Icom IC-M2 VHF/Marine Radio Telephone Owner's Manual

The Icom IC-M2 is a compact VHF synthesized handheld transceiver designed for marine use. It offers thumbwheel frequency selection and covers 78 U.S. and International channels, 4 WEATHER channels, and 4 AUXILIARY PRIORITY channels. A Channel 16 PRIORITY switch provides instant access to Channel 16.

The transceiver features rugged construction, stability, and frequency accuracy for reliable operation. Various power packs are available to suit different needs, including minimum size, higher power, or longer usage. A highly efficient flexible antenna is supplied, and a standard BNC-type connector allows for the use of external antennas.

Specifications

General

Receiver

Transmitter

Accessories

The following accessories are supplied with the transceiver:

• Power pack IC-CM3 (attached to the set)
• Wall charger CM-25U/E*
• Flexible antenna
• Belt clip
• Belt clip retaining screws (2)
• Earphone
• Hand-strap
• AC conversion plug**

* CM-25U for 117 V AC, CM-25E for 240 V AC.

Pre-Operation

Battery Installation

The IC-CM3 is a rechargeable Nickel-Cadmium power pack that slides onto the bottom of the radio. It contains a charger connector, charger-current control circuit, reverse polarity protection circuit, and a charge indicator LED. The supplied CM-25U/E wall charger or a 12 V battery with the optional cable IC-CM1 can be used for recharging.

Before initial use, charge the power pack for approximately 15 hours. When the Transmit Indicator LED on the transceiver goes out during transmission, it indicates the batteries are nearly depleted and should be recharged.

How to Charge (When using Nickel-Cadmium power pack IC-CM3)

1. Use the supplied wall charger CM-25U/E, a stable power source with an output voltage of 12-15V DC and current capacity over 50 mA, or a 12V battery with the optional charger cable IC-CM1.
2. Ensure the transceiver power switch is OFF or the power pack is removed from the transceiver.
3. Connect the charger's output plug to the power pack's charger socket. The charge indicator LED on the power pack will illuminate, indicating charging is in progress.
4. Full charging takes approximately 15 hours. This charger uses a 0.1C (10-hour rate current) charging method.
5. Charge within the temperature range of 0°C to 40°C.
6. Avoid prolonged overcharging after the batteries are full, as this can reduce the power pack's efficiency.
7. After charging, disconnect the power source from the charger socket.

Precautions for Use of Nickel-Cadmium Batteries

• Never short the power pack. High current can cause damage.
• Never solder batteries directly. Spot-welding is required before soldering.
• Confirm polarities to prevent reverse charging, which can damage batteries.
• Do not use excess charging current.
• Charge between 0°C and 40°C.
• Never dispose of batteries in fire, as they may explode.

Using the Alkaline Power Pack IC-CM4

To install or replace batteries in the IC-CM4:

1. Turn the power switch OFF and remove the power pack from the set.
2. Separate the pack into its chassis and case.
3. Install six AA type batteries into the chassis, observing correct polarity.
4. Replace the pack and attach it to the set.

AA type Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable batteries can also be used with the optional CM-30 charger.

When the Transmit Indicator LED does not light up during transmission, the batteries are exhausted. Use batteries of the same type and replace worn batteries with a new set.

• Minimize transmit time.
• Reduce volume during reception.
• Turn off the power when the set is not in use.

For Use

1. Attach the supplied power pack.
2. Attach the hand strap and belt clip to the designated fixtures.
3. Attach the flexible antenna or connect an external antenna.

External Antenna

1. Select a high-performance antenna and position it as high as possible.
2. Use a 50-ohm antenna and coaxial cable.
3. Minimize the length of the coaxial cable and use one with low loss for VHF frequencies.
4. Use a BNC plug for connection to the unit.

Attachment of Hand Strap and Belt Clip

The belt clip attaches to the back cover using the two supplied screws. The hand strap attaches through the fixture on the body.

Licenses Required

Ship Station License

Your vessel must have a current Ship Station License to operate the VHF/FM equipment. Contact your dealer or the appropriate government agency for an application. A call sign will be issued for your station.

Operator's License

A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is typically required. This permit can often be obtained by mail without an examination. Contact your marine dealer or government agency for details. The permit must be readily available to the operator. Only licensed operators can transmit, but non-licensed individuals may speak if supervised by a licensed operator.

Keep an up-to-date copy of the relevant government agency rules and regulations.

Logs and Documents

Most countries require a log of all radio contacts. The Ship Radiotelephone Station licensee is responsible for maintaining this log. The manual includes a section for equipment logs and communication logs.

Sample Communication Log Entry

Channel Usage

A channel selection system is internationally adapted for the marine VHF band, assigning channel numbers to specific frequencies. Each channel has a designated purpose, such as inter-ship communication or ship-to-shore communication. Geographical areas have specific channels for land telephone system use.

Consult the channel usage chart to select appropriate channels for your intended communications and travel areas.

Dead Spots

Topography can affect reception and transmission. If you encounter a "dead spot," try moving to a different location.

Routine Maintenance

For optimal performance, have the following checked annually by a licensed technician:

1. Antenna system check.
2. Verification of transmitter frequency, deviation, and power output.

Marine VHF Radiotelephone Channel Frequencies

Equipment Log

Control Functions

Top Panel

• 1. ANTENNA CONNECTOR: Connects the supplied flexible antenna or an external antenna via a BNC connector.
• 2. TRANSMIT/BATTERY INDICATOR: Illuminates when transmitting. Also indicates battery condition. When it goes out during transmission, recharge the batteries.
• 3. SQUELCH CONTROL: Adjusts the squelch threshold. Rotate counterclockwise to turn off squelch; clockwise to increase the threshold.
• 4. VOLUME CONTROL and POWER SWITCH: Turn clockwise past the "click" to turn ON. Further clockwise rotation increases audio level. Fully counterclockwise is OFF.
• 5. EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK: Connect an 8-ohm external speaker or earphone here. The built-in speaker is disabled when an external speaker is connected.
• 6. EXTERNAL MIC JACK: Connect an external microphone here. The built-in microphone is disabled when an external microphone is connected. The optional IC-CM9 speaker-microphone can also be used.
• 7. RF POWER SWITCH: Selects HIGH (2 watts) or LOW (0.4 watts) output power at 8.4V. (5 watts HIGH, 1 watt LOW with IC-CM5 10.8V battery).
• 8. CHANNEL 16 SWITCH: Selects Channel 16 or a channel set by the thumbwheel switches.
• 9. ALLOCATION and WEATHER CH. THUMBWHEEL SWITCH: Selects U.S. or International allocation, a weather channel (1-4), or an auxiliary priority channel. The radio cannot transmit on weather channels.
• 10. CHANNEL SELECT THUMBWHEEL SWITCHES: Selects a channel within the U.S. or International allocation.

Front Panel

• SPEAKER
• MICROPHONE
• CHANNEL SELECTION CHART
• IC-CM3 Power Pack
• 11. PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) SWITCH: Press to transmit. Speak into the microphone. Release to receive.

Rear Panel

• Antenna
• IC-M2 Transceiver
• IC-CM3 Power Pack
• 12. CHARGER CONNECTOR: Connects to the wall charger or a 12V DC power source.
• 13. BATTERY CHARGE INDICATOR: Lights up during battery charging.

Operation

Channel Selection

1. CHANNEL 16 SWITCH: When set to "CH 16", the radio operates on Channel 16. When set to "DIAL", it operates on the channel selected by the thumbwheel switches.
2. ALLOCATION and WEATHER CHANNEL THUMBWHEEL SWITCH:
• "I" position: International allocation, selected by CHANNEL SELECT thumbwheel switches.
• "A" position: U.S.A. allocation.
• "1" - "4" positions: Monitors weather channels (receive only).
• "•" positions: Monitors auxiliary priority channels (if installed).
3. CHANNEL SELECT THUMBWHEEL SWITCHES: Selects operating channels within the U.S.A. or International allocation. Useable channels are 1-28 and 60-88.

Receiving

1. Ensure the power pack is charged and attached, and the flexible antenna is properly set.
2. Set the SQUELCH CONTROL (3) to fully counterclockwise.
3. Turn the VOLUME CONTROL and POWER SWITCH (4) clockwise past the "click" to turn ON.
4. Set the CHANNEL 16 SWITCH (8) to "DIAL".
5. Set the ALLOCATION and WEATHER CH. THUMBWHEEL SWITCH (9) to the desired allocation (I or A).
6. Set the CHANNEL SELECT THUMBWHEEL SWITCHES (10) to the desired channel.
7. Adjust the VOLUME CONTROL (4) to a comfortable listening level.
8. If only noise is heard, rotate the SQUELCH CONTROL (3) clockwise until the noise stops, then set it slightly below that point.

Transmitting

1. Set controls as for receiving.
2. Select an open channel using the CHANNEL SELECT THUMBWHEEL SWITCHES (10).
3. For initial contact, set the CHANNEL 16 SWITCH (8) to "CH 16". Once contact is made, switch to the pre-selected channel.
4. Hold the transceiver near your mouth, press the PTT SWITCH (11), and speak clearly.
5. Release the PTT switch to receive.
6. When finished, set the CHANNEL 16 SWITCH (8) to "CH 16".

Power Pack Specifications

Operating Rules and Guidelines

Prevent Interference

Monitor the channel before transmitting to avoid interrupting ongoing transmissions.

Call Procedures

• Identify your station with your call sign for every call. If no call sign is assigned, use the vessel name and licensee name.
• Give your call sign at the end of transmissions longer than 3 minutes.
• Break and give your call sign at least once every fifteen minutes during long calls.
• Keep unanswered calls short (under 30 seconds) and wait two minutes before repeating.
• Unnecessary transmissions are prohibited.

Priorities

Safety and Distress calls have priority over all others. Monitor and be able to transmit on Channel 16 (156.8 MHz).

False or fraudulent distress signals are illegal.

Privacy

Information overheard but not intended for you must not be used. Indecent or profane language is prohibited.

Logs

Maintain a log of watch periods on Channel 16, including vessel name, call sign, and operator signature. Record all distress, emergency, and safety messages in detail. Log entries are typically in 24-hour time or Universal Time (UT).

Equipment modifications must be logged by an authorized technician.

Channel Usage

Marine VHF channels are assigned specific numbers and purposes (e.g., inter-ship, ship-to-shore). Consult the channel usage chart for frequency assignments and operational types.

Dead Spots

If you experience poor reception or transmission due to topography, move to a different location.

Routine Maintenance

Annual checks by a licensed technician are recommended for the antenna system and transmitter performance (frequency, deviation, power output).

Emergency Use

In case of distress, attract attention by sending a distress message on Channel 16:

1. MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
2. THIS IS [vessel name]
3. LOCATED AT [position]
4. Reason for distress
5. Assistance needed
6. Additional information (vessel length, color, type)
7. Use Channel 16 for initial contact only.
8. After initial contact, agree on an alternate frequency (e.g., Channel 22A or Channel 6) and clear Channel 16 for other traffic.