Icom IC-M2A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM2A
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is sub-
ject 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.

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 dur-
ing the course of employment by individuals aware of the haz-
ards, and the ways to minimize such hazards. This radio is
NOT intended for use by the “General Population” in an un-
controlled environment.
This radio has been tested and complies with the FCC RF exposure limits for
“Occupational Use Only”. In addition, your Icom radio complies with the follow-
ing 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 Electro-
magnetic Fields.
•American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for
Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Elec-
tromagnetic 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.
To ensure that your expose to RF electromagnetic en-
ergy is within the FCC allowable limits for occupational
use, always adhere to the following guidelines:
• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna at-
tached, as this may damaged the radio and may also cause
you to exceed FCC RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is the antenna sup-
plied with this radio by the manufacturer or antenna specifically authorized by
the manufacturer for use with this radio.
CAUTION
WARNING
• 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 expo-
sure 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 use Icom authorized accessories (antennas, batteries, belt clips,
etc.). Use of unauthorized accessories can cause the FCC RF exposure
compliance requirements to be exceeded.
• 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 25 when attaching the radio to your belt, etc., to ensure FCC RF ex-
posure compliance requirements are not exceeded. To provide the recipi-
ents 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.
i

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 ves-
sel.
4. “LOCATEDAT .....................” (your position)
5. The nature of the distress and assistance re-
quired.
6. Any other information which might facilitate
the rescue.
RECOMMENDATION
CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH
WATER after exposure to salt water.
Otherwise, the transceiver’s keys, switches and controllers
may become inoperable due to salt crystallization.

iii
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M2A VHF
MARINE TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with Icom’s su-
perior technology and craftsmanship. With proper care this
product 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-M2A.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
FEATURES
☞Waterproof construction
Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environ-
ment, the IC-M2A meets JIS waterproof specification
grade 7 while using BP-223 or BP-224.
☞Dual watch and tri-watch functions
Convenient functions which allow you to monitor the dis-
tress channel (Ch 16) while receiving a channel of your
choice—dual watch; or monitor the distress channel and
another channel while receiving a channel of your
choice—tri-watch.
☞Large, easy-to-read LCD
With dimensions of 24(H) ×35(W) mm, the IC-M2A’s func-
tion display is easy to read and shows operating condi-
tions at a glance. Backlighting and contrast can be
adjusted to suit your preferences.
☞Simple operation
Ergonomic design with a minimum number of switches
and controls provides simple intuitive operation.
WORD DEFINITION
RWARNING Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.
CAUTION Equipment damage may occur.
NOTE If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk
of personal injury, fire or electric shock.

CAUTIONS
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 verti-
cal.
NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source other
than the BP-223 or BP-224. 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 meter (3.0 ft) away from
your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
iv
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver’s right-side panel will
become hot when operating continuously for long periods.
BE CAREFUL! The IC-M2A employs waterproof con-
struction, which corresponds to JIS waterproof specification,
grade 7 (1 m; 3 ft depth for 30 min.). However, once the trans-
ceiver has been dropped, waterproofing cannot be guaran-
teed 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.
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 are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated
(Japan) in the United States, 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
CAUTIONS ......................................................................... iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................... v
1 OPERATING RULES ...................................................... 1
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ............................................... 2–5
■Front, top and side panels............................................ 2
■Function display .......................................................... 4
3 BASIC OPERATION ................................................... 6–9
■Channel selection ........................................................ 6
■Lock function ............................................................... 7
■Adjusting the squelch level .......................................... 7
■Receiving and transmitting .......................................... 8
■Call channel programming .......................................... 9
■Automatic backlighting ................................................ 9
4 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH .......................................... 10
■Description ................................................................ 10
TABLE OF CONTENTS
■Operation ................................................................... 10
5 SCAN OPERATION ................................................ 11–12
■Scan types ................................................................. 11
■Setting tag channels .................................................. 12
■Starting a scan .......................................................... 12
6 SET MODE ............................................................. 13–16
■SET mode programming ........................................... 13
■SET mode items ........................................................ 13
7 BATTERY CHARGING ........................................... 17–19
■Battery charging ........................................................ 17
■Battery cautions ......................................................... 17
■Installing batteries in the battery case ....................... 18
■Optional battery chargers .......................................... 19
8 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS 20–22
9 TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................. 23
10 CHANNEL LIST ........................................................... 24
11 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS .............................25
■Specifications ........................................................... 25
■Options ..................................................................... 25

1
1
OPERATING RULES
DPriorities
• 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.
DPrivacy
• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law-
fully be used in any way.
• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
DRadio 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 in-
cludes 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 regu-
lations 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-M2A is capable of operation
on VHF marine channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83,
according to FCC regulations these simplex channels can-
not be lawfully used by the general public in USA waters.

2
2PANEL DESCRIPTION
qCHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL SWITCH
[CH/WX•U/I/C]
• Selects and toggles the regular channels and
weather channel when pushed. (pgs. 6, 7)
• Selects one of 3 regular channels in se-
quence when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 6)
- International, U.S.A. and Canadian channels
are available.
wCHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z]
• Select an operating channel.
• Selects the SET mode condition of the item.
(p. 13)
• Set the squelch level in the squelch set mode.
(p. 7)
eCHANNEL 16 SWITCH [16•9]
• Selects Channel 16 when pushed. (p. 6)
• Selects the call channel when pushed for
1 sec.
• Enters call Channel write mode when the call
channel is selected and this switch is pushed
for 3 sec. (p. 9)
rSCAN/TAG SWITCH [SCN•TAG] (p. 12)
• Starts and stops normal or priority scan.
• Sets and clears the displayed channel as a
tag (scanned) channel when pushed for
1 sec.
tTRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH
[H/L•LOCK]
• Selects high, middle or low power when
pushed. (p. 8)
• Toggles the lock function ON/OFF when
pushed for 1 sec. (p. 7)
yDUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SWITCH
[DW•TRI] (p. 10)
• Starts dualwatch when pushed momentarily.
• Starts tri-watch when pushed for 1 sec.
• Stops dualwatch/tri-watch when either is acti-
vated.
uSQUELCH SWITCH [SQL•MONI] (p. 7)
• Push this switch, then set the squelch level
with [Y]/[Z].
• Manually opens the squelch for channel mon-
itoring when pushed for 1 sec.
iANTENNA (p. 20)
Connects the supplied antenna.
oVOLUME CONTROL [OFF/VOL]
Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level.
!0 PTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.
w
q
!0
o
er
t
y
u
i
■Front, top and side panels

3
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
CAUTION!:
When attaching or releasing a battery pack, make sure the
rubber seal is set in the groove of the battery pack/case
correctly. If the seal is not neatly in the groove it may be
damaged when attaching the battery pack/case.
If the seal is damaged, waterproofing is not guaranteed.
OPEN
LOCK
Screw position
when removing battery
OPEN
LOCK
Screw position
when attaching battery
Make sure the rubber seal (purple) is set to the groove correctly.
Battery pack/case Battery pack/case
Rubber seal
Groove
Correct position Incorrect position
ïBATTERY CASE RELEASE SCREW
To remove the battery case:
Turn the screw counterclockwise, then pull the battery pack
in the direction of the arrow as shown below.
To attach the battery case:
Insert the battery case in the IC-M2A completely, then turn
the screw clockwise.
NOTE: When removing or attaching the battery case, use a
coin or flat-head screwdriver to loosen or tighten the
bottom screw.

4
2PANEL DESCRIPTION
■Function display
qTRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 8)
Appears while transmitting.
wBUSY INDICATOR (p. 8)
Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch
opens.
eTAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 12)
Appears when a tag channel is selected.
rSCAN INDICATOR (p. 12)
Blinks while scanning.
tCALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 6)
Appears when the call channel is selected.
yLOCK INDICATOR (p. 7)
Appears while the lock function is activated.
uWEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATORS
• “WX” appears when the weather channel group is se-
lected. (p. 7)
• “ALT” appears while the weather alert function is acti-
vated; blinks when on alert tone is received.
iDUPLEX INDICATOR
Appears when a duplex channel is selected.
q w e r
y
t
u
o
!0
!1
!2!3
!5
i
!4
!6