Icom IC-M87 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM87
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and
the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16.
❍ USING CHANNEL 16
DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE
1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.”
2. “THIS IS ...........................” (name of vessel)
3.Your call sign or other indication of the
vessel.
4. “LOCATED AT ..................... ” (your position)
5. The nature of the distress and assistance
required.
6. Any other information which might facilitate
the rescue.
RECOMMENDATION
CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH
WATER after exposure to saltwater, and dry it before opera-
tion. Otherwise, the transceiver's keys, switches and control-
lers may become unusable due to salt crystallization.
NOTE: DO NOT wash the transceiver in water if there is any
reason to suspect the waterproofing may not be effective.
For example, in cases where the battery pack rubber seal is
damaged, the transceiver/battery pack is cracked or broken,
or has been dropped, or when the battery pack is detached
from the transceiver.
i

FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-M87 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 com-
pletely before using the transceiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This
instruction manual contains important operating instructions
for the IC-M87.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
WORD DEFINITION
RDANGER Personal death, serious injury or an explo-
sion 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
☞22 free channels for PMR use
The IC-M87 has 22 free channels reserved for PMR use
(146–174MHz). Wide/narrow channel spacing is program-
mable for each channel, and CTCSS and DTCS signal-
ing is included.
*Appropriate license will be required.
☞Tough waterproof construction
The IC-M87 is built tough to withstand hazardous and
unhospitable environments at sea and on land. Even
if the IC-M87 is dropped into water, it’s waterproofing*
will protect it from harm. The compact and durable body
meets the military specifications (MIL-STD).
* Equivalent to IPX7 of the corresponding International Standard
IEC 529 (1989). (1m depth for 30 minutes)
☞Simple operation
6 clearly labelled buttons on the front panel and the vol-
ume/power knob maximize simplicity of operation. Even
when wearing gloves, the large buttons are easy to oper-
ate. A large, clear LCD with backlighting and backlit but-
tons make night time operation simple.
ii

RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an
AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric
shock.
RWARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that
the antenna is very close to, or touching exposed parts of
the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The
transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm
away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical.
RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to a
power source other than the BP-226 or BP-227. Such a con-
nection will ruin the transceiver.
DO NOT use or place the transceiver in direct sunlight
or in areas with temperatures below –15°C or above +55°C:
Marine, below –25°C or above +55°C: PMR.
KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children.
KEEP the transceiver at least 0.9 meter away from your
vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver meets IPX7* require-
ments for waterproof protection. However, once the trans-
ceiver has been dropped, waterproof protection cannot be
guaranteed because of possible damage to the transceiver's
case or the waterproof seal.
* Only when the BP-227, flexible antenna, [SP MIC] jack cover is at-
tached.
MAKE SURE the flexible antenna and battery pack are
securely attached to the transceiver, and that the antenna
and battery pack are dry before attachment. Exposing the in-
side of the transceiver to water will result in serious damage
to the transceiver.
After exposure to water, clean the battery contacts thor-
oughly with fresh water and dry them completely to remove
any water or salt residue.
iii
Icom, Icom Inc. and Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated
(Japan) in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Rus-
sia and/or other countries.
PRECAUTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
iv
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.............................................................. i
RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................ i
FOREWORD .................................................................................... ii
IMPORTANT..................................................................................... ii
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS.................................................................. ii
FEATURES....................................................................................... ii
PRECAUTIONS............................................................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS................................................................... iv
1 OPERATING RULES ..................................................................1
2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ...............2−3
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION ...........................................................4−7
■ Front, top and side panels .......................................................4
■ Function display.......................................................................6
4 BASIC OPERATION .............................................................8−12
■ Channel selection ....................................................................8
■ Receiving and transmitting ....................................................10
■ Adjusting the squelch level ....................................................11
■ Automatic backlighting ...........................................................11
■ Lock function..........................................................................11
■ Call channel programming.....................................................12
5 SCAN OPERATION ............................................................13−14
■ Scan types.............................................................................13
■ Setting tag channels ..............................................................14
■ Starting a scan.......................................................................14
6 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH .......................................................15
■ Description.............................................................................15
■ Operation...............................................................................15
7 LAND (PMR) CHANNEL OPERATION ....................................16
■ LAND (PMR) Channel Group ................................................16
■ Function display.....................................................................16
8 SET MODE..........................................................................17−21
■ SET mode programming........................................................17
■ SET mode items ....................................................................18
9 BATTERY CHARGING .......................................................22−26
■ Battery charging ....................................................................22
■ Cautions.................................................................................22
■ Optional BP-226 battery case................................................24
■ AD-100 installation.................................................................25
■ Optional battery chargers ......................................................26
10 SPEAKER-MICROPHONE .......................................................27
■ HM-138 Description...............................................................27
■ Attachments...........................................................................27
11 TROUBLESHOOTING ..............................................................28
12 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST.................................................29
13 SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................30
14 OPTIONS ..................................................................................31
15 QUICK REFERENCE..........................................................32−33
16 CE .............................................................................................34

1
D Priorities
• Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities and
keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls
take priority over all others.
• You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating
on another channel.
• False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited under law.
D Privacy
• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law-
fully be used in any way.
• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
D Radio licenses
(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE
When your craft is equipped with a VHF FM transceiver, you
must have a current radio station license before using the
transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is
not licensed.
Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government
agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license. This license
includes the call sign which is your craft’s identification for
radio purposes.
(2) OPERATOR’S LICENSE
A restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license
most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio
is not required for safety purposes.
The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be
posted near the transceiver or be kept with the operator.
Only a licensed radio operator may operate a transceiver.
However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a trans-
ceiver 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.
1OPERATING RULES

2
DSupplied accessories
The following accessories are supplied: Qty.
•Swivelbeltclip..................................1
• Stopper for the swivel belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
• Screws for the swivel belt clip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
•Flexibleantenna.................................1
•Handstrap......................................1
•Batterypack....................................1
•ACadapter.....................................1
•Batterycharger..................................1
DSwivel belt clip
To attach:
qAttach the stopper to the back of the transceiver.
Supplied screws
Stopper
wClip the belt clip to a part of your belt and insert the stop-
per to the belt clip.
eOnce the transceiver is locked in place, it will swivel 360
degrees.
2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
2

3
To remove:
Turn the transceiver upside down, and then lift up to release
the transceiver from the belt clip.
CAUTION:
HOLD THE TRANSCEIVER TIGHTLY, WHEN ATTACHING
OR REMOVING THE TRANSCEIVER FROM THE BELT
CLIP.
If the transceiver is accidentally dropped and the swivel belt
clip’s stopper is scratched or damaged, the swivel belt clip
may not work properly.
DFlexible antenna
Connect the supplied flexible antenna
to the antenna connector.
CAUTION: Transmitting without an
antenna may damage the trans-
ceiver.
NEVER HOLD the antenna when
carrying the transceiver.
DHandstrap
Pass the handstrap through
the loop on the back side of
the transceiver as illustrated
at right. This facilitates car-
rying.
2SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

4
qVOLUME CONTROL [VOL]
Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level.
wANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 3)
Connects the supplied antenna.
e SPEAKER-MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [SP MIC] (p. 27)
Connects the optional speaker-microphone.
[SP MIC] jack cover
NOTE: KEEP the [SP MIC] jack cover
attached to the transceiver when the
speaker-microphone is not in use.
rSCAN [SCN•DUAL]
• Starts and stops normal or priority scan. (p. 14)
• Enters Watch mode when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 15)
tTRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH [H/L•LOCK]
• Selects high, middle (except for the German version) or
low power when pushed. (p. 10)
• Toggles the lock function ON/OFF when pushed for 1
sec. (p. 11)
yCHANNEL 16 SWITCH [16•C]
• Selects Channel 16 when pushed. (p. 8)
• Selects the call channel when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 8)
• Enters call channel write mode when the call channel is
selected and this switch is pushed for 3 sec. (p. 12)
q
r
t
w
y
e
u
i
o
!0
■Front, top and side panels
3
PANEL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

5
DBATTERY PACK RELEASE BUTTON
To release the battery pack:
Push the battery release button in the direction of the arrow
(q) as shown below. The battery pack is then released.
To attach the battery pack:
Slide the battery pack on the back of the transceiver in the
direction of the arrow (w), then lock it with the battery re-
lease button.
*Slide the battery pack until the battery release button makes a
‘click’ sound.
w
q
Battery pack
Battery release button
CAUTION: When pushing the battery release button,
slide the battery pack slightly in the direction of the arrow
(w) to ease release. This will prevent possible injuring to
your fingers or nails
uCHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z]
• Select an operating channel. (p. 9)
• Selects the SET mode condition of item. (p. 17)
• Checks tag channels or changes scanning direction dur-
ing scan. (p. 14)
•
Sets and clears the displayed channel as a tag (scanned)
channel when pushed both switches for 1 sec.
• While turning power ON, clears all tag channels in the
selected channel group when both switches are pushed.
iDIAL/CHANNEL GROUP SWITCH [DIAL]
• Selects one of 3 regular channels in sequence when
pushed for 1 sec. (pgs. 8, 9, 16)
- International, USA (or ATIS*) and LAND (PMR) channels are
available. *German version only
• Push to return to the condition before selecting the chan-
nel when the priority channel or the call channel is se-
lected.
o SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL] (p. 11)
• Push this switch, then set the squelch level with [Y]/[Z].
• Manually opens the squelch for channel monitoring while
pushed and held.
• While pushing this switch, turn the power ON to enter the
set mode.
!0 PTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.
3PANEL DESCRIPTION

■Function display
qwer uy
t
i
o
!0
!1
!2
!3
!4
q TRANSMIT INDICATOR (p. 10)
Appears while transmitting.
w BUSY INDICATOR (p. 10)
• Appears when receiving a signal or when the squelch
opens.
• Blinks while monitoring.
e TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 14)
Appears when a tag channel is selected.
r SCAN INDICATOR (p. 14)
Blinks while scanning.
t LOCK INDICATOR (p. 11)
Appears while the lock function is activated.
y NARROW INDICATOR (p. 16)
Appears when narrow channel spacing is selected.
*LAND (PMR) channel group only.
u BATTERY INDICATOR
Indicates remaining battery power.
Indication
Full Middle Charging
required Discharged
Battery level
blinks when the battery is over charged.
6
3
PANEL DESCRIPTION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

7
iDUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS (p. 15)
“DUAL” appears during dualwatch; “TRI” appears during
tri-watch.
oDUPLEX INDICATOR
Appears when a duplex channel is selected.
!0 SUB CHANNEL READOUT
• Indicates Channel 16 during priority scan, dualwatch or
tri-watch. (p. 15)
• Indicates the SET mode item while in SET mode.
!1 CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT
• Indicates the selected operating channel number.
• In SET mode, indicates the selected condition.
!2 CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 8)
Appears when the call channel is selected.
!3 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR (pgs. 9, 16)
“I” appears when International; “U” appears when U.S.A.
(U.K. version only); “ ” appears when LAND (PMR)
channel group is selected. “ATIS” appears when the
channel group in which ATIS function is activated. (German
version only)
!4 TRANSMIT POWER INDICATOR (p. 10)
• “LOW” appears when low power is selected.
• “MID” appears when middle power is selected. (Except
for the German version)
• No indication when high power is selected.
3PANEL DESCRIPTION

DCall channel
Each regular channel group has a separate call channel. In
addition, each call channel is monitored during tri-watch. The
call channels can be reprogrammed and are used to store
your most often used channels in each channel group for
quick recall.
qPush [16•C] for 1 sec. to select the call channel in the se-
lected channel group.
• “CALL” and the call channel number appear.
• Each channel group may have its own call channel after pro-
gramming a call channel. See the “Call channel programming”
on p. 12 for details.
wPush [DIAL] to return to the condition before selecting the
call channel, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating chan-
nel.
C
Push
for 1 sec.
■Channel selection
IMPORTANT: Prior to using the transceiver for the first
time, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimum
life and operation. To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn
the power OFF while charging.
DChannel 16
Channel 16 (Distress channel) is used for establishing initial
contact with another station and for emergency communica-
tions. Channel 16 is automatically monitored during both du-
alwatch and tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor
Channel 16.
qPush [16•C] to select Channel 16.
wPush [DIAL] to return to the condition before selecting
Channel 16, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating chan-
nel.
C
Push
Channel 16 is the default setting.
(depending on version)
4
BASIC OPERATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
8

9
DInternational, U.S.A and ATIS* channels
There are 57 International, 58 U.S.A. and 57 ATIS* channels.
These channel groups may be specified for the operating
area.
qPush [DIAL] to select a regular channel.
wPush [Y]/[Z] to select a channel.
• “DUP” appears for duplex channels.
eTo change the channel group, push [DIAL] for 1 sec.
• International, U.S.A. and ATIS* channels can be selected in se-
quence. Depending on the setting, LAND (PMR) channel can
be selected. See the “LAND (PMR) CHANNEL OPERATION” on
p. 16 for details.
U.S.A channels
International channels
ATIS channels*
Push
for 1 sec.
Push
for 1 sec.
* German version only
4BASIC OPERATION

■Receiving and transmitting
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may
damage the transceiver.
q Rotate [VOL] clockwise to turn power ON.
w
Use the squelch function to mute any audio noise if nec-
essary. After pushing the [SQL] for 1 sec., the squelch
function is cut off until [SQL] is released. (default)
e
Push [SQL] for 1 sec. (see the SET mode on p. 19), and
rotate [VOL] to set the audio output level.
r Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel.
- When receiving a signal, “ ” appears and audio is emitted
from the speaker.
- Further adjustment of [VOL] may be necessary at this point.
t Push [H/L•LOCK] to select the output power if necessary.
- “LOW” appears when low power is selected; “MID” appears when
middle power is selected (except for the German version); no in-
dication when high power is selected.
- Choose low power to conserve battery power, choose high
power for longer distance communications.
- Some channels are for low power only.
y Push and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the mi-
crophone.
- “TX” appears.
- Channel 70 cannot be used for transmission (for GMDSS use).
u Release [PTT] to receive.
IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your transmit-
ted 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.
NOTE: The transceiver has a power save function to con-
serve the battery power and it cannot be turned OFF. The
power save function activates automatically when no sig-
nal is received for 5 sec.
r Set channel
qPower ON
eSet volume
t Set output
power
yPush and
hold to
transmit
uRelease to
receive
wOpening the
squelch
10
4
BASIC OPERATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

11
■Adjusting the squelch level
The IC-M87 has a squelch even though there is no control
knob for it. In order to receive signals properly, as well as for
the scan to function effectively, the squelch must be adjusted
to the proper level.
qPush [SQL], then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z].
- “SL” indicator appears.
- There are 11 squelch levels to choose from: OP is completely
open; 10 is the tight squelch level.
- When no key is pushed for 5 sec., the transceiver returns to
normal condition.
wPush [SQL] again to return to normal condition.
■Automatic backlighting
This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The auto-
matic backlighting can be activated in SET mode. (p. 19)
➥Push any key except for [PTT] to turn the backlighting
ON.
• The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of in-
activity.
■Lock function
This function electronically locks all keys (except for [PTT],
[SQL] and [H/L•LOCK]) to prevent accidental channel changes
and function access.
➥Push [H/L•LOCK] for 1 sec. to turn the lock function ON
and OFF.
Appears while the
lock function is used.
4BASIC OPERATION

■Call channel programming
The call channel key is used to select the default channel,
however, you can program your most often-used channel in
each channel group for quick recall.
qPush [DIAL] for 1 sec. several
times to select the desired chan-
nel group (INT, USA) to be pro-
grammed.
wPush [16•C] for 1 sec. to select
the call channel.
• “CALL” and call channel number
appear.
ePush [16•C] again for 3 sec. (until
a long beep changes to 2 short
beeps) to enter call channel pro-
gramming condition.
• Call channel number to be pro-
grammed flashes.
rPush [Y]/[Z] to select the de-
sired channel.
tPush [16•C] to program the dis-
played channel as the call chan-
nel.
• The call channel number stop
flashing.
12
4
BASIC OPERATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

13
■Scan types
Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a
wide frequency range. The transceiver has priority scan and
normal scan.
In addition, an auto scan function is available for standby con-
venience. (p. 18)
Set the tag channels (scanned channel) before scanning.
Clear the tag channels which inconveniently stop scanning,
such as digital communications.
Choose priority or normal scan in SET mode. (p. 18)
NORMAL SCAN
CH 01 CH 02
CH 88
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03
Normal scan, like priority scan, searches through all tag
channels in sequence. However, unlike priority scan, Chan-
nel 16 is not checked unless Channel 16 is set as a tag
channel.
PRIORITY SCAN
CH 88
CH 01
CH 16
CH 02
CH 05 CH 04
CH 03
Priority scan searches through all tag channels in sequence
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 signal disappears.
5SCAN OPERATION

■Setting tag channels
For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as tag
channels or clear tag channels for unwanted channels. Non-
tag channels will be skipped during scanning. Tag channels
can be assigned to each channel group (INT, USA) indepen-
dently.
qSelect the desired channel group (INT, USA) by pushing
[DIAL] for 1 sec., if desired.
wSelect the desired channel to set as a tag channel.
ePush both [Y] and [Z] for 1 sec. to set the displayed chan-
nel as a tag channel.
• “TAG” appears in the function display.
rTo cancel the tag channel setting, push both [Y] and [Z]
for 1 sec.
• “TAG” disappears.
• Clearing all tag channels in the selected channel group
While pushing and holding both [Y] and [Z], turn power ON
to clear all tag channels in the channel group.
■Starting a scan
Set the priority scan function, scan resume timer and auto
scan function in advance, using SET mode. (p. 18)
qSelect the desired channel group (INT, USA) by pushing
[DIAL] for 1 sec., if desired.
wPush [SCN•DUAL] to start priority or normal scan.
• “SCAN” blinks in the function display.
• “16” appears during priority scan.
• When a signal is received, scan pauses until the signal disap-
pears or resumes after pausing 5 sec. according to SET mode
setting. (Channel 16 is still monitored during priority scan.)
• Push [Y]/[Z] to check the scanning tag channels, to change the
scanning direction or resume the scan manually.
eTo stop the scan, push [SCN•DUAL].
• “SCAN” disappears.
• Pushing [PTT], [16•C] or [DIAL] also stops the scan.
Push Scan starts. Push
to stop the scan.
Scan pauses when receiving
a signal and audio is emitted.
DUAL DUAL
[Example]: Starting a normal scan.
14
5
SCAN OPERATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

15
■Description
Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving an-
other channel; tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the call
channel while receiving another channel.
■Operation
qSelect the desired operating channel.
wPush [SCN•DUAL] to start dualwatch or tri-watch (depend-
ing on SET mode setting).
• “DUAL” blinks during dualwatch; “TRI” blinks during tri-watch.
• A beep tone sounds when a signal is received on Channel 16.
• Tri-watch becomes dualwatch when receiving a signal on the
call channel.
eTo cancel dualwatch/tri-watch, push [SCN•DUAL] again.
[Example]: Operating tri-watch on INT channel 07.
Tri-watch starts.
Push for 1 sec.
Signal is received
on call channel.
Signal received on
Channel 16 takes
priority.
Tri-watch resumes
after the signal
disappears.
DUAL
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION
Dualwatch Tri-watch
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].
6DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH