DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. WARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the antenna is very close to, or touching exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 1 to 2 in (2 to 5 cm) away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical. WARNING! NEVER operate the transceiver with a headset or other audio accessories at high volume levels. Hearing experts advise against continuous high volume operation. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume level or discontinue use. NEVER CONNECT a power supply of more than 11. 5 V DC to the DC jack. The supply voltage must be between 10. 5 V and 11. 5 V to prevent damaging the transceiver. AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with temperatures below ­10°C (+14°F) or above +60°C (+140°F). RF output power is automatically reduced to 0. 5 W (Low) in cold environments (below 0°C) while operating with the BP-217 Li-Ion battery pack, to protect the battery pack. Keep the battery pack warm, then select high power again. 28) The use of non-Icom battery packs/chargers may impair transceiver performance and invalidate the warranty. Even when the transceiver power is OFF, a slight current still flows in the circuits. Remove the battery pack or case from the transceiver when not using it for a long time. Otherwise, the battery pack or installed batteries will become exhausted. NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. Such a connection will damage the transceiver. iii q TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD. i IMPORTANT. ii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS...