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 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 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 ex-
posure 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.
• 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 en-
ergy 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 man-
ufacturer 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 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 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 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.
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 ves-
sel.
4. “LOCATED AT .....................” (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 saltwater, and dry it before opera-
tion. Otherwise, the transceiver's keys, switches and con-
trollers 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 dam-
aged, 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 environ-
ment, 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 acces-
sories are attached.
• When third-party battery pack, strap, an-
tenna, etc. is used, it may sink.
• The battery contacts may be prone to rust-
ing 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) ×11⁄4(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 op-
eration. The independent volume and channel buttons are
located on the front panel for convenient one-hand opera-
tion.
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 verti-
cal.
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 water-
proof 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 Incor-
porated (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
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-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 can-
not be lawfully used by the general population in U.S.A.
waters.

2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
2
■Supplied accessories
■Attachments
DFlexible antenna
Connect the supplied flexible an-
tenna to the antenna connector.
CAUTION!
•NEVER carry the transceiver
by the antenna.
•Transmitting without an an-
tenna may damage the trans-
ceiver.
Battery packHandstrap
Belt clip
Battery charger
(with 2 screws)
Antenna
AC adapter
(Depending
on version)
DHandstrap
Pass the handstrap through
the loop on the side of the
transceiver as illustrated at
right. This facilitates carry-
ing.
DBelt clip
Attach/detach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated
below.
To attach the belt clip To detach the belt clip
wBe careful!
Not to break
your nails.
q

3
2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
2
ïBattery 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 trans-
ceiver is wet or soiled. This may result water or dust get-
ting 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 bot-
tom screw.
CAUTION!:
When attaching or removing a battery pack, make sure the
rubber seal is set in the groove of the battery pack cor-
rectly. If the seal is not neatly in the groove it may be dam-
aged 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
qPOWER SWITCH [PWR]
Push and hold to turn power ON and OFF.
wSPEAKER-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.
eANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 2)
Connects the supplied antenna.
rCHANNEL/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.
qAttach the [SP MIC] cap.
wThen rotate it clockwise
completely.
w
q
Microphone Function display
(pgs. 6, 7)
Speaker
o
!2
!1
!0
i
t
y
u
r
w
qe

5
3
PANEL DESCRIPTION
3
tFAVORITE/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)
ySQUELCH/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)
uTRANSMIT 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)
iCHANNEL 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)
oSCAN/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)

6
3PANEL DESCRIPTION
■Function display
qTRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 10)
Appears while transmitting.
wBUSY INDICATOR
➥Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch
opens. (p. 10)
➥Blinks while monitoring. (p. 13)
eTAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 15)
Appears when a TAG channel is selected.
rCALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 8)
Appears when the call channel is selected.
tLOCK INDICATOR (p. 12)
Appears while the lock function is activated.
yBATTERY INDICATOR
Indicates remaining battery power.
uSCAN INDICATOR (p. 15)
Blinks while scanning.
iDUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS (p. 16)
“DUAL”appears during dualwatch; “TRI”appears during
tri-watch.
oDUPLEX INDICATOR
Appears when a duplex channel is selected.
!0 SUB CHANNEL READOUT
➥Indicates Channel 16 during priority scan, dualwatch or
tri-watch. (p. 16)
➥Indicates the set mode item while in set mode. (p. 17)
➥Indicates the squelch level while squelch setting. (p. 12)
➥Indicates the volume level while volume setting. (p. 11)
Indication
Full Middle Charging
required No battery
Battery level
blinks when the battery is exhausted.
blinks when the battery is over charged.
!5 !3!4
i
u
o
!2
!1
!0
!8
!6
qer ytw
!7

7
3
PANEL DESCRIPTION
3
!1 SQUELCH LEVEL INDICATOR
Shows the squelch level.
!2 VOLUME LEVEL INDICATOR
➥Shows the volume level.
➥Blinks when the volume mute is activated. (p. 11)
!3 VOLUME LEVEL ADJUSTING INDICATOR (p. 11)
Blinks while adjusting the volume level.
!4 SQUELCH LEVEL ADJUSTING INDICATOR (p. 12)
Blinks while adjusting the squelch level.
!5 CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT
➥Indicates the selected operating channel number.
➥In set mode, indicates the selected condition.
!6 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 9)
“UU”appears when U.S.A.; “”appears when Interna-
tional; “CC”appears when Canadian channel group is se-
lected.
!7 WEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATORS
(p. 9)
➥“WX”appears when the weather channel group is se-
lected.
➥“WX ALT”appears while the weather alert function is ac-
tivated; blinks when the alert tone is received.
!8 LOW POWER INDICATOR (p. 10)
➥“LOW”appears when low power is selected.
➥“LOW”blinks when switching forced low power mode
because of a high temperature error or low voltage.

8
BASIC OPERATION
4
■Channel selection
IMPORTANT!: Prior to using the transceiver for the first
time, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimum
life and operation. To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn
the power OFF while charging.
DChannel 16
Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel. It used for es-
tablishing initial contact with a station and for emergency
communications. Channel 16 is monitored during both Dual-
watch and Tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor
Channel 16.
qPush [16] momentarily to select Channel 16.
wPush [CH/WX] to return to the channel used before Chan-
nel 16, or push [YY]/[ZZ]to select a channel.
Convenient!
While pushing and holding [FAV], push [Y]/[Z] to select the
favorite (TAG) channels with ignoring untagged channels in
the selected channel group in sequence.
•Pushing [FAV] only advances the displayed TAG channel.
•The favorite channels are selected using the TAG channel setting.
(p. 15)
DChannel 9 (Call channel)
Each regular channel group has separate leisure-use call
channels. The call channel is monitored during Tri-watch. The
call channels can be programmed (p. 11) and are used to
store your most often used channel in each channel group for
quick recall.
qPush and hold [9] (16) 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. 11)
wPush [CH/WX] to return to the channel used before call
channel, or push [YY]/[ZZ]to select a channel.
Push and hold
for 1 sec.
Push

9
4
BASIC OPERATION
4
DU.S.A., International and Canadian channels
The IC-M34 is pre-programmed with 59 U.S.A., 59 Interna-
tional and 63 Canadian channels. These channel groups may
be specified for the operating area.
qPush [CH/WX] to select a regular channel.
•If a weather channel appears, push [CH/WX] again.
wPush and hold [U/I/C] (CH/WX) for 1 sec. to change the
channel group. Repeat to advance to the next group.
•U.S.A., International and Canadian channel groups can be se-
lected in sequence.
ePush [YY]/[ZZ]to select a channel.
•“DUP”appears for duplex channels.
DWeather channels
The IC-M34 has 10 pre-programmed weather channels.
These are used for monitoring broadcasts from the NOAA
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).
The transceiver can automatically detect a weather alert tone
on the selected weather channel while receiving another
channel or while scanning. (p. 18)
qPush [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 turned ON.
(p. 18)
wPush [YY]/[ZZ]to select a weather channel.
Push once or twice.
Weather alert is OFF. Weather alert is ON.
Push and hold
U.S.A. channels
International channels Canadian channels
for 1 sec.

10
4BASIC OPERATION
■Receiving and transmitting
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna will damage
the transceiver.
qPush and hold [PWR] to turn power ON.
wSet the audio and squelch levels.
➥Push [SQL], and push [ZZ]several times to open the squelch.
➥Push [VOL], then push [YY]/[ZZ]to adjust the volume level.
➥Push [SQL], and push [YY]until the noise disappears.
ePush [YY]/[ZZ]to select the desired channel.
•When receiving a signal, “”appears and audio is emitted
from the speaker.
•Further adjustment of the audio may be necessary at this point.
rPush [H/L] to select the output power if necessary.
•“LOW”appears when low power is selected; no indication when
high power is selected.
•Choose low power to conserve battery power, choose high
power for longer distance communications.
•Some channels are for low power only.
tPush and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the
microphone.
•“”appears.
•Channel 70 cannot be used for transmission.
yRelease [PTT] to receive.
IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your trans-
mitted 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: The transceiver has a power save function to con-
serve the battery power. The power save function activates
automatically when no signal is received for 5 sec.
For U.S.A version: To prevent accidental prolonged trans-
mission, etc., the IC-M34 has a time-out timer function.
This timer cuts a transmission OFF after 5 min. of continu-
ous transmission.
Microphone
rSet output
power
qPower ON
wSet the
squelch level
wSet volume
tPush to
transmit
yRelease to
receive
eSet channel
Set the squelch
and volume level.
w

11
4
BASIC OPERATION
4
■Call channel programming
Call channel is used to access Channel 9 (default), however,
you can program the call channel with your most often-used
channels in each channel group for quick recall.
qPush and hold [U/I/C] (CH/WX) for 1 sec. several times to
select the desired channel group (U.S.A., International or
Canada) to be programmed. (p. 9)
wPush and hold [9] (16) for 1 sec. to select the call channel
of the selected channel group.
•“CALL”and call channel number appear.
ePush and hold [9] (16) again for 3
sec. (until a long beep changes to
2 short beeps) to begin call chan-
nel programming.
•Channel number starts blinking.
rPush [YY]/[ZZ]to select the desired
channel.
tPush [16] to program the dis-
played channel as the call chan-
nel.
•The channel number stops blinking.
■Adjusting the volume level
The volume level can be adjusted with [VOL] and [YY]/[ZZ].
qPush [VOL], then adjust the volume level with [YY]/[ZZ].
•“VOL”indicator starts blinking.
•There are 31 volume levels and OFF.
•When no key is pushed for 5 sec., the transceiver returns to nor-
mal condition.
wPush [VOL] again to return to normal condition.
■Volume mute function
The volume mute function can be activated temporarily with
[MUTE] (VOL).
qPush and hold [MUTE] (VOL) for 1 sec to activate the vol-
ume mute function.
•The audio is muted.
•The volume level indicator starts blinking.
wPush [VOL] again or turn power OFF to turn the volume
mute function OFF.
Indicates the
volume level.
Blinks during volume level adjustment.

12
4BASIC OPERATION
■Adjusting the squelch level
To adjust the IC-M34’s squelch level, use the [YY]/[ZZ]keys as
described below. In order to receive signals properly, as well
as for the scan to function effectively, the squelch must be ad-
justed to the proper level.
qPush [SQL], then adjust the squelch level with [YY]/[ZZ].
•“SQL”indicator starts blinking.
•There are 11 squelch levels to choose from: OP is completely
open; 10 is tight squelch; 1 is loose squelch.
•If no key is pushed for 5 sec., the transceiver returns to normal
operation.
wPush [SQL] again to return to normal condition.
■Lock function
This function electronically locks all keys (except for [PTT],
[SQL•MONI], [VOL•MUTE], [H/L•LOCK] and [YY]/[ZZ]*) to
prevent accidental channel changes and function access.
* After pushing [VOL•MUTE] or [SQL•MONI] only.
➥Push and hold [LOCK] (H/L) for 1 sec. to turn the lock
function ON and OFF.
■Automatic backlighting
This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The auto-
matic backlighting can be activated in set mode. (p. 19)
➥Push any key except for [PTT] to turn the backlighting ON.
•The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of in-
activity.
Push and hold
for 1 sec.
Appears while the lock
function is used.
Blinks during squelch
level adjustment.
Indicates the
squelch level.

13
4
BASIC OPERATION
4
■Monitor function
The monitor function opens the squelch. See p. 5 for details
of the monitor key action.
➥The monitor function activates while pushing and holding
[MONI] (SQL).
•“ ”blinks and audio is emitted.
■ AquaQuake water draining function
The IC-M34 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 IC-M34
emits a vibrating beep when this function is being used.
➥Push and hold both [SCAN] and [H/L].
•A low beep tone sounds for 9 sec. to drain water, regardless of
volume level setting.
•The transceiver does not perform key operations while the
AquaQuake function is activated. The AquaQuake function can not
be activated when an optional speaker-microphone is connected.
Push and hold
Blinks while the monitor function is used.

14
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 functions are
available for standby convenience. These functions can be
activated simultaneously, depending on the setting in set
mode. (pgs. 18, 19)
Set the TAG channels (scanned channels) before scanning.
Clear any TAG channels which inconveniently stop scanning,
such as digital communications.
Choose priority or normal scan in set mode. (p. 18)
PRIORITY SCAN
Priority scan searches through all TAG channels in se-
quence while monitoring Channel 16. When a signal is de-
tected on Channel 16, scan pauses until the signal disap-
pears; when a signal is detected on a channel other than
Channel 16, scan becomes dualwatch until the signal dis-
appears.
WX*
CH 01
CH 16
CH 02
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03
Previously selected weather channel
when weather alert function is ON.
*
NORMAL SCAN
Normal scan, like priority scan, searches through all TAG
channels in sequence. However, unlike priority scan, Chan-
nel 16 is not checked unless Channel 16 is set as a TAG
channel.
CH 01 CH 02
WX*
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03
Previously selected weather channel
when weather alert function is ON.
*