Reasons to Invest in Icom Radios and How to Use Them

Radios have long been the core technology for communicating across long distances. Just like pipe locators, radios rely on the same technology. Waves are transmitted at various frequencies to send and receive information. When it comes to two-way radios though, the information comes in the form of audio. Icom radios are one of those 2-way radios that people have been relying on for communications in the aviation industry.

Icom airband radios are one of the most reliable radios since they usually come completely waterproof up to 1 metre for around 30 minutes. This makes them ideal for marine applications too, as a typical Icom aviation radio can go well over 11 hours without the need for a charge. Icom radios are also quite affordable, despite being packed with features. And no, you don’t lose on performance either. How do you make the most from an Icom radio though?

How to Use Icom Radio

Get Started

To get the most from an Icom radio, you first need to know how to use one. And in order to figure that out, you need to understand the basics first. Before you even pick up an Icom aviation radio, you should always check whether or not the battery is charged. All Icom radios Australia wide are switched on by adjusting the volume. Increasing the volume will allow you to hear any transmission and when you’re done for the day, just lower the volume so nothing can be heard. What about when you want to be heard though?

Speaking

When you want to speak, you must first ensure the channel you’re using is free of transmission. When you want to speak, just push and hold the PTT button on the Icom radio until you’re done speaking. Have the microphone of the radio about 10 to 15 cm away from your mouth and speak like you normally do.

When you’re done, let go of the PTT button and listen for feedback or response. When you’re holding the PTT button no one else can speak but you. Make sure you get the message across clearly and think about what you’re going to say. Avoid pressing the PTT button as you’ll be preventing others from speaking or block someone on your frequency.

Pausing

Do not start speaking as soon as you press the PTT button. There is usually a delay before your radio starts transmitting and you don’t want your message to be cut off at the start. All Icom radios Australia wide have this and it is normal for all two-way radios. Make sure to leave a 2-second pause before you start speaking into the radio.

How to Adjust Squelch on Icom Radio

1. Adjusting squelch is done when you want to mute a channel that transmits nothing. This is usually done when you’re on an open channel with no signal. This is done by turning down the volume first and then lowering down the squelch threshold to the lowest possible level.

2. After that, you need to increase the volume of the radio. Set the volume level so that you’re comfortable listening to the static the channel is transmitting. Next, start increasing the squelch until the static disappears. After that, you should increase the volume again so that you can clearly hear others speaking into their Icom airband radios.

How to Unlock Icom Radio

Locking and unlocking Icom radios is simple. You just need to use one button. This is the red button which when pressed locks the radio and prevents any function button from operating. There is usually a small key show on the display to let you know that the handset is locked. To unlock an Icom radio, you just need to press and hold the same red button.

How to Program Icom Radio

Programming an Icom radio has to do with memory channels. Instead of searching for one every time you need to use it, just memorise it using the radio’s programming feature.

1. To do this, you need to push and hold the PWR button to turn on the radio. Then, push the CLR DEL button to select a frequency mode and then enter the frequency you want to use. Next, push the F button and then the MR MW button.

2. When you’ve done all this, the bank indicator, memory channel number and memory mode indicator will all start to blink. This is usually shown in the lower right corner of the display. Next, use the tuning knob to select the memory channel you want the frequency to be placed at.

3. Then, press the ENT WX button to program the frequency into the memory channel. When you hear two short “beeps“ it means that the channel has been programmed successfully. Do this for all the channels you want to have easy access to. Just don’t forget which is which.