Icom IC-M603 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM603
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

i
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom transceiver. The IC-
M603 vhf marine transceiver is designed and built with
Icom’s state of the art technology and craftsmanship. With
proper care, this transceiver should provide you with years
of trouble-free operation.
We want to take a couple of moments of your time to thank
you for making the IC-M603 your radio of choice, and hope
you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology first.” Many
hours of research and development went into the design of
your IC-M603.
DFEATURES
❍Built-in DSC meets ITU Class D requirement
❍Rugged waterproof construction
❍Large LCD with dot matrix characters
❍Front and rear panel microphone connection
❍Optional COMMANDMICIII™ (HM-162E) are
available and up to two COMMANDMICIII™s
can be connected
❍Easy 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-M603.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
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.
WORD DEFINITION
RWARNING! Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock may occur.
CAUTION Equipment damage may occur.
NOTE Recommended for optimum use. No risk
of personal injury, fire or electric shock.

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. Say your call sign or other indication 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
rescue.
Or, transmit your Distress call using digital selective calling
on Channel 70.
USING DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (Ch 70)
DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. While lifting up the key cover, push and hold [DISTRESS]
for 5 sec.
until you hear 5 short beeps change to one
long beep.
2. Wait for an acknowledgment on Channel 70 from a
coast station.
 •Aftertheacknowledgementisreceived,Channel16isauto-
matically selected.
3. Push and hold [PTT], then transmit the appropriate
information as listed above.
INSTALLATION NOTE
The installation of this equipment should be made in such a
manner as to respect the EC recommended electromagnetic
field exposure limits (1999/519/EC).
The maximum RF power available from this device is 25
watts. The antenna should be installed as high as possi-
ble for maximum efficiency and that this installation height
should be at least 5 meters above ground (or accessible)
level. In the case where an antenna cannot be installed at
a reasonable height, then the transmitter should neither be
continuously operated for long periods if any person is within
5 meters of the antenna, nor operated at all if any person is
touching the antenna.
In all cases any possible risk depends on the transmitter
being activated for long periods. (actual recommendation
limits are specified as an average of 6 minutes) Normally the
transmitter is not active for long periods of time. Some radio
licenses will require that a timer circuit automatically cuts the
transmitter after 1–2 minutes etc.
Similarly some types of transmitter, SSB, CW, AM, etc. have
a lower ‘average’ output power and the perceived risk is even
lower.

iii
DOC
CE versions of the IC-M603 which display the
“CE” symbol on the serial number label, com-
ply with the essential requirements of the Eu-
ropean Radio and Telecommunication Terminal
Directive 1999/5/EC.
This warning symbol indicates that this equip-
ment operates in non-harmonised frequency
bands and/or may be subject to licensing condi-
tions in the country of use. Be sure to check that
you have the correct version of this radio or the
correct programming of this radio, to comply with
national licensing requirement.
DECLARATION
OF CONFORMITY
We Icom Inc. Japan
1-1-32, Kamiminami, Hirano-ku
Osaka 547-0003, Japan
Kind of equipment:
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER
This compliances is based on conformity with the following harmonised
standards, specifications or documents:
i) EN 301 025-2 V1.2.1 (2004-09)
ii) EN 301 025-3 V1.2.1 (2004-09)
iii) EN 60945 2002
iv) EN 60950-1 2001
v) EN 300 698-2 V1.1.1 ( 2000-08)
vi) EN 300 698-3 V1.1.1 ( 2001-05)
Type-designation: iM603
Signature
Declare on our sole responsibility that this equipment complies with the
essential requirements of the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal
Equipment Directive, 1999/5/EC, and that any applicable Essential Test
Suite measurements have been performed.
Version (where applicable):
0560
Authorized representative name
Place and date of issue
1st Jul. 2006

iv
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
FOREWORD .................................................................................. i
IMPORTANT ................................................................................... i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................ i
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ........................................................... ii
INSTALLATION NOTE .................................................................... ii
DOC ............................................................................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................. iv
PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................. v
1 OPERATING RULES ............................................................... 1
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ........................................................ 2–6
■Panel description .................................................................. 2
■Function display .................................................................... 4
■Microphone ........................................................................... 6
3 BASIC OPERATION .......................................................... 7–12
■Channel selection ................................................................. 7
■Receiving and transmitting ................................................... 9
■Call channel programming .................................................. 10
■Microphone lock function .................................................... 10
■Display backlight ................................................................. 10
■Channel comments ............................................................. 11
■AquaQuake water draining function .................................... 11
■Optional Voice scrambler operation .................................... 12
4 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH .................................................... 13
■Description .......................................................................... 13
■Operation ............................................................................ 13
5 SCAN OPERATION ......................................................... 14–15
■Scan types .......................................................................... 14
■Setting TAG channels ......................................................... 15
■Starting a scan .................................................................... 15
6 DSC OPERATION ............................................................ 16–38
■MMSI code programming ................................................... 16
■DSC address ID .................................................................. 16
■Position and Time programming ......................................... 18
■Position and Time indication ............................................... 19
■GPS information indication ................................................. 19
■Distress call ........................................................................ 20
■Transmitting DSC calls ........................................................ 23
■Receiving DSC calls ........................................................... 32
■Received messages ........................................................... 36
■DSC Set mode .................................................................... 37
7 OTHER FUNCTIONS ....................................................... 39–42
■Intercom operation .............................................................. 39
■Hailer operation .................................................................. 40
■Automatic foghorn ............................................................... 41
■RX speaker function ........................................................... 42
8 SET MODE ....................................................................... 43–45
■Set mode programming ...................................................... 43
■Set mode items ................................................................... 43
9 CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ........................... 46–53
■Connections ........................................................................ 46
■Antenna .............................................................................. 47
■Fuse replacement ............................................................... 47
■Supplied accessories .......................................................... 47
■Microphone hanger ............................................................. 47
■Mounting the transceiver .................................................... 48
■MB-75 installation ............................................................... 49
■UT-112/UT-98 installation .................................................... 50
■HM-162E installation ........................................................... 51
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................ 53
11 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS .................................. 54–55
■Specifications....................................................................... 54
■Options ................................................................................ 55
12 CHANNEL LIST ............................................................... 56–57
TABLE OF CONTENTS

v
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 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.
KEEP the transceiver and microphone at least 1 m away
from the vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
DO NOT use or place the transceiver in areas with tem-
peratures below –20°C or above +60°C or, in areas subject
to direct sunlight, such as the dashboard.
DO NOT use chemical agents such as benzine or alcohol
when cleaning, as they may damage the transceiver sur-
faces. 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.
Place the transceiver in a secure place to avoid inadvertent
use by children.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver and the optional HM-
162E* commandmiciii™employ waterproof construction,
which corresponds to IPX7. However, once the transceiver
or microphone has been dropped, waterproof protection
cannot be guaranteed because of possible damage to the
transceiver’s or microphone’s case, or the waterproof seal.
* Equivalent to IPX8
Approved Icom optional equipment is designed for optimal
performance when used with an Icom transceiver.
Icom is not responsible for the destruction or damage to an
Icom transceiver in the event the Icom transceiver is used
with equipment that is not manufactured or approved by Icom.
PRECAUTIONS

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signalsareprohibitedand
punishable by 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
You must have a current radio station license before using
the transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which
is not licensed.
Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government
agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license application. This
government-issued license states the call sign which is your
craft’s identification for radio purposes.
(2) OPERATOR’S LICENSE
A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license
most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio
is not required for safety purposes.
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be
posted or kept with the operator. Only a licensed radio op-
erator may operate a transceiver.
However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a trans-
ceiver if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call
and makes the necessary log entries.
Keep a copy of the current government rules and regulations
handy.
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 the
United States.

2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
■Panel description
POWER
VOL
iM603
VHF MARINE
MIC
C
H/L DIAL
16
SQL
DISTRESS
H/L DIAL
C
16
Speaker Function display (p. 4) !3
q!2 tyui!1 !0 orew
qCLEAR KEY [CLR]
Push to cancel the entered function, exit Set mode. (p. 43)
wFUNCTION KEY [F]
After pushing this key, some keys perform secondary
functions.
 •“F” appears when a secondary function can be accessed.
eDISTRESS KEY [DISTRESS] (pp. 20, 22)
Push and hold for 5 sec. to transmit a Distress call.
rDSC MENU KEY [MENU] (p. 16)
Push to toggle the DSC menu ON or OFF.
tPOWER KEY [POWER] (p. 9)
➥Push to turn power ON.
➥Push and hold for 1 sec. to turn power OFF.
yCHANNEL16/CALLCHANNELKEY[16•C]
➥Push to select Channel 16. (p. 7)
➥Push and hold for 1 sec. to select call channel. (p. 7)
  •“CALL” appears when call channel is selected.
➥Push and hold for 3 sec. to enter call channel program-
ming condition when call channel is selected. (p. 10)
➥While pushing and holding [H/L], push to enter channel
comments programming condition. (p. 11)
➥
While turning power ON, push to enter Set mode. (p. 43)
uSELECTOR DIAL [SELECTOR] (pp. 7–9)
Rotate to select the operating channels, set mode con-
tents, etc.
iDIAL KEY [DIAL]
➥Selects to the regular channel. (p. 8)
➥While pushing and holding [H/L], push to select one of
three channel groups in sequence. (p. 8)
  •EURversionhasInternationalchannelsonlyandthisfunc-
tion is not available.
oSQUELCH CONTROL [SQL] (p. 9)
Rotate to set the squelch threshold level.

3
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
!0 TRANSMIT POWER KEY [H/L]
➥Push to toggle the output power high or low. (p. 9)
  •Somechannelsaresettolowpoweronly.
➥While pushing and holding this key, some keys perform
secondary functions.
!1 VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] (p. 9)
Rotate to adjust the audio level.
!2 MIC CONNECTOR
Connect the supplied microphone only.
CAUTION: NEVER connect another microphone here,
such as the optional COMMANDMICIII™. It may cause
damage to the transceiver.
!3 KEYPAD
➥Inputs numerals for channel number input, etc.
•Afterinputtingthedesiredchannelnumber,push[ENT].
•Pushandhold[0•A]to input ‘A’ for simplex channels.
➥Inputs numeral, alphabet and some symbols for chan-
nel comment input.
➥
After pushing [F], push to perform the secondary function.
  •Mostofsecondaryfunctions(exceptTAGchannelsetting,
RX speaker and Auto foghorn functions) can be cleared or
cancelled when [CLR] is pushed.
➥Number input: ‘1’
➥Comment input: ‘1,’ ‘Q,’ ‘Z,’ ‘q,’ ‘z’ or space
➥After pushing [F], push to turn the Dualwatch
function ON or OFF. (p. 13)
➥Number input: ‘2’
➥Comment input: ‘2,’ ‘A,’ ‘B,’ ‘C’ ‘a,’ ‘b’ or ‘c’
➥After pushing [F], push to turn the Tri-watch
function ON or OFF. (p. 13)
➥Number input: ‘3’
➥Comment input: ‘3,’ ‘D,’ ‘E,’ ‘F,’ ‘d,’ ‘e’ or ‘f’
➥After pushing [F], push this key then rotate
[SELECTOR] to adjust the brightness of the
LCD and key backlight. (p. 10)
➥Number input: ‘4’
➥Comment input: ‘4,’ ‘G,’ ‘H,’ ‘I,’ ‘g,’ ‘h’ or ‘i’
➥After pushing [F], push to start or stop the scan
function. (p. 15)
➥Number input: ‘5’
➥Comment input: ‘5,’ ‘J,’ ‘K,’ ‘L,’ ‘j,’ ‘k’ or ‘l’
➥After pushing [F], push to set the displayed
channel as a TAG channel. (p. 15)
➥While pushing and holding [H/L], push for 3 sec.
to clear or set all TAG channels. (p. 15)
➥Number input: ‘6’
➥Comment input: ‘6,’ ‘M,’ ‘N,’ ‘O,’ ‘m,’ ‘n’ or ‘o’

4
2PANEL DESCRIPTION
➥Number input: ‘7’
➥Comment input: ‘7,’ ‘P,’ ‘R,’ ‘S,’ ‘p,’ ‘r’ or ‘s’
➥After pushing [F], push to turn the Hailer func-
tion ON or OFF. (p. 40)
➥After pushing [F], push and hold for 1 sec. to
turn the RX speaker function ON or OFF. (p. 42)
➥Number input: ‘8’
➥Comment input: ‘8,’ ‘T,’ ‘U,’ ‘V,’ ‘t,’ ‘u’ or ‘v’
➥After pushing [F], push to turn the Automatic
foghorn function ON or OFF. (p. 42)
➥Number input: ‘9’
➥Comment input: ‘9,’ ‘W,’ ‘X,’ ‘Y,’ ‘w,’ ‘x’ or ‘y’
➥After pushing [F], push to turn the Intercom
function ON or OFF. (p. 39)
➥Number input: ‘0’
➥Number input: Push and hold for 1 sec. to edit
‘A’ for simplex channel.
➥Comment input: ‘0’ and symbols (‘–’ ‘/’ ‘.’)
➥After pushing [F], push to activate an optional
Voice scrambler function. (p. 12)
 •TheoptionalVoiceScramblerfunctioncannotbe
used on Channels 16 and 70.
➥Push to enter the input channel comment, se-
lected item, etc.
➥Push to clear the entered data.
■Function display
BUSY 25W INT CALL
RX DUP
SCRAM TAG
NORMAL SCAN
-34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 1:10 CALLING
qwerty
!4
!3
!2 i
u
o
!1
!0
qRX SPEAKER INDICATOR (p. 42)
Appears during the RX speaker mode.
wPOWER INDICATOR (p. 9)
➥“ 25W” appears when high power is selected.
➥“ 1W” appears when low power is selected.
eTAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 15)
Appears when a TAG channel is selected.
rDUPLEX INDICATOR (p. 8)
Appears when a duplex channel is selected.

5
2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
tCHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (p. 8)
Indicates whether an International “INT,” U.S.A. “USA,”
DSC “DSC” or ATIS “ATIS” channel is in use. (Depends
on version)
yCALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (pp. 7, 10)
Appears when the call channel is selected.
uLOW BATTERY INDICATOR
Blinks when the battery voltage drops to approx. 10 V DC
or below.
iCHANNEL NUMBER READOUT
Indicates the selected operating channel number.
oCHANNEL COMMENT INDICATOR
Channel comment appears if programmed. (p. 11)
!0 TIME ZONE INDICATOR
➥Shows the current time data when a GPS receiver is
connected, or the time data is manually programmed.
 •“??” may blink every 2 sec. instead of current time data
when the GPS current time data is invalid. After 23.5 hours
have passed, “No Time” will appear.
•  “ ??” may blink every 2 sec. instead of the current time data,
after 4 hours have passed from the time that was manually
programmed. The manually programmed time data is held
for 23.5 hours only, and after that, “No Time”will appear.
➥ “Local” appears when the offset time data is set.
(p. 38)
➥“ No Time” appears when no GPS receiver is con-
nected and no time data is input manually.
!1 POSITION INDICATOR
➥
Shows the current position data when a GPS receiver
is connected, or the time data is manually programmed.
  •“??” may blink every 2 sec. instead of position data, when
the GPS position data is invalid. The last position data is
held for 23.5 hours only, and after that, “No Position”
will appear.
  •“??” may blink every 2 sec. instead of position data, after
4 hours have passed from the time that is manually pro-
grammed. The manually programmed position data is held
for 23.5 hours only, and after that “No Position” will
appear.
➥“ No Position” appears when no GPS receiver is
connected and no position data is input manually.
!2 SCAN INDICATOR
➥
“ PRI-SCAN 16” appears during Priority scan;
“NORMAL SCAN” appears during Normal scan. (p. 15)
➥“ DUAL 16” appears during Dualwatch; “TRI 16” ap-
pears during Tri-watch. (p. 13)
!3 SCRAMBLER INDICATOR (p. 12)
Appears when the voice scrambler function is activated.
(only when the optional scrambler unit is installed.)
!4 BUSY/TRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 9)
➥“ BUSY” appears when receiving a signal or when the
squelch opens.
➥“ TX” appears while transmitting.

6
2PANEL DESCRIPTION
■Microphone
qPTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit; release to receive. (p. 9)
wCHANNEL UP/DOWN KEYS [Y]/[Z]
➥Push either key to change the operating channels, Set
mode settings, etc. (pp. 7–9, 43)
➥Checks TAG channels, changes scanning direction or
resumes the scan manually during scan. (p. 15)
eTRANSMIT POWER KEY [HI/LO]
➥Push to toggle the power high and low. (p. 9)
  •Somechannelsaresettolowpoweronly.
➥While pushing and holding [HI/LO], turn power ON
to toggle the Microphone lock function ON or OFF.
(p. 10)
Speaker
Microphone
q
e
w

7
3
BASIC OPERATION
2
3
■Channel 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 [16•C] momentarily to select Channel 16.
➥Push [DIAL] to return to the condition before selecting
Channel 16, or rotate [SELECTOR] to select a channel.
 •Pushingthekeypador[Y]/[Z]on the microphone also selects
a channel.
25W INT
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
Push
C
16
✔Convenient!
When the Favorite channel function is turned ON (p. 45),
[Y]/[Z]keys on the microphone select the favorite channels
in the selected channel group in sequence when pushed.
•ThefavoritechannelsaresetbytheTAGchannelsetting.(p.15)
DCall 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 recall. (p. 10)
➥Push and hold [16•C] 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. 10)
➥Push [DIAL] to return to the condition before selecting
call channel, or rotate [SELECTOR] to select a channel.
 •Pushingthekeypador[Y]/[Z]on the microphone also selects
a channel.
25W INT CALL
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
Push
for 1 sec.
C
16

8
3BASIC OPERATION
DInternational channels
There are pre-programmed 57 international channels for the
IC-M603.
qPush [DIAL] to select a regular channel.
wWhile pushing and holding [H/L], push [DIAL] to change
the channel group, if necessary.
 •“INT” appears when International channel is selected.
eRotate [SELECTOR] to select a channel.
 •“DUP” appears for duplex channels.
 •Pushingthekeypador[Y]/[Z]on the microphone also selects
a channel.
25W USA
DUP
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 PORT OPR
Push +
H/L
DIAL
DU.S.A. channels (U.K. version only)
For U.K. version, there are pre-programmed 61 U.S.A. chan-
nels in addition to 59 International channels.
qPush [DIAL] to select a regular channel.
wWhile pushing and holding [H/L], push [DIAL] to change
the channel group, if necessary.
 •InternationalandU.S.A.channelscanbeselectedinsequence.
eRotate [SELECTOR] to select a channel.
 •“DUP” appears for duplex channels.
 •Pushingthekeypador[Y]/[Z]on the microphone also selects
a channel.
25W INT
DUP
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 PORT OPR
Push +
H/L
DIAL
D ATIS and DSC channels (Holland and FRG versions only)
For Holland and FRG version, there are pre-programmed 57
ATIS and 57 DSC* channels in addition to 58 (Holland version)
or 56 (FRG version) International channels.
*FRG version only
qPush [DIAL] to select a regular channel.
wWhile pushing and holding [H/L], push [DIAL] to change
the channel group, if necessary.
 •International,ATISandDSCchannelscanbeselectedinse-
quence.
eRotate [SELECTOR] to select a channel.
 •“DUP” appears for duplex channels.
 •Pushingthekeypador[Y]/[Z]on the microphone also selects
a channel.
25W DSC
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
1W ATIS
COMMERCIAL
ATIS channel DSC channel
Push +
H/L
DIAL

9
3
BASIC OPERATION
3
■Receiving and transmitting
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna will dam-
age the transceiver.
qPush [POWER] to turn power ON.
wSet the audio and squelch levels.
➥Rotate [SQL] fully counterclockwise in advance.
➥Rotate [VOL] to adjust the audio output level.
➥Rotate [SQL] clockwise until the noise disappears.
eWhile pushing and holding [H/L], push [DIAL] several
times to change the channel group. (p. 8)
rRotate [SELECTOR] to select a channel. (pp. 6, 7, 57)
 •Pushingthekeypador[Y]/[Z]on the microphone also selects
a channel.
 •Whenreceivingasignal,“BUSY” appears and audio is emitted
from the speaker.
 •Furtheradjustmentof[VOL] may be necessary.
tPush [H/L] to select the output power if necessary.
 •“25W” or “1W” appears when high or low power is selected, re-
spectively.
 •Chooselowpowerforshortrangecommunications,choose
high power for longer distance communications.
 •Somechannelsareforlowpoweronly.
yPush and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the mi-
crophone.
 •“TX” appears.
 •Channel70cannotbeusedfortransmissionotherthanDSC.
uRelease [PTT] to receive.
IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your trans-
mitted signal, pause a few sec. after pushing [PTT], hold
the microphone 5 to 10 cm from your mouth and speak at
a normal voice level.
VOL
iM603
VHF MARINE
MIC
C
16
SQL
Microphone
w
eeyu
qrrte
tr
✔NOTE for TOT (Time-out Timer) function
The TOT function inhibits continuous transmission over a
preset time period after the transmission starts.
A beep sounds 10 sec. before the TOT function activates, to
indicate the transmission will be shut down and “TOT” ap-
pears on the channel comment indicator. Transmission is not
possible for 10 sec. after this transmission shut down.

10
3BASIC OPERATION
■Call channel programming
You can program the call channel with your most often-used
channels in each channel group for quick recall.
qWhile pushing and holding [H/L], push [DIAL] several
times to select the desired channel group (INT, USA, ATIS
or DSC) to be programmed.
wPush and hold [16•C] for 1 sec. to select the call channel
of the selected channel group.
 •“CALL” and call channel number appear.
e Push and hold [16•C]
again for 3 sec. (until a long
beep changes to 2 short
beeps) to enter call chan-
nel programming condition.
 •Channelnumberstarts
blinking.
rRotate [SELECTOR] to
select the desired channel.
tPush [16•C] to program
the displayed channel as
the call channel.
 •Push[CLR] to cancel.
 •Thechannelnumberstops
blinking.
■Microphone 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 pushing and holding [HI/LO] on the microphone,
turn power ON to toggle the Microphone lock function ON
or OFF.
[HI/LO]
[Y]/[Z]
■Display backlight
The function display and keys can be backlit for better visibil-
ity under low light conditions.
➥After pushing [F], push [3• DIM ]then rotate [SELEC-
TOR] to adjust the brightness of the LCD and key back-
light. Then push [ENT].
 •Thebacklightisadjustablein7levelsandOFF.
25W INT CALL
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 CALLING
25W INT CALL
DUP
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 INTL

11
3
BASIC OPERATION
3
■Channel comments
Each channel can be labeled with a unique alphanumeric ID
of up to 10 characters each.
Capital letters, small letters, 0 to 9, some symbols (- .-/)
and space can be used.
qSelect the desired channel.
 •CancelDualwatch,Tri-watchorScaninadvance.
wWhile pushing and holding [H/L], push [16•C] to edit the
channel comment.
•Acursorandtherstcharac-
ter start blinking alternately.
ePush the appropriate key several times to enter the de-
sired character.
 •Seethetabletotherightforavailablecharacters.
 •Rotate[SELECTOR] or push [Y]/[Z]on the microphone to
move the cursor.
 •Push[CE] to clear the channel comment.
 •Push[CLR] to cancel and exit the condition.
rPush [ENT] to input and set the comment.
 •Thecursorandthecharacterstopblinking.
tRepeat steps qto rto program other channel com-
ments, if desired.
•Availablecharacters
KEY CHARACTERSKEY CHARACTERS
1 Q Z q z (space)
2 A B C a b c
3 D E F d e f
4 G H I g h i
5 J K L j k l
6 M N O m n o
7 P R S p r s
8 T U V t u v
9 W X Y w x y
0 - / .
■ AquaQuake water draining function
The IC-M603 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-M603 emits a vibrating noise when this function is being
used.
➥While pushing and holding [H/L], turn power ON.
 •Alowbeeptonesoundswhile[H/L] key is pushed and held to
drain water, regardless of [VOL] control setting.
 •Thetransceiverneveracceptsakeyoperationwhilethe
AquaQuake function is activated.
While pushing and holding [PTT] on the optional HM-162E,
turn power ON to clear water away from the HM-162E.
25W INT
TAG
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00PLEASURE__

12
3BASIC OPERATION
■Optional Voice scrambler operation
DActivating the scrambler function
The optional Voice scrambler provides private communica-
tions. 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 pages
45 and 50 for setting the scrambler unit. Ask your dealer for
details.
The scrambler function automatically turns OFF when
Channel 16 or 70 is selected.
qRotate [SELECTOR] to select the desired channel other
than Channel 16 and 70.
wPush [F], then push [0] to turn the Voice scrambler func-
tion ON.
 •“SCRAM” appears.
eTo turn the scrambler function OFF, repeat step w.
 •“SCRAM” 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
installed. In order to understand one another, all transceivers
in your group must have the same scramble code. This func-
tion may not be available depending on dealer setting.
*Depends on the installed scrambler unit.
qWhile pushing and holding [16•C], push [POWER] to
enter Set mode.
 •TurnpowerOFFinadvance.
wAfter the display appears, release [16•C].
eRotate [SELECTOR] to select the “Scrambler
Code,” then push [ENT].
rRotate [SELECTOR] to select the desired scrambler
code.
tPush [ENT] to set and exit the scrambler code item.
yPush [CLR], or rotate [SELECTOR] to select “Exit,”
then push [ENT] to exit Set mode.
--Set Mode--
Scrambler Code
˘5 ≤
4
3
2 ≥
<ENT˘OK>
--Set Mode--
Beep ≤
Internal Speaker
Contrast
Foghorn Frequency
Radio Power
Scrambler Type
˘Scrambler Code ≥
--Set Mode--
˘Scan Type
Scan Timer
Beep
Internal Speaker
Contrast
Foghorn Frequency
Radio Power ≥
Select
Select
to enter
Set mode
POWER
+
Push
9
16
to select item.
Rotate
to select code.
Rotate
Push Push
[Example]: Programming scrambler code 8.

13
4
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH
3
4
■Description
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.
■Operation
qSelect the desired channel.
wPush [F], then push [1• DUAL ]to start Dualwatch or
[2• TRI ] to start Tri-watch.
 •“DUAL 16” appears during Dualwatch; “TRI 16” appears
during Tri-watch.
 •AbeeptonesoundswhenasignalisreceivedonChannel16.
eTo cancel Dualwatch or Tri-watch, push [CLR] or repeat
step w.
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION
When Ch 23 is programmed as the call channel.
•IfasignalisreceivedonChannel16,Dualwatch/Tri-
watch pauses on Channel 16 until the signal disappears.
•IfasignalisreceivedonthecallchannelduringTri-watch,
Tri-watch becomes Dualwatch until the signal disappears.
•TotransmitontheselectedchannelduringDualwatch/
Tri-watch, push and hold [PTT].
[Example]: Operating Tri-watch on INT Channel 25
25W INT
DUP
TAG
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
BUSY 25W INT CALL
DUP
TAG
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 INTL
Tri-watch starts. Signal is received on call
channel.
BUSY 25W INT
DUP
TAG
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
Signal received on Channel
16 takes priority.
25W INT
DUP
TAG
TRI 16
34°34.506N
123°23.236W
UTC 12:00 TELEPHONE
Tri-watch resumes after the
signal disappears.
Dualwatch Tri-watch
Call channel
Dualwatch Tri-watch
Call channel
Ch 88
Ch 16 Ch 88 Ch 16 Ch 88 Ch 23

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.
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. 43)
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 01 CH 02
CH 06
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03
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.
CH 06
CH 01
CH 16
CH 02
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03