Icom IC-E90 User Manual

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is sub­ject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

iE90

MULTIBAND FM TRANSCEIVER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

WARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CEL­LULAR RADIO TELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED
UNDER FCC RULES AND FEDERAL LAW.

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page a (1,1)

i

New2001

Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-E90
MULTIBAND TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with
Icom’s superior technology and craftsmanship. With proper
care, this product should provide you with years of trouble­free operation.
The IC-E90 is a tri-band, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, 430 MHz FM
transceiver that offers a wide-band AM, FM and WFM scan­ning receiver*. Not only you can hear your favorite TV pro­grams with the pre-programmed TV memories*, but you can
also listen to short wave, AM and FM broadcast radio sta­tions, police, fire, military, aircraft, various amateur bands and
more.
New DMS(Dynamic Memory Scan) bank scanning provides
555 alphanumeric memory channels, including 50 band
edges, with a maximum of 18 banks or 100 channels per
bank. You can pick and choose any desired channel for
scanning from the 500 memories.
The supplied BP-217

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACK

provides full
5 W of output. Along with the energy conserving settings, the
BP-217 provides up to 5 to 6 hours of operating time.
The supplied MB-83 swivel type belt clip performs a quick
draw like action for attaching/detaching the transceiver from
the belt clip.
The newly designed antenna also provides stable signal
strength.

We want to thank you for making your IC-E90 your radio of
choice, and hope
you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology first.” Many
hours of research and development went into the design of
your IC-E90.

ïï

FEATURES

❍

Tri-band FM transceiver

❍

Wide-band receiver

—Covers 495 KHz to 999.990* MHz

❍

New DMS (Dynamic Memory Scan)
bank scan

❍

Lithium-Ion technology

❍

Rugged palm sized, weather-resis­tant construction

❍

DTCS and CTCSS tone squelch

❍

Simple operation

*Available frequency range and/or the pre-pro-

grammed TV memories may differ depends on ver­sion. See p. 85 for details.

FOREWORD

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page i (1,1)

ii

New2001

IMPORTANT

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely

before using the transceiver.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL — This in-

struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-E90.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

The explicit definitions below apply to this instruction manual.

WORD

WARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

DEFINITION

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock may occur.

If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk
of personal injury, fire or electric shock.

Equipment damage may occur.

Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom
Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United Kingdom,
Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

Accessories included with the transceiver: Qty.

q Li-Ion battery pack (BP-217) .......................................... 1

w Wall charger* (BC-110D/DR) .......................................... 1

e MB-83 (Swivel belt clip) ........................................... 1 set

r Handstrap........................................................................ 1

t Antenna (FA-S6270D; with 50 MHz band adapter) .. 1 set

* Not supplied with some versions.

q

w

e

r

t

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page ii (1,1)

iii

WARNING RF EXPOSURE! This device emits

Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Extreme caution should be
observed when operating this device. If you have any ques­tions regarding RF exposure and safety standards please
refer to the Federal Communications Commission Office of
Engineering and Technology’s report on Evaluating
Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (OET Bulletin 65)

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 trans-

ceiver.

NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet . Such a

connection will damage the transceiver.

NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source that is

DC fused at more than 5 A. Accidental reverse connection will
be protected by this fuse, but higher fuse values will not give
protection against such accidents and the transceiver will be
ruined.

DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical

blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere.

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. (p. 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.

CAUTIONS

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iv

FOREWORD ............................................. i

IMPORTANT ............................................. ii

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .......................... ii

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ..................... ii

CAUTIONS ............................................... iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................... iv

q QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ........ 1 – 6

w PANEL DESCRIPTION ................ 7 – 12

■ Panel description ............................. 7

■ Function display ............................. 11

e BATTERY CHARGING .............. 13–16

■ Battery attachment ......................... 13

■ Battery cautions ............................. 13

■ Regular charging ........................... 14

■ Rapid charging ............................... 15

■ Battery case ................................... 16

■ External power operation ............... 16

r BASIC OPERATION .................. 17 – 33

■ Turning power ON ......................... 17

■ Tuning step .................................... 18

■ Setting a frequency ........................ 19

■ Mode selection ............................... 20

■ Operating band and receive mode

selection ......................................... 21

■ Setting the squelch level ................ 22

■ Receiving ....................................... 23

■ RIT function ................................... 27

■ Attenuator function ......................... 27

■ Transmitting ................................... 28

■ Repeater operation ........................ 29

■ Duplex operation ............................ 31

■ Split operation ................................ 32

■ 1750 Hz tone ................................. 33

t MEMORY/CALL CHANNELS .... 34 – 44

■ General .......................................... 34

■ Calling up memory channels ......... 36

■ Programming memory channels .... 37

■ Transferring memory contents

to VFO ........................................... 38

■ Copying memory contents ............. 39

■ Memory names .............................. 39

■ Memory bank ................................. 41

■ Memory clear ................................. 43

■ Call channel ................................... 44

y SCAN OPERATION ................... 45 – 49

■ Scan types ..................................... 45

■ VFO scan ....................................... 46

■ Frequency skip function ................. 47

■ Skip channel setting ....................... 47

■ Memory scan ................................. 48

■ Scan notes ..................................... 49

u PRIORITY WATCH .................... 50 – 54

■ Priority watch types ........................ 50

■ Priority alert .................................... 50

■ Priority watch operation ................. 51

i SET MODE ................................ 55 – 66

■ Set mode ....................................... 55

■ Set mode items ............................. 56

o OTHER FUNCTIONS ................ 67– 78

■ Programming a DTMF code .......... 67

■ Transmitting a DTMF code ............ 68

■ Clearing a DTMF memory ............. 69

■ Confirming a DTMF memory ......... 69

■ Tone frequency and DTCS code .... 70

■ Tone/DTCS squelch ....................... 71

■ Pocket beep function ...................... 71

■ Available tone frequencies ............. 72

■ Available DTCS codes ................... 72

■ Tone scan ...................................... 73

■ Beep tones ..................................... 74

■ Dial speed acceleration ................. 74

■ Lock function .................................. 74

■ Morse code synthesizer ................. 75

■ Power save .................................... 75

■ Time-out timer ................................ 76

■ PTT lock ......................................... 76

■ Auto power OFF ............................ 76

■ Auto power ON .............................. 76

■ Cloning function ............................. 77

■ [SP/MIC] jacks ............................... 77

■ Resetting ........................................ 78

!0 HM-75A REMOTE CONTROL

MICROPHONE ................................. 79

!1 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................... 80

!2 TV FREQUENCY TABLE ...........81–84

!3 SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 85 – 86

!4 OPTIONS ................................... 87 – 88

POCKET GUIDE
DOC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

qq

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uu

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

New2001

1

■ Installing the battery pack

q Open the latch. Then, attach the BP-217 Li-Ion battery

pack or optional BP-216 battery case.

• Be sure to observe the correct direction.

• Charge Li-Ion battery pack before use.

w Lock the latch.

NOTE: The battery pack is provided uncharged. BE SURE to
charge the battery before using it with the transceiver.

DInstalling the alkaline batteries

Install 2 R6 (AA) size alkaline batteries into BP-216.

• Be sure to observe the correct po­larity.

Keep battery contacts clean. It’s
a good idea to clean battery ter­minals once a week.

■ Accessory attachment

D Attaching the swivel belt clip

The supplied swivel belt clip is useful for easy attaching/
detaching the transceiver to/from the belt.
q Attach the stopper to

the transceiver with
the supplied screw.

w Clip the belt clip to

your belt.

Battery pack or
battery case

Latch

q

w

stopper

supplied
screw

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 1 (1,1)

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1

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

New2001

e Insert the transceiver to the end of the

clip as shown at right.

•Once the transceiver
is locked in place, it
will swivel 360
degrees as shown at
right.

To remove:

r Turn the transceiver upside down, and then lift to release

the transceiver from the belt clip as shown at upper right.

D Handstrap

Slide the handstrap through the loop on
the top of the belt clip as shown at
right.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

qq

a

CAUTION!

HOLD THE TRANSCEIVER TIGHTLY, WHEN ATTACHING
OR REMOVING THE TRANSCEIVER TO/FROM THE
BELT CLIP.

If the transceiver accidentally dropped and the swivel belt
clip’s stopper is scratched, the swivel belt clip may not work
properly.

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 2 (1,1)

iC-t90

3

1

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

50 MHz band

adapter

Attach the 50 MHz
band adapter

Hold the base , then screw the

antenna down.

for BC

band to 50 MHz band,

through to 800 MHz band

for WFM band

to

800 MHz band

Detach the top cap*

*KEEP the the anttenna top cap
in the safe place when it not
in use.

D Installing the antenna

Insert the supplied wide band antenna into the antenna con­nector and screw down the antenna as shown below.

• 50 MHz band adapter

Attach the 50 MHz band antenna adapter before operating
50 M Hz band or receiving the signal below 50 MHz band. Be
sure to use this 50 MHz band adapter during the operation
below 50 MHz band. You can operate the whole band with
this adapter.

CAUTION!

TRANSMITTING WITHOUT AN ANTENNA MAY DAMAGE
THE TRANSCEIVER.

NEVER HOLD the anten-

na when carrying the trans­ceiver.

KEEP the jack covers at-

tached when the jack is not
in use, to avoid bad con­tacts from dust and mois­ture.

NOTE:

Commercially available antennas may increase transceiver
performance. An optional AD-92SMA

ANTENNA CONNECTOR

ADAPTER

is available to connect an external antenna with a

BNC connector.

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1

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Charging the Li-Ion battery pack

DCharging with the wall charger

q Push and hold [PWR] to turn the transceiver power OFF.
w Insert the charger plug into the DC power jack of the trans-

ceiver.

e Plug the charger into an AC wall outlet.
r Charging starts and the battery indicator “” on the dis-

play blinks.

t It takes approximately 15 hours to charge an empty BP-

217 Li-Ion battery pack.

y Unplug the charger from the AC wall outlet when charging

is completed.

DCharging with the CP-19E Cigarette Lighter

cable (option)

q Insert the cigarette lighter adapter cable into the DC power

jack of the transceiver.

w Connect the CP-19E cigarette lighter adapter cable to the

cigarette lighter socket.

e Charging starts and the battery indicator on the display

blinks.

NOTE:

•The BP-217 can be charged while you operating the transceiver.
(p. 5).

•Charging will be suspended during transmitting of the transceiver.

•“CHG_F” appears when the charging is completed with the power

turned OFF.

•NEVER connect the cigarette lighter socket or external regulated
DC power supply directly to the transceiver. Such a connection will
damage the transceiver.

•Remove CP-19E from the transceiver when not using it. Otherwise,
the vehicle battery will become exhausted.

IC-E90 with BP-217

BC-110D/DR

to
DC power jack

to AC outlet

CP-19E

(optional)

to
DC power
jack

to a 12 V
cigarette lighter
socket

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

qq

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 4 (1,1)

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Rapid charging

The optional BC-139 provides rapid charging of the battery
pack.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn the

transceiver OFF while charging.

• Charging period: 2.5 hours (w/BP-217)

■ External power operation

An optional CP-19E cigarette lighter cable can be used for
external power operation from cigarette lighter socket.

• Power supply range is between 5.5–11.0 V DC.
NEVER connect over 11.5 V DC directly into the DC

power jack of the transceiver.

• BE SURE to use the CP-19E when connecting a regu-

lated 12 V DC power supply.

• If a battery pack is attached, the voltage of the external

power supply must be within 11.5–16 V DC, otherwise,
the battery power may be used for operation.

• The maximum output power is 5.0 W regardless of the

power supply voltage.

• Remove the cables from the transceiver when not using

it. Otherwise, the vehicle battery will become exhausted.

CP-19E
(optional)

to
DC power
jack

to a 12 V
cigarette lighter
socket

Turn power
OFF.

Check the
orientation.

BP-217

Li-Ion battery pack

to AC
outlet

BC-139 (optional)
desktop charger

BC-123

(supplied with
BC-139)

to [AC ADAPTER] jack

A

Adapter (supplied
with BC-139)

LED
Charging:
Orange
Finished:
Green

Charging
terminal

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1

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Your first contact

Now that you have your IC-E90 ready to operate, you are
probably excited to get on the air. We would like to take you
through a few basic operation steps to make your first “On
The Air” an enjoyable experience.

DFirst contact

q Push and hold [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn the transceiver

power ON.

• The function display shows “ICOM,” current voltage then the op­erating frequency.

w Push [BAND] several times until the desired operating

band (VHF; 51.000, 145.000 or UHF; 430.000 as default)
appears on the display.

e Push [Y](or [Z]) several times to adjust to the desired

audio level.

r Rotate [DIAL] to select the receive frequency.

‘Direct frequency input’ via the keypad also available.
(p. 19)

t Hold the transceiver approximately 5 cm. (2 in) from your

mouth.

y Push and hold [PTT], then speak at your normal voice

level.

u Release [PTT] switch to receive.

• Repeat steps, t, y and u to continue communication.

r

e

q

w

yu

[DIAL]

[PTT]

[UP/DOWN]

[BAND]

[PWR]

[Mic]

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

FM DUP SKIPTP

[EXAMPLE] Setting the
receive frequency to

439.350 MHz

qq

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 6 (1,1)

■ Panel description

q POWER SWITCH [PWR]

Push for 1 sec. to turn the transceiver power ON and OFF.

w BAND SWITCH [BAND]

➥ Push to select the operating band (50MHz, Air, VHF,

UHF, etc.). (p. 21)

➥ Push to select the memory bank or push to proceed the

memory name cursor while programming the memory
option. (pgs. 39, 41)

➥ Push for 1 sec. for morse code synthesizer announce-

ment. (p. 75)

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends a DTMF “D”.

e UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z]

➥ Push to adjust the audio level by default. (p. 17)
➥ Push to adjust the frequency when [Y]/[Z] and [DIAL]

are exchanged by pushing [1 V↔D] for 1 sec. (p. 23)

r MONITOR SWITCH [SQL] (p. 22)

➥ Push and hold to temporarily open the squelch and

monitor the operating frequency.

➥ While pushing, rotate the tuning dial to set the squelch

threshold level.

t TRANSMIT/RECEIVE INDICATOR

➥ Lights green while receiving a signal or when the

squelch is open; lights red while transmitting.

➥ Flashes green for 5 sec. when the scan stop LED func-

tion is in use and a scan is stopped. (pgs. 49, 62)

t

u

i

o

!0

!1
!2
!3
!4

Keypad !6–@5

!5

e

r

q

w

y

Function display

Speaker

Microphone

7

2

PANEL DESCRIPTION

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 7 (1,1)

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2

PANEL DESCRIPTION

y PTT SWITCH [PTT]

➥ Push and hold to transmit in 50/144/430 MHz amateur

bands; release to receive. (p. 28)

•When WFM or AM mode is selected, transmission is impossible.

u ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 3)

Connects the supplied antenna.

i EXTERNAL SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE JACKS

[SP/MIC]

Connects an optional speaker-microphone or headset, if
desired. The internal microphone and speaker will not
function when any external equipment is connected. (See
pgs. 87, 88 for a list of available options.)

o TUNING DIAL [DIAL]

➥ Rotate [DIAL] to set operating frequencies, memory

channels, set mode contents, etc. (pgs. 19, 36, 55)

➥ While pushing [SQL], sets the squelch level. (p. 22)
➥ While pushing [BAND], sets the operating band in VFO

mode. (p. 21)

➥ While pushing [Y]/[Z], adjusts the audio level (when

[Y]/[Z] and [DIAL] are not exchanged). (p. 17)

!0 EXTERNAL DC POWER JACK [DC 11.0 V]

➥ Allows charging of the BP-217 using the BC-110D/DR

wall charger, or using an optional CP-19E cigarette
lighter cable.

➥ To connect regulated power supply with optional

CP-19E cigarette lighter cable.

!1 MODE/SCAN SWITCH [MODE SCAN]

➥ Push to select the operating mode (FM, WFM,

AM). (p. 21)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to start a scan. (p. 46)

➥While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “F”

(#).

!2 VFO SWITCH [VFO MHz]

➥ Selects and toggles between VFO A and B.

(p. 20)

➥ Selects and toggles between the 1 MHz or 10

MHz tuning steps when pushed for 1 sec.
(p. 18)

➥ Returns to previous operating condition while setting fre-

quency or memory channel, or while in set mode.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “A”.

!3 MEMORY SWITCH [MR S.MW]

➥ Selects and toggles between memory mode

and memory bank. (p. 20)

➥ Push [MR S.MW] for 1 sec. to enter memory

write condition. (p. 37)

➥ Push for 2 sec. to write the operating frequency into the

selected memory channel in VFO mode.

•Keep pushing for 2 sec. or more to automatically select the
next memory channel, if desired. (p. 38)

➥ Push for 2 sec. to transfer the displayed frequency into

the VFO in memory mode. (p. 38)

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “B”.

MR

S.MW

B

VFO

MHz

A

MODE
SCAN

ww

PANEL DESCRIPTION

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2

PANEL DESCRIPTION

!4 CALL/LOCK SWITCH [CALL/TV LOCK]

➥ Toggles between call channel, TV channel*,

and VFO mode in sequence. (p. 20)

*Depends on version.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to toggle the lock function ON and OFF.

(p. 74)

•“

é

” appears while the key lock function is in use.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “C”.

!5 DTMF MEMORY SWITCH [• DTMF.M]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the DTMF memory

channel. (p. 67)

➥ Inputs MHz digit for frequency input. (p. 19)

➥While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “E”

(M).

!6 VOLUME/DIAL SWITCH [1 V↔D]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to exchange [Y]/[Z] and

[DIAL] functions. (p. 23)

•“VOL” appears when the tuning dial functions as a
volume control.

➥ Inputs digit ‘1’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “1”.

!7 TONE SWITCH [2 TONE] (p. 70)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to activate the following tone

functions in order.

• Subaudible tone encoder — “T” appears. (p. 29)

• Tone squelch — “T SQL” appears. (p. 71)

• Pocket beep — “T SQLS” appears. (p. 71)

• DTCS squelch — “DTCS” appears. (p. 71)

• DTCS beep — “SDTCS” appears. (p. 71)

• No tone operation — no tone indicator appears.

➥ Inputs digit ‘2’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “2”.

!8 OUTPUT POWER SWITCH [3 H/L] (p. 28)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to toggle the output power be-

tween high and low.

•“LOW” appears when low output power is selected.

➥ Inputs digit ‘3’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “3”.

!9 DUPLEX SWITCH [4 DUP] (pgs. 29, 31)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to activate the following duplex

functions in order.

• Minus duplex operation — “–DUP” appears.

• Plus duplex operation — “DUP” appears.

• Simplex operation — no duplex indicator appears.

➥ Inputs digit ‘4’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “4”.

4

DUP3H/L

2

TONE

1

V D

.

DTMF.M

CALL/TV

LOCK

C

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PANEL DESCRIPTION

@0 FREQUENCY SKIP SWITCH [5 SKIP]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to turn the frequency skip func-

tion ON and OFF in VFO mode. (p. 47)

•“P SKIP” appears when the frequency skip function
is in use.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to set the memory channel as the fol-

lowing skip channel in memory mode in order. (p. 48)

• Skip channel — “SKIP” appears.

• Frequency skip channel — “P SKIP” appears.

• Non-skip channel — no skip indicator appears.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to program a paused frequency as a

skip frequency while scanning. (p. 46)

➥ Inputs digit ‘5’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “5”.

@1 MEMORY NAME SWITCH [6 M.N]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to turn the memory name indi-

cation ON and OFF. (p. 40)

•Frequency appears for nameless memory chan­nels.

➥ Inputs digit ‘6’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “6”.

@2 TONE SCAN SWITCH [7 T.SCAN]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to start a tone scan. (p. 73)
➥ Inputs digit ‘7’ for frequency input, memory

channel selection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “7”.

@3 SET MODE SWITCH [8 SET]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the set mode. Push to

select the displayed set mode item after se­lecting with [DIAL] while in the set mode.
(p. 55)

➥ Inputs digit ‘8’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “8”.

@4 TUNING STEP SWITCH [9 TS]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to select the tuning step.

(p. 18)

➥ Inputs digit ‘9’ for frequency input, memory

channel selection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “9”.

@5 RIT/ATTENUATOR SWITCH [0 RIT]

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the RIT/attenuator set

mode. Push to select the item after selecting
with [DIAL]. (p. 27)

• RIT function is available for 630.000 MHz and above.

• Attenuator for 629.995 MHz or less only.

➥ Inputs digit ‘0’ for frequency input, memory channel se-

lection, etc.

➥ While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code “0”.

0

RIT

9

TS

8

SET

7

T.SCAN

6

M.N

5

SKIP

ww

PANEL DESCRIPTION

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PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Function display

q FREQUENCY READOUT

Shows the operating frequency, set mode contents, etc.

• The smaller “75,” “50” and “25” to the right of the readout indi­cate 0.75, 0.5 and 0.25 kHz, respectively.

• The decimal point of the frequency flashes during scan.

w LOCK INDICATOR (p. 74)

Indicates that the lock function is in use.

e RECEIVE MODE INDICATORS (p. 21)

Shows the receive mode.

• AM, FM and WFM are available.

r DUPLEX INDICATORS (pgs. 29, 31)

Appears when semi-duplex operation (repeater operation)
is in use.

•“–DUP” appears when minus duplex is selected; “DUP” only, ap­pears when plus duplex is selected.

q

we r t yu

i
o

!0

!1!2!5 !3!4

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 11 (1,1)

12

2

PANEL DESCRIPTION

t TONE INDICATORS (p. 70)

➥ Appear when the following tone functions are activated.

• Subaudible tone encoder — “T” appears. (p. 29)

• Tone squelch — “T SQL” appears. (p. 71)

• Pocket beep — “T SQLS” appears. (p. 71)

• DTCS squelch — “DTCS” appears. (p. 71)

• DTCS beep — “SDTCS” appears. (p. 71)

➥ “S” flashes when the correct tone or code is received

during pocket/DTCS beep operation. (p. 71)

y RIT INDICATOR (p. 27)

Appears when the RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning) func­tion for 630.000 MHz and above is in use.

u SKIP SCAN INDICATOR (p. 47)

➥ “SKIP” appears when a selected memory channel is set

as a skip channel.

➥ “P SKIP” appears when the memory channel frequency

is set as a skip frequency in memory mode.

➥ “P SKIP” appears when the frequency skip function is

turned ON in VFO mode.

i PRIORITY WATCH INDICATOR (p. 50)

Appears when priority watch is in use.

o MEMORY MODE INDICATOR (p. 20)

Appears when a memory channel is selected.

!0 MEMORY CHANNEL READOUT (p. 20)

Shows the memory or call channel number, etc.

!1 S/RF INDICATORS (p. 28)

Shows the relative signal strength while receiving. Shows
the relative output power while transmitting.

!2 LOW POWER INDICATOR (p. 28)

Appears when low output power is selected.

!3 VOLUME EXCHANGE INDICATOR (p. 23)

Appears when the functions of tuning dial and [Y]/[Z]
switches are exchanged.

!4 BATTERY INDICATORS

➥ Both segments appear when the batteries have ample

capacity.

•They do not appear when operating with an external power
source.

➥ Only the right segment “” appears when the batteries

are nearing exhaustion.

➥ Blinks while charging the attached Li-Ion battery pack.

!5 ATTENUATOR INDICATOR (p. 27)

Appears when the attenuator is in use.

ww

PANEL DESCRIPTION

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 12 (1,1)

■ Battery attachment

q Attach the BP-217 Li-Ion battery pack or optional BP-216

battery case.

• Be sure to observe the correct direction.

• Charge Li-Ion battery pack before use.

w Lock the latch.

D Operating periods

The operating periods with BP-217 are:

50 MHz Approx. 6 hr.
144 MHz Approx. 5 hr.
440 MHz Approx. 5 hr.

at high power, Tx : Rx : Standby = 1:1:8

■ Battery cautions

NEVER incinerate used battery packs. Internal battery gas

may cause an explosion.

NEVER immerse the battery pack in water. If the battery pack
becomes wet, be sure to wipe it dry BEFORE attaching it to
the transceiver.

NEVER short terminals of the battery pack. Also, current may
flow into nearby metal objects so be careful when placing bat­tery packs in handbags, etc.

If your battery pack seems to have no capacity even after
being charged, completely discharge it by leaving the power
ON overnight. Then, fully charge the battery pack again. If the
battery pack still does not retain a charge (or very little), a
new battery pack must be purchased.

Use Icom battery packs, chargers and cables only. The use of
non-Icom products 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.

Battery pack or
battery case

Latch

q

w

3

BATTERY CHARGING

13

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 13 (1,1)

14

3

BATTERY CHARGING

■ Regular charging

Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, the battery
pack must be fully charged for optimum life and operation.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn the

transceiver OFF while charging.

• Recommended temperature range for charging:
0°C to +35°C; +32°F to +95°F

• Use the wall charger* (BC-110AR/DR) only. NEVER use an-

other manufactures’ charger.

* Not supplied with some versions.

• An optional cable CP-19E (for 12 V cigarette lighter socket)

can be used instead of the AC adapters of the above charg­ers.

DBattery indicators

The battery indicators blink while charging but do not indicate
the power condition.

“CHG_F” appears when the charging is completed. Discon­nect the wall charger in this case.

q Attach the battery pack to the transceiver.
w Be sure to turn the transceiver power OFF.
e Connect the AC adapter* (BC-110D/DR) as shown below.

* Not supplied with some versions.

r Remove any cables from the [DC11V] jack.

• Charging period: 15 hours (w/BP-217)

ee

BATTERY CHARGING

IC-E90 with BP-217

BC-110D/DR

to AC outlet

CP-19E

(optional)

to
DC power
jack

to a 12 V
cigarette lighter
socket

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 14 (1,1)

15

3

BATTERY CHARGING

■ Rapid charging

The optional BC-139 provides rapid charging of the battery
pack.

• Charging period: 2.5 hours (w/BP-217)

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn it OFF

while charging.

• Recommended temperature range for charging:
0°C to +35°C; +32°F to +95°F

• NEVER connect 2 chargers to the [AC ADAPTER] and

[DC13.5V] jacks of BC-139.

• Use the supplied BC-123 for the BC-139 desktop charger.

Connect BC-123 to the [AC ADAPTER] jack.

• NEVER use another manufactures’ charger.

• An optional cable CP-19E (for 12 V cigarette lighter socket)

can be used instead of the supplied AC adapter. Connect
one of these to the [DC11V] jack in this case.

If the charge indicator blinks orange, there may be a prob­lem with the battery pack (or charger). Re-insert the bat­tery pack or contact your dealer.

Turn power
OFF.

Check the
orientation.

BP-217

Li-Ion battery pack

to AC
outlet

BC-139 (optional)
desktop charger

BC-123

(supplied with
BC-139)

to [AC ADAPTER] jack

A

Adapter (supplied
with BC-139)

LED
Charging:
Orange
Finished:
Green

Charging
terminal

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 15 (1,1)

■ Battery case (Option)

q Install 2 R6 (AA) size alkaline

batteries into BP-216.

• Be sure to observe the correct
polarity.

w Install the battery case as

shown at right.

A build in step-up convertor in
the BP-216 increases the volt­age up to 5 V DC.

Keep battery contacts clean.
It’s a good idea to clean bat­tery terminals once a week.

DBattery information

The batteries may seem to have low capacity when used in
low temperatures such as –10 °C (+14 °F) or below. Please
keep the battery case or pack warm in this case.

DBattery replacement

When the batteries become exhausted, the function display
may blink or have a lower contrast. In these cases, replace
all batteries with new, same brand, alkaline batteries.

■ External power operation

An optional cable CP-19E (for 12 V cigarette lighter socket)
can be used for external power operation.
. •Power supply range is between 5.5–11.0 V DC.

NEVER connect over 11.5 V DC directly into the DC
power jack of the transceiver.

•BE SURE to use CP-19E when connecting regulated
12 V DC power supply.

•If a battery pack is attached, the voltage of the external
power must be within 11.5–16 V DC, otherwise, the bat-
tery power may be used for operation.

•The maximum output power is 5.0 W regardless of the
power supply voltage.

•Remove the cables from the transceiver when not using
it. Otherwise, the vehicle battery will become exhausted.

16

3

BATTERY CHARGING

ee

BATTERY CHARGING

CP-19

(optional)

to
DC power
jack

to a 12 V
cigarette lighter
socket

Voltage indication

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 16 (1,1)

17

4

BASIC OPERATION

■ Turning power ON

D Turning power ON

q Make sure alkaline batteries are installed in the battery

case or the battery pack is charged, and attach them.
(p. 13)

w Push [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn the power ON.

• The function display shows “ICOM,” current voltage then the op­erating frequency.

• Repeat this step to turn power OFF.

The opening message can be turned ON or OFF in the ex­panded set mode 1. (p. 64)

DSetting volume level

The audio level can be adjusted through 32 levels.
➥ Push [Y] or [Z] to set the desired audio level.

• Rotating the tuning dial while pushing [Y] or [Z] also sets the

audio level.

• [Y]/[Z] and [DIAL] can be exchanged by [1 V↔D]. (p. 23)

DVolume level indication

The frequency display shows the volume level during setting
as shown below.

[∫]

[√]

Shows volume level.

[PWR]

FM SKIPP

Frequency indication

Opening message ‘ICOM’

Voltage indication

Indication Audio level

0 (no sound)

19–23 (default)
24–27

28–30

31 (Maximum)

1–11
12–18

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 17 (1,1)

18

4

BASIC OPERATION

■ Tuning step

When using the tuning dial to change
the frequency, or when a scan function
is activated, the frequency changes in
increments determined by the set tun­ing step. Tuning steps can be selected
for each band. This transceiver has 13
tuning steps as follows:

• 5 kHz • 6.25 kHz •8.33* kHz

• 9* kHz • 10 kHz • 12.5 kHz

• 15 kHz • 20 kHz • 25 kHz

• 30 kHz • 50 kHz • 100 kHz

• 200 kHz

*Depends on version.

D Setting the tuning step

q Push [9 TS] for 1 sec. to enter tuning

step set mode.

•“TS” appears.

w Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired

tuning step.

• Rotating the tuning dial while pushing [9
TS] also selects the tuning step.

• Tuning step can be set in VFO and
memory modes.

e Push [9 TS] or [VFO] to exit.

D MHz tuning step

This is useful to change the frequency
rapidly.

q Select VFO mode with [VFO].
w Push [VFO MHz] for 1 sec. to select

1 MHz tuning step.

e Push [VFO MHz] for 1 sec. again to

select 10 MHz tuning step, if re­quired.

r Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired

MHz frequency.

t Push [VFO] to exit MHz tuning step.

FM SKIPP

FM SKIPP

1 MHz tuning step

10 MHz tuning step

5 kHz tuning step

20 kHz tuning step

[9 TS]

[DIAL]

[VFO MHz]

rr

BASIC OPERATION

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 18 (1,1)

19

4

BASIC OPERATION

DSetting the frequency with keypad

q Select VFO mode with [VFO].
w Push the desired numeral buttons until inputting 1 kHz digit to set the frequency.

• When you want to change the 100 kHz digit and below, push [•] first, then the numeral but-
tons.

• Acceptable digits for the 1 kHz digit depend on the 10 kHz digit.

■

Setting a frequency

Push numeral keys and [•] to input the
desired frequency.

•Frequency can be set irrelevant of the se­lected band.

•When inputting a frequency outside of the
frequency range, the previously selected
frequency is automatically selected after in­putting 1 kHz digit.

*Available frequency range and/or the

pre-programmed TV memories may
differ depends on version. See p. 85
for details.

1

V D2TONE3H/L

4

DUP5SKIP6M.N

0

RIT

7

T.SCAN8SET9TS

.

DTMF.M

[VFO]

2

TONE

4

DUP

.

DTMF.M

0

RIT

6

M.N

8

SET

.

DTMF.M

FM

FM

FM

FM

FM

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

0

RIT

4

DUP

5

SKIP

3

H/L

3

H/L

4

DUP

8

SET

.

DTMF.M

FM

FM

FM

FM

FM

FM

FM

0

RIT

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

• Setting to 0.684 MHz

• Setting to 433.580 MHz

• Changing 100 kHz and

below.

Setting 433.580 MHz to

433.240 MHz.

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 19 (1,1)

20

4

BASIC OPERATION

■ Mode selection

DVFO mode

VFO mode is used for setting a desired
frequency within the band range.
➥ Push [VFO] to select VFO mode.

• Pushing [VFO] in VFO mode toggles
VFO A and B.

What is VFO?

VFO is an abbreviation of Variable Fre­quency Oscillator. Frequencies for
transmitting and receiving are gener­ated and controlled by the VFO.

D Memory mode

Memory mode is used for operation of
memory channels which have pro­grammed frequencies.
➥ Push [MR] to select memory mode.

• Pushing [MR] in memory mode toggles
memory channel and memory bank indi­cations.

•To program a memory Ch, refer to p. 37.

D Call/TV channels

Call channels are used for most-often­used frequencies for quick recall. TV
channels* can be selected with
[CALL/TV].
➥ Push [CALL/TV] to select a call, TV

channel* in sequence.

*Depends on version.

FM

FM

[MR]

Memory channel

Memory bank

A00–Y99 appear when a
memory bank is programmed.

[VFO]

VFO A

VFO B

FM SKIPP

FM SKIPP

rr

BASIC OPERATION

FM

FMW

[CALL/TV]

Call channel

TV channel

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 20 (1,1)

■ Operating band and receive mode selection

DSelecting the operating

band

The transceiver can receive the BC
(broadcast)* bands, 5 MHz* band,
50 MHz* band, WFM* bands, Air* band,
144 MHz (VHF) band, 220 MHz* band,
300 MHz* band, 430 MHz (UHF) band
or 800 MHz* band.

NOTE: Available frequency range may
differ depends on version.

q Select VFO mode with [VFO].
w Push [BAND] several times to select

the desired band.

• Rotating the tuning dial while pushing
[BAND] also selects the operating band.

[VFO]

[BAND]

21

4

BASIC OPERATION

DSelecting the receive mode

Receive modes are determined by the
physical properties of the radio signals.
The transceiver has 3 receive modes:
FM, AM and WFM modes. Typically, AM
mode is used for the avionics band
(108– 135.975 MHz) and WFM is used
for FM broadcast stations (88–107.75
MHz).

When pushing [PTT], a beep tone
sounds indicating the mode is not
FM mode. The transceiver cannot
transmit in AM or WFM mode.

FM SKIPP

FM SKIPPW

AM SKIPP

FM mode

WFM mode

AM mode

MODE
SCAN

MODE
SCAN

MODE

SCAN

Push
to toggle the
operating
mode.

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPPAM FM

BAND

FM

FM

SKIPP

FM

AM

FM

FM

AM

FMW

BC (broadcast) bands

5 MHz bands

50 MHz band WFM bands*

800 MHz band*

UHF band 300 MHz band*

Air bands*

VHF band

220 MHz band*

0.495–1.620 MHz

1.625–34.995 MHz

35.000–87.995 MHz*

108.000–135.995 MHz

88.000–107.995 MHz*

550.000–999.990 MHz

383.000–549.995 MHz 255.000–383.995 MHz 220.000–254.995 MHz

136.000–221.995 MHz

Push [BAND] several times to
select the desired band.

*UK and Italy versions only.

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 21 (1,1)

■ Setting the squelch level

22

4

BASIC OPERATION

The squelch circuit mutes the received
audio signal depending on the signal
strength. The transceiver has 9 squelch
levels, a continuously open setting and
an automatic squelch setting.

DSetting the squelch level

q While pushing and holding [SQL], ro-

tate [DIAL] one-click to display the
current squelch level.

w Rotate [DIAL] successively to adjust

the squelch level.

•“LEVEL1” is loose squelch and
“LEVEL9” is tight squelch.

•“AUTO” indicates automatic level adjust-

ment with a noise pulse count system.

e Release [SQL] to return to the previ-

ous indication.

[Squelch level indication]

D Monitor function

This function is used to listen to weak
signals or to open the tone squelch
manually.
➥ Push and hold [SQL] to monitor the

operating frequency.

The [SQL] switch can be set as a
monitor ON/OFF switch in set mode.
(p. 60)

[SQL]

Blinks while monitoring.

FM SKIPP

rr

BASIC OPERATION

[SQL]

[DIAL]

Indication

Squelch level

Open

Automatic (default)

Level 1 (loose)
Level 2

Level 3

Level 4
Level 5

Level 6
Level 7

Level 8
Level 9 (tight)

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 22 (1,1)

23

4

BASIC OPERATION

■ Receiving

D Setting volume level

➥ Push [Y] or [Z] to set the desired audio level.

• Rotating the tuning dial while pushing [Y] or [Z] also sets the

audio level.

D Setting squelch level

q While pushing [SQL], rotate [DIAL] to select the squelch

level.

•“LEVEL1” is loose squelch and “LEVEL9” is tight squelch.

w Release [SQL] to return to the previous indication.

DExchange [DIAL] and [YY]/[ZZ] functions

The functions of tuning dial and [Y]/[Z] switches can be ex­changed, if desired.

➥ Push [1 V↔D] for 1 sec. to exchange the functions of the

tuning dial and [Y]/[Z] switches.

•“VOL” appears when the functions are exchanged.

[DIAL]

[Y]/[Z]

Default setting

Frequency setting
Memory channel setting
Scan direction setting
Set mode setting

Volume setting

Volume setting

Exchanged setting

Frequency setting
Memory channel setting
Scan direction setting
Set mode setting

FM

VOL

SKIPP

[DIAL]

[∫]
[√]

Appears when the functions
are exchanged.

[1 V D]

[DIAL]

[SQL]

[∫]
[√]

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 23 (1,1)

24

4

BASIC OPERATION

DReceiving FM broadcast

[EXAMPLE]: Receiving 88.200 MHz.

q Select VFO mode with [VFO].
w For direct frequency input, push [8], [8], [•], [2], [0], [0].

• Skip e and t in this case.

e Push [BAND] several times to select the FM broadcast

band.

• Default frequency (FM broadcast band): 76.000 or 88.000 MHz

r Push [MODE] several times to select WFM mode if re-

quired.

t Rotate [DIAL] to set 88.200 MHz.
y When a signal is received:

➥ The TX/RX indicator lights green.
➥ Squelch opens and audio is emitted from the speaker.
➥ The S/RF indicator shows the relative signal strength.

D Receiving amateur bands

[EXAMPLE]: Receiving 145.600 MHz.

q Select VFO mode with [VFO].
w For direct frequency input, push [1], [4], [5], [•], [6], [0], [0].

• Skip e and t in this case.

e Push [BAND] several times to select the 144 MHz band.

• Default frequency (144 MHz band): 145.000 MHz

r Push [MODE] several times to select FM mode if required.
t Rotate [DIAL] to set 145.600 MHz.
y When a signal is received:

➥ The TX/RX indicator lights green.
➥ Squelch opens and audio is emitted from the speaker.
➥ The S/RF indicator shows the relative signal strength.

FM SKIPP

[DIAL]

[VFO]

[MODE]

[BAND]

S meter

FM SKIPPW

[DIAL]

[VFO]

[MODE]

[BAND]

S meter

rr

BASIC OPERATION

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 24 (1,1)

25

4

BASIC OPERATION

D Receiving TV channels

Available TV channels depends on the version. Refer to the
TV frequency table (p. 81) for details. Some channels are set
as skip channels. Refer to the skip channel setting (p. 26) for
details. TV channel frequency and skip setting can be re-pro­grammed via the CS-T90A cloning software, ask your dealer
for details.

q Select TV mode with [CALL/TV].

• Pushing [CALL/TV] toggles a call, TV and channel in sequence.

w Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired TV channel.

• Rotate [DIAL] while pushing [BAND] to select all TV channels.

e When a signal is received:

➥ The TX/RX indicator lights green.
➥ Squelch opens and audio is emitted from the speaker.
➥ The S/RF indicator shows the relative signal strength.

Pushing [CALL/TV] selects the call channel and does not
return to the previous TV channel even if the previous
mode (VFO or memory) is selected from TV channel.

FMW

[BAND]

[DIAL]

[CALL/TV]

TV mode indicationTV channel indication

NOTE: Some versions of the IC-E90 may not available
a TV receiving function.

IC-E90-1.qxd 02.7.4 05:16 PM Page 25 (1,1)