 BATTERY CASE Battery case for 5 × AA (R6) alkaline cells. • BP-227 Li-Ion BATTERY PACK 7.2 V/1700 mAh Li-Ion battery pack. The same as supplied with the transceiver. BP-227 must be charged with the supplied BC-152 or the optional BC-119N/121N. • BC-119N DESKTOP CHARGER + AD-100 CHARGER ADAPTER + BC-145 AC ADAPTER For rapid charging of battery packs. An AC adapter is supplied with the charger. Charging time: approx. 2 to 2.
IC-M88-2.qxd 02.11.22 3:25 PM Page 34 (1,1) Count on us! INST A-6214H-1EX-w Printed in Japan © 2002 Icom Inc.
