Page 1
INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER |M94D This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
Thank you for choosing this Icom product. This product was 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 ■ Explicit definitions...
(fresh water) cloth, then dry it before operating. The transceiver may lose its waterproof protection if the case, jack cover, or battery cover is cracked or broken, or the transceiver has been dropped. Contact your Icom distributor or your dealer for advice.
This could cause an explosion –20°C (–4˚F) ~ +60°C (+140˚F) and death. Keep the transceiver in a secure place to R WARNING! NEVER use or charge Icom prevent use by unauthorized persons. battery packs with non-Icom transceivers BE CAREFUL! The transceiver meets or non-Icom chargers.
Icom avec des émetteurs-récepteurs MISE EN GARDE : NE PAS placer non-Icom ou des chargeurs non-Icom. l’émetteur-récepteur dans des Seuls les blocsbatteries Icom sont testés environnements excessivement et homologués pour être utilisés avec poussiéreux. Cela pourrait endommager des émetteurs-récepteurs Icom ou pour l’émetteur-récepteur.
The radio is RF exposure limits for “Occupational transmitting when “TX” is displayed on the Use Only.” In addition, your Icom radio function display. You can cause the radio to complies with the following Standards transmit by pushing the “PTT” switch.
établies par la FCC. La radio est en train d’IC, pour une «utilisation grand public». En d’émettre lorsque le témoin du “TX” s’affiche outre, votre radio Icom satisfait les normes et sur l’écran ACL. La radio émettra si vous directives qui suivent en matière de niveaux appuyez sur le bouton du microphone.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this transceiver, not expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to operate this transceiver under FCC regulations. ■ Information FCC Cet équipement a été...
■ Table of contents ■ Important ......... i DSC OPERATION ���������������������������� 22 ■ Features .......... i ■ DSC address ID ......22 ■ Explicit definitions......i ■ Entering the position and time..23 ■ Définitions explicites......i ■ Sending DSC calls (Distress) ..24 ■...
NOTE: Even though the IC-M94D is capable of operation on VHF marine channels 1021, 1023, 1081, 1082, and 1083, according to FCC regulations these simplex...
ACCESSORIES ■ Supplied accessories Antenna Handstrap Belt clip Battery pack Power adapter Desktop charger Cigarette lighter cable (For Desktop charger) (With 2 screws) NOTE: Some accessories may not be supplied, or the shape may be different, depending on the transceiver version. ■...
Page 12
ACCESSORIES D Battery pack To insert: Push the sliding lock (1). Open the battery cover (1), and insert the battery pack into the transceiver so it fits flat (2). Securely attach the battery cover. To remove: Push the sliding lock, and then lift the battery cover to remove it. Then remove the battery pack.
PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front panel 4 CLEAR/LOCK KEY [CLR/ • Push to cancel the entered data, or to return to the previous screen. • Hold down for 1 second to turn the Key Lock function ON or OFF. (p. 17) 5 CHANNEL 16 KEY [16/C] •...
PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display 3 4 56 7 1 MMSI CODE (p. 11) 7 BATTERY INDICATOR Displays your MMSI code. Displays the battery’s remaining power. Full 2 POWER INDICATOR (p. 7) • “HI”: Displayed when high power is selected. Charging required •...
PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Software Keys 14 POSITION/TIME DISPLAYS Displays the current position and time Various often-used functions are assigned when valid GPS data is received, or to the Software Keys for easy access. The when manually entered. functions’ icons are displayed above the Received GPS data: Software Keys, as shown below.
Page 16
PANEL DESCRIPTION D Software Key functions Function Reference Push to display the “Compose Distress” screen to select the nature of distress, then push the [DISTRESS] (red key) to make a call. NEVER MAKE A DISTRESS CALL IF YOUR SHIP p. 25 Compose Distress OR A PERSON IS NOT IN AN EMERGENCY.
This can heats up, or is discolored or deformed. If cause blindness. Rinse your eyes with any of these conditions occur, contact your clean water, without rubbing them, and Icom dealer or distributor. immediately go to a doctor.
BATTERY CHARGING ■ Charging caution ■ Battery caution BE SURE to replace the battery pack R DANGER! NEVER charge the battery with a new one approximately five years pack in areas with extremely high after manufacturing, even if it still holds temperatures, such as near fires or stoves, a charge.
BATTERY CHARGING ■ Battery charger NOTE: The transceiver MUST be turned OFF while charging. Otherwise: - The battery will not be charged correctly. - The battery life may be shortened. D Supplied battery charger NOTE: Be sure the tabs on the transceiver are correctly aligned with the Charging time: guide rails inside the battery charger.
PREPARATION ■ Entering the MMSI code The Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI: DSC self ID) code consists of 9 digits. You can only enter the code when turning ON the transceiver for the first time. This initial code entry can be done only once. After entering, it can be changed only by your dealer or distributor.
Page 21
PREPARATION Repeat step 3 to enter all 9 digits. Select “Finish,” and then push [ENT] to set the entered code. • The “Confirmation” screen is displayed. Enter your MMSI code again to confirm. • When a different code is entered from the “MMSI Input” screen, “MMSI does not match.”...
BASIC OPERATIONS ■ Selecting a channel NOTE: Before 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 OFF the transceiver before charging. D Regular Channel You can select a channel by pushing [▲] or [▼].
BASIC OPERATIONS ■ Weather channels and Weather Alert The USA and Export version transceivers have 10 preset Weather channels. The transceivers are capable* of monitoring broadcasts from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The transceiver automatically detects a Weather alert tone on the selected weather channel, or while scanning.
BASIC OPERATIONS ■ Adjusting the volume level Push [VOL/SQL]. • The volume level adjustment screen is displayed. Push [▲], [▼], [◄], or [►] to adjust the audio volume level. L You can also push to select OFF, or to set the maximum volume level.
BASIC OPERATIONS ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: DO NOT transmit without an antenna. Push [▲] or [▼] to select the channel to call on. is displayed while receiving a signal. Hold down [PTT] and speak into the microphone at your normal voice level. •...
BASIC OPERATIONS ■ Lock function The Lock function electronically locks all keys except for [ ], [PTT], and [DISTRESS]. This function enables you to prevent accidentally changing the channel, or accessing the functions. z Hold down [CLR ] for 1 second to turn the Lock function ON or OFF. é...
BASIC OPERATIONS ■ AquaQuake Water Draining function Water in the speaker grill may muffle the sound coming from the speaker. The AquaQuake Water Draining function removes water from the speaker grill by vibrating the speaker. CAUTION: DO NOT use the AquaQuake Water Draining function when an external speaker microphone is connected.
SCAN OPERATION ■ Scan types You can find ongoing communication by scanning the Favorite channels. Before starting a scan: • Set the channels that you want to scan as Favorite channels. (p. 20) L Only the Favorite channels are scanned. •...
SCAN OPERATION ■ Setting Favorite channels You can quickly recall often-used channels by setting them as Favorite channels. You can set Favorite channels in each Channel Group. Select a Channel Group on the Menu screen. (p. 66) [MENU] > Settings > Radio > Channel Group Push [▲] or [▼] to select the channel.
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ■ Description Dualwatch and Tri-watch are convenient to periodically check Channel 16 while you are operating on another channel. Dualwatch Tri-watch Call channel CH 16 Operating Operating channel channel CH 16 Periodically checks Channel Periodically checks Channel 16 and 16 while operating on another the Call channel while operating on channel.
DSC OPERATION ■ DSC address ID D Entering an Individual or Group ID You can enter a total of 75 Individual IDs and 25 Group IDs, and assign names to them of up to 10 characters. Open the “Individual ID” or “Group ID” screen. [MENU] >...
DSC OPERATION D Deleting an entered ID (Example: Deleting an Individual ID: STATION 2) Open the “Individual ID” screen. [MENU] > Settings > DSC > Individual ID Select “STATION 2.” Push • “Delete the ID. Are you sure?” is displayed. Push to delete.
DSC OPERATION ■ Sending DSC calls (Distress) A Distress call should be sent if, in the opinion of the captain, the ship or a person is in distress and requires immediate assistance. NEVER MAKE A DISTRESS CALL IF YOUR SHIP OR A PERSON IS NOT IN AN EMERGENCY.
Page 34
DSC OPERATION D Regular call Select the nature of the Distress call to include in the Regular Distress call. Push • The “Compose Distress” screen is displayed. Push [ENT] to enter the Nature Selection mode. Select the nature of the Distress, and then push [ENT]. (Example: Flooding) •...
Page 35
DSC OPERATION D Distress Cancel call If you have accidentally made a Distress call, or made an incorrect Distress call, send a Distress Cancel call to cancel the call as soon as possible while waiting for an Acknowledgement. Be sure to report the purpose of the cancellation. While waiting for an Acknowledgement, push •...
Page 36
DSC OPERATION D Distress call Software Key description While waiting for an Acknowledgement: After receiving an Acknowledgement: : Cancels the Distress call and : Closes the Distress operation, and enables you to send a Cancel call. returns to the operating screen. : Enables you to resend the : Displays the information Distress call by holding down...
DSC OPERATION ■ Sending DSC calls (other) NOTE: To ensure proper DSC operation, be sure to correctly adjust the “CH 70 SQL Level” item on the Menu screen. (p. 43) D Sending an Individual call An Individual call enables you to send a DSC signal to only a specific station. You can communicate after receiving the Acknowledgement “Able to comply.”...
Page 38
DSC OPERATION D Sending an Individual Acknowledgement When you have received an Individual call (p. 36), send an Acknowledgement to the calling station. When the Auto Ack is set to “Manual,” you can select an appropriate acknowledgement type. While an Individual call is being received, push to turn OFF the alarm.
Page 39
DSC OPERATION D Sending a Group call A Group call enables you to send a DSC call to only a specific group. L You can send a Group call to a pre-entered group address, or manually enter the address before sending. (p. 22) Push •...
Page 40
DSC OPERATION D Sending a Test call You should avoid sending test calls on the exclusive DSC Distress channels and safety calling channels. When you cannot avoid testing on a Distress or safety channel, you should indicate that these are test calls. Normally the Test call would require no further communications between the two stations involved.
Page 41
DSC OPERATION D Sending a Test Acknowledgement By default, when you receive a Test call, the Auto ACK function automatically sends an Acknowledgement to the calling station (p. 42). If the function is set to “Manual,” do the following steps to send an Acknowledgement. After a Test call is being received, push to turn OFF the alarm.
Page 42
DSC OPERATION D Sending a Position Request call You can send a Position Request call to a station, depending on the presetting. Send a Position Request call when you want to know a specific ship’s current position. Push • The “Compose Other” screen is displayed. L You can also display the “Compose Other”...
Page 43
DSC OPERATION D Sending a Position Reply call Send a Position Reply call when a Position Request call is received. If the Auto ACK function is set to “Auto,” the Acknowledgement is automatically sent to the calling station. (p. 42) While a Position Request call is being received, push to turn OFF the alarm.
DSC OPERATION ■ Receiving DSC calls (Distress) The transceiver receives Distress calls, Distress Acknowledgements, and Distress Cancel calls. When you receive a call, an emergency alarm sounds. NOTE: The screens that are displayed when a Distress call or an Acknowledgement is received slightly differ from one another.
DSC OPERATION ■ Receiving DSC calls (other) The transceiver receives the following types of DSC calls. • Individual calls • Individual Acknowledgements (p. 29) • Group calls (p. 37) • All Ships calls (p. 37) • Position Request calls (p. 38) •...
Page 46
DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Group call or All Ships call When a Group call is received: • An alarm sounds. • “RCVD Group Call” is displayed. When an All Ships call is received: • An alarm sounds. ( Example: when a •...
Page 47
DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Position Request call NOTE: If the Auto ACK function is set to “Auto,” the Position Reply is automatically sent to the calling station. (p. 42) However, even if the Auto ACK function is set to “Manual,” after receiving a Distress Acknowledgement, or while in the Distress Cancel call procedure, the Position Reply is automatically sent to the calling station.
Page 48
DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Test call NOTE: If the Auto ACK function is set to “Auto,” the Test Acknowledgement call is automatically sent to the calling station when the call is received. (p. 42) If the function is set to “Manual,” the following screens are displayed. When a Test call is received: •...
DSC OPERATION ■ DSC Log D Received DSC Log The transceiver saves up to 50 received Distress call messages and 50 received “Others” call messages in your DSC Log. On the operating screen, “ ” is displayed when there is an unread call message. The icon blinks when there is a new received call message.
DSC OPERATION ■ Unread List If the transceiver has unread DSC calls, you can check them in the “Unread List” screen. Push • The “Unread List” screen is displayed. Select a DSC call. Push the Software Key below for your next operation. Deletes the selected DSC call.
DSC OPERATION ■ DSC settings On the “DSC” screen, you can make settings of the DSC call related items. [MENU] > Settings > DSC Position Input CH Auto Switch See “Entering the position and time” on Select whether or not to automatically page 23 for details.
Page 52
DSC OPERATION ■ DSC settings MOB Auto Set CH 70 SQL Level z MOB Key Sets the Squelch level for Channel 70 to For 30 seconds after entering the MOB 1 ~ 10 or Open. waypoint, this function automatically DST at PW OFF sets the Nature of Distress as “Man Overboard.”...
AIS RECEIVER ■ About AIS The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is primarily used for collision-risk management and navigation safety. It may automatically transmit and receive vessel information, such as the vessel name, MMSI code, vessel type, position data, speed, course, destination, and more, depending on the class.
AIS RECEIVER NOTE: For the AIS receiver operation, the transceiver must be receiving valid GPS signals, or your position must be entered. (p. 23) ■ Using the plotter screen In the plotter screen, the display range and the icons of the AIS target, waypoint for navigation and MOB are displayed.
Page 55
AIS RECEIVER D Plotter screen 6 DISPLAY RANGE • Displays the selected display range. • Push to select a display range (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5, 3, 6, 12 NM (nautical miles)). 7 TARGET ICON Targets whose AIS signal are received are displayed with icons.
AIS RECEIVER ■ Using the AIS list screen There are 3 types of AIS lists, Target, Danger, and Friends. Push [MENU]. • The Menu screen is displayed. Push [▲] or [▼] to select “AIS,” and then push [ENT]. • The “AIS” screen is displayed. Push [▲] or [▼] to select a list, and then push [ENT].
Page 57
AIS RECEIVER D Target/Friends List screen D Danger List screen The Target List screen displays the AIS The Danger List screen displays any targets of up to 200 targets that the Danger target whose CPA (Closest Point transceiver detects. of Approach) distance and TCPA (Time to CPA) time are less than the set values.
AIS RECEIVER ■ Setting a Friend You can set up to 100 AIS targets as a Friend in the Friends List. An alarm sounds when a Friend is detected, depending on the setting. (p. 54) D Entering an ID There are 3 ways of setting a Friend, using Selecting on the plotter screen: the Friends List, selecting in the AIS list, or Push...
AIS RECEIVER ■ About the details screen The details screen displays the information about the selected AIS target. The contents may differ, depending on the selected target. L When a Danger target is selected, is displayed. (p. 48) L When a Friend target is selected, is displayed.
Page 60
AIS RECEIVER D Contents list Class B SAR aircraft COG (Course Over Ground) AIS class HDG (Heading) MMSI code PA (Position Accuracy (H: High, L: Low)) Name Range Country name Bearing Call Sign Bow to antenna length Vendor ID Stern to antenna length LAT (Latitude) Port side to antenna length LON (Longitude)
AIS RECEIVER ■ AIS settings AIS settings can be customized in “AIS” on the Menu screen. [MENU] > Settings > AIS North/Course up CPA/TCPA You can select the display type for the AIS z Indicator plotter screen. You can select whether or not to display North Up: The top of the plotter screen the CPA/TCPA icon on the operating...
Page 62
AIS RECEIVER ■ AIS settings CPA/TCPA z ID Blocking The transceiver blocks AIS z CPA transponders that are entered into the Set a CPA (Closest Point of Approach) ID Blocking list. Enter your vessel’s value to between 0.1 and 6.0 NM (in 0.1 transponder ID or other vessel’s NM steps) for the alarm function.
Page 63
AIS RECEIVER Friends MOB Support z Friends List z Function Displays all Friend targets that you have You can select whether or not to turn entered. the MOB Support function ON or OFF. L “No ID” is displayed when there is no L This function is activated only when: Friend target.
OTHER FUNCTIONS NOTE: For the other functions operation, the transceiver must be receiving valid GPS signals, or your position must be entered. (p. 23) ■ Waypoint Waypoints are GPS position data points of places you want to go to, the position of your own vessel, or of a vessel you received a DSC call from.
Page 65
OTHER FUNCTIONS D Entering a waypoint Position information that you want to memorize can be added as a waypoint. TIP: You can also add your current position as a waypoint by pushing Open the “Waypoint” screen. [MENU] > Navigation > Waypoint Push to add a waypoint.
Page 66
OTHER FUNCTIONS D Editing a waypoint A waypoint’s name, latitude, longitude data can be edited. L You cannot edit the waypoint that is being used for navigation. Open the “Waypoint” screen. [MENU] > Navigation > Waypoint Push [▲] or [▼] to select a waypoint. L Push to sort the waypoints by Name or Range.
OTHER FUNCTIONS ■ MOB (Man Overboard) You can enter a Man OverBoard (MOB) waypoint into the transceiver with its GPS position data, as soon as a person has fallen into the water and needs to be rescued. This enables you to reach the MOB position even in the dark, or when you have lost visual contact. You can select a AIS target during the MOB mode.
You can select a AIS target during navigation. L The function cannot work while in the MOB mode. NOTE: IC-M94D’s Navigation function is a supplemental aid to navigation only, and is not intended to be a substitute for primary Navigation equipment.
Page 69
OTHER FUNCTIONS Selecting in the AIS list: Open the list screen. [MENU] > AIS > Target/Danger/Friend list Push [▲] or [▼] to select an AIS target. Push • “Start navigation. Are you sure?” is displayed. Push to start navigation. • The plotter screen is displayed, and the transceiver starts to navigate •...
OTHER FUNCTIONS ■ Lost target A vessel is regarded as a “Lost target” after a specified period of time has passed since the vessel last transmitted data, as described below. The “Lost target” icon disappears from the plotter screen when the preset period of time has passed after the vessel was regarded as a “Lost target.”...
OTHER FUNCTIONS ■ GPS TIP: Use the transceiver outdoors so the receiver has a clear view to receive GPS signals from the satellites. D Status screen The GPS “Status” screen displays the quantity, signal power, and position of the GPS satellites in the sky view.
MENU SCREEN ■ Using the Menu screen The Menu screen is used to set items, select options, and so on for the transceiver’s functions. D Menu screen operation Example: Setting the channel group to “INT.” Push [MENU]. • The Menu screen is displayed. Push [▲] or [▼] to select “Settings,”...
MENU SCREEN ■ Menu screen items The Menu screen is constructed in a tree structure. See the referred pages for each item. The displayed menu items may differ, depending on the presetting. Menu Item Reference Compose Distress Nature p. 24 Latitude Longitude p.
MENU SCREEN ■ Menu items description D Configuration UTC Offset Set the offset time between Universal Time [MENU] > Settings > Configuration Coordinated (UTC) and your local time to between –14:00 and +14:00 (in 1 minute Backlight steps). Customize the display backlight settings. z Level Inactivity Timer Set the backlight brightness level to...
Page 75
MENU SCREEN D Radio Float’n Flash The Float’n Flash function detects that [MENU] > Settings > Radio the transceiver has come in contact with water. When the function turns ON, the Scan Type backlight starts to blink to make it easy to Selects the scan type.
Page 76
MENU SCREEN D Radio Call Channel RT Indicator You can change your Call channel. The Select whether or not to display the default setting may differ, depending on Radio Telephone indicator (RT) while in the transceiver version. the RT mode. This indicates that while L See page 15 for details.
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ■ Specifications L All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation. L Measurements made without an antenna. General 156.025 MHz ~ 157.425 MHz 156.050 MHz ~ 163.275 MHz Frequency coverage 156.525 MHz 162.025 MHz Type of emission 16K0G3E,16K0G2B,16K0GXW(GMSK) Antenna impedance...
Page 78
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ■ Specifications Receiver Sensitivity (typical) 0.25 μV (12 dB SINAD) Squelch sensitivity 0.25 μV (threshold, typical) External 0.35 W (typical) (into 8 Ω) Audio output power (at 10% distortion) Internal 1.5 W (typical) (into 8 Ω) Adjacent channel selectivity 70 dB (typical) Spurious response (typical)
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ■ Options Some options may not be available in some countries. Please ask your dealer for details. D Battery pack D Others • BP-306 li-ion battery pack • FA-SC59V antenna Voltage: 7.2 V • MB-133 belt clip •...
SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ■ Using the HM-165 Alligator type clip To attach the speaker microphone to your shirt or collar. PTT switch Push to transmit. Release to receive. Microphone Speaker Turn OFF the transceiver when connecting the HM-165. NOTE: • NEVER immerse the connector in water. If the connector becomes wet, BE SURE to dry it before attaching to the transceiver.
VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST NOTE: When the “Channel Display” is set to “3 digits” in the Radio setting, the channel number is displayed in 3 digits. See page 67 for details. (For example: “1001 is displayed as “01A.”) Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Channel Number Channel Number...
TROUBLESHOOTING The transceiver does not turn ON. z The battery is exhausted or over discharged. → Recharge the battery pack. (p. 10) z The battery pack is not correctly attached. → Correctly reattach the battery pack. (p. 3) Little or no sound comes from the speaker. z Squelch level is set too high.
Page 83
TROUBLESHOOTING Individual or Group ID cannot be set. z The entered ID code is incorrect. The first digit must be set to between ‘1’ and ‘9’ for an Individual ID. → Enter a correct ID code. (p. 22) “??” blinks instead of the position and time. z 4 hours have passed since you manually entered the position.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the IC-M94D and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers