Icom IC-M73 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM73
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Opera-
tion is subject to the condition that this device does not cause
harmful interference.
iM73EURO
IC-M73 IC-M73EURO
(These transceivers use the FA-S64V)

i
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M73/IC-
M73EURO 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.
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-M73/IC-M73EURO.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
WORD DEFINITION
RDANGER! Personal death, serious injury or an ex-
plosion may occur.
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.
FEATURES
Submersible construction
Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environ-
ment, the IC-M73/IC-M73EURO’s submersible construc-
tion meets IPX8 ratings of the International Standard IEC
60529 (2001).
In addition, the speaker grill structure with a water self-
draining Aquaquake function is helpful for easily removing
rain or seawater.
Dualwatch and Tri-watch functions
Convenient functions that allow you to monitor the distress
channel (Ch 16) while receiving one other channel of your
choice (Dualwatch), or while receiving one other channel
of your choice and the Call channel (Tri-watch*). See page
16 for details.
* May not be available depending on the transceiver version.
Voice recorder function
IC-M73/IC-M73EURO has a voice recorder function* which
can automatically, or manually, record the received signal.
The automatic (60 seconds) and manual (30 seconds) re-
cordings are recorded separately into memory in the trans-
ceiver.
* May not be available depending on the transceiver version.
Bass booster function
The TX/RX bass booster functions* boosts the frequen-
cies to increase the bass level, if desired.
* May not be available depending on the transceiver version.

ii
RDANGER! NEVER short the terminals of the battery
pack.
RDANGER! Use and charge only specified Icom battery
packs with Icom radios or Icom chargers.Only Icom battery packs
are tested and approved for use with Icom radios or charged with
Icom chargers. Using third-party or counterfeit battery packs or
chargers may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst.
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 an-
tenna is closer than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from exposed parts of the
body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The trans-
ceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4
inches) away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical.
CAUTION: NEVER connect the transceiver to a power
source other than the products specified by Icom. Such a connec-
tion will ruin the transceiver.
CAUTION: MAKE SURE the flexible antenna and bat-
tery 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.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver meets IPX8 requirements
for waterproof protection. However, once the transceiver has
been dropped, waterproof protection cannot be guaranteed be-
cause of possible damage to the transceiver's case or the water-
proof seal.
DO NOT use or place the transceiver in direct sunlight or in
areas with temperatures below –20°C (–4°F) or above +60°C
(+140°F) for the EXP/USA versions, below –15°C (+5°F) or
above +55°C (+131°F) for the CHN/EUR/FRG/HOL/UK versions,
and below –10°C (+14°F) or above +55°C (+131°F) for the AUS
versions.
DO NOT use harsh solvents such as benzine or alcohol when
cleaning, as they will damage the transceiver surfaces.
DO NOT push [PTT] when not actually intending to transmit.
DO NOT modify the transceiver.The transceiver warranty does
not cover any problems caused by unauthorized modification.
DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical
blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere.
KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children.
KEEP the transceiver at least 0.9 meter (3.0 feet) away from
your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
PRECAUTIONS
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 and/or other countries.

iii
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING
Your Icom radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during
transmit mode. This radio is designed for and classified as
“General Population Use” in an uncontrolled environment.
This radio has been evaluated for compliance at the distance
of 2.5 cm (1 inch) with the FCC and IC RF exposure limits for
“
General Population Use. ” In addition, your Icom radio com-
plies with the following Standards and Guidelines with regard
to RF energy and electromagnetic energy levels and evalua-
tion of such levels for exposure to humans:
 s&##/%4"ULLETIN%DITION3UPPLEMENT#%VALUATING#OMPLI-
ance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields.
 s!MERICAN.ATIONAL3TANDARDS)NSTITUTE#)%%%3TANDARD
for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
 s!MERICAN.ATIONAL3TANDARDS)NSTITUTE#)%%%2ECOM-
mended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electro-
magnetic Fields– RF and Microwave.
s4HEFOLLOWINGACCESSORIESAREAUTHORIZEDFORUSEWITHTHISPRODUCT5SEOF
accessories other than those specified may result in RF exposure levels
exceeding the FCC
and IC requirements for wireless RF exposure.; Belt
Clip (MB-103), Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack (BP-245H).
To ensure that your expose to RF electromagnetic en-
ergy is within the FCC
and IC allowable limits for general
population use, always adhere to the following guide-
lines:
 sDO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this
may damaged the radio and may also cause you to exceed FCC
and
IC
RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is the antenna supplied with
this radio by the manufacturer or antenna specifically authorized by the
manufacturer for use with this radio.
 s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
and IC
RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded. The radio is
transmitting when the “transmit indicator” appears on the LCD. You can
cause the radio to transmit by pressing the “PTT” switch.
 sALWAYS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body
when transmitting and only use the Icom belt clip which is listed on page
43 when attaching the radio to your belt, etc., to ensure FCC
and IC RF
exposure compliance requirements are not exceeded. To provide the re-
cipients 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
and IC 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.
WARNING
CAUTION

iv
AVERTISSEMENT POUR LES OPÉRATEURS RADIO
Votre radio Icom produit une énergie électromagnétique
de radiofréquences (RF), en mode de transmission. Elle
est conçue pour une «utilisation grand public», dans un
environnement non contrôlé. Cet appareil a été évalué et
jugé conforme, à 2,5 cm, aux limites d'exposition aux RF
de la FCC et d’IC, pour une «utilisation grand public». En
outre, votre radio Icom satisfait les normes et directives
qui suivent en matière de niveaux d'énergie et d'énergie
électromagnétique de RF et d'évaluation de tels niveaux
en ce qui concerne l'exposition humaine :
s3UPPL£MENT # £DITION  DU "ULLETIN /%4 DE LA &## i%VALUATING
Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields».
s.ORME DE L!MERICAN .ATIONAL 3TANDARDS )NSTITUTE !.3)  )%%% #
1992 sur les niveaux de sécurité compatibles avec l’exposition humaine aux
champs électromagnétiques de radiofréquences (3 kHz à 300 GHz).
s.ORMEDEL!.3))%%%#SURLAM£THODED£VALUATIONRECOMMAN-
dée du champ magnétique potentiellement dangereux des radiofréquences
et des micro-ondes.
s,ES ACCESSOIRES QUI SUIVENT SONT APPROUV£S POUR UNE UTILISATION AVEC CE
produit. L'utilisation d'accessoires autres que ceux précisés peut entraîner
des niveaux d'exposition aux RF supérieures aux limites établies par la FCC
et d’IC en matière d'exposition aux RF sans fil; attache pour ceinture (MB-
103), bloc-piles rechargeable au lithium-ion (BP-245H).
CAUTION
Afin de vous assurer que votre exposition à une
énergie électromagnétique de RF se situe dans
les limites permises par la FCC et d’IC pour une
utilisation grand public, veuillez en tout temps
respecter les directives suivantes :
sNE PAS faire fonctionner la radio sans qu'une antenne appropriée y soit
fixée, car ceci risque d'endommager la radio et causer une exposition
supérieure aux limites établies par la FCC et d’IC. L'antenne appropriée
est celle qui est fournie avec cette radio par le fabricant ou une antenne
spécialement autorisée par le fabricant pour être utilisée avec cette radio.
sNE PAS émettre pendant plus de 50% du temps total d'utilisation de
l'appareil («50% du facteur d'utilisation»). Émettre pendant plus de 50% du
temps total d'utilisation peut causer une exposition aux RF supérieure aux
limites établies par la FCC et d’IC. La radio est en train d’émettre lorsque le
témoin du mode de transmission s'affiche sur l'écran ACL. La radio émettra
si vous appuyez sur le bouton du microphone.
sTOUJOURS tenir l'antenne éloignée d'au moins 2,5 cm de votre corps
au moment d'émettre et utiliser uniquement l'attache pour ceinture Icom
illustrée à la p. 43, lorsque vous attachez la radio à votre ceinture, ou à
autre chose, de façon à vous assurer de ne pas provoquer une exposition
aux RF supérieure aux limites fixées par la FCC et d’IC. Pour offrir à vos
interlocuteurs la meilleure qualité de transmission possible, tenez l'antenne
à au moins 5 cm de votre bouche et légèrement de côté.
Les renseignements ci-dessus fournissent à l'utilisateur toute l'information
nécessaire sur l'exposition aux RF et sur ce qu'il faut faire pour assurer que
cette radio fonctionne en respectant les limites d'exposition aux RF établies
par la FCC et d’IC.
Interférence électromagnétique et compatibilité
En mode de transmission, votre radio Icom produit de l'énergie de RF qui
peut provoquer des interférences avec d'autres appareils ou systèmes. Pour
éviter de telles interférences, mettez la radio hors tension dans les secteurs
où une signalisation l’exige. NE PAS faire fonctionner l'émetteur dans des
secteurs sensibles au rayonnement électromagnétique tels que les hôpitaux,
les aéronefs et les sites de dynamitage.
AVERTISSEMENT
MISE EN GARDE

v
COUNTRY CODE LIST
s)3/
Country Codes Country Codes
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
AT
BE
BG
HR
CZ
CY
DK
EE
FI
FR
DE
GR
HU
IS
IE
IT
LV
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
LI
LT
LU
MT
NL
NO
PL
PT
RO
SK
SI
ES
SE
CH
TR
GB
FOR CLASS A UNINTENTIONAL RADIATORS
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruc-
tion manual, may cause harmful interference to radio commu-
nications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not ex-
pressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.
FCC INFORMATION

vi
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and
the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16.
M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.
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.
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 control-
lers may become inoperable 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 transceiver/battery pack is
cracked or broken, or has been dropped, or when the battery
pack is detached from the transceiver.

vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD ..................................................................................... i
IMPORTANT...................................................................................... i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS................................................................... i
FEATURES........................................................................................ i
PRECAUTIONS................................................................................ ii
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING ...................................................... iii
AVERTISSEMENT POUR LES OPÉRATEURS RADIO.................. iv
FCC INFORMATION ........................................................................ v
COUNTRY CODE LIST.................................................................... v
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY............................................................ vi
RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................... vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS.................................................................. vii
 OPERATING RULES ..................................................................
2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ...............2n
NSupplied accessories...............................................................2
NAttachments.............................................................................2
 PANEL DESCRIPTION ........................................................... 4–7
NFront, top and side panels .......................................................4
NFunction display.......................................................................6
4 BASIC OPERATION .............................................................8n
NChannel selection ....................................................................8
NReceiving and transmitting ....................................................11
NCall channel programming.....................................................12
NLock function..........................................................................12
NMonitor function .....................................................................12
NAdjusting the squelch level ....................................................13
NAquaQuake water draining function.......................................13
5 SCAN OPERATION (Except for the Dutch version)............4n
NScan types.............................................................................14
NSetting Favorite channels ......................................................15
NStarting a scan.......................................................................15
 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ....................................................... 
NDescription.............................................................................16
NOperation...............................................................................16
7 FUNCTION MODE OPERATION ........................................7–24
NAbout the function mode........................................................17
NManual recording function (Depending on versions) .............18
N
Automatic recording function (Depending on versions) .............19
NPlay back function (Depending on versions)..........................20
NChannel naming function.......................................................21
NOpening comment entry function...........................................22
NATIS code programming
(For only the Dutch and German versions) ............................ 23
NBacklight function...................................................................24
8 SET MODE..........................................................................25n
NSET mode programming........................................................25
NSET mode items ....................................................................26
9 BATTERY CHARGING .......................................................n
NBattery cautions.....................................................................31
NSupplied battery charger .......................................................33
NOptional battery chargers ......................................................34
OPTIONAL SWIVEL BELT CLIP..............................................5
NAttaching................................................................................35
NDetaching...............................................................................35
OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE....................................
NHM-167 descriptions..............................................................36
NAttaching................................................................................36
TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................7
SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................n
VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST........................................... 4–42
OPTIONS .................................................................................. 4
INDEX.......................................................................................44–45

1
1
OPERATING RULES

2

4
5

7
8
9







DPriorities
s2EAD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.
s9OUMUSTMONITOR#HANNELWHENYOUARENOTOPERATING
on another channel.
s&ALSEORFRAUDULENTDISTRESSCALLSAREPROHIBITEDUNDERLAW
DPrivacy
s)NFORMATIONOVERHEARDBUTNOTINTENDEDFORYOUCANNOTLAW-
fully be used in any way.
s)NDECENTORPROFANELANGUAGEISPROHIBITED
DRadio licenses
3()034!4)/.,)#%.3%
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.
/0%2!4/23,)#%.3%
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 transceiver is capable of opera-
tion 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.

2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
2
NSupplied accessories NAttachments
DFlexible antenna
Connect the supplied flexible
antenna to the antenna connector.
CAUTION:
s.%6%2 carry the transceiver
by holding the antenna.
s4RANSMITTINGWITHOUTANANTENNA
may damage the transceiver.
DHandstrap
Pass the handstrap through the
loop on the top corner of the
transceiver, as illustrated to the
left. This facilitates carrying the
transceiver.
Flexible antenna*
Cigarette lighter cable*
Handstrap Battery Charger
(with two screws)
Belt clip
(with two screws)
Li-ion battery pack
AC adapter*
* Not supplied or different type may be supplied depending on the
transceiver version.