Icom IC-M604A User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM604A
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

ii
Thank you for choosing this Icom product.
This product 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.
DFEATURES
❍Built-in DSC meets ITU Class D requirement
❍Front and rear panel microphone connection
❍
Optional COMMANDMICII™ (HM-157) and
COMMANDMICIII™ (HM-162) are available and
up to two COMMANDMIC™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
instruction manual contains important operating instructions
for the IC-M604A.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
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.
CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER AND MICROPHONE
THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH WATER after exposure
to saltwater, and dry it before operating. Otherwise, the
transceiver's keys, switches and controllers may become
unusable, due to salt crystallization.
Icom, Icom Inc. and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom
Incorporated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany,
France, Spain, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and/or other countries.
COMMANDMIC is a registered trademark of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the
United States.

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, hold down [DISTRESS]
for 5 seconds 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
automatically selected.
3. Hold down [PTT], then transmit the appropriate
information as listed above.
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

iii
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 minimum
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 compliance re-
quirements. 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.
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING
WARNING

iv
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
IMPORTANT ................................................................................... i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................ i
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ........................................................... ii
NOTE .............................................................................................. ii
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING .................................................... iii
PRECAUTIONS ............................................................................. v
1 OPERATING RULES ............................................................... 1
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ........................................................ 2–6
■Panel description .................................................................. 2
■Function display .................................................................... 4
■Speaker 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 display ................................................... 19
■GPS information display ..................................................... 19
■Distress call ........................................................................ 20
■Transmitting DSC Calls ....................................................... 23
■Receiving DSC Calls .......................................................... 34
■Received messages ........................................................... 40
■DSC Set mode .................................................................... 41
7 OTHER FUNCTIONS ....................................................... 43–46
■Intercom operation .............................................................. 43
■Hailer operation .................................................................. 44
■Automatic foghorn ............................................................... 45
■RX speaker function ........................................................... 46
8 SET MODE ....................................................................... 47–49
■Set mode programming ...................................................... 47
■Set mode items ................................................................... 47
9 CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE ........................... 50–57
■Connections ........................................................................ 50
■Fuse replacement ............................................................... 51
■Supplied accessories .......................................................... 51
■Antenna .............................................................................. 51
■Mounting the transceiver .................................................... 52
■MB-75 installation ............................................................... 53
■UT-112/UT-98 installation .................................................... 54
■HM-157/HM-162 installation ............................................... 55
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................ 58
11 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS .................................. 59–60
■Specifications....................................................................... 59
■Options ................................................................................ 60
12 CHANNEL LIST ..................................................................... 61
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 at the back of the transceiver and fuse holder. If an
incorrect connection is made after cutting, the transceiver may
be damaged.
RWARNING! NEVER operate the transceiver during a
lightning storm. It may result in an electric shock, cause a fire or
damage the transceiver. Always disconnect the power source
and antenna before a storm.
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 operate or place the transceiver in areas with
temperatures 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™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
PRECAUTIONS
Icom is not responsible for the destruction or damage to the
Icom transceiver, if the malfunction is because of:
• Force majeure, including, but not limited to, fires,
earthquakes, storms, floods, lightning, other natural
disasters, disturbances, riots, war, or radioactive
contamination.
• The use of Icom transceivers with any equipment that is not
manufactured or approved by Icom.

1
1
D Priorities
• Read all rules and regulations pertaining to call priorities,
and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress
calls take priority over all others.
• You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating
on another channel.
• False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited under law.
D Privacy
• Information overheard, but not intended for you, cannot
lawfully be used in any way.
• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
D Radio licenses
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
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
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.
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
regulations is only required to be on hand for vessels in
which a radio telephone is compulsory. However, even
if you are not required to have these on hand it is your
responsibility to be thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent
rules and regulations.
NOTE: Even though the IC-M604A 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.
OPERATING RULES 1

2
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
■Panel description
U/I/C
H/L CH/WX
9
16
DISTRESS
POWER
VOL
iM604
VHF MARINE
MIC
U/I/C 9
H/L CH/WX
16
SQL
DISTRESS
Speaker Function display (p. 4)
!3
q!2 tyui!1 !0
or
ew
qCLEAR KEY [CLR]
Push to cancel the entered function, exit the Set mode. (p. 47)
wFUNCTION KEY [O]
After pushing this key, some keys perform a secondary
functions.
• “F” is displayed when a secondary function can be accessed.
eDISTRESS KEY [DISTRESS] (pp. 20, 22)
Hold down for 5 seconds 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 ON the transceiver.
➥Hold down for 1 second to turn OFF the transceiver.
yCHANNEL 16/CALL CHANNEL KEY [16•9]
➥Push to select Channel 16. (p. 7)
➥
Hold down for 1 second to select the Call channel. (p. 7)
• “CALL” is displayed when the Call channel is
selected.
➥ Hold down for 3 seconds to enter Call channel program-
ming mode when the Call channel is selected. (p. 10)
➥While holding down [H/L], push to enter channel
comments programming mode. (p. 11)
➥
While turning ON the transceiver, push to enter Set
mode. (p. 43)
uSELECTOR DIAL [SELECTOR] (pp. 7–9)
Rotate to select the operating channels, set mode
contents, and so on.
iCHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL KEY [CH/WX]
➥When pushed momentarily, selects and toggles the
regular channels and weather channels. (p. 8)
➥While holding down [H/L], push to sequentially select
one of three channel groups. (p. 8)
• USA, International and Canadian channel groups are
selectable.
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 only low power.
➥While holding down this key, some keys perform
secondary functions.
!1 VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] (p. 9)
Rotate to adjust the audio level.
!2 MIC CONNECTOR
Connect only the supplied microphone.
CAUTION: NEVER connect another microphone here,
such as the optional COMMANDMIC™s. It may cause
damage to the transceiver.
!3 KEYPAD
➥Inputs numbers for channel number input, and so on.
• After inputting the desired channel number, then push [ENT].
• Hold down [0•A]to input ‘A’ for simplex channels.
➥Inputs numbers, letters and some symbols for channel
comment input.
➥
After pushing [ O ], push to perform the secondary function.
• Most of the secondary functions (except TAG channel
setting, Attenuator, 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 [O], 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 [O], 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 [O], push this key then rotate
[SELECTOR] to adjust the LCD and key
backlight brightness. (p. 10)
➥Number input: ‘4’
➥Comment input: ‘4,’ ‘G,’ ‘H,’ ‘I,’ ‘g,’ ‘h’ or ‘i’
➥After pushing [O], push to start or stop a scan.
(p. 15)
➥Number input: ‘5’
➥Comment input: ‘5,’ ‘J,’ ‘K,’ ‘L,’ ‘j,’ ‘k’ or ‘l’
➥After pushing [O], push to set the displayed
channel as a TAG channel. (p. 15)
➥While holding down [H/L], push for 3 seconds to
clear or set all TAG channels. (p. 15)
➥Number input: ‘6’
➥Comment input: ‘6,’ ‘M,’ ‘N,’ ‘O,’ ‘m,’ ‘n’ or ‘o’
➥After pushing [O], push to turn the Attenuator
ON or OFF. (p. 9)
• “LOC” is displayed when the Attenuator is activated.

4
2PANEL DESCRIPTION
■Panel description (Continued)
➥Number input: ‘7’
➥Comment input: ‘7,’ ‘P,’ ‘R,’ ‘S,’ ‘p,’ ‘r’ or ‘s’
➥After pushing [O], push to turn the Hailer
function ON or OFF. (p. 44)
➥After pushing [O], hold down for 1 second to
turn the RX speaker function ON or OFF. (p. 46)
➥Number input: ‘8’
➥Comment input: ‘8,’ ‘T,’ ‘U,’ ‘V,’ ‘t,’ ‘u’ or ‘v’
➥After pushing [O], push to turn the Automatic
foghorn function ON or OFF. (p. 45)
➥Number input: ‘9’
➥Comment input: ‘9,’ ‘W,’ ‘X,’ ‘Y,’ ‘w,’ ‘x’ or ‘y’
➥After pushing [O], push to turn the Intercom
function ON or OFF. (p. 43)
➥Number input: ‘0’
➥Number input:
Hold down for 1 second to input the
character ‘A’ for simplex channel.
➥Comment input: ‘0’ and symbols (‘–’ ‘/’ ‘.’)
➥After pushing [O], 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,
selected item, and so on.
➥Push to clear the entered data.
■Function display
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qwerty
!7
!6
!5
!3
!2
!4
!0
u
i
o
!1
qRX SPEAKER ICON (p. 46)
Displayed when in the RX speaker mode.
wPOWER ICON (p. 9)
➥“25W” is displayed when high power is selected.
➥“1W” is displayed when low power is selected.
eTAG CHANNEL ICON (p. 15)
Displayed when a TAG channel is selected.
rDUPLEX ICON (p. 8)
Displayed when a duplex channel is selected.
tCHANNEL GROUP ICON (p. 8)
Indicates whether a USA “USA,” International “INT,” Ca-
nadian “CAN” or weather “WX” channel is in use.

1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan
A-6914H-1US-q
Printed in Japan
© 2011–2016 Icom Inc.
Printed on recycled paper with soy ink.