Icom IC-M304, iM304 User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM304
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER
i
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M304
VHF
MARINE TRANSCEIVER
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.
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.
D
FEATURES
❍ Large 2-digit Channel with scrolling comment
❍ New Force5Audio
speaker
❍ Built-in DSC meets RTCM SC101 requirement
❍ Submersible construction
❍ Favorite channel function
❍ AquaQuake water draining function
IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely
before using the transceiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL — This in-
struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-M304.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
WORD DEFINITION
R WARNING!
CAUTION
NOTE
Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.
Equipment damage may occur.
Recommended for optimum use. No risk of
personal injury, fire or electric shock.
CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER AND MICROPHONE THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH WATER after exposure to water
including salt water, otherwise, the keys and switches may
become inoperable due to salt crystallization.
Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France,
Spain, Russia and/or other countries.
FORCE5AUDIO logo is a registered trademark of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in
the United States.
ii
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and
the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16.
Or, transmit your distress call using digital selective calling on
Channel 70.
NOTE
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)
EXAMPLE
WARNING
STICKER
USING DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING
(Ch 70)
DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. While opening the key cover, push and hold
[DISTRESS] for 5 sec. until you hear 5 short beeps
change to one long beep.
2. Wait for an acknowledgment from a coast station.
• Channel 16 is automatically selected.
3. Push and hold [PTT], then transmit the appropriate
information as listed above.
USING CHANNEL 16
DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.”
2. “THIS IS ...............” (name of vessel)
3. Your call sign or other indication of the vessel (AND 9digit DSC ID if you have one).
4. “LOCATED AT ...............” (your position)
5. The nature of the distress and assistance required.
6. Any other information which might facilitate the rescue.
iii
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
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. This 5 meter distance is based on the FCC Safe
Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) distance of 3 meters
added to the height of an adult (2 meters) and is appropriate
for all vessels.
For watercraft without suitable structures, the antenna must
be mounted so as to maintain a minimum of 1 meter vertically
between the antenna, (measured from the lowest point of the
antenna), to the heads of all persons AND all persons must
stay outside of the 3 meter MPE radius.
Do not transmit with radio and antenna when persons are
within the MPE radius of the antenna, unless such persons
(such as driver or radio operator) are shielded from antenna
field by a grounded metallic barrier. The MPE Radius is the
minimum distance from the antenna axis that person should
maintain in order to avoid RF exposure higher than the allowable MPE level set by FCC.
WARNING
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE LIMITS MAY ALLOW
THOSE WITHIN THE MPE RADIUS TO EXPERIENCE RF
RADIATION ABSORPTION WHICH EXCEEDS THE FCC
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE (MPE) LIMIT.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RADIO OPERATOR
TO ENSURE THAT THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMITS ARE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES DURING
RADIO TRANSMISSION. THE RADIO OPERATOR IS TO
ENSURE THAT NO BYSTANDERS COME WITHIN THE
RADIUS OF THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
LIMITS.
Determining MPE Radius
THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE (MPE) RADIUS HAS BEEN ESTIMATED TO BE A RADIUS OF
ABOUT 3M PER OET BULLETIN 65 OF THE FCC.
THIS ESTIMATE IS MADE ASSUMING THE MAXIMUM
POWER OF THE RADIO AND ANTENNAS WITH A MAXIMUM GAIN OF 9dBi ARE USED FOR A SHIP MOUNTED
SYSTEM.
iv
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 ………………………………………………… 4
3 BASIC OPERATION …………………………………………… 5–9
■ Channel selection ……………………………………………… 5
■ Receiving and transmitting ……………………………………… 7
■ Call channel programming ……………………………………… 8
■ Channel comments ……………………………………………… 8
■ Microphone lock function ……………………………………… 9
■ Display backlighting……………………………………………… 9
■ AquaQuake water draining function …………………………… 9
4 SCAN OPERATION ………………………………………… 10–11
■ Scan types ……………………………………………………… 10
■ Setting TAG channels ………………………………………… 11
■ Starting a scan ………………………………………………… 11
5 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ……………………………………… 12
■ Description ……………………………………………………… 12
■ Operation ……………………………………………………… 12
6 DSC OPERATION …………………………………………… 13–27
■ MMSI code programming ……………………………………… 13
■ MMSI code check ……………………………………………… 13
■ DSC address ID ………………………………………………… 14
■ Position indication ……………………………………………… 15
■ Distress call …………………………………………………… 16
■ Transmitting DSC calls ………………………………………… 17
■ Receiving DSC calls …………………………………………… 24
7 SET MODE …………………………………………………… 28–30
■ Set mode programming ……………………………………… 28
■ Set mode items ………………………………………………… 29
8 CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE …………………… 31–34
■ Connections …………………………………………………… 31
■ Supplied accessories ………………………………………… 32
■ Antenna ………………………………………………………… 32
■ Fuse replacement ……………………………………………… 32
■ Cleaning ………………………………………………………… 32
■ Mounting the transceiver ……………………………………… 33
■ Optional MB-92 attachment …………………………………… 33
■ Optional MB-69 installation …………………………………… 34
9 TROUBLESHOOTING …………………………………………… 35
10 CHANNEL LIST…………………………………………………… 36
11 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ……………………… 37–38
■ Specifications …………………………………………………… 37
■ Options ………………………………………………………… 38
12 TEMPLATE ……………………………………………………… 39
TABLE OF CONTENTS
v
PRECAUTIONS
RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC
outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric
shock.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not ex-
pressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.
NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source of more
than 16 V DC or use reverse polarity. This will ruin the transceiver.
NEVER cut the DC power cable between the DC plug and
fuse holder. If an incorrect connection is made after cutting,
the transceiver may be damaged.
NEVER place the transceiver where normal operation of the
vessel may be hindered or where it could cause bodily injury.
KEEP the transceiver at least 3.3 ft (1 m) away from the
ship’s navigation compass.
DO NOT use or place the transceiver in areas with temper-
atures below –4°F (–20°C) or above +140°F (+60°C) or, in
areas subject to direct sunlight, such as the dashboard.
AVOID the use of chemical agents such as benzine or al-
cohol when cleaning, as they may damage the transceiver
surfaces.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver rear panel will become
hot when operating continuously for long periods.
Place the transceiver in a secure place to avoid inadvertent
use by children.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver (except cables) and hand
microphone employ waterproof construction, which corresponds to IPX7 of the international standard IEC 60529
(2001). However, once the transceiver has been dropped,
waterproofing cannot be guaranteed due to the fact that the
case may be cracked, or the waterproof seal damaged, etc.
1
1
OPERATING RULES
DD
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.
DD
PRIVACY
• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot lawfully be used in any way.
• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
DD
RADIO LICENSES
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
You must have a current radio station license before using the
transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is not
licensed.
Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government
agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license application. This
government-issued license states the call sign which is your
craft’s identification for radio purposes.
(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.
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be
posted or 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.
Keep a copy of the current government rules and regulations
handy.
Radio license for boaters (U.S.A. only)
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 permits recreational
boaters to have and use a VHF marine radio, EPIRB, and
marine radar without having an FCC ship station license.
Boaters traveling on international voyages, having an HF
single sideband radiotelephone or marine satellite terminal, or required to carry a marine radio under any other
regulation must still carry an FCC ship station license. For
further information, see the FCC Ship Radio Stations Fact
Sheet.
1
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
■ Front panel
q CHANNEL UP/DOWN KEYS [YY]/[ZZ]•[U/I/C]
➥ Selects the operating channels, Set mode settings, etc.
(pgs. 5, 6, 28)
➥ While pushing and holding [SCAN], push to adjust the
brightness of the LCD and key backlight. (p. 9)
➥ Selects one of three channel groups in sequence when
both keys are pushed. (p. 6)
• U.S.A., International and Canadian channels are available.
➥ While turning power ON, push and hold both keys to ac-
tivate the AquaQuake function. (p. 9)
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.
➥ Push and hold for 3 sec. to enter call channel program-
ming condition when the call channel is selected. (p. 8)
➥ While pushing and holding [CH/WX], push to enter the
channel comments programming condition. (p. 8)
➥ Push to move the cursor forward. (p. 8)
➥ While turning power ON, push to enter Set mode. (p. 28)
t CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL KEY [CH/WX•DUAL]
➥ Selects and toggles the regular channel and weather
channel when pushed momentarily. (p. 6)
➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to start Dualwatch or Tri-watch.
(p. 12)
➥ Push to stop Dualwatch or Tri-watch when either is acti-
vated. (p. 12)
➥ Push to move the cursor backward. (p. 8)
Speaker Function display (p. 4)
q
ertyui
w
3
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
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.
• 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.
• Repeat above procedure to set all TAG channels.
u DISTRESS KEY [DISTRESS] (p. 16)
Push and hold for 5 sec. to transmit a Distress call.
i DSC/POSITION KEY [DSC•POS]
➥ Push to enter DSC menu. (p. 13)
➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to show the current position
from a GPS receiver. (p. 15)
■ Microphone
q PTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit; release to receive. (p. 7)
w CHANNEL UP/DOWN KEYS [YY]/[ZZ]
➥ Push either key to change the operating channel, Set
mode settings, etc. (pgs. 5, 6, 28)
➥ When the Favorite channel function is turned ON, push
either key to select the favorite channels in the selected
channel group in sequence. (p. 30)
e TRANSMIT POWER KEY [HI/LO]
➥ Push to toggle the power high and low. (p. 7)
• Some channels are set to low power only.
➥ While pushing and holding [HI/LO], turn power ON to
toggle the Microphone Lock function ON and OFF.
(p. 9)
Microphone
w
q
e
2
4
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION
■ Function display
q CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 6)
Indicates whether a U.S.A. “U,” International
“”or Cana-
dian “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. 28)
e TRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 7)
Appears while transmitting.
r BUSY INDICATOR (p. 7)
Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch
opens.
t CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 5)
Appears when the call channel is selected.
y LOW POWER INDICATOR (p. 7)
Appears when low power is selected.
u WEATHER CHANNEL INDICATOR (pgs. 6, 29)
➥ “WX” appears when a weather channel is selected.
➥ “WX ALT” appears when the Weather alert function is in
use; blinks when an alert tone is received.
i DSC INDICATORS
➥ “DSC” appears when a DSC call is received. (p. 24)
➥ “POS REPLY” appears when a Position Reply call or
Position Report Reply call is received. (p. 27)
o CHANNEL COMMENT INDICATOR
➥ Channel comment appears if programmed. (p. 8)
➥ “ ” scrolls when the battery voltage drops to
approx. 10.8 V DC or below.
➥ “ ” blinks during Priority scan; “ ” blinks during
Normal scan. (p. 11)
➥ “ ” blinks during Dualwatch; “ ” blinks during Tri-
watch. (p. 12)
!0 TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 11)
Appears when a TAG channel is selected.
!1 DUPLEX INDICATOR (p. 6)
Appears when a duplex channel is selected.
!2 GPS INDICATOR
➥ Appears while valid position data is received.
➥ Blinks when invalid position data is received.
➥ Disappears when no GPS receiver is connected.
!0
wqer
!2
!1
t
y
u
o
i
5
3
BASIC OPERATION
2
3
■ Channel selection
ïï
Channel 16
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.
➥ Push [!6] momentarily to select Channel 16.
➥ Push [CH/WX] to return to the condition before selecting
Channel 16, or push [Y] or [Z] to select operating channel.
Convenient!
When the Favorite channel function is turned ON (p. 30),
[Y]/[Z] keys on the microphone select the favorite channels
in the selected channel group in sequence when pushed.
• The favorite channels are set by the TAG channel setting. (p. 11)
ïï
Channel 9 (Call channel)
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. 8) and are used to store
your most often used channels in each channel group for
quick recall.
➥ Push and hold [9] (!6) for 1 sec. to select the call channel
of the selected channel group.
•“CALL” and call channel number appear.
• Each channel group may have an independent call channel after
programming a call channel. (p. 8)
➥ Push [CH/WX] to return to the condition before selecting
call channel, or push [Y] or [Z] to select a channel.
Push
for 1 sec.
Scrolls
Push
Scrolls
6
3 BASIC OPERATION
ïï
U.S.A.,Canadian and international 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.
q Push [CH/WX] to select a regular channel.
• If a weather channel appears, push [CH/WX] again.
w Push [U/I/C] (both [Y] and [Z]) on the transceiver to
change the channel group, if necessary.
• U.S.A., International and Canadian channel groups can be selected in sequence.
e Push [Y] or [Z] to select a channel.
• “ ” appears for duplex channels.
ïï
Weather channels
The IC-M304 has 10 pre-programmed weather channels.
These are used for monitoring broadcasts from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.)
The transceiver can automatically detect a weather alert tone
on the selected weather channel while receiving the channel
or during scanning. (p. 29)
q Push [CH/WX] once or twice to select a weather channel.
•“WX” appears when a weather channel is selected.
• “WX ALT” appears when the Weather alert function is in use.
(p. 29)
w Push [Y] or [Z] to select a channel.
Push once or twice
When Weather alert is OFF.
When Weather alert is ON.
and )
Push [U/I/C] (both
7
3
BASIC OPERATION
3
■ Receiving and transmitting
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna will damage
the transceiver.
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.
e Push [U/I/C] (both [Y] and [Z]) on the transceiver several
times to select the desired channel group. (p. 6)
r Push [Y] or [Z] to select a channel. (p. 5)
• When receiving a signal, “ ” appears and audio is emitted
from the speaker.
• Further adjustment of [VOL] may be necessary.
t Push [HI/LO] on the microphone to select the output
power if necessary.
•“LOW” appears when low power is selected.
• Choose low power for short range communications, choose high
power for longer distance communications.
• Some channels are for low power only.
y Push and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the mi-
crophone.
• “ ” appears.
• Channel 70 cannot be used for transmission other than DSC.
u Release [PTT] to receive.
Simplex channels, 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 CAN-
NOT be lawfully used by the general public in U.S.A. waters.
IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your transmitted signal, pause a few sec. after pushing [PTT], hold
the microphone 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) from your mouth
and speak into the microphone at a normal voice level.
✔ NOTE for TOT (Time-out Timer) function
The TOT function inhibits continuous transmission over a preset time period after the transmission starts.
u
rt
yq
Microphone
w
re
8
3 BASIC OPERATION
■ Call channel programming
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.
q Push [U/I/C] (both [Y] and [Z]) on the transceiver several
times to select the desired channel group (U.S.A., International or Canada) to be programmed.
w Push and hold [9] (!6) for 1 sec. to select the call channel
of the selected channel group.
•“CALL” and call channel number appear.
e Push and hold [9] (!6)
again for 3 sec. (until a long
beep changes to 2 short
beeps) to enter call channel
programming condition.
• Channel number starts blinking.
r Push [Y] or [Z] to select
the desired channel.
t Push [!6] to program the
displayed channel as the
call channel.
• Push [CH/WX] to cancel.
• The channel number stops
blinking.
■ Channel comments
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.
Capital letters, small letters (except f, j, k, p, s, v, x, z), 0 to 9,
some symbols (= ✱ + – . /) and space can be used.
q Select the desired channel.
• Cancel Dualwatch, Tri-watch or Scan in advance.
w While pushing [CH/WX], push [!6] to edit the channel
comment.
• A cursor and the first character start blinking alternately.
e Pushing [Y] or [Z] to select the desired character.
• Push [!6] or [CH/WX] to move the cursor forward or backward,
respectively.
r Repeat step e to input all characters.
t Push [DSC] to input and set the comment.
• Push [SCAN] to cancel.
• The cursor and the character stop blinking.
y Repeat steps q to t to program other channel com-
ments, if desired.
9
3
BASIC OPERATION
3
■ 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.
■ Display backlighting
The function display and keys can be backlit for better visibility under low light conditions.
➥ While pushing and holding [SCAN], push [YY] or [ZZ] to ad-
just the brightness of the LCD and key backlight.
• The backlight is selectable in 3 levels and OFF.
■ AquaQuake water draining
function
The IC-M304 uses a new technology to clear water away
from the speaker grill: AquaQuake. AquaQuake helps drain
water away from the speaker housing (water that might otherwise muffle the sound coming from the speaker). The ICM304 emits a vibrating noise when this function is being
used.
➥ While pushing and holding [Y] and [Z], turn power ON.
• A low beep tone sounds while [Y] or [Z] keys are held to drain
water, regardless of [VOL] control setting.
• The transceiver never accepts a key operation while the
AquaQuake function is activated.
• “ ” scrolls at the channel comment indicator.
Scrolls
[Y]/[Z]
[HI/LO]
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