Icom IC-M90 User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

iM90

VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that
this device does not cause harmful interference.

i

SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION

Your Icom radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during
transmit mode.

This radio has been evaluated for compliance at the distance
of 2.5 cm with the FCC RF exposure limits for “Occupational
Use Only”. In addition, your Icom radio complies with the fol­lowing Standards and Guidelines with regard to RF energy
and electromagnetic energy levels and evaluation of such lev­els for exposure to humans:

• FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance
with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electro­magnetic Fields.

• American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for
Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Elec­tromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.

• American National Standards Institute (C95.3-1992), IEEE Recommended
Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic
Fields– RF and Microwave.

• The following accessories are authorized for use with this product. Use of
accessories other than those specified may result in RF exposure levels
exceeding the FCC requirements for wireless RF exposure.; Belt Clip (MB­86/103), Rechargeable Ni-Cd Battery Pack (BP-225) and Alkaline Battery
Case (BP-223).

To ensure that your expose to RF electromagnetic en­ergy is within the FCC allowable limits for occupational
use, always adhere to the following guidelines:

CAUTION

WARNING

• DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may
damaged the radio and may to exceed FCC RF exposure limits. A proper
antenna is the antenna supplied with this radio by the manufacturer or an
antenna specifically authorized by the manufacturer for use with this radio.

• DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (“50% duty
cycle”). Transmitting more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF expo­sure compliance requirements to be exceeded. The radio is transmitting
when the “TX indicator” lights red. You can cause the radio to transmit by
pressing the “PTT” switch.

• ALWAYS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body
when transmitting and only use the Icom belt-clips which are listed on
page 33 when attaching the radio to your belt, etc., to ensure FCC RF ex­posure compliance requirements are not exceeded. To provide the recipi­ents of your transmission the best sound quality, hold the radio in an
almost vertical position at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, the mi­crophone is located next to the speaker, so you shoud “talk into the
speaker”.

The information listed above provides the user with the information needed to
make him or her aware of RF exposure, and what to do to assure that this radio
operates within FCC RF exposure limits.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

During transmissions, your Icom radio generates RF energy that can possibly
cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such interference,
turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so. DO NOT operate
the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as
hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites.

ii

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and
the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16.

❍ USING CHANNEL 16

DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE

1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.”

2. “THIS IS ...........................” (name of vessel)

3. Your call sign or other indication of the ves­sel.

4. “LOCATED AT .....................” (your position)

5. The nature of the distress and assistance re­quired.

6. Any other information which might facilitate
the rescue.

RECOMMENDATION

CLEAN THE TRANSCEIVER THOROUGHLY WITH FRESH
WATER after exposure to saltwater, and dry it before opera-

tion. Otherwise, the transceiver’s keys, switches and con­trollers may become inoperable due to salt crystallization.

MIC
/SP

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M90 VHF MA­RINE TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with Icom’s state of
the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care this
product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.

IMPORTANT

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com-

pletely before using the transceiver.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This in-

struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-M90.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

FEATURES

☞ Waterproof construction

Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environ­ment, the IC-M90 meets JIS waterproof specification
grade 7 while using BP-223 (option) or BP-225.
In addition to, the speaker grill adopts a new structure
which drains water or seawater easily.

☞ Dualwatch and tri-watch functions

Convenient functions which allow you to monitor the dis­tress channel (Ch 16) while receiving one other channel of
your choice (dualwatch), or while receiving one other
channel of your choice and the call channle (Ch 09) (tri­watch). See p. 14 for details.

☞ Large, easy-to-read LCD

With dimensions of 19(H) × 35(W) mm;

3

⁄4(H) × 13⁄8(W) inch,

the IC-M90’s function display is easy to read and shows op­erating conditions at a glance. Backlighting and contrast
can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

☞ Simple operation

6 large buttons on the front panel provide user-friendly op­eration. The independent volume and channel buttons are
located on the front panel for convenient one-handed op­eration.

iii

WORD

RWARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.

Equipment damage may occur.

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

DEFINITION

iv

PRECAUTION

RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an

AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric
shock.

RWARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the

antenna is closer than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from exposed parts of
the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The
transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm
(2 to 4 inches) away from the lips and the transceiver is verti­cal.

NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source other

than the BP-225 or BP-223. Such a connection will ruin the
transceiver.

AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or

in areas with temperatures below –20°C (–4°F) or above
+60°C (+140°F): MARINE, –30°C (–22°F) or above +60°C
(+140°F): LMR.

KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children.
KEEP the transceiver at least 0.9 meters (3.0 ft) away from

your vessel’s magnetic navigation compass.

MAKE SURE the flexible antenna and battery pack are

securely attached to the transceiver, and that the antenna and
battery pack are dry before attachment. Exposing the inside
of the transceiver to water will result in serious damage to the
transceiver.

BE CAREFUL! The IC-M90 employs waterproof con-

struction, which corresponds to JIS waterproof specification,
Grade 7 (1 m; 3 ft depth for 30 min.). However, once the
transceiver has been dropped, waterproofing cannot be guar­anteed due to the fact that the transceiver may be cracked,
or the waterproof seal damaged, etc.

For U.S.A. only

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not

expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.

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.

v

SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION ............................................... i

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ........................................................... ii

RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................... ii

FOREWORD .................................................................................. iii

IMPORTANT ................................................................................... iii

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................ iii

FEATURES ..................................................................................... iii

PRECAUTION ................................................................................ iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................. v

1 OPERATING RULES ................................................................. 1

2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS............... 2–3

■ Supplied accessories ............................................................... 2

■ Attachments ............................................................................. 2

3 PANEL DESCRIPTION .......................................................... 4–6

■ Front, top and side panels ....................................................... 4

■ Function display ...................................................................... 5

4 BASIC OPERATION ............................................................. 7–11

■ Channel selection ................................................................... 7

■ Receiving and transmitting ...................................................... 9

■ Call channel programming .................................................... 10

■ Lock function ......................................................................... 10

■ Signal strength indicator function .......................................... 10

■ Monitor function .................................................................... 10

■ Adjusting the squelch level .................................................... 11

■ Automatic backlighting .......................................................... 11

■ Voice scrambler operation ..................................................... 11

5 SCAN OPERATION ........................................................... 12–13

■ Scan types ............................................................................ 12

■ Setting tag channels ............................................................. 13

■ Starting a scan ...................................................................... 13

6 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ...................................................... 14

■ Description ............................................................................ 14

■ Operation .............................................................................. 14

7 LAND CHANNEL OPERATION ............................................... 15

■ LAND channel group ............................................................. 15

■ CTCSS and DTCS display .................................................... 15

■ VOX function ......................................................................... 15

8 SET MODE ......................................................................... 16–21

■ SET mode programming ....................................................... 16

■ SET mode items ................................................................... 17

9 BATTERY CHARGING ....................................................... 22–25

■ Battery charging .................................................................... 22

■ Battery cautions .................................................................... 22

■ Optional battery case ............................................................ 23

■ Optional battery chargers ...................................................... 24

10 OPTIONAL SWIVEL BELT CLIP ............................................. 26

■ MB-86 contents ..................................................................... 26

■ Attachment ............................................................................ 26

■ Detachment ........................................................................... 26

11 OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE .................................. 27

■ Descriptions .......................................................................... 27

■ Attachment ............................................................................ 27

12 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................. 28

13 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST ............................................... 29

14 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................... 30

15 QUICK REFERENCE .............................................................. 31

16 OPTIONS ................................................................................. 33

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

1

OPERATING RULES

D Priorities

• Read all rules and regulations pertaining to priorities and
keep an up-to-date copy handy. Safety and distress calls
take priority over all others.

• You must monitor Channel 16 when you are not operating
on another channel.

• False or fraudulent distress calls are prohibited under law.

D Privacy

• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law­fully be used in any way.

• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.

D Radio licenses

(1) SHIP STATION LICENSE

When your craft is equipped with a VHF FM transceiver, you
must have a current radio station license before using the
transceiver. It is unlawful to operate a ship station which is not
licensed.

Inquire through your dealer or the appropriate government
agency for a Ship-Radiotelephone license. This license in­cludes the call sign which is your craft’s identification for radio
purposes.

(2) OPERATOR’S LICENSE

A restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit is the license
most often held by small vessel radio operators when a radio
is not required for safety purposes.

The Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit must be
posted near the transceiver or be kept with the operator. Only
a licensed radio operator may operate a transceiver.

However, non-licensed individuals may talk over a transceiver
if a licensed operator starts, supervises, ends the call and
makes the necessary log entries.

A current copy of the applicable government rules and regu­lations is only required to be on hand for vessels in which a
radio telephone is compulsory. However, even if you are not
required to have these on hand it is your responsibility to be
thoroughly acquainted with all pertinent rules and regulations.

NOTE: Even though the IC-M90 is capable of operation
on VHF marine channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83,
according to FCC regulations these simplex channels can­not be lawfully used by the general occupational in USA
waters.

1

2

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

2

■ Supplied accessories

The following accessories are supplied: Qty.

• Handstrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

• Belt clip (MB-103) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

• Ni-Cd battery pack (BP-225) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

• Battery charger (BC-158) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

• Screws for the BC-158 (M3.5 × 20) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

• AC adapter (BC-147A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

• Flexible antenna (FA-S59V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

■ Attachments

D Flexible antenna

Connect the supplied flexible an­tenna to the antenna connector.
CAUTION: Transmitting without

an antenna may damage the
transceiver.
NEVER HOLD by the antenna
when carrying the transceiver.

D Handstrap

Pass the handstrap through the
loop on the top of the transceiver
as illustrated at right. Facilitates
carrying.

D Belt clip

Attach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated below.

IC

M

P

/S

Supplied screws

3

2

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS

ï Battery pack

To remove the battery pack:

Turn the screw counterclockwise, then pull the battery pack
in the direction of the arrow as shown below.

To attach the battery pack:

Insert the battery pack in the IC-M90 completely, then turn the
screw clockwise.

NEVER remove or insert the battery pack when the trans­ceiver is wet or soiled. This may result water or dust get­ting into the transceiver/battery pack and may result in the
transceiver being damaged.

NOTE: When removing or attaching the battery pack, use
a coin or flat-blade screwdriver to loosen or tighten the bot­tom screw.

CAUTION!:

When attaching or removing a battery pack, make sure the
rubber seal is set in the groove of the battery pack cor­rectly. If the seal is not neatly in the groove it may be dam­aged when attaching the battery pack.
If the seal is damaged, waterproofing is not guaranteed.

OPEN

L

O

C

K

Screw position
when removing battery

Screw position
when attaching battery

OPEN

L

O

C

K

Make sure both the rubber seal (purple) is set to the groove
correctly and dust or else does not adhere to it.

Battery pack

Battery pack

Rubber seal

Groove

Correct position

Incorrect position

NOTE:

When attaching a battery pack, make sure dust or else does
not adhere to the rubber seal. If dust or else is on the seal
when attaching a battery pack, the water resistant may be
reduced.

2

NOTE: When the lock screw does not easily (feels tight),

check to ensure the battery pack is sufficiently inserted to
the transceiver.

DO NOT bang or cause high impact to

the battery pack, as this may damage the battery pack/or
the transceiver.

4

PANEL DESCRIPTION

3

■ Front, top and side panels

q VOLUME CONTROL [VOL]

Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level.

w MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [SP MIC]

Connects the optional external microphone.
NOTE: Attach the [SP MIC] cap when the optional
speaker-microphone is not used.

e ANTENNA CONNECTOR

Connects the supplied antenna.

r TRANSMIT/RECEIVE INDICATOR

Lights green while receiving a signal or when the squelch
is open; lights red while transmitting.

t CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL SWITCH

[CH/WX•

U/I/C/L]

• Selects and toggles the regular channels and weather
channel when pushed. (p. 8)

• Selects one of 4 regular channels in sequence when
pushed for 1 sec. (pgs. 8, 15)

- U.S.A., International, Canadian and Land channels are

available.

• Push to return to the condition before selecting the chan­nel when the priority channel or the call channel is se­lected.

y SCAN SWITCH [SCAN•

DUAL]

• Starts and stops normal or priority scan when pushed.
(pgs. 12, 13)

• Enters watch mode when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 14)

M

IC
/SP

q

e

r

y

t

w

i

u

o

!1

!0

5

3

PANEL DESCRIPTION

u TRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH [Hi/Lo• ]

• Selects high, middle or low power when pushed. (p. 9)

• Toggles the lock function ON/OFF when pushed for

1 sec. (p. 10)

i CHANNEL 16 SWITCH [16•

9]

• Selects Channel 16 when pushed. (p. 7)

• Selects call channel when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 7)

• Enters call channel write mode when the call channel is

selected and this switch is pushed for 3 sec. (p. 10)

o CHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [YY]/[ZZ]

• Selects an operating channel. (pgs. 7–9)

• Selects the SET mode condition of the item. (p. 16)

• Selects the SET mode item when pushed with [SQL].

(p. 16)

• Checks tag channels or changes scanning direction dur­ing scan. (p. 13)

!0 SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL•

MONI]

• Push this switch, then adjust the squelch level with
[YY]/[ZZ]. (p. 11)

• Manually opens the squelch for monitoring the channel
while pushed and held. (p. 10)

• While pushing this switch, turn power ON to enter the set
mode. (p. 16)

!1 PTT SWITCH [PTT]

Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.

■ Function display

q SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR (pgs. 10, 20)

Shows the relative signal strength while receiving signals.

w TRANSMIT POWER INDICATOR

• “LOW” appears when low power is selected.

• “MID” appears when middle power is selected.

• No indication appears when high power is selected.

e TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 13)

Appears when tag channel is selected.

r SQUELCH LEVEL INDICATOR (p. 11)

Show the squelch level.

q r t yw e

!4

!6
!5

u
i

o
!0
!1

!2
!3

!8

!7

3

6

3

PANEL DESCRIPTION

t MONITOR INDICATOR (p. 10)

Appears when the monitor function is activated.

y BATTERY INDICATOR

Indicates remaining battery power.

u WEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATORS

(p. 8)

• “WX” appears when the weather channel group is
selected.

• “WX ALT” appears when the weather alert function is
activated.

i BELL INDICATOR

Blinks when an alert tone is received.

o SCAN INDICATOR (p. 13)

“SCAN” blinks during scan.

!0 VOX INDICATOR (p. 15)

“VOX” appears when the VOX function is used.

!1 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS (p. 14)

“DUAL” blinks during dualwatch; “TRI” blinks during tri­watch.

!2 SCRAMBLER INDICATOR

Appears when the optional voice scrambler is activated.
(pgs. 11, 20)

!3 DUPLEX INDICATOR

Appears when a duplex channel is selected.

!4 SUB CHANNEL READOUT

• Indicates Channel 16 during priority scan or dualwatch.
(p. 14)

• Indicates the SET mode item while in the SET mode.
(p. 16)

!5 CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT

• Indicates the selected operating channel number.

• In SET mode, indicates the selected condition.

!6 LOCK INDICATOR

Appears when the lock function is activated.

!7 CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR

Appears when the call channel is selected.

!8 CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR

“U” appears when U.S.A.; “I” appears when Interna­tional; “C” appears when Canadian; “” appears when
LAND channel group is selected.

Indication

Full Middle

Charging

required

No battery

Battery level

blinks when the battery is exhaustion.

blinks when the battery over charged.

7

4

BASIC OPERATION

3
4

■ Channel selection

IMPORTANT!: Prior to using the transceiver for the first

time, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimum
life and operation. To avoid damage to the transceiver, turn
the power OFF while charging.

D Channel 16

Channel 16 (Distress channel) is used for establishing initial
contact with another station and for emergency communica­tions. Channel 16 is automatically monitored during both
dualwatch and tri-watch. While standing by, you must monitor
Channel 16.

q Push [16•

9] to select Channel 16.

w Push [CH/WX•

U/I/C/L] to return to the condition before se-

lecting Channel 16, or push [Y]/[Z] to select the operating
channel.

D Channel 9 (Call channel)

Channel 9 is the leisure-use call channel. Each regular
channel group has separate call channels. In addition, the call
channel is monitored during tri-watch. The call channels can
be re-programmed (p. 10) and may be used to store your
most often used channels in each channel group for quick re­call.

q Push [16•

9] to select the call channel.

•“CALL” and the call channel number appear.

• Call channel can be re-programmed. See the “Call channel
programming” on p. 10 for details.

w Push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] to return to the condition before se-

lecting Channel 9 (call channel), or push [Y]/[Z] to select
the operating channel.

Push
Push

8

4

BASIC OPERATION

D

U.S.A., International and Canadian channels

The IC-M90 has 57 U.S.A., 57 International and 61 Canadian
channels. You must select the proper channels for the oper­ating area.

q Push [CH/WX•

U/I/C/L] to select the regular channel.

• If the weather channel appears, push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] again.

w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a channel.

•“DUP” appears for duplex channels.

e To change the channel group, push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] for 1

sec.

• U.S.A., International and Canadian channels can be selected in
sequence. Depending on the setting, LAND channel can be se­lected. See the “LAND CHANNEL OPERATION” on p. 15 for de­tails.

D Weather channels

The IC-M90 has 10 weather channels. They are used for
monitoring NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration) broadcasts (reception of weather channels
possible in U.S.A. only).

q Push [CH/WX•

U/I/C/L] to select the weather channel group.

w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a weather channel.
e Push [CH/WX•

U/I/C/L] to return to the condition before se-

lecting the weather channel group.

✔

CONVENIENT!

The IC-M90 can detect a weather alert tone on the
selected weather channel while in another channel (when the
power save function is turned ON) or during scanning. See
the “SET mode items” on p. 17 for details.

Push

Push for 1 sec.

U.S.A. channels

International channels Canadian channels

9

4

BASIC OPERATION

4

■ Receiving and transmitting

q Rotate [VOL] clockwise to turn power ON.
w UseSet the volume and squelch level.

➥ Push [SQL•

MONI], and push [√] to open the squelch.

➥ Push [SQL•

MONI] to stop “SQL” indicator blinking, then

rotate [VOL] to set the volume level.

➥ Push [SQL•

MONI], and push [∫]/[√] to set the squelch

level.

e Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel.

- When receiving a signal, the [TRANSMIT/RECEIVE] indicator
lights green while audio is emitted from the speaker.

- Further adjustment of [VOL] may be necessary at this point.

r Push [Hi/Lo• ] to select the output power if necessary.

- “LOW” appears when low power is selected; “MID” appears
when middle power is selected; no indication when high power is
selected.

- Choose low power to conserve battery power, choose high
power for longer distance communications.

- Some channels are for low power only.

t Push and hold [PTT] to transmit, then speak into the

microphone.

-

The [TRANSMIT/RECEIVE] indicator lights red while
transmitting.

- Channel 70 cannot be used for transmission.

y Release [PTT] to receive.

IMPORTANT: To maximize the readability of your trans­mitted signal, pause a few sec. after pushing [PTT], hold
the microphone 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) from your mouth
and speak into the microphone at a normal voice level.

NOTE: The transceiver has a power save function to con­serve the battery power. The power save function activates
automatically when no signal is received for 5 sec.

To prevent accidental prolonged transmission, etc., the IC­M90 has a time-out timer function. This timer cuts a trans­mission OFF after 5 min. of continuous transmission.

CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may

damage the transceiver.

M

IC
/S

P

q Power ON
e Set volume

Speaker

y Push to transmit
u Release to receive

r Set channel
w Set the squelch level

w Set the squelch level
e Set volume

Microphone

t Set output power

10

4

BASIC OPERATION

■ Call channel programming

The call channel switch is used to select Channel 9 by de­fault, however, you can program your most often-used chan­nel in each channel group for quick recall.

q Push [CH/WX•

U/I/C/L] for 1 sec. to

several times to select the desired
channel group (USA, INT, CAN) to
be programmed.

w Push [16•

9] for 1 sec. to select the

call channel.

•“CALL” and call channel number
appear.

e Push [16•9] again for 3 sec. (until a

long beep changes to 2 short beeps)
to enter call channel programming
condition.

• Call channel number to be programmed
flashes.

r Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired

channel.

t Push [16•

9] to program the displayed

channel as the call channel.

• The call channel number stop
flashing.

■ Lock function

This function electronically locks all switches (except for
[PTT], [SQL•

MONI] and [Hi/Lo• ]) to prevent accidental

channel changes and function access.
➥ Push [Hi/Lo• ] for 1 sec. to turn the lock function ON

and OFF.

■ Signal strength indicator
function

The received signal strength level is indicated by number of
bars as below.
This indicator can be hidden by using the set mode (p. 20) if
desired.

■ Monitor function

The monitor function releases the noise squelch mute to
check the volume level. See p. 18 for details of the monitor
switch action.

➥ Push [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec. to activate the monitor function.

•“ ” appears and audio is emitted.

Appears while the lock
function is used.

Indication

Signal

strength

Strong Middle Weak

No signal or

very weak

11

4

BASIC OPERATION

4

■ Adjusting the squelch level

To adjust the IC-M90’s squelch level, use the [Y]/[Z] keys as
desired below. In order to receive signals properly, as well as
for the scan to function effectively, the squelch must be adjusted
to the proper level.

q Push [SQL•

MONI], then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z].

- “SQL” indicator starts blinking.

- There are 11 squelch levels to choose from: OP is completely
open; 10 is tight squelch; 1 is loose squelch level.

- When no switch is pushed for 5 sec., the transceiver returns to
normal condition.

w Push [SQL•MONI] again to return to normal condition.

■ Backlighting function

This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The back­lighting brightness can be adjusted in the SET mode. (p. 18)

➥ Push any switch except for [PTT] to turn the backlighting

ON.

• The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of
inactivity.

■ Voice scrambler operation

D Activating the scrambler

The voice scrambler provides private communications. In
order to receive or send scrambled transmissions, you must
activate the scrambler function first.

q

Select an operating
channel except Channel
16, 70 or weather chan­nels.

w While pushing and

holding [SQL•

MONI

],

push [SCAN•

DUAL].

•“SCRM” appears.

e To turn the scrambler

function OFF, repeat
step w.

•“SCRM” disappears.

D Programming scramble codes

There are 32 codes (1 to 32) available for programming. Set
the code in the SET mode. In order to understand each other,
all transceivers in your group must have the same scramble
code, as well as the same scrambler unit. See p.

20

for “Scram-

bler code” setting details.

Appears when the voice
scrambler function is in use.

Blinks during the squelch
level adjutment.

Indicates the
squelch level.

Push

12

SCAN OPERATION

5

■ Scan types

Scanning is an efficient way to quickly locate signals over a
wide frequency range. The transceiver has a priority scan set­ting and normal scan setting.

In addition, the “Weather alert” and “Auto scan” functions are
available for scanning. These functions can be activated si­multaneously, depending on the settings on the SET mode.
(pgs. 17, 18)

Set the tag channels (scanned channel) before scanning.
Clear those tag channels which are not needed or inconve­niently stop scanning, such as digital communications.

Choose priority or normal scan on the SET mode. (p. 17)

PRIORITY SCAN

Priority scan searches through all tag channels in sequence
while monitoring Channel 16. When a signal is detected on
Channel 16, scan pauses until the signal disappears; when
a signal is detected on a channel other than Channel 16,
scan becomes dualwatch until the signal disappears.

WX*

CH 01

CH 16

CH 02

CH 05 CH 04

CH 03

* Previously selected weather channel
when weather alert function is ON

NORMAL SCAN

Normal scan, like priority scan, searches through all tag
channels in sequence. However, unlike priority scan, Chan­nel 16 is not checked unless Channel 16 is set as a tag
channel.

CH 01 CH 02

WX*

CH 05 CH 04

CH 03

* Previously selected weather channel
when weather alert function is ON.

13

5

SCAN OPERATION

5

■ Setting tag channels

For more efficient scanning, add desired channels as tag
channels or clear the tag for unwanted channels.
Non-tag channels will be skipped during scanning.

q Select the desired channel to set as a tag channel.
w Push both [Y] and [Z] for 1 sec. to set the displayed chan-

nel as a tag channel.

•“ ” appears in the function display.

e To cancel the tag channel setting, push both [Y] and [Z]

for 1 sec.

•“ ” disappears.

✔ Clearing all tag channels in the selected channel group

While pushing and holding both [Y] and [Z], turn power ON
to clear all tag channels in the channel group.

■ Starting a scan

Set the weather alert function, priority scan function, scan re­sume timer and auto scan function in advance, using the SET
mode. (pgs. 17, 18)

q Select the desired channel group (USA, CAN, INT) by

pushing

[CH/WX•U/I/C/L] for 1 sec., if desired.

• When the weather alert function is in use, select the desired

weather channel with [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] and [Y]/[Z].

w Push [SCAN•DUAL] to start priority or normal scan.

•“SCAN” blinks in the function display.

•“16” appears on the sub channel readout during priority scan.

• When a signal is received, scan pauses until the signal disap-

pears or resumes after pausing 5 sec. according to scan resume
timer setting. (Channel 16 is still monitored during priority scan.)

• Push [Y]/[Z] to check the scanning tag channels, change the

scanning direction or resume the scan manually.

e To stop the scan, push [SCAN•DUAL].

•“SCAN” disappears.

• Pushing [PTT], [16•

9] or [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] also stops the scan.

[Example]: Starting a normal scan.

Push

Scan starts.

Receiving a signal
and audio is emitted.

Push

for 1 sec.

to stop the scan

14

DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH

6

■ Description

Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving
another channel; tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the call
channel while receiving another channel.

■ Operation

q Select the desired operating channel.
w Push

[SCAN•DUAL] for 1 sec. to start dualwatch or tri-watch

(depending on the SET mode setting).

•“DUAL” blinks during dualwatch; “TRI” blinks during tri-watch.

• A beep tone sounds when a signal is received on Channel 16.

• Tri-watch becomes dualwatch when receiving a signal on the call

channel.

e To cancel dualwatch/tri-watch, push [SCAN•

DUAL] again.

DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION

• If a signal is received on Channel 16, dualwatch/tri-watch
pauses on Channel 16 until the signal disappears.

• If a signal is received on the call channel during tri-watch,
tri-watch becomes dualwatch until the signal disappears.

• To transmit on the selected channel during dualwatch/tri­watch, push and hold [PTT].

Dualwatch Tri-watch

Call channel

[Example]: Operating tri-watch on INT channel 07.

Push

for 1 sec.

Signal is received
on the call channel.

Signal ireceived on
Channel 16 takes
priority.

Tri-watch resumes
after the signal
disappears.

Tri-watch starts.

15

7

LAND CHANNEL OPERATION

6
7

■ LAND channel group

A max. of 100 programmable LAND mobile channels (allo­cated 146.000 to 174.000 MHz) can be programmed into the
LAND channel group for simple communication with LMR
transceivers in the VHF band.

Proper FCC licensing must be observed, for both legal pur­poses and to avoid frequency interface with other radio users;
contact your authorized Icom dealer for details.
Moreover, any of the marine channels in the USA, INT and
CAN channel groups can be programmed.
The default setting of the LAND channel group is the same
as that of the INT channel group. Ask your local Icom dealer
for the LAND channel group setting and LMR frequency pro­gramming details.

q Push [CH/WX•

U/I/C/L] to select a regular channel.

• If weather channel appears, push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] again.

w To change the channel group, push [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] for

1 sec. several times.

•“ ” appears when LAND channel group is selected.

e Push [Y]/[Z] to select a channel.

•“DUP” appears for duplex channels.

NOTE: The default settings (e.g. call channel program­ming) of the LAND channel group are same as the U.S.A.,
International and Canadian channels. Refer to the appro­priate pages for details.

■ CTCSS and DTCS display

When DTCS or CTCSS is set, the display shows the indica­tions as below.

■ VOX function

The VOX function (voice operated transmission) starts trans­mission without pushing [PTT] when you speak into micro­phone; then automatically returns to receive when you stop
speaking (hands-free operation becomes possible).

NOTE: An optional headset and optional headset adapter

is required for the VOX operation.

➥ Push and hold [SQL•

MONI], then push [Hi/Lo• ] to turn

the VOX function ON/OFF while connecting the headset
and optional headset adapter to [SP MIC] connector.

• “VOX” appears on the LCD while the VOX function turns ON.

• The “VOX gain” and “VOX delay” can be set on the SET mode.

(p. 21)

Push for 1 sec.

Appears when DTCS is set.

Appears when CTCSS is set.

16

SET MODE

8

■ SET mode programming

SET mode is used to change the condition of 17 transceiver
functions: beep tone function, weather alert function, priority
scan function, scan resume timer, auto scan function, dual/tri­watch function, monitor switch action, automatic backlighting,
LCD contrast selection, auto power save function, self check
function, battery voltage indicator, signal strength indicator,
squelch sensitivity, scrambler code, VOX gain and VOX
delay.

D SET mode operation

q Turn power OFF.
w While pushing [SQL•

MONI], turn power ON to enter the

SET mode.

• “bp” (Beep tone function setting) appears.

e Push [SQL•MONI] or [SQL•MONI] and [Y]/[Z] to select the

desired item, if necessary.

r Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired condition of the item.
t To exit the SET mode, push [16•

9].

D SET MODE ITEMS The displays show the default settings, and the selected item is displayed in the dotted circle.

VOX delay VOX gain

: Push

: Push and

Starting item

Push and

Scrambler code

Squelch sensitivity

Signal strength
meter

Battery voltage Self check Power save LCD contrast

Backlighting

Dual/Tri-watch

Monitor switch

Auto scan Scan resume timer Priority scan Weather alert Beep tone

17

8

SET MODE

8

■ SET mode items

D Beep tone function “bP”

You can select silent operation by turning the beep tones
OFF, or you can have 2 types of confirmation beeps sound at
the push of a switch. When “ON” is selected, a fixed beep (Pi)
sounds, and when “US” is selected, the preset beeps (e.g.
do, re, mi) sound.

• Beep tone synchronises with the volume level.

• The beeps sound during call channel programming and a weather

alert tone indication even if this function is turned OFF.

D Weather alert function “AL”

An NOAA broadcast station transmits a weather alert tone be­fore any important weather announcements. When the
weather alert function is turned ON, the transceiver detects
the alert, the alert indicator (“”) blinks and sounds a beep
tone until the transceiver is operated. The previously selected
(used) weather channel is checked any time during standby,
or while scanning, when the power save function is activated.

•“ALT” appears when the function is set ON.

D Priority scan function “Pr”

The transceiver has 2 scan types—normal (OFF) and priority
(ON) scans. Normal scan searches all tag channels in the se­lected channel group. Priority scan searches all tag channels
in sequence while monitoring Channel 16.

D Scan resume timer “St”

The scan resume timer can be set as a pause (OFF) or timer
scan (ON). When OFF is selected, the scan pauses until a
received signal disappears. When ON is selected, the scan
pauses for 5 sec. after receiving a signal and then resumes
even if the signal has been received.

Scan resume timer

OFF (default)

Scan resume timer ON

Push

Beep tone ON (default) Beep tone OFF

Weather alert function

OFF (default)

Push

Push

Weather alert function

ON

Push

Normal scan (default) Priority scan

18

8

SET MODE

D Auto scan function “AS”

The Auto scan function starts the desired scan automatically
when no signal is received, and no operation is performed for
30 sec.

D Dual/Tri-watch function “dt”

This item selects dual or tri-watch as desired. See p. 14 for
details.

D Monitor switch action “Sq”

The monitor switch action cuts off the squelch function tem­porarily. This switch action contains PUSH (Pu) or HOLD (Ho)
settings as shown below.

• Pu (PUSH): After pushing [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec., the squelch opens
and emits audio. The squelch is held open while con­tinuously pushing and holding [SQL]. (default)

• Ho (HOLD): After pushing [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec., the squelch opens

and emits audio even [SQL•MONI] is released. To close
the squelch, push any switch.

D Backlighting function “bL”

This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The back­lighting brightness can be adjusted from OFF, 1 (dark)–3
(bright); 3 (default). Select 1–3 to turn this function ON.

•

The automatic backlighting turns the backlighting ON when any
switch except for [PTT] is pushed.

•

The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of inactivity.

Push

Auto scan OFF (default) Auto scan ON

Push

Dualwatch function (default)

Tri-watch function

Push

Push setting (default) Hold setting

Push

Backlighting ON (default) Backlighting OFF

19

8

SET MODE

8

D LCD contrast selection “LC”

The contrast of the LCD can be adjusted from 4 levels.

•

1 (bright)–4 (dark); 3 (default)

D Auto power save function “PS”

The auto power save function reduces current drain by deac­tivating the receiver circuit for preset intervals.

• ON : The power save function is turned ON. The power save func­tion will activate when no signal is received, and no operation
is performed for 5 sec.

• OFF: The power save function is turned OFF.

D Self check function “SC”

The self check function checks the transceiver conditions by
itself, and informs you in case a problem is found. Self check
automatically and quickly runs through its diagnostic steps
each time the radio is turned ON. Afterwards, the radio
switches to normal operation mode.

• Temperature : Outside of –35°C to +73°C; –31°F to +163°F
(approx.)

• Connected battery voltage

When error messages as shown below are displayed, see
troubleshooting for advice. (p. 28)

Push

default

bright

Push

Power save ON (default) Power save OFF

Push

Self check OFF (default) Self check ON

Temperature error Battery voltage error

20

8

SET MODE

D Battery voltage indicator “bt”

This function controls display or non-display settings of the
connected battery pack’s voltage when the power is ON.

•

The voltage of the connected battery pack is displayed for 2 sec.
after power is turned ON.

D Signal strength indicator “Sl”

The signal strength indicator displays received signal strength
as “S-meter”. This function is convenient to check the signal
strength visually.

•

The strength is displayed at 4 steps.

• The antenna mark and 3 bars appear when receiving strong signals.

• The antenna mark only appears when receiving no signal.

D Squelch sensitivity function “SS”

When this function is turned ON, blocking against noise is im­proved. Therefore the squelch is not easily affected by noise.

D Scrambler code “cd”

There are 32 codes (1 to 32) available for programming. In
order to understand each other, all transceivers in your group
must share the same scrambler code.

Push

Battery voltage

indication OFF (default)

Battery voltage

indication ON

Push

Signal strength indication OFF

(default)

Signal strength indication ON

Push

Squelch sensitivity OFF (default) Squelch sensitivity ON

Push

Scrambler code 1 (default) Scrambler code 32

21

8

SET MODE

8

D VOX gain “ga”

Adjusts the VOX gain (from 1 to 6) to level when speaking
with the optional headset.

• In case of setting to 1, the VOX gain sets to sharpening.

• In case of setting to 6, the VOX gain sets to dulling.

D VOX delay “dL”

Sets the VOX delay timer (0.5 to 3.0 sec. in 0.5 sec. steps)
that keeps on transmitting after you stop speaking.

• In case of setting to 0.5 (0.5 sec.), the VOX delay sets to short.

• In case of setting to 3.0 (3.0 sec.), the VOX delay sets to long.

SET MODE LIST

*default setting

Push

VOX gain 3 (default) VOX gain 6

Push

VOX delay 1.0 (default) VOX delay 3.0

Function Indication Switch

Beep tone function “bP” OFF/ON*/US

Weather alert function “AL” OFF*/ON

Priority scan function “Pr” OFF*/ON

Scan resume timer “St” OFF*/ON

Auto scan function “AS” OFF*/ON

Dual/Tri-watch function “dt” Dual*/Tri

Monitor switch action “Sq” Push*/Hold

Backlighting function “bL” OFF/1/2/3*

LCD contrast selection “LC” 1/2/3*/4

Auto power save function “PS” OFF/ON*

Self check function “SC” OFF*/ON

Battery voltage indicator “bt” OFF*/ON

Signal strength indicator “SI” OFF*/ON

Squelch sensitivity “SS” OFF*/ON

Scrambler code “cd” 1*/2/· · ·/31/32

VOX gain “ga” 1/2/3*/4/5/6

VOX delay “dL”

0.5/1.0*/1.5/2.0/2.5/3.0

22

BATTERY CHARGING

9

■ Battery 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
power OFF while charging.

• Recommended temperature range for charging:
+10°C to +40°C (+50°F to +104°F)

• Use the specified chargers (BC-158, BC-119N and
BC-121N). NEVER use another manufacture’s charger.

• Use the supplied AC adapter for the BC-158. NEVER use
another manufacture’s adapters.

NEVER connect DC power to the battery case when in­stalling Alkaline batteries. Such a connection will damage
the transceiver.

D Recycling information

The product that you have purchased contains a
rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable.
At the end of its life, under various state and
local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this bat­tery into the municipal waste stream. Call 1-800­822-8837 for battery recycling options in your
area or contact your dealer.

■ Battery cautions

CAUTION! NEVER insert battery pack/transceiver

(with the battery pack attached) with wet or soiled into the
charger. This may result in corrosion of the charger terminals
or damage to the charger. The charger is not waterproof and
water can easily get into it.

NEVER incinerate used battery packs. Internal battery gas

may cause an explosion.

NEVER immerse battery pack in water. If the battery pack

becomes wet, be sure to wipe it dry immediately (particularly
the battery terminals BEFORE attaching it to the transceiver).

NEVER short the terminals of the battery pack. Also, cur-

rent may flow into nearby metal objects, such as a necklace,
etc. Therefore, be careful when carrying in a pocket, back­pack or handbag, and when placing the radio near metal ob­jects.

If your battery pack seem 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
batteries still do not retain a charge (or very little), new bat­tery pack must be purchased.

Turn the transceiver OFF when charging an attached bat­tery pack. Otherwise, the battery pack may not become full­charging or may not charge properly.

23

9

BATTERY CHARGING

9

ï Charging connections

q Attach the BC-158 to a flat surface, such as a desk or

cabin, etc., if desired.

w Connect the AC adapter as shown below.
e Insert the battery pack with/without the transceiver into the

charger.

• The charge indicator lights green.

r Charge the battery pack approx. 12 hours, depending on

the remaining power condition.

DO NOT charge BP-225 more than 18 hours. Other­wise, BP-225 will be damaged. BP-225 must be
charged for 12–18 hours only.

■ Optional battery case

When using a battery case attached to the transceiver, install
6 × AA(R6) size Alkaline batteries as illustrated below.

q Remove the battery case from the transceiver.
w Install 6 × AA(R6) size Alkaline batteries.

• Be sure to observe the correct polarity.

CAUTION:

• When installing batteries, make sure they are all the
same brand, type and capacity. Also, do not mix new and
old batteries together.

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

Turn power OFF

Charge indicator

Lights green when the
BP-225 (with/without
IC-M90) is inserted.

AC adapter

BP-225

IC-M90

C
I

M

S
/

P

Supplied
screws

BC-158

24

9

BATTERY CHARGING

■ Optional battery chargers

ï AD-109 installation

q Connect the 10-pins connector of the charger to the

AD-109 desktop charger adapter’s plug.

NOTE: The 3-pins connector is not used.

w Install the adapter into the charger in the direction of the

arrow, then screw supplied 2 screws to fix the charger
adapter with the charger.

NOTE: BE CAREFUL not to catch the unused 3-pins

plug between the charger and the charger
adapter.

Desktop charger adapter

10-pins connector

Not used
(3-pins connector)

Plug

Supplied screws

25

9

BATTERY CHARGING

9

ï Rapid charging with the BC-119N+AD-109

The optional BC-119N provides rapid charging of battery
packs. The following are additionally required.

• AD-109 charger adapter

• An AC adapter (BC-145A) or the DC power cable (OPC-

515L/CP-17L).

ï Rapid charging with the BC-121N+AD-109

The optional BC-121N allows up to 6 battery packs to be
charged simultaneously. The following are additionally re­quired.

• Six AD-109 charger adapters

• An AC adapter (BC-124) or the DC power cable (OPC-656)

M

I

C
/

S

P

IC-M90

BP-225

AC adapter

(Purchase
separately)

AD-109 charger adapters
are installed in each slot.

DC power cable (OPC-656)
(Connect with the DC power supply;

13.8 V/at least 7 A)

Turn power OFF

AD-109 charger
adapter is installed
in BC-119N.

AC adapter
(Not supplied with

some versions.)

Optional OPC-515L (for 13.8 V power
source) or CP-17L (for 12 V cigarette
lighter socket) can be used instead of
the AC adapter.

IC-M90

BP-225

M

I

C
/

S

P

Turn power OFF

26

OPTIONAL SWIVEL BELT CLIP

10

■ MB-86 contents

Qty.
Belt clip ………………………………………………………… 1
Base clip ……………………………………………………… 1
Supplied screws ……………………………………………… 2

■ Attachment

q Screw the base clip to the back of the transceiver using

the two screws (supplied), as shown below.

w Clip the belt clip over your belt and insert the transceiver.

e Once the transceiver is locked in place, it swivels as illus-

trated below.

■ Detachment

➥ Turn the transceiver upside down in the direction of the

arrow and pull out from the belt clip.

Supplied screws

P
T

T

SQL

M

O

N

I

RR

CAUTION!

HOLD THE TRANSCEIVER TIGHTLY, WHEN HANGING
OR DETACHING THE TRANSCEIVER FROM THE BELT
CLIP.

Otherwise the transceiver may not be attached to the belt
clip or swivelled properly if the transceiver is accidentally
dropped and the base clip is scratched or damaged.

27

11

OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE

10
11

■ HM-125 Descriptions

NEVER immerse the connector in water. If the connector be-

comes wet, be sure to dry BEFORE attaching it to the trans­ceiver.

NOTE: The microphone is located at the top of the
speaker-microphone, as shown in the diagram above. To
maximize the readability of your transmitted signal (voice),
hold the microphone approx. 2.5 cm (1 inch) from your
mouth, and speak in a normal voice level.

■ Attachment

Insert the speaker-mic connector on to the [SP MIC] connec­tor and carefully screw it tight, as shown in the diagram
below. Be careful not to cross thread the connection.

IMPORTANT: KEEP the transceiver’s [SP MIC] connector
cap attached when the speaker-microphone is not in use.
Water will not get into the transceiver even if the cover is
not attached, however, the terminals (pins) will become
rusty, or the transceiver will function abnormally if the con­nector has become wet.

CAUTION: Attach the speaker-microphone’s
connector securely to prevent accidental
dropping, or water intrusion in the connector.

Detaching:

Pull up the cap
in the direction
of the arrow to
detach it.

Attaching:

Attach the cap
in the direction
of the arrow
completely.

Alligator type clip

To attach the speaker-mic.
to your shirt or collar, etc.

PTT switch

Transmits during push.
Receives during release.

Microphone

Speaker

Set the triangle
mark to the front
side.

28

TROUBLESHOOTING

12

The transceiver does
not turn ON.
No sound from the
speaker.

Transmitting is impos­sible, or high power
can not be selected.

The displayed channel
cannot be changed.
Scan does not start.
No beeps.

Self check error.
(Temperature)

Self check error.
(Battery voltage)
Transmitting continu­ously while not speak­ing when using VOX
function.

• The battery is exhausted.

• Bad connection to the battery pack.

• Squelch level is too deep.

• Volume level is too low.

• Speaker has been exposed to water.

• Water has entered to [SP MIC] connector.

• Some channels are for low power or re-

ceive only.

• The battery is exhausted.

• The battery is over charged.

• The output power is set to low.

• Lock function is activated.

•“TAG” channels are not programmed.

• Beep tones are turned OFF.

• The temperature is outside of –35°C to
+73°C; –31°F to +163°F (approx)

• The connected battery pack’s voltage is

more than 11 V.

• Ambient noise is too loud.

• Recharge the battery pack.

• Check the connection to the transceiver.

• Set squelch to the threshold point.

• Rotate [VOL] to set a suitable level.

• Drain water from the speaker.

• Dry [SP MIC] connector.

• Change channels.

• Recharge the battery pack.

• Verify the battery voltage is correct.

• Push [Hi/Lo• ] to select high power.

• Push [Hi/Lo• ] for 1 sec. to cancel the

function.

• Set the desired channels as “TAG” channels.

• Set the beep tones to ON (Fix Beep/User

Beep) on the SET mode.

• Leave the transceiver at room temperature
for a while. Turn the power ON to check if the
internal temperature has returned to normal.

• Verify the battery voltage is correct.

• Remove the headset cable.

• Set the VOX gain to dulling.

p. 22

p. 3
p. 9
p. 9

—
—

pgs. 8,

9, 29
p. 23

—

p. 9

p. 10

p. 13
p. 17

—

—

p. 21

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF.

29

13

VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST

12
13

Channel number

USA CAN

Transmit

Receive

Frequency (MHz)

INT

Channel number Frequency (MHz)

USA CAN

Transmit

ReceiveINT

Channel number Frequency (MHz)

USA CAN

Transmit

ReceiveINT

Channel number Frequency (MHz)

USA CAN

Transmit

ReceiveINT

WX channel

Frequency (MHz)

Transmit Receive

01 156.050 160.650

01A 156.050 156.050

02 156.100 160.700

03 156.150 160.750

03A 156.150 156.150

156.200 160.800

04A 156.200 156.200

156.250 160.850

05A 05A 156.250 156.250

06 06 156.300 156.300

156.350 160.950

07A 07A 156.350 156.350

08 08 156.400 156.400

09 09 156.450 156.450

10 10 156.500 156.500

11 11 156.550 156.550

12 12 156.600 156.600

13

*

13

*

156.650 156.650

14 14 156.700 156.700

15

*

15

*

156.750 156.750

16 16 156.800 156.800

17

*

17

*

156.850 156.850

156.900 161.500

18A 18A 156.900 156.900

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

*

16

17

18

156.950 161.550

19A 19A 156.950 156.950

20

20

*

157.000 161.600

21 157.050 161.650

21A 21A 157.050 157.050

157.100 161.700

22A 22A 157.100 157.100

23 157.150 161.750

23A 157.150 157.150

24 24 157.200 161.800

25 25 157.250 161.850

26 26 157.300 161.900

27 27 157.350 161.950

28 28 157.400 162.000

60 156.025 160.625

156.075 160.675

61A 61A 156.075 156.075

156.125 160.725

62A 156.125 156.125

156.175 160.775

63A 156.175 156.175

64 156.225 160.825

64A 64A 156.225 156.225

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

60

61

62

63

64

20A 157.000 157.000

66A

66A

*

156.325 160.925

67

*

67 156.375 156.375

68 68 156.425 156.425

69 69 156.475 156.475

70 70

156.525

71 71 156.575 156.575

72 72 156.625 156.625

73 73 156.675 156.675

74 74 156.725 156.725

77

*

77

*

156.875 156.875

156.925 161.525

78A 78A 156.925 156.925

156.975 161.575

79A 79A 156.975 156.975

157.025 161.625

80A 80A 157.025 157.025

157.075 161.675

81A 81A 157.075 157.075

157.125 161.725

82A 82A 157.125 157.125

66

67

68

69

70

71

72

73

74

77

78

79

80

81

82

156.325 156.32566A

85 85 157.275 161.875

85A 157.275 157.275

86 86 157.325 161.925

86A 157.325 157.325

87 87 157.375 161.975

87A 157.375 157.375

88 88 157.425 162.025

88A 157.425 157.425

85

86

87

88

21b Rx only

Rx only

161.650

25b Rx only 161.850

28b Rx only 162.000

83b Rx only 161.775

4

1 RX only 162.550

2 RX only 162.400

3 RX only 162.475

5 RX only 162.450

6 RX only 162.500

7 RX only 162.525

8 RX only 161.650

9 RX only 161.775

10 RX only 163.275

RX only 162.425

156.275 160.875

65A 65A 156.275 156.275

65

65A

84A

83 157.175 161.775

83A 83A 157.175 157.175

84 84 157.225 161.825

83

84

157.225 157.225

*Low power only.

NOTE: Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82 and 83 CANNOT

be lawfully used by the general public in USA waters.

30

SPECIFICATIONS

14

GENERAL

• Frequency coverage
[Marine] TX : 156.025–157.425 MHz

RX 156.050–163.275 MHz

[LMR] TX/RX 146.000–174.000 MHz

• Mode
[Marine] : 16K0G3E (Wide)
[LMR] :

16K0F3E (Wide)/8K50F3E (Narrow)

• Channel spacing : 25 kHz (Wide)

12.5 kHz (Narrow; LMR only)

• Number of programmable ch. : 100 channels

• Power supply requirement : BP-223, BP-224 or BP-225 only

• Current drain (at 7.5 V DC) : TX High (5 W) 1.6 A typical

TX Mid. (3 W) 1.2 A typical
TX Low (1 W) 0.7 A typical
RX Max audio 200 mA typical
RX Power save

20 mA typical

• Useable temperature range
[Marine] : –20°C to +60°C; –4°F to +140°F
[LMR] :

–30°C to +60°C; –22°F to +140°F

• Frequency stability : ±5 ppm

(–30°C to +60°C;
–22°F to +140°F)

• Antenna impedance : 50 Ω

• Dimensions : 65(W) × 145(H) × 44(D) mm

(Projections not included) 29⁄

16(W) × 5

23

⁄

32(H) × 1

3

⁄

4(D) inch

• Weight (with BP-225) : Approx. 410 g (14.46 oz)

TRANSMITTER

• Output power (at 7.5 V DC) : 5 W (Hi), 3 W (Middle) and
1 W (Low)

• Modulation system : Variable reactance frequency
modulation

• Microphone impedance : 2 kΩ

• Max. frequency deviation

[Marine] : ±5 kHz
[LMR] :

±5 kHz (Wide), ±2.5 kHz (Narrow)

• Adjacent channel power

[Marine] : 70 dB
[LMR] : 70 dB (Wide), 60 dB (Narrow)

• Spurious emissions : Less than –70 dBc typical

RECEIVER

• Receive system : Double-conversion

superheterodyne

• Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) : 0.25 µV typical

• Squelch sensitivity : Less than 0.35 µV typical

(at threshold)

• Intermodulation rejection ratio : 70 dB typical

• Spurious response rejection ratio : 70 dB typical

• Adjacent channel selectivity (Typical)

[Marine] : 70 dB
[LMR] : 70 dB (Wide), 60 dB (Narrow)

• Audio output power : 0.35 W typical at 10% distor-

tion with an 8 Ω load

All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or
obligation.

Channel 16 (p. 7)

n

CHANNEL SELECTION (pgs. 7, 8, 10)

Weather channel (p. 8)

OPERATION GUIDE

iM90

n

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE

m

USING CHANNEL 16

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.

THIS IS (name of vessel)

Your call sign or other indi-

cation of the vessel.

LOCATED AT (your position)

The nature of the distress

and assistance required.

Any other information which

might facilitate the rescue.

Channel 9/Call channel (p. 7)

Call channel programming (p. 10)

Push [16

9

] to select the call chan-

nel.

Push [16

9

] for 3 sec. (until long

beep changes to 2 short beeps)

Push [

Y

]/[

Z

] to select the desired

channel.

Push [16

9

] to program the dis-

played channel as the call channel.

q

w

e

r

USA/International/Canadian/LAND

channels (p. 8)

Push

Push

Push

Push

for 1 sec.

for 1 sec.

31

15

QUICK REFERENCE

Important operating instructions are summed up on this and the following
page.
By cutting along the line and folding on the dotted line, it will become a card
sized operating guide which can easily be carried in a card case or wallet.

q Cut w Fold

e Complete

<CUT HERE>

n

TAG CHANNELS (p. 13)

q

w

Push [

Y

]/[

Z

] to select the desired

channel.

Push [

Y

]/[

Z

] for 1 sec. to change

the TAG setting ON and OFF.

n

WEATHER ALERT (pgs. 8, 17)

q

w

Turn the weather alert item in the

SET mode ON (p. 17).

Select WX channel; or start scan-

ning.

n

SET MODE (pgs. 16 21)

q

w

e

r

While pushing

[SQL

MONI

],

turn power ON.

Push [SQL

MONI

]

again to select an

item.

Push [

Y

]/[

Z

]

to select the desired

condition.

Push [16

9

] to return to regular op-

erating mode.

Refer to pgs. 15 20 for set

mode item.

n

DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH (p. 14)

Select dual or tri-watch in the SET

mode (p. 18).

Push [

Y

]/[

Z

] to select the desired

channel.

Push [SCAN

DUAL

] for 1 sec. to

start dualwatch or tri-watch (de-

pending on SET mode).

To cancel dualwatch/tri-watch,

push [SCAN

DUAL

] again.

q

w

e

r

n

LOCK FUNCTION (p. 10)

Push [Hi/Lo ]

for 1 sec. to turn

the lock function

ON and OFF.

n

SQUELCH LEVEL (p. 11)

Push [SQL

MONI

], then adjust the

squelch level with [

Y

]/[

Z

].

Select monitor switch action in

SET mode (p. 18).

Push [SQL

MONI

] for 1sec. to ac-

tive the monitor function.

q

w

n

MONITOR FUNCTION (p. 10)

n

SCAN (pgs. 12, 13)

Push [SCAN

DUAL

] to start/stop

scanning.

32

33

16

OPTIONS

16

D BATTERY CASE AND PACK

• BP-225 Ni-Cd

BATTERY PACK

7.2 V/1100 mAh Ni-Cd battery pack.

• BP-224 Ni-Cd

BATTERY PACK

7.2 V/750 mAh Ni-Cd battery pack.

• BP-223

BATTERY CASE

Battery case for 6 × AA (R6) Alkaline cells.

D CHARGERS

• BC-119N

DESKTOP CHARGER

+ AD-109

CHARGER ADAPTER

+ BC-145A

AC ADAPTER

For rapid charging of battery packs. An AC adapter is supplied with
the charger depending on versions. Charging time: approx. 2.2 to

2.8 hours

• BC-121N

MULTI-CHARGER

+ AD-109

CHARGER ADAPTER

(6 pcs.)

+ BC-124

AC ADAPTER

For rapid charging of up to 6 battery packs (six AD-109’s are re­quired) simultaneously. An AC adapter should be purchased sepa­rately. Charging time: approx. 2.2 to 2.8 hours.

• BC-158

DESKTOP CHARGER

+ BC-147A

AC ADAPTER

Used for regular charging of battery pack. The same as supplied
with the transceiver. Charging time: approx. 12 hours

D BELT CLIPS

• MB-103

BELT CLIP

The same as supplied with the transceiver.

• MB-86

SWIVEL BELT CLIP

Belt clip for swivel type.

• MB-96F/96N

BELT HANGER

➥MB-96F: Attaches with the supplied belt clip (Not swivel type).
➥MB-96N: Belt hanger for swivel type.

D DC CABLES

• CP-17L

CIGARETTE LIGHTER CABLE

Charges the battery pack through a 12 V cigarette lighter socket.
(For BC-119N)

• OPC-515L/OPC-656

DC POWER CABLES

Charges the battery pack using 13.8 V power source instead of the
AC adapter.
OPC-515L: For BC-119N
OPC-656 : For BC-121N

D OTHER OPTIONS

• HM-125

SPEAKER-MICROPHONE

Full sized waterproof (JIS grade 7; 1m/30 min.) speaker-micro­phone. Includes an alligator clip to attach the speaker mic to your
shirt, collar, etc.

• HS-94/HS-95/HS-97

HEADSET

+ OPC-1392

HEADSET ADAPTER

HS-94: Ear-piece type
HS-95: Neck-arm type
HS-97: Throat microphone

Different versions of this radio use different options. Ask
your authorized dealer for details.

1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan

A-6388H-1EX
Printed in Japan

© 2004 Icom Inc.