Icom IC-M34 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

iM34

VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that
this device does not cause harmful interference.

i

SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION

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.

This radio has been evaluated for compliance at the distance of 2.5 cm with
the FCC RF exposure limits for “Occupational Use Only”. In addition, your Icom
radio complies with the following Standards and Guidelines with regard to RF
energy and electromagnetic energy levels and evaluation of such levels for ex­posure to humans:

• FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance
with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electro­magnetic Fields.

• American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for
Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Elec­tromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

• American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended
Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic
Fields– RF and Microwave.

• The following accessories are authorized for use with this product. Use of
accessories other than those specified may result in RF exposure levels
exceeding the FCC requirements for wireless RF exposure.; Belt Clip (MB-

109), Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Pack (BP-252) and Alkaline Battery
Case (BP-251).

To ensure that your expose to RF electromagnetic en­ergy is within the FCC allowable limits for occupational
use, always adhere to the following guidelines:

CAUTION

WARNING

• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may
damaged the radio and may also cause you to exceed FCC RF exposure
limits. A proper antenna is the antenna supplied with this radio by the man­ufacturer or antenna specifically authorized by the manufacturer for use
with this radio.

• DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (“50% duty
cycle”). Transmitting more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF expo­sure compliance requirements to be exceeded. The radio is transmitting
when the “TX indicator” lights red. You can cause the radio to transmit by
pressing the “PTT” switch.

• ALWAYS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body
when transmitting and only use the Icom belt-clips which are listed on
page 29 when attaching the radio to your belt, etc., to ensure FCC RF ex­posure compliance requirements are not exceeded. To provide the recipi­ents of your transmission the best sound quality, hold the antenna at least
5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, and slightly off to one side.

The information listed above provides the user with the information needed to
make him or her aware of RF exposure, and what to do to assure that this radio
operates with the FCC RF exposure limits of this radio.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

During transmissions, your Icom radio generates RF energy that can possibly
cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such interference,
turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so. DO NOT operate
the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as
hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites.

Occupational/Controlled Use

The radio transmitter is used in situations in which persons are exposed as
consequence of their employment provided those persons are fully aware of
the potential for exposure and can exercise control over their exposure.

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.

❍ 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.

4. “LOCATED AT .....................” (your position)

5. The nature of the distress and assistance re­quired.

6. Any other information which might facilitate
the rescue.

RECOMMENDATION

CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH
WATER after exposure to saltwater, and dry it before opera-

tion. Otherwise, the transceiver's keys, switches and con­trollers may become unusable due to salt crystallization.

NOTE: DO NOT wash the transceiver in water if there is any
reason to suspect the waterproofing may not be effective. For
example, in cases where the battery pack rubber seal is dam­aged, the transceiver/battery pack is cracked or broken, or
has been dropped, or when the battery pack is detached from
the transceiver.

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M34

VHF MA

-

RINE 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.

IMPORTANT

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com-

pletely before using the transceiver.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This in-

struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-M34.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

FEATURES

☞ Submersible construction

Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environ­ment, the IC-M34’s submersible construction meets IPX7
of the corresponding International Standard IEC 60529
(2001) while using BP-251 (option) or BP-252.

☞ Floating on water

The IC-M34 floats on fresh or salt
water even when the supplied acces­sories are attached.

• When third-party battery pack, strap, an­tenna, etc. is used, it may sink.

• The battery contacts may be prone to rust­ing if the transceiver is kept floating in
fresh or salt water.

☞ Large, easy-to-read LCD

With dimensions of 16(H) × 32(W) mm; 5⁄8(H) × 1

1

⁄4(W)
inch, the IC-M34’s function display is easy to read and
shows operating conditions at a glance. Backlighting and
contrast can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

☞ Simple operation

9 large buttons on the front panel provide user-friendly op­eration. The independent volume and channel buttons are
located on the front panel for convenient one-hand opera­tion.

DEFINITION

RWARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.

If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk
of personal injury, fire or electric shock.

Equipment damage may occur.

WORD

iii

iv

PRECAUTIONS

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 closer than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from 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-251 (option) or BP-252. Such a connection will
ruin the transceiver.

AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or

in areas with temperatures below –20°C (–4°F) or above
+60°C (+140°F).

KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children.
KEEP the transceiver at least 0.9 meters (3.0 ft) away from

your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.

BE CAREFUL! The transceiver’s right-side panel will

become hot when operating continuously for long periods.

BE CAREFUL! The transceiver employs 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 transceiver may be cracked, or the water­proof seal damaged, etc.

MAKE SURE the flexible antenna and battery pack are

securely attached to the transceiver, and that the antenna and
battery pack are dry before attachment. Exposing the inside
of the transceiver to water will result in serious damage to the
transceiver.
After exposure to water, clean the battery contacts thoroughly
with fresh water and dry them completely to remove any
water or salt residue.

For U.S.A. only

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not

expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.

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.

v

SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION ......................................... i

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ..................................................... ii

RECOMMENDATION ............................................................... ii

FOREWORD ............................................................................ iii

IMPORTANT ............................................................................ iii

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .......................................................... iii

FEATURES .............................................................................. iii

PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................... iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................ v

1 OPERATING RULES ......................................................... 1

2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ....... 2–3

■ Supplied accessories ....................................................... 2

■ Attachments ..................................................................... 2

3 PANEL DESCRIPTION .................................................. 4–7

■ Front, top and side panels ............................................... 4

■ Function display .............................................................. 6

4 BASIC OPERATION .................................................... 8–13

■ Channel selection ........................................................... 8

■ Receiving and transmitting ............................................ 10

■ Call channel programming ............................................ 11

■ Adjusting the volume level ............................................. 11

■ Volume mute function .................................................... 11

■ Adjusting the squelch level ........................................... 12

■ Lock function ................................................................. 12

■ Automatic backlighting .................................................. 12

■ Monitor function ............................................................ 13

■ AquaQuake water draining function .............................. 13

5 SCAN OPERATION ................................................... 14–15

■ Scan types .................................................................... 14

■ Setting TAG channels ................................................... 15

■ Starting a scan .............................................................. 15

6 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH .............................................. 16

■ Description .................................................................... 16

■ Operation ...................................................................... 16

7 SET MODE ................................................................. 17–20

■ Set mode programming ................................................ 17

■ Set mode items ............................................................. 18

8 BATTERY CHARGING ............................................... 21–24

■ Battery caution .............................................................. 21

■ Supplied battery charger ............................................... 23

■ Optional battery case ..................................................... 23

■ Optional battery charger ............................................... 24

9 OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE ........................... 25

■ HM-165 descriptions ..................................................... 25

■ Attachment .................................................................... 25

10 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................... 26

11 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST ........................................ 27

12 SPECIFICATIONS............................................................. 28

13 OPTIONS .......................................................................... 29

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

1

OPERATING RULES

1

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 calls are prohibited under law.

D Privacy

• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law­fully be used in any way.

• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.

D Radio licenses

(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE

When your craft is equipped with a VHF FM transceiver, 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. This license in­cludes 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 near the transceiver or be 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.

A current copy of the applicable government rules and regu­lations is only required to be on hand for vessels in which a
radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you are not
required to have these on hand it is your responsibility to be
thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regulations.

NOTE: Even though the IC-M34 is capable of operation
on VHF marine channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83,
according to FCC regulations these simplex channels can­not be lawfully used by the general population in U.S.A.
waters.

2

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

2

■ Supplied accessories

■ Attachments

D Flexible antenna

Connect the supplied flexible an­tenna to the antenna connector.

CAUTION!

• NEVER carry the transceiver
by the antenna.

• Transmitting without an an­tenna may damage the trans­ceiver.

Battery packHandstrap

Belt clip

Battery charger
(with 2 screws)

Antenna

AC adapter
(Depending

on version)

D Handstrap

Pass the handstrap through
the loop on the side of the
transceiver as illustrated at
right. This facilitates carry­ing.

D Belt clip

Attach/detach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated
below.

To attach the belt clip To detach the belt clip

w

Be careful!

Not to break
your nails.

q

3

2

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

2

ï Battery pack

To remove the battery pack:

Turn the screw counterclockwise one quarter turn, then pull
the battery pack in the direction of the arrow as shown below.

To attach the battery pack:

Insert the battery pack in the IC-M34 completely, then turn the
screw clockwise one quarter turn.

NEVER remove or insert the battery pack when the trans­ceiver is wet or soiled. This may result water or dust get­ting into the transceiver/battery pack and may result in the
transceiver being damaged.

NOTE: When removing or attaching the battery pack, use
a coin or standard screwdriver to loosen or tighten the bot­tom screw.

CAUTION!:

When attaching or removing a battery pack, make sure the
rubber seal is set in the groove of the battery pack cor­rectly. If the seal is not neatly in the groove it may be dam­aged when attaching the battery pack.
If the seal is damaged, waterproofing is not guaranteed.

Screw position
when removing battery

Screw position
when attaching battery

Make sure the rubber seal (purple) is properly seated in the
groove and dust or other material does not adhere to it.

Battery pack

Battery pack

Rubber seal

Groove

Correct position

Incorrect position

NOTE:

When attaching a battery pack, make sure dust or other
material does not adhere to the rubber seal. If dust or other
material is on the seal when attaching a battery pack, water
resistance may be compromised.

4

PANEL DESCRIPTION

3

■ Front, top and side panels

q POWER SWITCH [PWR]

Push and hold to turn power ON and OFF.

w SPEAKER-MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [SP MIC] (p. 25)

Connects the optional external speaker-microphone.

NOTE: Attach the [SP MIC] cap when the optional
speaker-microphone is not used. Otherwise, water will
get into the transceiver.

e ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 2)

Connects the supplied antenna.

r CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL KEY [CH/WX•U/I/C]

➥ Toggles between the regular channel and weather chan-

nel when pushed. (p. 9)

➥ Selects the U.S.A., International or Canadian channel

group when pushed and held for 1 sec. (p. 9)

➥ Push to return to the previous channel before selecting

channel 16 or the call channel.

q Attach the

[SP MIC]

cap.

w Then rotate it clockwise

completely.

w

q

Microphone

Function display
(pgs. 6, 7)

Speaker

o

!2

!1

!0

i

t
y
u

r

w

q

e

5

3

PANEL DESCRIPTION

3

t FAVORITE/TAG KEY [FAV•TAG]

➥ While pushing and holding this key, push [Y]/[Z] to se-

lect the favorite (TAG) channels with ignoring untagged
channels in the selected channel group in sequence.
(p. 8)

• Pushing this key only advances the displayed TAG channel.

➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to set or clear the displayed

channel as a TAG (scanned) channel. (p. 15)

➥ While pushing and holding this key, turn power ON to

clear or set all TAG channels (when no TAG channel has
been set) in the selected channel group. (p. 15)

y SQUELCH/MONITOR KEY [SQL•MONI]

➥ Push this key, then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z].

(p. 12)

➥ Manually opens the squelch for monitoring the channel

while pushing and holding. (p. 13)

➥ While pushing and holding this key, turn power ON to

enter the set mode. (p. 17)

u TRANSMIT POWER/LOCK KEY [H/L•LOCK]

➥ Selects high or low power when pushed. (p. 10)
➥ Toggles between the key lock function ON/OFF when

pushed and held for 1 sec. (p. 12)

i CHANNEL UP/DOWN KEYS [YY]/[ZZ]

➥ Selects an operating channel. (pgs. 8, 9)
➥ Selects the set mode setting of the item. (p. 17)
➥ Checks TAG channels or changes scanning direction

during scan. (p. 15)

o SCAN/DUAL KEY [SCAN•DUAL]

➥ Push to start or stop normal or priority scan. (p. 15)
➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to enter watch mode. (p. 16)
➥ Push and hold this key and [H/L], to activate the

AquaQuake function. (p. 13)

➥ Exits watch mode when pushed during watch operation.

(p. 16)

!0 VOLUME KEY [VOL•MUTE]

➥ Push this key, then adjust the volume level with [Y]/[Z].

(p. 11)

➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to activate the volume mute

function. (p. 11)

!1 CHANNEL 16 KEY [16•9]

➥ Push to select Channel 16. (p. 8)
➥ Push and hold for 1 sec. to select the call channel. (p. 8)
➥ Enters call channel programming condition when the call

channel is selected and this key is pushed and held for 3
sec. (p. 11)

➥ Push to exit set mode during set mode operation. (p. 17)

!2 PTT SWITCH [PTT]

Push and hold to transmit; release to receive. (p. 10)