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INSTRUCTION MANUAL INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM506 iM506 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
IC-M506. We appreciate you making the IC-M506 your radio of choice, and hope you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS first.” Many hours of research and development went into the de sign of your IC-M506.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and Or, transmit your Distress call using digital selective calling the Coast Guard by sending a Distress call on Channel 16. on Channel 70. USING CHANNEL 16 USING DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING (Ch 70) DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE...
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE LIMITS MAY ALLOW Icom requires the radio operator to meet the THOSE WITHIN THE MPE RADIUS TO EXPERIENCE RF FCC Requirements for Radio Frequency Expo- RADIATION ABSORPTION WHICH EXCEEDS THE FCC sure. An omnidirectional antenna with gain not MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE (MPE) LIMIT.
AVERTISSEMENT POUR LES OPÉRATEURS RADIO LE NON-RESPECT DE CES LIMITES PEUT CAUSER, POUR LES Icom exige que l'opérateur radio se conforme aux PERSONNES SITUÉES DANS LE RAYON D'EXPOSITION MAXI- exigences de la FCC en matière d'exposition aux MALE ADMISSIBLE, UNE ABSORPTION DE RAYONNEMENT DE radiofréquences.
NOTE FCC INFORMATION • FOR CLASS A UNINTENTIONAL RADIATORS: A WARNING STICKER is supplied with the U.S.A. version This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the transceiver. limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the To comply with FCC regulations, this sticker must be affixed in FCC Rules.
DO NOT use harsh solvents such as benzine or alcohol to Icom, Icom Inc. and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incor- clean the transceiver, as they will damage the transceiver’s porated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, surfaces.
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD ................. i Adjusting the Backlight level ........15 ■ IMPORTANT ................i AquaQuake water draining function ......15 ■ EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ............i 5 SCAN OPERATION ..........16−17 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ..........ii Scan types ..............16 ■ RADIO OPERATOR WARNING .......... iii Setting Favorite channels ...........17 ■...
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■ Voice scrambler operation Mounting the transceiver ..........104 ■ (Available when the scrambler unit is installed) ..78 MB-75/MB-132 installation ........105 ■ Voice recorder function ..........78 Microphone installation ..........107 ■ ■ 13 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS .....109−110 9 AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions)....79−88 Specifications ............109 ■...
OPERATING RULES (2) OPERATOR’S LICENSE D Priorities A Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license • Read all rules and regulations pertaining to call priorities, most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio and keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress is not required for safety purposes.
PANEL DESCRIPTION Front panel ■ r UP AND DOWN/CHANNEL SELECT KEYS [∫CH]/[√CH] Function display (p. 5) Speaker Push to select the operating channels, Menu items, ➥ Menu settings, and so on. While scanning, push to check Favorite channels, ➥ change the scanning direction or manually resume a scan.
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Push to display the AIS plotter on the left side of the display. When the power is OFF, hold down for 1 second to turn ➥ *Some versions of IC-M506 do not have an AIS receiver. ON power. ➥ Hold down for 1 second to turn OFF power.
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PANEL DESCRIPTION Voice Scrambler [ ]* (p. 78) Log [ ] (p. 65) Push to turn the Voice Scrambler ON or OFF. Push to enter “RCVD CALL LOG” in the DSC CALLS menu. • The “SBL” icon appears when the voice scrambler is ON. !1 VOLUME DIAL * This key appears only when the voice scrambler unit is in- Rotate to adjust the volume level.
PANEL DESCRIPTION Function display ■ t CALL CHANNEL ICON (p. 9) Appears when the Call channel is selected. y DUPLEX ICON (p. 10) Appears when a duplex channel is selected. u FAVORITE CHANNEL ICON (p. 17) Appears when a Favorite (Tag) channel is selected. i MESSAGE ICON Blinks when there is an unread DSC message.
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PANEL DESCRIPTION !4 KEY ICON (p. 7) • “??” will blink every 2 seconds instead of position, after 4 hours Shows the programmed function of the softkeys on the have passed from when the position is manually programmed. front panel. The manually programmed position is held for only 23.5 hours, and after that, “NO POSITION”...
PANEL DESCRIPTION Speaker Microphone Softkey function ■ ■ Various functions can be assigned to the softkeys. When a key function is assigned, the key icon is displayed above the Microphone softkey, as shown below. Speaker Softkey function selection When “Ω” or “≈” is displayed beside the key icon, pushing [Ω]/ [≈] to scroll key functions that is assigned to the softkey.
PREPARATION MMSI code programming ■ The 9 digit MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity: DSC self Repeat step e to enter all 9 digits. ID) code can be programmed at power ON. After entering the 9 digit code, “FINISH” is automatically selected, and then push [ENT] or dial to set it.
BASIC OPERATION Channel selection ■ Channel 16 Call channel Channel 16 is the distress and safety channel. It is used for Each regular channel group has a separate leisure use Call establishing initial contact with a station and for emergency channel.
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BASIC OPERATION Channel group selection There are preprogrammed USA channels, International chan- t Push [EXIT] to exit the Menu screen. nels and Canadian channels. These channel groups may be y Rotate dial or push [∫](CH)/[√](CH) to select a channel. specified for the operating area. •...
BASIC OPERATION Receiving and transmitting ■ D Weather channels The transceiver has 10 weather channels. These are used for CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna will damage monitoring broadcasts from NOAA. (National Oceanographic the transceiver. and Atmospheric Administration) The transceiver can automatically detect a weather alert tone Hold down [PWR](Dial) to turn ON the power.
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BASIC OPERATION u Hold down [PTT] to transmit, then speak at your normal voice level. • The “ ” icon appears. • Channel 70 cannot be used for transmission other than DSC. i Release [PTT] to receive. Information ✓ The Noise Cancel function reduces random noise components in the transmit and/or receive signal.
BASIC OPERATION Call channel programming Channel name programming ■ ■ You can program the Call channel with your most often-used Each channel can be assigned a unique alphanumeric ID of channel in each channel group for quick recall. up to 10 characters. Capital letters, 0 to 9, some symbols (! "...
BASIC OPERATION Microphone Lock function ■ Repeat step e to input all characters. The Microphone Lock function electrically locks [∫], [√], [16/C] and the [H/L] keys on the supplied microphone. This prevents accidental channel changes and function access. While holding down [H/L] on the microphone, hold down ➥...
BASIC OPERATION Adjusting the Backlight level AquaQuake water draining ■ ■ function The function display and keys can be backlit for better visibil- ity under low light conditions. The AquaQuake water draining function clears water away The backlight is adjustable in 7 levels and OFF. from the speaker grill.
SCAN OPERATION Scan types ■ Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a Set the Favorite channels (scanned channel) before scan- wide frequency range. The transceiver has a Priority scan ning. Clear the Favorite channels which inconveniently stop and a Normal scan.
SCAN OPERATION Setting Favorite channels Starting a scan ■ ■ For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as Favor- First, set the scan type (Priority or Normal scan) and scan ite channels, or clear the Favorite on unwanted channels. resume timer in the Menu screen. (p. 97) Channels that are not tagged will be skipped while scanning.
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH Description Operation ■ ■ Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving Select Dualwatch or Tri-watch in the Menu screen. (p. 97) Y](CH)/[Z](CH) to select the desired on another channel; Tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the Rotate dial or push [ Call channel while receiving another channel.
DSC OPERATION DSC address ID ■ Programming Individual ID A total of 100 DSC address IDs can be programmed and as- t After entering the 9 digit code, push [ENT] or dial to set it. signed a name of up to 10 characters. •...
DSC OPERATION D Programming Group ID t After entering the 9 digit code, push [ENT] or dial to set it. Enter “GROUP ID” in the DSC SETTINGS menu. • The Group ID name programming screen is displayed. ➪ DSC SET ➪...
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DSC OPERATION D Deleting Individual/Group ID e Push [OK] to delete the ID, and return to the “INDIVIDUAL q Enter “INDIVIDUAL ID” or “GROUP ID” in the DSC SET- ID” or “GROUP ID” list screen. TINGS menu. • Push [CANCEL] to cancel it. ➪...
GPS receiver compatible with the NMEA 0183 (ver. 2.0 or later) or NMEA 2000* format is connected. *Some versions of IC-M506 do not have a NMEA 2000 connector. • Manual programming is disabled when a GPS receiver is connected.
DSC OPERATION Distress call ■ A Distress call should be transmitted if, in the opinion of the After transmitting the call, the transceiver waits for an ac- Master, the ship or a person is in distress and requires im- knowledgment call. mediate assistance.
DSC OPERATION D Regular call e The Distress call confirmation screen is displayed. The nature of the Distress call should be included in the Dis- • Rotate dial or push [Y]/[Z] to see the hidden lines. tress call. Enter “DISTRESS CALL” in the DSC menu. ➪...
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DSC OPERATION D Regular call (continued) t After transmitting the call, the transceiver waits for an ac- y After receiving an acknowledgment call, push [ALARM knowledgment call. OFF] then reply using the microphone. • The Distress call is automatically transmitted every 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, until an acknowledgement is received (‘Call repeat’...
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DSC OPERATION When no GPS receiver is connected, and both position and time have been manually programmed, the screen as shown below appears. Edit your latitude and longitude position and UTC time as follows: Push [CHG], then edit your latitude and longitude posi- ➥...
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DSC OPERATION D Distress cancel call While waiting for an acknowledgment call, push [CAN- r The Distress cancel call is transmitted. CEL]. t Channel 16 is automatically selected. Push [CONTINUE]. • Report your situation using the microphone. • Push [BACK] to return to waiting for an acknowledgement call. •...
DSC OPERATION Transmitting DSC calls ■ About Manual Inputting: To ensure correct operation of the DSC function, make Enter a desired individual ID in the following way: sure you correctly set the CH70 SQL Level. (p. 71) • Select a desired number using [Y]/[Z]/[Ω]/[≈]. •...
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DSC OPERATION D Transmitting DSC calls (continued) t Push [CALL] to transmit the Individual call. e Select a desired intership channel using dial or [Y](CH)/ • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel [Z](CH), then push [ENT]. becomes clear.
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DSC OPERATION Push [ALARM OFF] to stop the alarm and then select the Push [ALARM OFF] to stop the alarm. Then push [EXIT] intership channel specified in step e. to return to the operating channel (before you entered the • A different intership channel will be selected if the station you MENU screen).
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DSC OPERATION Transmitting an Individual Acknowledgement Select one of three options, then push [ENT]. When receiving an Individual call, you can transmit an ac- • Push [EXIT] to return to the normal operating mode. knowledgement (‘Able to Comply,’ ‘Propose New Channel’ or •...
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DSC OPERATION Manual ACK: The Individual ACK confirmation screen is displayed. Push [CALL] to transmit an acknowledgement call. Enter “INDIVIDUAL ACK” in the DSC CALLS menu. ➪ ➪ Individual ACK MENU DSC (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].) •...
DSC OPERATION Transmitting a Group call e Select a desired intership channel using dial or [Y](CH)/ The Group call function allows you to transmit a DSC signal [Z](CH), then push [ENT]. to only a specific group. • Intership channels are already preset into the transceiver in the recommended order.
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DSC OPERATION After the Group call has been transmitted, the following r A confirmation screen is displayed. screen is displayed. • Confirm the call contents. Announce the information using the microphone. Push [CALL] to transmit the Group call. After the announcement, push [EXIT] to return to the nor- •...
DSC OPERATION Transmitting an All Ships call Y]/[Z], then Select a desired traffic channel, using dial or [ All ships, that have DSC transceiver, use Channel 70 as their push [ENT]. ‘listening channel.’ When you want to announce a message to •...
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DSC OPERATION t Push [CALL] to transmit the All Ships call. • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel becomes clear. After the All Ships call has been transmitted, the following screen is displayed. Announce the message using the microphone. After the announcement, push [EXIT] to return to the nor- mal operating mode.
DSC OPERATION D Transmitting a Position Request Call About Manual Inputting: Transmit a Position Request Call when you want to know a Enter a desired individual ID in the following way: specific ship’s current position, etc. • Select a desired number using [Y]/[Z]/[Ω]/[≈]. •...
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DSC OPERATION When the acknowledgement call is received, alarm sounds Push [CALL] to transmit the Position Request Call. and the following screen is displayed. • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel becomes clear. u Push [ALARM OFF] to stop the alarm, and then the screen After the Position Request Call has been transmitted, the as shown below is displayed.
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DSC OPERATION D Transmitting a Position Report Call About Manual Inputting: Transmit a Position Report Call when you want to announce Enter a desired individual ID in the following way: your own position to a specific ship. • Select a desired number using [Y]/[Z]/[Ω]/[≈]. •...
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DSC OPERATION Push [CALL] to transmit the Position Report Call. When no GPS receiver is connected, and both position and • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel time have been manually programmed, the screen shown becomes clear.
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DSC OPERATION Transmitting a Polling Request Call About Manual Inputting: Transmit a Polling Request Call when you want to know a Enter a desired individual ID in the following way: specific vessel is in the communication area, or not. • Select a desired number using [Y]/[Z]/[Ω]/[≈]. •...
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DSC OPERATION When the acknowledgement call is received, alarm sounds Push [CALL] to transmit the Polling Request Call. and the following screen is displayed. • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel becomes clear. Push [ALARM OFF] to stop the alarm, and then the screen After the Polling Request Call has been transmitted, the as shown below is displayed.
DSC OPERATION D Transmitting a Test call About Manual Inputting: Testing on the exclusive DSC distress and safety calling chan- nels should be avoided as much as possible. When testing on Enter a desired address ID in the following way: a distress/safety channel is unavoidable, you should indicate •...
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DSC OPERATION Push [CALL] to transmit the Test call. Push [ALARM OFF] to stop the alarm, and then the screen • If Channel 70 is busy, the transceiver stands by until the channel as shown below is displayed. becomes clear. After the Test call has been transmitted, the following i Push [EXIT] to return to the normal operating mode.
DSC OPERATION D Transmitting a Test Acknowledgement call About Received call information: When the “TEST ACK” in DSC settings is set to ‘Auto’ • Push [IGN] to ignore the call and return to the normal operating (p. 68), the transceiver automatically transmits a reply call mode.
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DSC OPERATION Manual ACK: e The Test ACK confirmation screen is displayed. Enter “TEST ACK” in the DSC CALLS menu. Push [CALL] to transmit the acknowledgement call. ➪ ➪ Test ACK MENU DSC (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].) •...
DSC OPERATION Transmitting a Position Reply call About Received call information: Transmit a Position Reply call when a Position Request call • Push [IGN] to ignore the call and return to the normal operating is received. mode. When the “POSITION ACK” in DSC Settings is set to ‘Auto’ •...
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DSC OPERATION Manual Reply: r While transmitting the reply call, the screen shown below Enter “POSITION REPLY” in the DSC CALLS menu. is displayed, and then returns to the normal operating mode. ➪ ➪ Position Reply MENU DSC (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].) •...
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DSC OPERATION D Transmitting a Position Report Reply call About Received call information: Transmit a Position Report Reply call when a Position Report • Push [EXIT] to return to the normal operating mode. call is received. • Push [BACK] to return to the previous screen. •...
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DSC OPERATION Manual Reply: e The Position Report Reply call confirmation screen is dis- q Enter “REPORT REPLY” in the DSC CALLS menu. played. Push [CALL] to transmit the acknowledgement call. ➪ ➪ Position Report Reply MENU DSC (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].) •...
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DSC OPERATION Transmitting a Polling Request Reply call About Received call information: Transmit a Polling Request Reply call when a Polling Request • Push [IGN] to ignore the call and return to the normal operating call is received. mode. When the “POSITION ACK” in DSC Settings is set to ‘Auto’ •...
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DSC OPERATION Manual Reply: e The Polling Request Reply call confirmation screen is dis- Enter “POLLING REPLY” in the DSC CALLS menu. played. Push [CALL] to transmit the acknowledgement call. Polling Reply ➪ ➪ MENU DSC (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].) •...
DSC OPERATION Receiving DSC calls [IGN] ■ ➥ Push to return to the normal operating mode. • The transceiver exits the DSC mode. Receiving a Distress Call • By pushing [PTT], the transceiver also exits the DSC mode. When a Distress Call is received: •...
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DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Distress Acknowledgement [IGN] When a Distress Acknowledgement sent to another ship is ➥ Push to return to the nor- received: mal operating mode. The emergency alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ • The transceiver exits the “...
DSC OPERATION Receiving a Distress Relay Call [IGN] When a Distress Relay call is received: ➥ Push to return to the normal operating mode. The emergency alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ • The transceiver exits the DSC mode. “ RCVD DISTRESS RELAY” appears and the backlight ➥...
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DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Distress Relay Acknowledgement [IGN] When a Distress Relay Acknowledgement is received: ➥ Push to return to the normal operating mode. ➥ The emergency alarm sounds for 2 minutes. • The transceiver exits the DSC mode. ➥...
DSC OPERATION Receiving an Individual Call When an Individual Call is received: [IGN] ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operating ➥ “RCVD INDIVIDUAL CALL” appears. The backlight may mode.
DSC OPERATION Receiving a Group Call When a Group Call is received: [IGN] ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ➥ “RCVD GROUP CALL” appears. The backlight may blink ing mode.
DSC OPERATION Receiving an All Ships Call [IGN] When an All Ships Call is received: ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ➥ “RCVD ALL SHIPS CALL” appears. The backlight may ing mode.
DSC OPERATION Receiving a Geographical Area Call When a Geographical Area Call (for the area you are in) is [IGN] received: ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ing mode.
DSC OPERATION Receiving a Position Request Call When a Position Request Call is received: [IGN] ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ➥ “RCVD POS REQUEST” appears. The backlight blinks for ing mode.
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DSC OPERATION Receiving a Position Report Call When a Position Report Call is received: [EXIT] ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ➥ “RCVD POSITION REPORT” appears. The backlight blinks ing mode.
DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Polling Request call [IGN] When a Polling Request call is received: ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ing mode. ➥ “RCVD POLLING REQUEST” appears. The backlight blinks for 2 minutes.
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DSC OPERATION D Receiving a Test Call [IGN] When a Test Call is received: ➥ Push to ignore the Call and return to the normal operat- ➥ The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. ing mode. ➥ “RCVD TEST CALL” appears. The backlight blinks for 2 •...
DSC OPERATION Received Call log ■ D Receiving a Test Acknowledgement Call When a Test Acknowledgement Call is received: The transceiver automatically stores up to 50 distress mes- The alarm sounds for 2 minutes. sages and 50 other messages, and they can be used as a ➥...
DSC OPERATION D Other messages e Rotate dial or push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired item, then Push [LOG] to enter “RCVD CALL LOG” in the DSC CALLS push [ENT]. menu, or you can enter it through the Menu screen. ➪...
DSC OPERATION Transmitted Call log ■ D Other messages (Continued) e Rotate dial or push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired item, then The transceiver automatically stores up to 50 transmitted push [ENT]. calls, and the logs can be used as a supplement to your log- book.
DSC OPERATION DSC Settings ■ D Position Input Rotate dial or push [ Y]/[Z] to select “Auto” or “Manual” (See page 22) D Add Individual ID/Group ID then push [ENT]. (See pages 19, 20) • Push [BACK] to return to the previous screen. D Delete Individual ID/Group ID (See page 21) D Automatic Acknowledgement...
DSC OPERATION D Channel 16 Switch function Auto (No Delay): After receiving a Distress call, and By regulation, after receiving a Distress call, the transceiv- [ACPT] is pushed on the confirmation er switches the operating channel to Channel 16. However, screen, the transceiver immediately when this setting is set to “OFF,”...
DSC OPERATION D DSC Data Output D Alarm Status Select an option for the DSC Data Output function. Set the Alarm function ON or OFF, depending on the Cat- When receiving a DSC call, this function makes the trans- egory or Status. ceiver send the DSC data from its NMEA Output port to a connected device.
DSC OPERATION D Channel 70 Squelch level D DSC Loop Test Set the squelch level on Channel 70. The DSC loop test function sends transmit DSC signals to The transceiver has 11 squelch levels between 1 (loose the receive AF circuit to compare and check the TX and RX squelch) and 10 (tight squelch) and OPEN.
DSC OPERATION Making an Individual call using an AIS transponder ■ When the optional MA-500TR CLASS B AIS TRANSPONDER connected to your transceiver, an individual DSC call can be transmitted to a selected AIS target, without needing to enter the target’s MMSI code. In this case, the call type is automati- cally set to Routine.
DSC OPERATION After making the individual DSC call, the transponder will ‘Able to comply’ is received display “DSC Transmission COMPLETED.” • Push [CLEAR] to return to the screen displayed before you en- tered the voice channel selection screen in step w. •...
OTHER FUNCTIONS Intercom operation ■ The optional Intercom function allows you to talk between the After releasing [INCM CALL], hold down [PTT] and speak deck and the cabin. The optional HM-195 commandmic IV ™ is into the microphone at a normal voice level. required for Intercom operation.
■ The RX Hailer function enables you to hear the received au- The IC-M506 has a 2 way hailer function, making it unneces- dio on the deck or bridge through a Hailer speaker. sary to leave the bridge to talk with a another party.
OTHER FUNCTIONS Horn function ■ D Automatic foghorn function The foghorn outputs from the hailer speaker. To use this The automatic foghorn function sounds a horn repeatedly function, the hailer speaker must be connected to the trans- until the function is turned OFF. Four patterns are available ceiver.
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OTHER FUNCTIONS D Manual Horn function q Enter “Auto Foghorn” in the HORN menu. q Enter “Manual Horn” in the HORN menu. Auto Foghorn Manual Horn ➪ ➪ ➪ ➪ MENU HORN MENU HORN (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].) (Push [MENU]) (Select icon) (Rotate dial, then push [ENT].)
OTHER FUNCTIONS ■ Voice scrambler operation Voice recorder function ■ (Available when the scrambler unit is installed) The voice scrambler provides private communications. In This transceiver has an automatic recording function that can order to receive or send scrambled transmissions, you must record the last 120 seconds of the receiving audio.
AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) About AIS AIS Classes ■ ■ AIS (The automatic identification system) is primarily used for There are seven types of AIS stations; vessels, base stations, collision-risk management and navigation safety. It automati- Search and Rescue (SAR), Aids to Navigation (AtoN), Search cally transmits and receives vessel information, such as the and Rescue Transmitter (AIS-SART), MOB (Man OverBoard) vessel name, MMSI code, vessel type, position data, speed,...
AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) Function display ■ q DISPLAY TYPE There are three types of function display; plotter, target list Shows the selected display type. You can select the dis- and danger list, and you can select your desired type using play type from “AIS SET”...
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AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) • Description of the icons Icon Description AIS target: Vessel The tip of the target triangle automatically points in the direction it’s heading. The icon blinks when the AIS target is closer than your CPA and TCPA settings. (Dangerous target) AIS target: Lost target* The target triangle is marked with a diagonal line.
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AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) D Target list screen D Danger list screen In the plotter screen, push [DISP] to switch to the target list In the target list display, push [DISP] to switch to the dan- screen, which shows all AIS targets being detected by the ger list screen, which helps you to find any dangerous target transponder.
AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) About the detail screen D Content lists of Class A vessels’ DETAIL ■ screens The detail screen displays the information about the selected • AIS Class • Bearing AIS target. The contents differ, depending on the AIS class. •...
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AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) D Content lists of SAR targets’ DETAIL D Content lists of Class B vessels’ DETAIL screens screens • AIS Class • Position Accuracy • AIS Class • Position Accuracy • MMSI Code (H: High, L: Low) •...
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AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) D Content lists of AIS-SART targets’ DETAIL D Content lists of MOB targets’ DETAIL screens screens • Type of AIS Target • Stern to Antenna length • Type of AIS Target • Bow to Antenna length •...
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AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) D Content lists of EPIRB-AIS targets’ DETAIL D AIS combo screen screens You can display the AIS plotter during basic operation. (p 9) q Push [AIS] to display the AIS plotter on the left side of the •...
AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) AIS Settings ■ D CPA/TCPA AIS settings can be customized from “AIS SET” in the menu In this menu, you can edit alarm settings for AIS receiver. screen. q Push [MENU]. w Rotate dial or push [Ω]/[≈] to select the “AIS SET” icon and then push the softkey below the icon.
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AIS RECEIVER (Depending on versions) • Slow Warn • CPA, TCPA The GPS receiver calculated COG data of a vessel that is at Enter CPA (Closest Point of Approach) and TCPA (Time to anchor or drifting is unreliable, and therefore the CPA and CPA) values.
NMEA 2000 is a communication standard used to connect NMEA 2000 network. various marine devices and display units in the vessel. The IC-M506 can easily connect to a NMEA 2000 network with its plug-and-play functionality, and display the informa- tion provided from the devices on the network.
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NMEA 2000 CONNECTION (Depending on versions) D Compatible PGN list Receive Transmit 059392 ISO Acknowledgement 059392 ISO Acknowledgement 059904 ISO Request 059904 ISO Request 060928 ISO Address Claim 060928 ISO Address Claim 126464 PGN List 126996 Product Information 126996 Product Information 129026 COG (course over ground) and SOG (speed 129026...
MENU SCREEN OPERATION ■ Menu screen operation Entering the Menu screen and operation The Menu screen is used for programming infrequently Example: Set the channel group to “INT”. changed values, function settings or sending DSC calls. q Push [MENU]. w Rotate dial or push [Ω]/[≈] to select the “RADIO SET”...
MENU SCREEN OPERATION Menu screen items ■ D MMSI/GPS The Menu screen contains the following items. The transceiver shows the programmed MMSI code, GPS in- formation* , and installed option unit. If the code is not programmed, “NO DSC MMSI” is displayed. Item Ref.
MENU SCREEN OPERATION Configuration items ■ D Backlight D Key Beep The function display and keys can be backlit for better visibil- You can turn OFF beep tones for silent operation, or can turn ON the tones to have confirmation beeps sound when a key ity under low light conditions.
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MENU SCREEN OPERATION D Key Assignment D Key Movement Desired functions can be assigned to softkeys. The assigned Set the movement of softkey icons and menu icons. You can function can be used when its key icon is displayed. select from 2 types of key movement, “Single” or “Group”. See page 3 for details of the assignable key functions.
MENU SCREEN OPERATION UTC Offset D Inactivity Timer Set the offset time between the UTC (Universal Time Coordi- Set the inactivity timer to between 1 and 10 minutes (in 1 min- nated) and your local time to between –14:00 and +14:00 (in ute steps) or OFF for the “Not DSC Related”...
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Set a Unit ID number to between 1 and 69. The Unit ID is When the LCD displays a screen other than the normal opera- included in the sentence of the Icom original NMEA format. tion screen, or one not related to the DSC, and no key opera-...
MENU SCREEN OPERATION Radio Settings items ■ D Scan Type Dual/Tri-watch The transceiver has two scan types to locate signals; Normal This item can be selected as Dualwatch or Tri-watch. (p. 18) scan and Priority scan. A Normal scan searches all Favor- (Default: Dualwatch) ite channels in the selected channel group.
MENU SCREEN OPERATION D Voice Scrambler D CALL CHAN (Call channel) (Available when the scrambler unit is installed) You can program the Call channel with your most often-used You can program the scrambler code for voice scrambler. (p. channel in each channel group for quick recall. (p.13) 78) There are 32 codes (1 to 32) available for programming.
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MENU SCREEN OPERATION D Noise Cancel • RX Set the Noise Cancel function for both receive and transmit. Turn the receive Noise Cancel function ON or OFF. (Default: OFF) RX: The function reduces noise component in your receive signals for your smooth reception. OFF: Turns OFF the function.
MENU SCREEN OPERATION D Voice Record You can disable the voice recorder (p. 78) by select OFF. (Default: Auto (Last 120 sec)) D FAV on MIC You can select only favorite channels (p. 17) with the supplied microphone. (Default: ON) ON: Select only favorite channels.
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE Connections ■ Green: Listener B (Data-L), NMEA Out (–) Yellow: Listener A (Data-H), NMEA Out (+) Connect to NMEA Out lines of a GPS receiver for position data. • A NMEA 0183 ver. 2.0 or later RMC, GGA, GNS, GLL and VTG sentence format compatible GPS receiver is required.
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* The microphone and mic connector vary, depending on the transceiver versions. u COMMAND MICROPHONE JACK Connects to the optional Command microphone. (p. 107) i NMEA 2000 CONNECTOR Connects to the NMEA 2000 network*. Some versions of IC-M506 do not have a NMEA 2000 connec- tor.
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE Antenna Supplied accessories ■ ■ A key element in the performance of any communication sys- tem is the antenna. Ask your dealer about antennas and the Mounting bracket For mounting bracket best place to mount them. Knob bolts Flat washers (M5) Fuse replacement Screws (5×20 mm)
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE Mounting the transceiver ■ D Using the supplied mounting bracket • OVERHEAD MOUNTING The universal mounting bracket supplied with your transceiv- er allows overhead or dashboard mounting. Mount the bracket securely to a surface which is more than 10 mm thick and can support more than 5 kg using the 2 supplied screws (5 ×...
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE MB-75/MB-132 installation ■ D MB-75 installation An optional MB-75/MB-132 is available for flush mount Kit × 8 mm) on either side of mounting the transceiver to a flat surface such as an instru- Attach the 2 supplied bolts (M5 ment panel.
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CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE Tighten the end bolts on the clamps (clockwise) so that the clamps press firmly against the inside of the instrument control panel. Tighten the locking nuts (counterclockwise) so that the transceiver is securely mounted in position, as shown be- low.
CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE Microphone installation ■ Install the mounting base using the supplied screws, as The supplied or optional HM-205* and the optional HM-195 shown below. should be connected to the transceiver using the connection • HM-205 cable that comes with the transceiver or the microphone. The cable is used to operate from a longer distance.
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CONNECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE • HM-195 • HM-205 Mounting base Mounting base 0.2 in 0.1 in 0.1 in Gasket Gasket...
Approved Icom optional equipment is designed for optimal perfor- [PTT] keys, a speaker and microphone. mance when used with an Icom transceiver. Icom is not responsible for the destruction or damage to an Icom • MA-500TR class b ais transponder transceiver in the event the Icom transceiver is used with equipment To transmit individual DSC calls to a selected AIS targets.
CHANNEL LIST Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) CAN Transmit Receive CAN Transmit Receive CAN Transmit Receive CAN Transmit Receive 156.050 160.650 157.050 161.650 156.425 156.425 157.325 157.325 156.050 156.050 21A 157.050 157.050 156.475 156.475 157.375 161.975...
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF. The transceiver does • Bad connection to the power supply. • Check the connection to the transceiver and p. 101 not turn ON. power supply. Little or no sound comes • Squelch level is set too high. •...
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