Icom IC-M37 VHF Marine Transceiver Radio Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Icom IC-M37 is a robust 6-Watt VHF marine transceiver radio designed for reliable communication and safety in various maritime environments. It features IP57 dust and waterproof protection, ensuring durability even when submerged. Key functionalities include extended battery life, clear audio with AquaQuake technology, and essential channel monitoring capabilities for enhanced safety and operational efficiency on the water.

Included Components

Verify that all the following items are present in your product package:

• M37 Radio Unit
• BP-296 Li-ion Battery Pack
• BC-217SA/SE* AC Adapter (may vary by region)
• MB-133 Belt Clip
• BC-235 Desktop Charger
• FA-SC59V Antenna
• Hand Strap

Setup

1. Attaching the Antenna

1. Carefully screw the FA-SC59V antenna onto the connector at the top of the radio unit until it is finger-tight. Do not overtighten.

2. Installing the Battery Pack

1. Align the BP-296 Li-ion battery pack with the battery compartment on the back of the radio.
2. Slide the battery pack into place until it clicks securely. Ensure the battery release latch is engaged.

3. Charging the Battery

Before initial use, fully charge the battery pack. The radio operates for over 12 hours on a full charge.

1. Connect the BC-217SA/SE* AC adapter to the BC-235 desktop charger.
2. Plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
3. Place the M37 radio (with battery installed) into the desktop charger. The charging indicator on the charger will illuminate.
4. Allow the radio to charge until the indicator shows a full charge (refer to the charger's specific instructions for indicator status).

4. Attaching the Belt Clip and Hand Strap

1. Slide the MB-133 belt clip onto the designated slot on the back of the radio until it locks into place.
2. Thread the hand strap through the loop on the radio for secure carrying.

Figure 1: The Icom IC-M37 radio held comfortably in hand, demonstrating its ergonomic design and compact size.

Operating Instructions

1. Power On/Off

1. To power on, press and hold the Power button until the display illuminates.
2. To power off, press and hold the Power button again until the display turns off.

2. Channel Selection

Use the Up/Down arrow buttons to scroll through available channels. The radio supports multiple channels for various maritime communications.

3. Volume and Squelch Adjustment

1. Adjust the volume using the dedicated VOL buttons.
2. The Voice Loud and Mute function allows instant maximization or muting of the volume for clear communication in noisy environments.

4. Transmitting and Receiving

1. To transmit, press and hold the PTT (Push-To-Talk) button on the side of the radio. Speak clearly into the microphone.
2. Release the PTT button to receive.

5. Special Features

• Channel 16 Access: Instantly access Channel 16, the international distress and calling channel, for emergencies.
• Weather Alerts: Monitor weather channels with a Weather Alert function for real-time storm and marine weather updates.
• Dualwatch and Tri-Watch: Monitor multiple channels simultaneously for increased awareness.
• Favorite Channel: Store and quickly recall your last five used channels.
• Float'n Flash: If the radio is dropped in water, it floats and an LED light automatically flashes to aid in recovery.

Figure 2: The Icom IC-M37 radio demonstrating its Float'n Flash capability, floating on the water surface.

Figure 3: The bottom view of the Icom IC-M37 radio while floating, highlighting the activated flashing LED light for easy retrieval.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning and Waterproofing

The IC-M37 is designed with IP57 dust and waterproof protection, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. After exposure to saltwater, rinse the radio thoroughly with fresh water and dry it completely to prevent corrosion.

2. AquaQuake Technology

This feature automatically clears water from the speaker grille after exposure to moisture, ensuring crisp audio quality. No special action is required from the user for this function to operate.

3. Battery Care

The BP-296 Li-ion battery pack is user-replaceable. To maximize battery life, avoid overcharging and completely discharging the battery. Store the radio and battery in a cool, dry place when not in use for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

• No Power: Ensure the battery pack is correctly installed and fully charged. Check the power button operation.
• Poor Audio Quality: Verify the antenna is securely attached. If recently exposed to water, allow AquaQuake to clear the speaker. Adjust volume and squelch levels.
• Cannot Transmit/Receive: Check that you are on the correct channel. Ensure the PTT button is fully pressed during transmission. Verify battery level.
• Radio Not Floating: Ensure the battery pack is properly installed and the radio is not excessively weighted down by accessories.

For persistent issues, refer to the full user manual or contact Icom customer support.

Specifications

Product Overview

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact Icom America directly or visit their official website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.