Icom IC-M504A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM504A
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

i
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M504A
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.
We appreciate you making the IC-M504A your radio of
choice, and hope you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “tech-
nology first.” Many hours of research and development went
into the design of your IC-M504A.
DFEATURES
MSimple operation with large keys
MEasy to hear speaker
MBuilt-in DSC meets ITU Class D requirement
MRugged waterproof construction
M
Optional COMMANDMICII™ (HM-157) and
COMMANDMICIII™ (HM-162) are available
MEasy to make individual DSC calls using Icom's
MA-500TR Class B AIS Transponder
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-M504A.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
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.
CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER AND MICROPHONE
THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH WATER after exposure to
water including salt, otherwise, the keys and switch may
become inoperable due to salt crystallization.

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.
EXAMPLE
WARNING
STICKER
USING CHANNEL 16
DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.”
2. “THIS IS ...............” (name of vessel).
3. Say your call sign or other description of the vessel (AND
9 digit DSC ID if you have one).
4. “LOCATED AT ...............” (your position).
5. State the nature of the distress and assistance required.
6. Give any other information which might facilitate the res-
cue.
USING DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (Ch 70)
DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. While lifting up the key cover, hold down [DISTRESS]
for 5 seconds until you hear 5 short beeps and then one
long beep.
2. Wait for an acknowledgment on Channel 70 from a coast
station.
s!FTERTHEACKNOWLEDGEMENTISRECEIVED#HANNELISAUTO-
matically selected.
3. Hold down [PTT], then transmit the appropriate informa-
tion as listed above.
ii

iii
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING
WARNING
Icom requires the radio operator to meet the
FCC Requirements for Radio Frequency Expo-
sure. An omnidirectional antenna with gain not
greater than 9 dBi must be mounted a mini-
mum 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 com-
pliance 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 verti-
cally 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 al-
lowable MPE level set by FCC.
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 EXPO-
SURE 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) RA-
DIUS 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 MAXI-
MUM GAIN OF 9dBi ARE USED FOR A SHIP MOUNTED
SYSTEM.

iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
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 ...........................................................2–5
NFront panel ...............................................................................2
NFunction display .......................................................................4
NSpeaker Microphone................................................................5
3 BASIC OPERATION ............................................................. 6–11
NChannel selection.....................................................................6
NReceiving and transmitting.......................................................8
NCall channel programming .......................................................9
NChannel comments ..................................................................9
NMicrophone Lock function ......................................................10
NDisplay backlight ....................................................................10
NOptional voice scrambler operation........................................11
4 SCAN OPERATION ............................................................12–13
NScan types.............................................................................12
NSetting TAG channels ............................................................13
NStarting a scan.......................................................................13
5 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH .......................................................14
NDescription.............................................................................14
NOperation...............................................................................14
6 DSC OPERATION...............................................................15–47
NMMSI code programming ......................................................15
NDSC address ID.....................................................................16
NPosition and time programming .............................................18
NPosition and time indication ...................................................19
NGPS information display ........................................................19
NDistress call ...........................................................................20
NTransmitting DSC calls...........................................................23
NReceiving DSC calls ..............................................................35
NReceived messages ..............................................................43
NDSC Set up menu..................................................................44
7 OTHER FUNCTIONS .......................................................... 48–52
NIntercom operation.................................................................48
NRX Speaker function..............................................................49
NHailer operation .....................................................................50
NAutomatic Foghorn function...................................................51
8 SET MODE..........................................................................53–55
NSet mode programming .........................................................53
NSet mode items......................................................................53
9 CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE..............................56–66
NConnections...........................................................................56
NAntenna .................................................................................58
NFuse replacement..................................................................58
NCleaning.................................................................................58
NSupplied accessories.............................................................58
NMounting the transceiver .......................................................59
NMB-75 installation ..................................................................60
NUT-112/UT-98 installation.......................................................61
NMicrophone installation..........................................................62
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................67
11 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS.....................................68–69
NSpecifications.........................................................................68
NOptions ..................................................................................69
12 CHANNEL LIST ........................................................................70
13 TEMPLATE ...............................................................................71
14 FCC INFORMATION .................................................................73

v
PRECAUTIONS
RWARNING! NEVER
connect the transceiver to an AC
outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock.
RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to a
power source of more than 16 V DC or use reverse polarity.
This will ruin the transceiver.
RWARNING! NEVER cut the DC power cable between
the DC plug at the back of the transceiver and fuse holder. If
an incorrect connection is made after cutting, the transceiver
may be damaged.
CAUTION: NEVER
place the transceiver where normal
operation of the vessel may be hindered or where it could
cause bodily injury.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not
expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.
KEEP the transceiver and microphone at least 1 m (3.3 ft)
away from the vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
DO NOT use or place the transceiver in areas with tem-
peratures below –20°C (–4°F) or above +60°C (+140°F) or, in
areas subject to direct sunlight, such as the dashboard.
DO NOT use harsh solvents such as benzine or alcohol to
clean the transceiver, as they will damage the transceiver’s
surfaces. If the transceiver becomes dusty or dirty, wipe it
clean with a soft, dry cloth.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver rear panel will become
hot when operating continuously for long periods of time.
Place the transceiver in a secure place to avoid inadvertent
use by children.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver and the optional HM-
157 COMMANDMICII™/HM-162 COMMANDMICIII™meet IPX8
requirements for waterproof protection. However, once the
transceiver has been dropped, waterproof protection cannot
be guaranteed because of possible damage to the transceiv-
er’s case or the waterproof seal.
Icom, Icom Inc. and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incor-
porated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany,
France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.
COMMANDMIC is a registered trademark of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in
Japan and the United States.

1
1
OPERATING RULES
D Priorities
s2EADALLRULESANDREGULATIONSPERTAININGTOCALLPRIORITIES
and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress
calls take priority over all others.
s9OUMUSTMONITOR#HANNELWHENYOUARENOTOPERATING
on another channel.
s&ALSEORFRAUDULENTDISTRESSCALLSAREPROHIBITEDUNDERLAW
D Privacy
s)NFORMATIONOVERHEARDBUTNOTINTENDEDFORYOUCANNOTLAW-
fully be used in any way.
s)NDECENTORPROFANELANGUAGEISPROHIBITED
D Radio licenses
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
You may require a current radio station license before using
the transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is
not licensed, but required to be.
If required, contact your dealer or the appropriate govern-
ment 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.
If required, the Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
must be posted or kept with the operator. If required, 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 regula-
tions.
NOTE: Even though the IC-M504A 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 USA
waters.
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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12
13
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2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
NFront panel
Function display (p. 4)Speaker
q
e
r
t
y
w
uio!0!1
!2
!3
The microphone may be connected here, or the
microphone and its connection kit for the rear
panel are separately included, depending on the
transceiver version.
#for details.
qDISTRESS KEY [DISTRESS] (pp. 20, 22)
Hold down for 5 seconds to transmit a Distress call.
wDSC MENU KEY [MENU]
Push to toggle the DSC menu appear or disappear. (p. 15)
eCLEAR KEY [CLR]
(pp. 9, 55)
Push to cancel the entered function, exit Set mode.
r(!),2830%!+%2+%9;(!),s28 ]
±Push to turn the hailer mode ON or OFF. (p. 50)
±Hold down for 1 second to turn the RX Speaker mode
ON or OFF. (p. 49)
±While holding down [H/L], push to turn the Automatic
Foghorn function ON. (p. 51)
t!44%.5!4/2).4%2#/-+%9;,/$8s)#s3#2-=
±Push to turn the Attenuator function ON or OFF. (p. 8)
shLOC” appears when the Attenuator function is turned ON.
±Hold down for 1 second to activate an optional Inter-
com function. (p. 48)
±Hold down to call the optional Command microphone
while in Intercom mode. (p. 48)
±While holding down [H/L], push to turn the Voice
Scrambler function ON or OFF. (p. 11)
y#(!..%,#!,,#(!..%,+%9;s=
±Push to select Channel 16. (p. 6)
±
Hold down for 1 second to select Call channel. (p. 6)
shCALL” appears when Call channel is selected.
±
Hold down for 3 seconds to enter Call channel program-
ming mode when Call channel is selected. (p. 9)
±While holding down [H/L], push to enter the channel
comment programming mode. (p. 9)
±Push to move the cursor forward while in the channel
comment programming mode. (p. 9)
±While turning power ON, push to enter Set mode.
(p. 53)

3
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
u#(!..%,3%,%#4/2;$)!,s%.4%2=
±Rotate to select the operating channels, Set mode set-
tings, etc. (pp. 6–8, 53)
±While holding down [H/L], rotate to adjust the bright-
ness of the LCD and key backlight. (p. 10)
±Push to enter the input channel comment, selected
item, etc. (pp. 9, 53)
±Rotate to check TAG channels, changes scanning di-
rection or resumes the scan manually during scan.
(p. 13)
±While holding down ;(!),s28 ], rotate to adjust the
audio level in RX Speaker mode. (p. 49)
±Hold down for 1 second to display the GPS information
when a GPS receiver is connected. (p. 19)
iCHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL KEY
;#(78s$5!,s5)#=
±Selects and toggles the regular channel and Weather
channel when pushed momentarily. (p. 7)
±Hold down for 1 second to start Dualwatch or Tri-watch.
(p. 14)
±Push to stop Dualwatch or Tri-watch when either is ac-
tivated. (p. 14)
±Push to move the cursor backward while in the channel
comment programming mode. (p. 9)
±While holding down [H/L], push to select one of three
channel groups in sequence. (p. 7)
s53!)NTERNATIONALAND#ANADIANCHANNELSAREAVAILABLE
oSQUELCH CONTROL [SQL]
Rotate to set the squelch threshold level. (p. 8)
!03#!.4!'+%9;3#!.s4!'= (p. 13)
±Push to start and stop Normal or Priority scan.
±Hold down for 1 second to set or clear the displayed
channel as a TAG (scanned) channel.
±While holding down [H/L], hold down for 3 seconds to
clear or set all TAG channels in the selected channel
group.
!1 VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] (p. 8)
Rotate to adjust the audio level.
!2 TRANSMIT POWER KEY [H/L]
±Push to toggle the power high or low. (p. 8)
s3OMECHANNELSARESETTOLOWPOWERONLY
±While pushing this key, some keys perform secondary
functions.
!3 POWER KEY [POWER] (p. 8)
±Push to turn power ON.
±Hold down for 1 second to turn power OFF.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

4
2PANEL DESCRIPTION
NFunction display
BUSY 25W INT CALL
LOC RX DUP
SCRAM TAG
NORMAL SCAN
-34°34.506N
123°23.236W
Local 1:10 CALLING
o
i
qwert y
!7
!6
!5
!4
!1
u
!3
!2
!0
qRX SPEAKER ICON (p. 49)
Appears during the RX Speaker mode.
wPOWER ICON (p. 8)
±“25W” appears when high power is selected.
±“1W” appears when low power is selected.
eTAG CHANNEL ICON (p. 13)
Appears when a TAG channel is selected.
rDUPLEX ICON (p. 7)
Appears when a duplex channel is selected.
tCHANNEL GROUP ICON (p. 7)
Indicates whether an U.S.A. “USA,” International “INT,”
Canadian “CAN” or weather “WX” channel is in use.
yCALL CHANNEL ICON (pp. 6, 9)
Appears when the call channel is selected.
uLOW BATTERY ICON
Blinks when the battery voltage drops to approximately
10 V DC or below.
iMAIL ICON (pp. 35, 43)
Blinks when there is an unread message.
oAUTO SW ICON (pp. 46, 47)
Blinks when both the Auto Switch function and Auto Tune
timer are turned OFF.
!0 CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT
Indicates the selected operating channel number.
!1 CHANNEL COMMENT INDICATOR
Channel comment appears if programmed. (p. 9)
s)NTHE(AILERMODEhWAIT” appears while holding down [PTT]
of the optional Command microphone.
!2 TIME ZONE INDICATOR
±Shows the current time data when a GPS receiver is
connected, or the time data is manually programmed.
s7HENTHE'03CURRENTTIMEDATAISINVALIDh??” may blink
every 2 seconds instead of current time data. After 23.5
hours have passed, “No Time” will appear.
sh??” may blink every 2 seconds instead of current time data,
after 4 hours have passed from the time when the time data
was manually programmed. The manually programmed time
data is held for only 23.5 hours, and after that, “No Time”
will appear.
±
“Local” appears when the offset time data is set. (p. 44)
±“No Time” appears when no GPS receiver is con-
nected and no time data is manually input.

5
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
!3 POSITION INDICATOR
±Shows the current position data when a GPS receiver is
connected, or the time data is manually programmed.
s7HENTHE'03POSITIONDATAISINVALIDh??” may blink every
2 seconds instead of position data. The last position data is
held for only 23.5 hours, and after that, “No Position”
will appear.
s
“??” may blink every 2 seconds instead of position data, after
4 hours have passed from the time when the position data is
manually programmed. The manually programmed position
data is held for only 23.5 hours, and after that, “No Posi-
tion” will appear.
±“No Position” appears when no GPS receiver is
connected and no position data is input manually.
!4 SCAN INDICATOR
±“PRI-SCAN 16” appears during Priority scan;
“NORMAL SCAN” appears during Normal scan. (p. 13)
±“DUAL 16” appears during Dualwatch; “TRI 16” ap-
pears during Tri-watch. (p. 14)
!5 SCRAMBLER ICON (p. 11)
Appears when the voice scrambler function is turned ON.
(only when the optional scrambler unit is installed.)
!6 LOCAL ICON (p. 8)
Appears when the Attenuator function is turned ON.
!7 BUSY/TRANSMIT ICON (p. 8)
±“BUSY” appears when receiving a signal or when the
squelch opens.
±“TX” appears while transmitting.
NSpeaker Microphone
Microphone
Speaker
w
q
e
qPTT SWITCH [PTT]
Hold down to transmit; release to receive. (p. 8)
wCHANNEL UP/DOWN KEYS [Y]/[Z]
±Push either key to change the operating channel, Set
mode settings, etc. (pp. 6, 7, 53)
±Checks TAG channels, changes scanning direction or
manually resumes a scan. (p. 13)
eTRANSMIT POWER KEY [HI/LO]
±Push to toggle the power high and low. (p. 8)
s3OMECHANNELSARESETTOONLYLOWPOWER
±While holding down [HI/LO], turn ON the to turn the
Microphone Lock function ON or OFF. (p. 10)
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3
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7
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12
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16

6
BASIC OPERATION
3
NChannel selection
DChannel 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 Du-
alwatch and Tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor
Channel 16.
±Push ;s= momentarily to select Channel 16.
±Push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= to return to the screen before
you selected Channel 16, or rotate [DIAL] to select an op-
erating channel.
25W INT
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
Push
DChannel 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 and are used to store your
most often used channel in each channel group for quick re-
call. (p. 9)
±Hold down ;s= for 1 second to select the Call channel of
the selected channel group.
shCALL” and Call channel number appear.
s%ACHCHANNELGROUPMAYHAVEANINDEPENDENTCALLCHANNELAFTER
programming a Call channel. (p. 9)
±Push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= to return to the screen before
you selected Call channel, or rotate [DIAL] to select a chan-
nel.
25W INT CALL
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
Hold down
for 1 second

7
3
BASIC OPERATION
D
U.S.A., international and Canadian channels
The IC-M504A 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 ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= to select a regular channel.
s)FAWEATHERCHANNELAPPEARSPUSH;#(78s$5!,s5)#= again.
wWhile holding down [H/L], push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= to
change the channel group, if necessary.
s53!)NTERNATIONALAND#ANADIANCHANNELGROUPSCANBESE-
quentially selected.
eRotate [DIAL] to select a channel.
shDUP” appears for duplex channels.
s7HENASIMPLEXCHANNELISSELECTEDh!vAPPEARS
s0USHINGTHEKEYPADKEYS OR[Y]/[Z] on the microphone, also
selects a channel.
25W USA
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 PORT OPR
25W INT
DUP
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
25W CAN
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CCG
Push +
DWeather channels
The IC-M504A has 10 weather channels. These are used for
monitoring broadcasts from NOAA (National Oceanographic
and Atmospheric Administration.)
The transceiver can automatically detect a weather alert tone
on the selected weather channel while receiving on another
channel, during standby on a regular channel or while scan-
ning. (p. 54)
qPush ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= once or twice to select a
weather channel.
shWX” appears when a weather channel is selected.
shWX ALERT” appears when the Weather Alert function is in
turned ON. (p. 54)
wRotate [DIAL] to select a channel.
s0USHINGTHEKEYPADKEYS OR[Y]/[Z] on the microphone, also
selects a channel.
WX ALERT
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00163.275MHz
WX
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00163.275MHz
Push once or twice
When weather alert is OFF. When weather alert is ON.
1
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6
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16

8
3BASIC OPERATION
NReceiving and transmitting
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna will damage
the transceiver.
qPush [POWER] to turn ON the power.
wSet the audio and squelch levels.
±Rotate [SQL] fully counterclockwise first.
±Rotate [VOL] to adjust the audio output level.
±Rotate [SQL] clockwise until the noise disappears.
eWhile holding down [H/L], push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#=
one or more times to change the channel group. (p. 7)
rRotate [DIAL] to select a channel. (pp. 6, 7)
s0USHINGTHEKEYPADKEYS OR[Y]/[Z] on the microphone, also
selects a channel.
s7HENRECEIVINGASIGNALhBUSY” appears and audio is emitted
from the speaker.
s&URTHERADJUSTMENTOF[VOL] may be necessary.
tPush ;,/$8s)#s3#2-= to turn the receive Attenuator
function ON or OFF, if necessary.
shLOC” appears when the receive Attenuator function is ON.
yPush [H/L] to select the output power if necessary.
sh25W” or “1W” appears when high or low power is selected, re-
spectively.
s#HOOSELOWPOWERFORSHORTRANGECOMMUNICATIONSCHOOSEHIGH
power for longer distance communications.
s3OMECHANNELSAREFORLOWPOWERONLY
uHold down [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the micro-
phone at your normal voice level.
shTX” appears.
s#HANNELCANNOTBEUSEDFORTRANSMISSIONOTHERTHAN$3#
iRelease [PTT] to receive.
Simplex channels, 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 CANNOT
be lawfully used by the general public in U.S.A. waters.
IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your transmit-
ted signal, pause a few seconds after pushing [PTT], hold
the microphone 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) from your mouth
and speak at a normal voice level.
t
Microphone
qy
reww
iu
rey
NOTE for TOT (Time-out Timer) function
The TOT function inhibits continuous transmission over a pre-
set time period after the transmission starts.
10 seconds before the TOT function activates, a beep sounds
to indicate the transmission will be shut down and “TOT” ap-
pears on the channel comment indicator. Transmission is not
possible for 10 seconds after this transmission shut down.

9
3
BASIC OPERATION
NCall channel programming
The Call channel is used to select Channel 9 (default); how-
ever, you can program the Call channel with your most often-
used channels in each channel group for quick recall.
q
While holding down [H/L], push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= sev-
eral times to select the desired channel group (U.S.A., Inter-
national or Canada) to be programmed.
wHold down ;s= for 1 second to select the Call channel
of the selected channel group.
shCALL” and Call channel number appear.
eHold down ;s= again for
3 seconds (until a long beep
changes to 2 short beeps)
to enter the Call channel
programming mode.
s#HANNELNUMBERSTARTSBLINK-
ing.
rRotate [DIAL] to select the
desired channel.
tPush ;s= to program the
displayed channel as the
Call channel.
s0USH[CLR] to cancel.
s4HE CHANNEL NUMBER STOPS
blinking.
NChannel comments
Each channel can be labeled with a unique alphanumeric ID
of up to 10 characters.
Capital letters, small letters, 0 to 9, some symbols (- . /)
and space can be used.
qSelect the desired channel.
s#ANCEL$UALWATCH4RIWATCHOR3CANlRST
wWhile holding down [H/L],
push ;s= to edit the chan-
nel comment.
s!CURSORANDTHElRSTCHARACTER
start blinking alternately.
eRotate [DIAL] to select the
desired character.
s0USH;s= to move the cursor forward, or ;#(78s$5!,s5
I/C] to move it backward.
rRepeat step eto input all characters.
s0USH[CLR] to cancel and exit the mode.
tPush ;$)!,s%.4%2= to input and set the comment.
s4HECURSORANDTHECHARACTERSTOPBLINKING
yRepeat steps qto tto program other channel com-
ments, if desired.
25W INT CALL
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
25W INT CALL
DUP
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 INTL
25W INT
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00PLEASURE__
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

10
3BASIC OPERATION
NMicrophone Lock function
The Microphone Lock function electrically locks [Y]/[Z]and
[HI/LO] keys on the supplied microphone. This prevents ac-
cidental channel changes and function access.
±While holding down [HI/LO] on the microphone, turn ON
the power to turn the Microphone Lock function ON or
OFF.
[HI/LO]
[Y]/[Z]
NDisplay backlight
The function display and keys can be backlit for better visibil-
ity under low light conditions.
±While holding down [H/L], rotate [DIAL] to adjust the
brightness of the LCD and key backlight. Then, push
;$)!,s%.4%2=.
s4HEBACKLIGHTISADJUSTABLEINLEVELSAND/&&
25W INT
BACKLIGHT
7
<ENT˘OK> PLEASURE

11
3
BASIC OPERATION
NOptional voice scrambler operation
DActivating the scrambler
The optional voice scrambler provides private communications.
In order to receive or send scrambled transmissions you must
first activate the scrambler function.To activate the function, an
optional scrambler unit is necessary. See page 61 for setting
the scrambler unit. Ask your dealer for details.
The scrambler function automatically turns OFF when
Channel 16 or 70 is selected.
qRotate [DIAL] to select the desired channel other than
Channel 16 and 70.
wWhile holding down [H/L], push ;,/$8s)#s3#2-= to turn
ON the optional Voice Scrambler function.
shSCRAM” appears.
eTo turn OFF the function, repeat step w.
shSCRAM” disappears.
DProgramming scrambler codes
There are 32 codes (1 to 32) or 128 codes (0 to 127)* avail-
able for programming when an optional scrambler unit is in-
stalled. In order to understand one another, all transceivers in
your group must have the same scramble code. This function
may not be available depending on the dealer setting.
*Depends on the installed scrambler unit.
q Turn the power OFF, then while holding down ;s=, push
[POWER] to enter the Set mode.
wAfter the display appears, release ;s=.
eRotate [DIAL] to select the “Scrambler Code,” the
push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.
rRotate [DIAL] to select the desired scrambler code.
t
Push ;$)!,s%.4%2= to set and exit the scrambler code item.
yPush [CLR], or rotate [DIAL] to select “Exit,” then push
;$)!,s%.4%2= to exit Set mode.
--Set Mode--
Scrambler Code
˘5
4
3
2
1
<ENT OK>
--Set Mode--
Dual/Tri
Beep
Contrast
Foghorn Frequency
Radio Power
Scrambler Type
˘Scrambler Code
--Set Mode--
˘Scan Type
Scan Timer
WX Alert
Dual/Tri
Beep
Contrast
Foghorn Frequency
+
to enter Set mode.
Push
to select code.
Rotate
to select item.
Rotate Select
Select PushPush
[Example]: Programming scrambler code 5.
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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13
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12
SCAN OPERATION
4
NScan types
Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a
wide frequency range. The transceiver has Priority scan and
Normal scan.
When the Weather Alert function is turned ON, the previ-
ously selected (last used) weather channel is also checked
while scanning. (p. 54)
Set the TAG channels (scanned channel) before scanning.
Clear the TAG channels which inconveniently stop scanning,
such as those for digital communication use. (Refer to the
right page for details.)
Choose Priority or Normal scan in Set mode. (p. 53)
PRIORITY SCAN
Priority scan searches through all TAG channels in se-
quence while monitoring Channel 16. When a signal is
detected on Channel 16, scan pauses until the signal
disappears; when a signal is detected on a channel other
than Channel 16, scan becomes Dualwatch until the sig-
nal disappears.
NORMAL SCAN
Normal scan, like Priority scan, searches through all TAG
channels in sequence. However, unlike Priority scan,
Channel 16 is not checked unless Channel 16 is set as a
TAG channel.
CH 06
CH 01
CH 16
CH 02
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03
CH 01 CH 02
CH 06
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03

13
4
SCAN OPERATION
NSetting TAG channels
For more efficient scanning, add the desired channels as TAG
channels or clear the TAG for unwanted channels.
Channels that are not tagged will be skipped during scan-
ning. TAG channels can be assigned to each channel group
(U.S.A., International and Canada)) independently.
q
While holding down [H/L], push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= one or
more times to select the desired channel group.
wSelect the desired channel to be set as a TAG channel.
eHold down ;3#!.s4!'= for 1 second to set the displayed
channel as a TAG channel.
shTAG” appears on the display.
rTo cancel the TAG channel setting, repeat step e.
shTAG” disappears.
Clearing (or setting) all tagged channels
While holding down [H/L], hold down ;3#!.s4!'= for 3 sec-
onds (until a long beep changes to 2 short beeps) to clear all
TAG channels setting in the selected channel group.
s2EPEATABOVEPROCEDURETOSETALLCHANNELSAS4!'CHANNELS
NStarting a scan
Set scan type (Priority or Normal scan) and scan resume
timer first using Set mode. (p. 53)
qWhile holding down [H/L], push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= one
or more times to select the desired channel group, if de-
sired.
wSet TAG channels as described to the left.
eMake sure the squelch is closed to start a scan.
rPush ;3#!.s4!'= to start Priority or Normal scan.
shPRI-SCAN 16” appears during Priority scan; “NORMAL
SCAN” appears during Normal scan.
s7HENASIGNALISDETECTEDSCANPAUSESUNTILTHESIGNALDISAP-
pears or resumes after pausing 5 seconds depending on the
Set mode setting. (Channel 16 is still monitored during Priority
scan.)
s2OTATE[DIAL], or push [Y]/[Z] on the microphone, to check the
scanning TAG channels, to change the scanning direction or re-
sume the scan manually.
s!BEEPTONESOUNDSANDh16” blinks when a signal is received
on Channel 16 during Priority scan.
tTo stop the scan, push [CLR] or repeat step r.
Push
Scan starts. When a signal is received
25W INT
DUP
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 INTL
BUSY 25W INT
DUP
NORMAL SCAN
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 SAFETY
25W INT
DUP
TAG
NORMAL SCAN
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00
[Example]: Starting a normal scan.
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5
6
7
8
9
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16

14
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH
5
NDescription
Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving
on another channel; Tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the
Call channel while receiving another channel. Dualwatch/Tri-
watch is convenient for monitoring Channel 16 when you are
operating on another channel.
NOperation
qSelect Dualwatch or Tri-watch in Set mode. (p. 54)
wRotate [DIAL] to select the desired operating channel.
eHold down ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= for 1 second to start Du-
alwatch or Tri-watch.
shDUAL 16” appears during Dualwatch; “TRI 16” appears dur-
ing Tri-watch.
s!BEEPTONESOUNDSWHENASIGNALISRECEIVEDON#HANNEL
rTo cancel Dualwatch/Tri-watch, push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#=
again.
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION
Dualwatch Tri-watch
Call channel
Ch 88
Ch 16 Ch 88 Ch 16 Ch 88 Ch 9
s)FASIGNALISRECEIVEDON#HANNEL$UALWATCH4RIWATCH
pauses on Channel 16 until the signal disappears.
s)FA SIGNALIS RECEIVEDONTHE#ALLCHANNELDURING4RI
watch, Tri-watch becomes Dualwatch until the signal dis-
appears.
s4OTRANSMITONTHESELECTEDCHANNELDURING$UALWATCH4RI
watch, hold down [PTT].
[Example]: Operating Tri-watch on INT Channel 25
25W INT
DUP
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
BUSY 25W INT CALL
TAG
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
Tri-watch starts. Signal is received on
Call channel.
BUSY 25W INT
DUP
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
Signal received on Channel
16 takes priority.
25W INT
DUP
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
Tri-watch resumes after the
signal disappears.
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