WX on ICOM IC-M601 VHF?

[MJ360]

Is there a way to get the IC-M601 to receive the US WX channels? The unit was built for Europe, but you can select for US channels. The WX channels do not appear.

[Paul L]

The weather channels start at 162.40 MHz and go up to 162.55MHz. It doesn't look like the m601 covers these frequencies in standard or US modes.

[MJ360]

Actually, the M601 frequency range includes Rx in the weather band. I just can't find a way to tune to those frequencies.

Transmit 156.000–161.450 MHz
Receive 156.000–163.425 MHz

[Paul L]

Yeah, but none of the preprogrammed channels are on the needed frequencies. Maybe you could get the Icom programming software and reprogram it yourself. Not sure if it supports the 601.

[Auspicious]

Yes. I have one. It's been years since I did but I recall looking at the US manual and following the directions by pushing and holding a button that the US model uses for US/Canada/International that was labeled something different in the EU manual.

Then you again have to push the wrongly labeled button, once in US mode, to switch between marine VHF channels and US VHF WX channels.

If this vague hand waving doesn't help give me a shout and I'll dig through my paper manuals - I'm sure I took notes ...

[MJ360]

I read on another forum that the "dial" key is somehow involved. Any additional info you can dig up would be greatly appreciated.

[Auspicious]

Right. I think the DIAL key is the WX/marine button on the US version. If you get the radio into US mode (vice Canadian or International) touching DIAL will switch to the weather channels.