Discontinued ProductNote: The contents of this page is as of the time it was created.

VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

IC-M506

Fixed Mount VHF and AIS Receiver Combo with NMEA 2000™ Connectivity

Integrated AIS Receiver*

With an integrated AIS receiver, the IC-M506 can show real-time AIS vessel traffic information on the display. The AIS target call function allows you to easily set up a DSC individual call. The Plotter, Target list and Danger list can be toggled on the display.
* AIS receiver and NMEA 2000 interface units are options, depending on version.

NMEA 2000™ Connectivity*

With the plug-and-play functionality of NMEA 2000, the IC-M506 can easily connect to a NMEA 2000 network. The ICM506 can receive and transmit GPS (position, course (COG) and speed (SOG)), AIS report and DSC call information data and transmit radio frequency and PGN list data on the network. Using this function, the IC-M506 can convert NMEA 0183 GPS data to NMEA 2000 data for other equipment.
* AIS receiver and NMEA 2000 interface units are options, depending on version.

Last Call Voice Recording

The last call voice recording function automatically saves the last two minutes of the last incoming call. You can replay the received call, and not miss any incoming call.

Active Noise Canceling

Using digital signal processing technology, the built-in bidirectional active noise canceling provides superb performance. It reduces background noise to up to 90% in the received signal and 30% fixed in the transmitting signal. The function OFF setting is also possible.

Intuitive Menu-Driven User Interface

Functions menu

The intuitive software key functions provide easy and fast operation to control the multiple functions of the IC-M506. The bottom line of the dot-matrix display shows the software key functions which can be toggled with the left and right buttons.

25 W Two-Way Hailer

When connected to the optional horn speaker, SP-37, you can talk with crews on the deck or shore from the radio’s microphone and can hear any reply via the horn speaker. The RX hailer function allows you to monitor the received audio from the horn speaker. The built-in 25 W amplifier increases your talk power, making it loud and clear.

Built-in Horn (Automatic & Manual)

When connected to the optional horn speaker, SP-37, four horn patterns are selectable for the automatic horn function.

ITU Class D DSC

The built-in DSC watch function monitors Ch. 70 (DSC channel) activity, even while you are receiving another channel. DSC functions include: distress, individual, group, all ships, urgency, safety, position request/report, polling request and DSC test calls. Up to 100 DSC address IDs can be programmed.

Rear Microphone Version*

With this version, the microphone connector is drawn from the rear panel and a 6.1m (20ft) microphone extension cable is supplied to allow you clean and neat panel installation.
* Ask your dealer for details.

IPX8 Submersible Plus™

The IC-M506 and supplied HM-205B/RB microphone can withstand 1 m (3.2 ft) depth of water for 60 minutes.

Other Features

・    Auto and manual foghorn function
・    Simple remote control speaker-microphone, HM-205B/RB
・    15 W audio output power (with external speaker)
・    Weather channels with alert function (USA version only)
・    AquaQuake™ draining function
・    Optional voice scrambler, UT-112 for private conversation
・    MA-500TR AIS transponder and MarineCommander™ compatible

Rear Panel View

Configuration Variations

Microphone NMEA 2000 AIS Receiver
IC-M506 AIS Front Mic NMEA 2000/
NMEA 0183
Integrated AIS
Receiver
Rear Mic
IC-M506 PLUS Front Mic NMEA 2000/
NMEA 0183
Not Included*2
Rear Mic
IC-M506 Front Mic NMEA 0183*1 Not Included*2

*1 Optional UX-232 is required for NMEA 2000.
*2 Optional UX-231 is required for AIS receiver.

General

Frequency range TX 156.025–157.425 MHz
RX 156.050–163.275 MHz
CH70 156.525 MHz
AIS1, 2 161.975, 162.025 MHz
Usable channels USA, CAN, INT, WX channels
Type of emission 16K0G3E (FM), 16K0G2B (DSC)
Power supply requirement 13.8 V DC (11.7–15.9 V DC)
Current drain
(at 13.8 V DC)
TX 25 W output 5.5 A
RX AF Max External SP 5.0 A (RX hailer ON)
Internal SP 1.5 A
Operating temperature range −20°C to +60°C;
−4°F to +140°F
Antenna impedance 50 Ω (SO-239)
Dimensions (W×H×D)
(Projections not included)
178.9×113.9×113.8 mm;
7.04×4.48×4.48 in
Weight (approx.) 1400 g; 3.09 lb

Transmitter

Output power (at 13.8V DC) 25 W, 1W
Max. frequency deviation ±5.0 kHz
Frequency tolerance ±10 ppm
Spurious emissions Less than −70 dBc (at 25 W)
Residual modulation More than 40 dB
Adjacent channel power More than 70 dB

Receiver

Intermediate frequency
CH70
1st 30.15 MHz, 2nd 450 kHz
1st 21.7 MHz, 2nd 450 kHz
Sensitivity (at 12 dB SINAD) 0.22 μV typical
Adjacent channel
selectivity CH70 (1% BER)
More than 75 dB
More than 73 dBμ emf
Spurious response
CH70 (1% BER)
More than 75 dB
More than 73 dBμ emf
Intermodulation
CH70 (1% BER)
More than 75 dB
More than 68 dBμ emf
Hum and noise More than 40 dB
Audio output power
(at 10% distortion)
More than 15 W with a 4 Ω
RX speaker

Applicable U.S. Military Specifications

Icom makes rugged products that have been tested to and passed the following MIL-STD requirements and strict environmental standards.

Standard MIL-810 G
Method Proc.
Low Pressure Storage 500.5 I
Low Pressure Operation 500.5 II
High Temperature Storage 501.5 I
High Temperature Operation 501.5 II
Low Temperature Storage 502.5 I
Low Temperature Operation 502.5 II
Temperature Shock 503.5 I-C
Solar Radiation 505.5 I
Rain Blowing 506.5 I
Humidity 507.5 II
Salt Fog 509.5 -
Dust Blowing 510.5 I
Water Immersion 512.5 I
Vibration 514.6 I
Shock Functional 516.6 I
Shock Transit Drop 516.6 IV

Also meets equicalent MIL-STD-810-C, -D, -E and -F.

Applicable IP Rating and environmental test.

Ingress Protection Standard
Water IPX8 (1 m depth water for 60 minutes)

Supplied Accessories

  • Hand hanger
  • DC power cable
  • Mounting bracket kit

Catalogs / Brochures

Brochures Name Size
IC-M506 740KB

Instruction Manual / Guides

Name Model Name Note
INSTRUCTION MANUAL IC-M506
INSTRUCTION MANUAL IC-M506 (CHN)/IC-M506EURO)
INSTRUCTION MANUAL IC-M506 (CHN)/IC-M506GE
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES IC-M506 (Spanish Manual)

VHF Marine Transceiver