Icom IC-GM1600E User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iGM1600E
SURVIVAL CRAFT 2-WAY RADIO

WORD DEFINITION
RWARNING
CAUTION
NOTE
Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.
If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk
of personal injury, fire or electric shock.
Equipment damage may occur.
i
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 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.
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-GM1600E
SURVIVAL CRAFT 2-WAY RADIO 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 trou-
ble-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-GM1600E.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
MIC
/SP

ii
RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................... i
FOREWORD ................................................................................... i
IMPORTANT .................................................................................... i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................. i
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................. ii
PRECAUTION ............................................................................... iii
1 OPERATING RULES ����������������������������������������������������������������� 1
2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS��������������� 2–3
■Supplied accessories .............................................................. 2
■Attachments ............................................................................ 2
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION ���������������������������������������������������������� 4–6
■Front, top and side panels ....................................................... 4
■Function display ..................................................................... 5
4 BASIC OPERATION ������������������������������������������������������������ 7–10
■Channel selection ................................................................... 7
■Receiving and transmitting ..................................................... 8
■Call channel programming ..................................................... 9
■Adjusting the squelch level ..................................................... 9
■Lock function ........................................................................ 10
■Signal strength indicator function ......................................... 10
■Monitor function .................................................................... 10
■VOX function (FOR ON-BOARD USE ONLY) ....................... 10
5 SET MODE ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 11–15
■SET mode programming ...................................................... 11
■SET mode items ................................................................... 12
6 BP-234 LITHIUM BATTERY PACK ����������������������������������������� 16
7 BATTERY CHARGING (FOR ON-BOARD USE ONLY) ���� 17–18
■Important! (Except China version) ........................................ 17
■Battery charging ................................................................... 17
■Battery cautions ................................................................... 17
8 OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE
(FOR ON-BOARD USE ONLY)������������������������������������������������� 19
■HM-125 description .............................................................. 19
■Attachment ........................................................................... 19
9 SURVIVAL CHANNEL LIST ���������������������������������������������������� 20
10 TROUBLESHOOTING ������������������������������������������������������������� 21
11 SPECIFICATIONS ������������������������������������������������������������������� 22
12 OPTIONS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23
13 QUICK REFERENCE ��������������������������������������������������������� 25–26
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

iii
PRECAUTION
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 closer than 2.5 cm from 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.
NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source other
than the BP-234, BP-224*1or BP-252*2. Such a connection
will ruin the transceiver.
*1For China version only, *2For except China version.
DO NOT use or place the transceiver in direct sunlight or
in areas with temperatures below –20°C or above +55°C.
KEEP the transciever out of the reach of children.
KEEP the transceiver at least 0.9 meters away from your
vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.
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 inside
of the transceiver to water will result in serious damage to
the transceiver.
BE CAREFUL! The IC-GM1600E employs waterproof
construction,
which corresponds to IMO A.809 (19) (1 m
depth for 5 min.). However, once the transceiver has been
dropped, waterproofing cannot be guaranteed because of
possible damage to the transceiver’s case or the waterproof
seal.
Icom, Icom Inc. and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorpo-
rated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany,
France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.
NOTE:
• According to IMO resolution MSC. 149 (77) (adopted on
3 June 2003), the following regulation has been executed.
• “The equipment should have provisions for its attachment
to the clothing of the user and also be provided with a
wrist or neckstrap. For safety reasons, the strap should
include a suitable weak link to prevent the bearer from
being ensnared.”
• Instead of the handstrap, a neckstrap is supplied with the
equipment on or after 1st July, 2005.

1
1
OPERATING RULES
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 in-
cludes 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 regula-
tions 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.
1

2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
2
■Supplied accessories
*1Not supplied with some versions.
*2Differnt type is supplied depending on the version.
*3Attach the ferrite core to the AC adapter before charging.
See. p. 17 for details.
■Attachments
DNeckstrap
To attach the neckstrap, pass the
neckstrap through the loop on
the top of the transceiver as illus-
trated at right.
DBelt clip
Attach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated below.
Belt clip
(with 2 screws)
Battery pack
Neckstrap
AC adapter*1 Ferrite core
Battery charger
(with 2 screws)
*1
,*2
*1
,*3
Supplied screws

3
2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
DBattery pack
To remove the battery pack:
Turn the screw counterclockwise, then pull the battery pack
in the direction of the arrow as shown below.
To attach the battery pack:
Insert the battery pack in the IC-GM1600E completely, then
turn the screw clockwise.
NEVER remove or insert the battery pack when the
transceiver is wet or soiled. This may result water or dust
getting into the transceiver/the battery pack and may re sult
in the transceiver being damaged.
NOTE: When removing or attaching the battery pack, use
a coin or flat-blade screwdriver to loosen or tighten the
bottom screw.
CAUTION:
When attaching or removing a battery pack, make sure
the rubber seal is set in the groove of the battery pack-
correctly. If the seal is not neatly in the groove it may be
damaged when attaching the battery pack.
If the seal is damaged, waterproofing is not guaranteed.
OPEN
LOCK
Screw position
when removing battery
Screw position
when attaching battery
OPEN
LOCK
Make sure both the rubber seal (purple) is set to the groove
correctly and dust or else does not adhere to it.
Battery pack Battery pack
Rubber seal
Groove
Correct position Incorrect position
NOTE:
When attaching a battery pack, make sure dust or else does
not adhere to the rubber seal. If dust or else is on the seal
when attaching a battery pack, the water resistant may be
reduced.
2
NOTE: When the lock screw does not easily (feels tight),
check to ensure the battery pack is sufficiently inserted to
the transceiver. DO NOT bang or cause high impact to
the battery pack, as this may damage the battery pack/or
the transceiver.

4
PANEL DESCRIPTION
3
■Front, top and side panels
qVOLUME CONTROL [VOL]
Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level.
wMICROPHONE CONNECTOR [MIC/SP]
Connects the optional external microphone.
NOTE: Attach the [MIC/SP] cap when the optional
speaker-microphone is not used.
eANTENNA
Fixed type.
rTRANSMIT/RECEIVE INDICATOR
Lights green while receiving a signal or when the squelch
is open; lights red while transmitting (lights orange while
VOX function is used).
tCALL CHANNEL SWITCH [CALL]
➥Selects the call channel when pushed. (p. 7)
➥Push for 3 sec. to enter call channel programming con-
dition. (p. 9)
yCHANNEL SWITCH [CH]
Push to return the previous condition when priority chan-
nel or call channel is selected. (p. 7)
uTRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH [Hi/Lo• ]
➥Selects high or low power when pushed. (p. 8)
➥Toggles the lock function ON/OFF when pushed for
1 sec. (p. 10)
MIC
/SP
o
q
!1
!0
i
y
t
u
e
r
w

5
3
PANEL DESCRIPTION
iCHANNEL 16 SWITCH [16]
Selects Channel 16 when pushed. (p. 7)
oCHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z]
➥Selects an operating channel. (pgs. 7–8)
➥Selects the SET mode condition of the item. (p. 11)
➥ Selects the SET mode item when pushed with [SQL•
MONI]. (p. 11)
!0 SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL•MONI]
➥Push this switch, then adjust the squelch level with
[Y]/[Z]. (p. 9)
➥Manually opens the squelch for monitoring the channel
while pushed and held. (p. 10)
➥While pushing this switch, turn power ON to enter the
set mode. (p. 11)
!1 PTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.
■Function display
qw rte
u
i
o
!0
y
r
e
t
u
i
qw
y
q SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR (pgs. 10, 13)
Shows the relative signal strength while receiving signals.
w TRANSMIT POWER INDICATOR (p. 8)
➥ “LOW” appears when low power is selected.
➥No indication appears when high power is selected.
e SQUELCH LEVEL INDICATOR (p. 9)
Show the squelch level.
r MONITOR INDICATOR (p. 10)
Appears when the monitor function is activated.
3

6
3PANEL DESCRIPTION
t BATTERY INDICATOR
Indicates remaining battery power.
y VOX INDICATOR
“VOX” appears when the VOX function is used. (p. 10)
u SET MODE ITEM READOUT
Indicates the SET mode item while in the SET mode.
(p. 11)
i LOCK INDICATOR
Appears when the lock function is activated. (p. 10)
oCHANNEL NUMBER READOUT
➥Indicates the selected operating channel number.
➥In SET mode, indicates the selected condition.
!0 CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR
Appears when the call channel is selected. (p. 7)
NOTE: The backlight is ON at all times.

7
4
BASIC OPERATION
3
4
■Channel selection
DChannel 16
Channel 16 (Distress channel) is used for establishing initial
contact with another station and for emergency communica-
tions. While standing by, you must monitor Channel 16.
qPush [16] to select Channel 16.
w
Push [CH] to return to the condition before selecting Chan-
nel 16, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating channel.
DCall channel
The call channels can be re-programmed (p. 9) and may be
used to store your most often used channels for quick recall.
qPush [CALL] to select the call channel.
• “CALL” and the call channel number appear.
• Call channel can be re-programmed. See the “Call channel
programming” on p. 9 for details.
wPush [CH] to return to the condition before selecting the
call channel, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating chan-
nel.

8
4BASIC OPERATION
■Receiving and transmitting
CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage
the transceiver.
q Rotate [VOL] clockwise to turn power ON.
w Set the volume and squelch level.
➥ Push [SQL•MONI], and push [Z] to open the squelch.
➥ Push [SQL•MONI] to stop “SQL” indicator blinking, then
rotate [VOL] to set the volume level.
➥ Push [SQL•MONI], and push [Y]/[Z] to set the squelch
level.
e Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel.
- When receiving a signal, the [TRANSMIT/RECEIVE] indicator
lights green while audio is emitted from the speaker.
- Further adjustment of [VOL] may be necessary at this point.
r Push [Hi/Lo• ] to select the output power if necessary.
- “LOW” appears when low power is selected; no indication when
high power is selected.
- Choose low power to conserve battery power, choose high
power for longer distance communications.
t Push and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the
microphone.
- The [TRANSMIT/RECEIVE] indicator lights red while
transmitting.
y Release [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
into the microphone at a normal voice level.
MIC
/SP
q Power ON
w Set volume
r Set output power
Speaker
t Push to transmit
y Release to receive
w Set the squelch level
e Set channel
w Set the squelch level
Microphone

9
4
BASIC OPERATION
4
■Call channel programming
The call channel switch is used to select the default channel,
however, you can program your most often-used channel for
quick recall.
qPush [CALL] to select the call chan-
nel.
• “CALL” and call channel number
appear.
wPush [CALL] 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.
ePush [Y]/[Z] to select the desired
channel.
rPush [CALL] to program the dis-
played channel as the call channel.
• The call channel number stop ashing.
■Adjusting the squelch level
To adjust the IC-GM1600E’s squelch level, use the [Y]/[Z]
keys as desired below. In order to receive signals properly, the
squelch must be adjusted to the proper level.
q Push [SQL•MONI], then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z].
- “SQL” indicator starts blinking.
- There are 11 squelch levels to choose from: OP is completely
open; 10 is tight squelch; 1 is loose squelch level.
- When no switch is pushed for 5 sec., the transceiver returns to
normal condition.
w Push [SQL•MONI] again to return to normal condition.
Blinks during the squelch
level adjutment.
Indicates the
squelch level.
Push

10
4BASIC OPERATION
■Lock function
This function electronically locks all switches (except for
[PTT], [SQL•MONI] and [Hi/Lo• ]) to prevent accidental
channel changes and function access.
➥ Push [Hi/Lo• ] for 1 sec. to turn the lock function ON
and OFF.
■Signal strength indicator
function
The received signal strength level is indicated by number of
bars as below.
This indicator can be hidden by using the set mode (p. 13) if
deired.
■Monitor function
The monitor function releases the noise squelch mute to
check the volume level. See p. 12 for details of the monitor
switch action.
➥ Push [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec. to activate the monitor function.
• “ ” appears and audio is emitted.
■VOX function
(FOR ON-BOARD USE ONLY)
The VOX function (voice operated transmission) starts trans-
mission without pushing [PTT] when you speak into micro-
phone; then automatically returns to receive when you stop
speaking (hands-free operation becomes possible).
NOTE: An optional headset and optional headset adapter is
required for the VOX operation.
➥ Push and hold [SQL•MONI], then push [Hi/Lo• ] to turn
the VOX function ON/OFF while connecting the optional
headset and optional headset adapter to the [MIC/SP]
connector.
• “VOX” appears on the LCD while the VOX function turns ON.
• The “VOX gain” and “VOX delay” can be set on the SET mode.
(p. 14)
Indication
Strong Middle Weak No signal or
very weak
Signal
strength
Appears while the
lock function is used.
Push
for 1 sec.

11
5
SET MODE
4
5
■SET mode programming
SET mode is used to change the condition of 9 transceiver
functions: Beep tone function, Monitor switch action, LCD
contrast selection, Self check function, Battery voltage indi-
cator, Signal strength indicator, Squelch sensitivity function,
VOX gain and VOX delay.
D SET mode operation
q Turn power OFF .
w While pushing [SQL•MONI], turn power ON to enter the
SET mode.
• “bp” (Beep tone function setting) appears.
e Push [SQL•MONI] or [SQL•MONI] and [Y]/[Z] to select the
desired item, if necessary.
r Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired condition of the item.
t Push [16] to exit the SET mode.
DSET MODE ITEMS The displays show the default settings, and the selected item is displayed in the dotted circle.

12
5SET MODE
■SET mode items
DBeep tone function “bP”
You can select silent operation by turning the beep tones
OFF, or you can have 2 types of confirmation beeps sound
at the push of a switch. When “ON” is selected, a xed beep
(Pi) sounds, and when “US” is selected, the preset beeps
(e.g. do, re, mi) sound.
• Beep tone synchronises with the volume level.
• The beeps sound during call channel programming even if this
function is turned OFF.
DMonitor switch action “Sq”
The monitor switch action cuts off the squelch function tem-
porarily. This switch action contains PUSH (Pu) or HOLD
(Ho) settings as shown below.
• Pu (PUSH): After pushing [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec., the squelch
opens and emits audio. The squelch is held open
while continuously pushing and holding [SQL•MONI].
(default)
• Ho (HOLD): After pushing [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec., the squelch
opens and emits audio even [SQL•MONI] is released.
To close the squelch, push any switch.
DLCD contrast selection “LC”
The contrast of the LCD can be adjusted from 4 levels.
• 1 (bright)–4 (dark); 3 (default)
Push
Beep tone ON (default) Beep tone OFF
Push
Push setting (default) Hold setting

13
5
SET MODE
5
DSelf check function “SC”
The self check function checks the transceiver conditions by
itself, and informs you in case a problem is found. Self check
automatically and quickly runs through its diagnostic steps
each time the radio is turned ON. Afterwards, the radio
switches to normal operation mode.
• Temperature : Outside of –35°C to +80°C (approx.)
• Connected battery voltage
When error messages as shown below are displayed, see
troubleshooting for advice. (p. 21)
DBattery voltage indicator “bt”
This function controls display or non-display settings of the
connected battery pack’s voltage when the power is ON.
• The voltage of the connected battery pack is displayed for 2 sec.
after power is turned ON.
DSignal strength indicator “Sl”
The signal strength indicator displays received signal
strength as “S-meter”. This function is convenient to check
the signal strength visually.
• The strength is displayed at 4 steps.
• The antenna mark and 3 bars appear when receiving strong signals.
• The antenna mark only appears when receiving no signal.
Push
Self check OFF (default) Self check ON
Temperature error Battery voltage error
Push
Battery voltage
indication OFF
(default)
Battery voltage
indication ON
Push
Signal strength
indication OFF
(default)
Signal strength
indication ON

14
5SET MODE
DSquelch sensitivity function “SS”
When this function is turned ON, blocking against noise is im-
proved. Therefore the squelch is not easily affected by noise.
DVOX gain “ga”
(Available for on-board use only)
Adjusts the VOX gain (from 1 to 6) to level when speaking
with the optional headset.
• In case of setting to 1, the VOX gain sets to sharpening.
• In case of setting to 6, the VOX gain sets to dulling.
DVOX delay “dL”
(Available for on-board use only)
Sets the VOX delay timer (0.5 to 3.0 sec. in 0.5 sec. steps)
that keeps on transmitting after you stop speaking.
• In case of setting to 0.5 (0.5 sec.), the VOX delay sets to short.
• In case of setting to 3.0 (3.0 sec.), the VOX delay sets to long.
Push
Squelch sensitivity OFF
(default)
Squelch sensitivity ON
Push
VOX gain 3 (default) VOX gain 6
Push
VOX delay 1.0 (default) VOX delay 3.0

15
5
SET MODE
5
SET MODE LIST
*default setting
Function Indication Switch
Beep tone function “bP” OFF/ON*/US
Monitor switch action “Sq” Push*/Hold
LCD contrast selection “LC” 1/2/3*/4
Self check function “SC” OFF*/ON
Battery voltage indicator “bt” OFF*/ON
Signal strength indicator “SI” OFF*/ON
Squelch sensitivity “SS” OFF*/ON
VOX gain “ga” 1/2/3*/4/5/6
VOX delay “dL”
0.5/1.0*/1.5/2.0/2.5/3.0

16
BP-234 LITHIUM BATTERY PACK
6
The IC-GM1600E is certified as a GMDSS survival craft
portable radio ONLY when used with the BP-234 Lithium
battery pack.
For reasons of shelf-life and air cargo regulations, the BP-234
Lithium battery pack is listed as an option but its use in
GMDSS applications is mandatory.
Always ensure the sufficient BP-234 Lithium battery packs
are available for use in any distress situation and their
sealed bag are intact and that their shelf-life has not expired.
The BP-234 Lithium battery pack is not rechargeable and
must be replaced after any use.
The following precautions must be observed.
• NEVER dispose of the BP-234 Lithium battery pack in a fire. This
could result in a fire or explosion.
•
DO NOT short-circuit the BP-234 Lithium battery pack. Metal con-
tact (such as paper clip, another battery, etc.) across the battery
contacts can result in a sustained high rate discharge, which could
damage the battery, void the warranty and create a burn or a fire
hazard.
• NEVER expose of the BP-234 Lithium battery pack to excessive
heat of 60°C or above. This could result in electrolyte leakage,
possibly causing an explosion or fire.
• NEVER attempt to recharge the BP-234 Lithium battery pack.
Lithium batteries may explode or cause a fire in such cases.
• DO NOT disassemble the BP-234 Lithium battery pack. The BP-234
Lithium battery pack contains no user serviceable parts. Internal
battery gas can cause throat irritation. Also, exposed lithium may
generate heat and ignite.
•
DO NOT apply excessive pressure to the battery. This may result
in electrolyte leakage, possibly causing a explosion or fire.
• The storage life of the BP-234 Lithium battery pack is about 5
years. Once the expiration date on the battery pack expires, a new
battery pack must be used.
• For safety reasons, once the BP-234 Lithium battery pack is used,
a spare one should be purchased. The original battery pack can be
continued to be used for regular communications; save the spare
one for emergency situations.
IMPORTANT:
• This battery pack uses for EMERGENCY ONLY.
• Usable temperature range is within –20°C to +55°C.
• Stored temperature range is within –30°C to +35°C.
• Once this bag’s seal is broken, a new emergency bat-
tery pack must be used for EMERGENCY use.
• BP-234 Lithium battery pack