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Icom IC-M504A Instruction Manual

Summary of IC-M504A

  • Page 1

    Instruction manual im504a vhf marine transceiver.

  • Page 2: D Features

    I foreword thank you for purchasing this icom product. The ic-m504a 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. We appreciate you making the ic-m504a y...

  • Page 3

    In case of emergency if your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and the coast guard by sending a distress call on channel 16. Or, transmit your distress call using digital selective calling on channel 70. Note a warning sticker is supplied with the transceiver. To comply with fcc regu...

  • Page 4

    Iii radio operator warning w ar n in g icom requires the radio operator to meet the fcc requirements for radio frequency expo- sure. An omnidirectional antenna with gain not greater than 9 dbi must be mounted a mini- mum of 5 meters (measured from the lowest point of the antenna) vertically above th...

  • Page 5

    Iv table of contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 foreword ..................................................................................... I important ...................................................................................... I explicit definitions ..........................

  • Page 6

    V precautions rwarning! Never connect the transceiver to an ac outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock. Rwarning! Never connect the transceiver to a power source of more than 16 v dc or use reverse polarity. This will ruin the transceiver. Rwarning! Never cut the dc power c...

  • Page 7: Operating Rules

    1 1 operating rules d priorities s and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls take priority over all others. S on another channel. S d privacy s fully be used in any way. S d radio licenses (1) ship station license you may require a current radio station license before using the tr...

  • Page 8: Panel Description

    2 panel description 2 n front panel function display (p. 4) speaker q e r t y w u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 the microphone may be connected here, or the microphone and its connection kit for the rear panel are separately included, depending on the transceiver version. # for details. Q distress key [distress] ...

  • Page 9

    3 2 panel description u ± rotate to select the operating channels, set mode set- tings, etc. (pp. 6–8, 53) ± while holding down [h/l], rotate to adjust the bright- ness of the lcd and key backlight. (p. 10) ± push to enter the input channel comment, selected item, etc. (pp. 9, 53) ± rotate to check ...

  • Page 10: N Function  Display

    4 2 panel description n function display busy 25w int call loc rx dup scram tag normal scan - 34°34.506n 123°23.236w local 1:10 calling o i q w e r t y !7 !6 !5 !4 !1 u !3 !2 !0 q rx speaker icon (p. 49) appears during the rx speaker mode. W power icon (p. 8) ± “25w” appears when high power is selec...

  • Page 11: N Speaker  Microphone

    5 2 panel description !3 position indicator ± shows the current position data when a gps receiver is connected, or the time data is manually programmed. S 2 seconds instead of position data. The last position data is held for only 23.5 hours, and after that, “no position” will appear. S 4 hours have...

  • Page 12: Basic Operation

    6 basic operation 3 n channel selection d channel 16 channel 16 is the distress and safety channel. It is used for establishing initial contact with a station and for emergency communications. Channel 16 is monitored during both du- alwatch and tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor channel ...

  • Page 13

    7 3 basic operation d u.S.A., international and canadian channels the ic-m504a is pre-programmed with 59 u.S.A., 59 interna- tional and 63 canadian channels. These channel groups may be specified for the operating area. Q push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= to select a regular channel. S w while holding down [h/l],...

  • Page 14

    8 3 basic operation n receiving and transmitting caution: transmitting without an antenna will damage the transceiver. Q push [power] to turn on the power. W set the audio and squelch levels. ± rotate [sql] fully counterclockwise first. ± rotate [vol] to adjust the audio output level. ± rotate [sql] ...

  • Page 15: N Call Channel Programming

    9 3 basic operation n call channel programming the call channel is used to select channel 9 (default); how- ever, you can program the call channel with your most often- used channels in each channel group for quick recall. Q while holding down [h/l], push ;#(78s$5!,s5)#= sev- eral times to select th...

  • Page 16: N Microphone Lock Function

    10 3 basic operation n microphone lock function the microphone lock function electrically locks [ y]/[z] and [hi/lo] keys on the supplied microphone. This prevents ac- cidental channel changes and function access. ± while holding down [hi/lo] on the microphone, turn on the power to turn the micropho...

  • Page 17

    11 3 basic operation n optional voice scrambler operation d activating the scrambler the optional voice scrambler provides private communications. In order to receive or send scrambled transmissions you must first activate the scrambler function. To activate the function, an optional scrambler unit i...

  • Page 18: Scan Operation

    12 scan operation 4 n scan types scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has priority scan and normal scan. When the weather alert function is turned on, the previ- ously selected (last used) weather channel is also checked while scanning. (...

  • Page 19: N Setting Tag Channels

    13 4 scan operation n setting tag channels for more efficient scanning, add the desired channels as tag channels or clear the tag for unwanted channels. Channels that are not tagged will be skipped during scan- ning. Tag channels can be assigned to each channel group (u.S.A., international and canada...

  • Page 20: Dualwatch/tri-Watch

    14 dualwatch/tri-watch 5 n description dualwatch monitors channel 16 while you are receiving on another channel; tri-watch monitors channel 16 and the call channel while receiving another channel. Dualwatch/tri- watch is convenient for monitoring channel 16 when you are operating on another channel....

  • Page 21: Dsc Operation

    15 6 dsc operation n mmsi code programming the 9 digit mmsi (maritime mobile service identity: dsc self id) code can be programmed at power on. This initial code setting can be performed only once. After being set, it can be changed by only your dealer or distributor. Q first, turn off the power. Th...

  • Page 22: N Dsc Address Id

    16 6 dsc operation n dsc address id a total of 100 dsc address ids can be programmed and named with up to 10 characters. D programming individual id q enter “add:indv id” in the dsc set up menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eset upf ¶ eadd:indv idf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rotate [di...

  • Page 23

    17 6 dsc operation d programming group id q enter “add:group id” in the dsc set up menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eset upf ¶ eadd:group idf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rotate [dial] to input the group id and id name. S the id name is an associated text name for that group. S i/c] to...

  • Page 24

    18 6 dsc operation a distress call should include the ship’s position and time data. If no gps is connected, your position and utc (univer- sal time coordinated) time should be manually input. They are automatically included when a gps receiver (nmea0183 ver. 2.0 or 3.01) is connected. S (nmea0183 v...

  • Page 25: N Gps Information Display

    19 6 dsc operation n position and time indication when a gps receiver (nmea0183 ver. 2.0 or 3.01) is con- nected, the transceiver displays the current position and time. When no gps receiver is connected, the transceiver displays the manually entered position and time. A gps receiver appropriate for...

  • Page 26: N Distress Call

    20 6 dsc operation n distress call a distress call should be transmitted, if in the opinion of the master, the ship or a person is in distress and requires im- mediate assistance. Never use the distress call when your ship or a person is not in an emergency. A distress call can be used only when imm...

  • Page 27

    21 6 dsc operation r after receiving the acknowledgment, reply using the micro- phone. 25w int tag received distressack beep off> calling ± a distress alert contains (default); s s data is held for 23.5 hours, or until the power is turned off. ± the distress call is repeated every 3.5 to 4.5 minutes...

  • Page 28

    N distress call dregular call (continued) e edit your position (latitude and longitude) data by rotating [dial]. S i/c] to move it backward. S the cursor is on the ‘n’ or ‘s’ position. S when the cursor is on the ‘w’ or ‘e’ position. S data. S --dsc menu-- input position latitude __°__.___n null lon...

  • Page 29: N Transmitting Dsc Calls

    23 6 dsc operation u after receiving the acknowledgment, reply using the micro- phone. 25w int tag received distressack beep off> calling ± a distress alert contains (default); s s data is held for 23.5 hours, or until the power is turned off. ± the distress call is repeated every 3.5 to 4.5 minutes...

  • Page 30

    24 6 dsc operation n transmitting dsc calls d transmitting an individual call (continued) about manual inputting: rotate [dial] to input the 9 digit individual id, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=. S i/c] to move it backward. S s s --dsc menu-- input address input 9 digits _________ e rotate [dial] to select ...

  • Page 31

    25 6 dsc operation y when the acknowledgement ‘able to comply’ is received, the channel specified in step e is selected and beeps au- tomatically sound. Or, when the acknowledgement ‘unable to comply’ is re- ceived, beeps sound and the display returns to the oper- ated channel (before you entered the...

  • Page 32

    26 6 dsc operation n transmitting dsc calls dtransmitting an individual acknowledgement (continued) e rotate [dial] to select “able to comply” or “un- able to comply,” then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=. S will be transmitted. S is displayed. --dsc menu-- select action ˘able to comply unable to comply --dsc men...

  • Page 33

    27 6 dsc operation about manual inputting: rotate [dial] to input the 8 digit group id, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=. S i/c] to move it backward. S s s --dsc menu-- input address input 8 digits 0________ e rotate [dial] to select a desired intership channel, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=. S ommended order. S pla...

  • Page 34

    28 6 dsc operation d transmitting an all ships call large ships use channel 70 as their ‘listening channel.’ when you want to announce a message to these ships within range, use the ‘all ships call’ function. Q enter “all ships call” in the dsc menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eall ships callf (push [menu]) (rota...

  • Page 35

    29 6 dsc operation d transmitting a position request call transmit a position request call when you want to know a specific ship’s current position, etc. Q enter “position request” in the dsc menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eposition requestf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rotate [dial] ...

  • Page 36

    30 6 dsc operation d transmitting a position report call transmit a position report call when you want to announce your own position to a specific ship and receive an answer back. Q enter “position report” in the dsc menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eposition reportf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%...

  • Page 37

    31 6 dsc operation d transmitting a polling request call transmit a polling request call when you want to know a specific vessel is in the communication area, or not. Q enter “polling request” in the dsc menu. Edsc menuf ¶ epolling requestf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rot...

  • Page 38

    32 6 dsc operation d transmitting a position reply call transmit a position reply call when a position request call is received. When the automatic acknowledgement function is on (p. 45), the transceiver automatically transmits a reply call after receiv- ing a position request call. Q enter “positio...

  • Page 39

    33 6 dsc operation d transmitting a position report reply call transmit a position report reply call when a position report call* is received. When the automatic acknowledgement function is on (p. 45), the transceiver automatically transmits a reply call after receiv- ing a position report call*. *o...

  • Page 40

    34 6 dsc operation d test call testing on the exclusive dsc distress and safety calling channels should be avoided as much as possible. When test- ing on the distress/safety channel is unavoidable, you should indicate that these are test transmissions. Normally the test call would require no further...

  • Page 41: N Receiving Dsc Calls

    35 6 dsc operation d transmitting a test ack call transmit a test acknowledgement call when a test call is re- ceived. Q enter “test ack” in the dsc menu. S edsc menuf ¶ etest ackf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rotate [dial] to select the desired individual address or id c...

  • Page 42

    36 6 dsc operation n receiving dsc calls (continued) d receiving a distress acknowledgement when a distress acknowledgement to other ship is received: ± the emergency alarm sounds. ± s continues to blink.) ± “received distressack” appears on the display, then channel 16 is automatically selected. Th...

  • Page 43

    37 6 dsc operation d receiving a distress relay acknowledgement when a distress relay acknowledgement is received: ± the emergency alarm sounds. ± s continues to blink.) ± “dtr rly ack” appears on the display, then channel 16 is automatically selected. This action can be changed, depending on the co...

  • Page 44

    38 6 dsc operation n receiving dsc calls (continued) d receiving a group call when a group call is received: ± the emergency alarm or beeps sound depending on the received category. ± “received group” appears on the display. ± ± push [clr] to stop the beeps and the backlight blinking, then push ;$)!...

  • Page 45

    39 6 dsc operation d receiving a geographical area call when a geographical area call (for the area you are in) is received: ± emergency alarm or beeps sound depending on the re- ceived category. ± “received geographic” appears on the display. ± ± push [clr] to stop the beeps and the backlight blink...

  • Page 46

    40 6 dsc operation n receiving dsc calls (continued) d receiving a position report call when a position report call is received: ± ± “received pos report” appears on the display. ± ± push [clr] to stop the beeps and the backlight blinking, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2= to display the position informa- tion...

  • Page 47

    41 6 dsc operation d receiving a position report reply call when a position report reply call is received: ± ± “received pos reply” appears on the display. ± ± push [clr] to stop the beeps and the backlight blinking, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2= to display the position informa- tion, or push [clr] to exit...

  • Page 48

    42 6 dsc operation n receiving dsc calls (continued) d receiving a test call when a test call is received: ± ± “received test call” appears on the display. ± ± push [clr] to stop the beeps and the backlight blinking, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2= to reply to the call; push [clr] to ignore the call. “ ” con...

  • Page 49: N Received Messages

    43 6 dsc operation n received messages the transceiver automatically stores up to 20 distress mes- sages and 20 other messages. The messages can be used as a supplement to your logbook. S d distress message q enter “distress” in the dsc menu. S ‘distress.’ edsc menuf ¶ ereceived call logf ¶ edistres...

  • Page 50: N Dsc Set Up Menu

    44 6 dsc operation n received messages (continued) d other messages q enter “other” in the dsc menu. S other than ‘distress.’ edsc menuf ¶ ereceived call logf ¶ eotherf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rotate [dial] to select the desired message, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=. S --d...

  • Page 51

    45 6 dsc operation d mmsi code check the programmed 9 digit mmsi (dsc self id) code can be checked. Q enter “mmsi check” in the dsc set up menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eset upf ¶ emmsi checkf (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w check the 9 digit mmsi (dsc self id) code. --dsc menu-- mmsi ...

  • Page 52

    46 6 dsc operation n dsc set mode (continued) d nmea output select an nmea output function. When receiving a position acknowledgment, the transceiver outputs it to external equip- ment through the nmea connector. Q enter “nmea output” in the dsc set up menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eset upf ¶ enmea outputf (pu...

  • Page 53

    47 6 dsc operation d auto tune timer this is the amount of time after receiving a distress call before the transceiver switches to channel 16. Q enter “auto tune” in the dsc set up menu. Edsc menuf ¶ eset upf ¶ eauto tunef (push [menu]) (rotate [dial], then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=.) w rotate [dial] to tur...

  • Page 54: Other Functions

    48 other functions 7 n intercom operation the optional intercom function allows you to talk to the deck from the cabin. The optional command microphone is re- quired for intercom operation. Connect an optional command microphone as described on page 62. S s q push [power] to turn on the power. S tur...

  • Page 55: N Rx Speaker Function

    49 7 other functions s and receive functions are interrupted. If the transceiver is in the transmit mode, the intercom function is not avail- able. S tomatically cancelled. The received call type is displayed on the lcd. (p. 35) s beep sounds. The wx alert sounds after exiting from the intercom mode...

  • Page 56: N Hailer Operation

    50 7 other functions n hailer operation the ic-m504a has a hailer function for voice amplification over a loudspeaker, making it unnecessary to leave the bridge to talk a hailing party. Connect an external hailer speaker (25 w nominal at 13.8 v/ 4 ˘) as described on page 56. S s q push ;(!),s28 ] to ...

  • Page 57

    51 7 other functions n automatic foghorn function the automatic foghorn function repeatedly sounds a horn until the function is turned off. Four patterns are selectable for varying situations. The hailer speaker is used to sound the foghorn. To use this function, the hailer speaker must be connected...

  • Page 58

    52 7 other functions n automatic foghorn function (continued) q while holding down [h/l], push ;(!),s28 ] to activate the foghorn. 25w int tag ˘underway stop ˘ ok> calling w rotate [dial] to select the desired foghorn pattern, then push ;$)!,s%.4%2=. S s pattern is set, and the display automatically...

  • Page 59: Set Mode

    53 8 set mode n set mode programming set mode is used to change the settings of the transceiver’s functions: scan type, scan resume timer, weather alert, dual/ tri-watch, beep tone, lcd contrast, automatic foghorn fre- quency, radio power* 1 , scrambler type* 2 , scrambler code* 2 and remote id. * 1...

  • Page 60

    54 8 set mode n set mode items (continued) d weather alert a noaa broadcast station transmits a weather alert tone be- fore important weather information. When “on” is selected, the previously selected (used) weather channel is checked any time during standby, or while scanning. When “on with wx sca...

  • Page 61

    55 8 set mode d radio power ( appears when an optional command microphone is con- nected.) this item sets the radio power function on or off. On : the transceiver’s power is controlled by the optional command microphone. When the command micro- phone is turned off, the transceiver is automatically t...

  • Page 62: Connections and Maintenance

    56 connections and maintenance 9 n connections q nmea in lead (red) connects to a gps receiver for position data. S gns, gll and vtg) compatible gps receiver is required. Ask your dealer about suitable gps receivers. Inner conductor outer conductor : nmea in (+) : nmea in (−) w nmea out lead (white)...

  • Page 63

    57 9 connections and maintenance o microphone connector (p. 62) directly connects the supplied/optional microphone (hm- 126)*. S eration, see page 62 for connection. *not supplied with some versions. !0 dc power connector connects the supplied dc power cable from this connec- tor to an external 12 v...

  • Page 64: N Antenna

    58 9 connections and maintenance n antenna a key element in the performance of any communication sys- tem is the antenna. Ask your dealer about antennas and the best place to mount them. N fuse replacement one fuse is installed in the supplied dc power cable. If a fuse blows or the transceiver stops...

  • Page 65: N Mounting The Transceiver

    59 9 connections and maintenance n mounting the transceiver d using the supplied mounting bracket the universal mounting bracket supplied with your transceiver allows overhead or dashboard mounting. Q mount the bracket securely to a surface which is more than 10 mm (0.39 in) thick and can support mo...

  • Page 66: N Mb-75 Installation

    60 9 connections and maintenance n mb-75 installation an optional mb-75 flush mount kit is available for mounting the transceiver to a flat surface such as an instru- ment panel. Keep the transceiver and microphone at least 1 m (3.3 ft) away from the vessel’s magnetic navigation compass. Q using the ...

  • Page 67

    61 9 connections and maintenance n ut-112/ut-98* installation rwarning! Disconnect the dc power cable from the transceiver before performing any work on the trans- ceiver. Otherwise, there is danger of electric shock and/or equipment damage. Follow the case opening procedure shown here when you want...

  • Page 68: N Microphone Installation

    62 9 connections and maintenance n ut-112/ut-98 installation (continued) r return the cables and screws to the original position. S caution: s you must keep the specified torque (0.5±0.07 n sm). Oth- erwise, the transceiver may be damaged (torque too high) or lose waterproof efficiency (torque too low...

  • Page 69

    63 9 connections and maintenance information! For further long distance remote operation with the hm-157 or hm-162, the optional extension cable, opc-999 or opc- 1541, is available. (6 m: 20 ft) connect the extension cable between the transceiver and the connection cable. Up to two extension cables ...

  • Page 70

    64 9 connections and maintenance n microphone installation (continued) w to use the connection cable as a wall socket, perform the following steps. E using the mounting base as a template, carefully mark the holes where the cable and three screws will be fastened. R drill holes at these marks. T ins...

  • Page 71

    65 9 connections and maintenance 50 (d) mm; 1 31 ⁄ 32 ˝ 23 (d) mm; 29 ⁄ 32 ˝ 24 to 27 (d) mm ( 15 ⁄ 16 to 1 1 ⁄ 16 ˝) 5 mm; 3 ⁄ 16 ˝ gasket mounting base cap nut 2 mm; 3 ⁄ 32 ˝ d hm-126/hm-157 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16.

  • Page 72

    66 9 connections and maintenance gasket mounting base cap nut d hm-162.

  • Page 73: Troubleshooting

    67 10 troubleshooting problem possible cause solution ref. No sound comes from the speaker. S s s p. 8 p. 8 — s s s the transceiver does not turn on. S p. 56 s transmitting is impossi- ble, or high power can- not be selected. S power or receive only by regulations. S pp. 6, 7, 70 p. 8 s s scan does ...

  • Page 74: Specifications and Options

    68 specifications and options 11 n specifications d general s rx 156.050–163.275 mhz s s s max. Audio 1.5 a max. S (negative ground) s (–20°c to +60°c; –4°f to +140°f) s ˘ nominal s (projections not included) 6.5(w) × 4.33(h) × 4.85(d) inch s d transmitter s s modulation s s ,ess all stated specifica...

  • Page 75: N Options

    69 11 specifications and options n options s flush mount kit for mounting the transceiver to a panel. S commandmicii ™ external microphone-type controller. Provides optional intercom operation. 6 m (20 feet) microphone cable and mounting base included. Black and white colors are avail- able. Do not ...

  • Page 76: Channel List

    70 channel list 12 note: simplex channels, 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 cannot be lawfully used by the general public in u.S.A. Waters. * 1 low power only. * 2 momentary high power. * 3 dsc operation only. Channel number frequency (mhz) 03 156.150 160.750 03 03a 156.150 156.150 156.200 160.800 0...

  • Page 77: Template

    Cut here hm-126/ hm-157 hm-162 unit: mm (inch) 24 to 27 (d) ( 15 ⁄ 16 to 1 1 ⁄ 16 ) 2 ( 3 ⁄ 32 ) 165 (6 1 ⁄ 2 ) 110 (4 11 ⁄ 32 ) 146 (5 3 ⁄ 4 ) 92.4 (3 5 ⁄ 8 ) 2 ( 3 ⁄ 32 ) 29.5 to 31.5 (d) (1 5 ⁄ 32 to 1 1 ⁄ 4 ) r12 (max.) mb-75 71 13 template 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16.

  • Page 79: Fcc Information

    73 14 fcc information s this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class b digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the fcc rules. These limits are designed to provide reason- able protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment gener...

  • Page 80

    1-1-32 kamiminami, hirano-ku, osaka 547-0003, japan a-6932d-1us printed in japan © 2011 icom inc. Printed on recycled paper with soy ink..