Icom IC-T90A User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MULTIBAND FM TRANSCEIVER

iT90A

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.

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

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-T90A 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-T90A is a tri-band, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, 430 (440) 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 5 W 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. And newly designed antenna also provides a stable signal strength.

LITHIUM-ION BATTERY PACK

provides full

We want to thank you for making your IC-T90A 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-T90A.

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

IMPORTANT

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.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

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-T90A.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

The explicit deﬁnitions below apply to this instruction manual.

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.

Accessories included with the transceiver: Qty.

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

w Wall charger* (BC-110AR/D/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.

CAUTIONS

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 5.5 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 proper 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 +14°F (–10°C) or above +140°F (+60°C).

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.

For U.S.A. only

CAUTION: Changes or modiﬁcations to this device, not ex-

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

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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 – 34

■ 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

■ Auto repeater function ................... 33

■ 1750 Hz tone ................................. 34

t MEMORY/CALL CHANNELS .... 35 – 44

■ General .......................................... 35

■ 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– 80

■ 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

■ Weather channel operation ............ 77

■ Cloning function ............................. 79

■ [SP/MIC] jacks ............................... 79

■ Resetting ........................................ 80

!0 HM-75A REMOTE CONTROL

MICROPHONE ................................. 81

!1 TROUBLESHOOTING ..................... 82

!2 TV FREQUENCY TABLE ...........83–86

!3 SPECIFICATIONS ..................... 87 – 88

!4 OPTIONS ................................... 89 – 90

POCKET GUIDE

!!00

!!11

!!22

!!33

!!44

Battery pack or battery case

Latch

stopper

supplied screw

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Installing the battery pack

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

pack or BP-216 optional 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

DAttaching 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.

e Insert the transceiver into the end of

the clip as shown at right.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

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.

•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.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

iC-t90

D Handstrap

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

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

800 MHz band

Detach the top cap*

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

D Attaching 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 on or receiving the signal below the 50 MHz band. Be sure to use this 50 MHz band adapter during operation below the 50 MHz band. You can operate on 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

ADAPTER

is available to connect an external antenna with a

BNC connector.

ANTENNA CONNECTOR

■ Charging the Li-Ion battery pack

IC-T90A with BP-217

BC-110AR/D/DR

to DC power jack

to AC outlet

to DC power jack

CP-19R

(optional)

to a 12 V cigarette lighter socket

DCharging with the wall charger

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

DCharging with the CP-19R Cigarette Lighter

cable (optional)

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.

q Insert the cigarette lighter adapter cable into the DC power

jack of the transceiver.

w Connect the CP-19R 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 are 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-19R from the transceiver when not using it. Otherwise, the vehicle battery will become exhausted.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

to DC power jack

CP-19R

(optional)

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

Adapter (supplied with BC-139)

LED Charging: Orange Finished: Green

Charging terminal

■ 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-19R cigarette lighter cable can be used for external power operation from a 12 V DC cigarette lighter socket.

•

Power supply range is between 5.5–11.5 V DC.

NEVER CONNECT OVER 11.5 V DC directly into

the DC power jack of the transceiver.

• BE SURE to use the CP-19R 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.

■ Your ﬁrst contact

[DIAL]

[PTT]

[UP/DOWN]

[BAND]

[PWR]

[Mic]

FM DUP SKIPTP

Now that you have your IC-T90A 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.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

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, 146.010 or UHF; 440.000 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.

[EXAMPLE] Setting the receive frequency to

444.350 MHz

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

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

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

!1 !2 !3 !4

Keypad !6–@5

Function display

Speaker

Microphone

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ 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 (5 MHz, 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.

➥ Blinks green for 5 sec. when the scan stop LED function

is in use and a scan is stopped. (pgs. 46, 62)

PANEL DESCRIPTION

S.MW

VFO

MHz

MODE SCAN

y PTT SWITCH [PTT]

➥ Push and hold to transmit in 50/144/430 (440) MHz am-

ateur 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. 89, 90 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-110A/D wall

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

➥ To connect regulated power supply with optional CP-

19R 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. 45)

➥ 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 for 1 sec. to enter memory write condi-

tion. (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 [MR S.MW] for 2 sec. to transfer the displayed fre-

quency into the VFO in memory mode. (p. 38)

PANEL DESCRIPTION

DUP3H/L

TONE

V D

DTMF.M

CALL/TV

LOCK

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

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

➥ Toggles between call channel, TV channel,

weather channel (U.S.A. version only) and VFO mode in sequence. (p. 20)

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

(p. 74)

•“

” 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 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”.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

RIT

SET

T.SCAN

M.N

SKIP

@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. 48)

➥ 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. 39)

•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”.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

we r t yu

i o

!1!2!5 !3!4

■ 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 indi-

• The decimal point of the frequency blinks during scan.

w LOCK INDICATOR (p. 74)

Indicates that the lock function is in use.

cate 0.75, 0.5 and 0.25 kHz, respectively.

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.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

t TONE INDICATORS (p. 70)

➥ Appears 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” blinks 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 NUMBER 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.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

Battery pack or battery case

Latch

BATTERY CHARGING

■ Battery attachment

q Attach the Li-Ion battery pack (BP-217) or battery case

(BP-216).

• 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.

■ Regular charging

IC-T90A with BP-217

BC-110AR/D/DR

to AC outlet

to DC power jack

to a 12 V cigarette lighter socket

CP-19R (optional)

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

transceiver OFF while charging.

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

• Use the wall charger* (BC-110AR/D/DR) only. NEVER use another manufactures’ charger.

* Not supplied with some versions.

• An optional cable CP-19R (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-110AR/D/DR) as shown

below.

* Not supplied with some versions.

r Remove any cables from the [DC11V] jack.

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

BATTERY CHARGING

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

Adapter (supplied with BC-139)

LED Charging: Orange Finished: Green

Charging terminal

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: +32°F to +95°F; 0°C to +35°C

• NEVER connect 2 chargers to the [AC ADAPTER] and [DC13.5V] jacks of the 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-19R (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.

BATTERY CHARGING

CP-19R (optional)

to a 12 V cigarette lighte socket

to DC power jack

Voltage indication

■ Battery case (Option)

q Install 2 R6 (AA) size alkaline

batteries into the optional BP-216

• Be sure to observe the correct

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 +14 °F (–10 °C) 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.

polarity.

BATTERY CASE

■ External power operation

An optional cable CP-19R (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-19R 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.

BATTERY CHARGING

[∫]

[√]

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

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.

BASIC OPERATION

FM SKIPP

1 MHz tuning step

10 MHz tuning step

5 kHz tuning step

20 kHz tuning step

[9 TS]

[DIAL]

[VFO MHz]

■ 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

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.

BASIC OPERATION

V D2TONE3H/L

DUP5SKIP6M.N

RIT

T.SCAN8SET9TS

DTMF.M

[VFO]

TONE

DUP

DTMF.M

RIT

M.N

SET

DTMF.M

SKIPP

RIT

DUP

SKIP

H/L

DUP

SET

DTMF.M

RIT

SKIPP

■

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.

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 buttons.

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

• Setting to 0.684 MHz

• Setting to 433.580 MHz

• Changing 100 kHz and

below.

Setting 433.580 MHz to

433.240 MHz.

■ Mode selection

[MR]

Memory channel

Memory bank

A00–Y99 appear when a memory bank is programmed.

[VFO]

VFO A

VFO B

FM SKIPP

FMW

[CALL/TV]

Call channel

TV channel

Weather channel (U.S.A. only)

BASIC OPERATION

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/weather channels

Call channels are used for most-oftenused frequencies for quick recall. TV and weather (U.S.A. version only) channels can be selected with [CALL/TV]. ➥ Push [CALL/TV] to select a call, TV

and weather channel in sequence.

BASIC OPERATION

[VFO]

[BAND]

BASIC OPERATION

FM SKIPP

FM SKIPPW

AM SKIPP

FM mode

WFM mode

AM mode

MODE SCAN

Push to toggle the operating mode.

SKIPP

SKIPP SKIPP

SKIPP

SKIPPAM FM

BAND

SKIPP

FMW

BC (broadcast) bands

5MHz band

50MHz band WFM bands

800MHz band

UHF (430 MHz) band 300MHz band

Air bands

VHF (144 MHz) band

220MHz band

0.495–1.620 MHz

1.625–34.995 MHz

35.000–75.995 MHz*

108.000–135.995 MHz

76.000–107.995 MHz*

550.000–999.990 MHz

383.000–549.995 MHz 255.000–382.995 MHz 222.000–254.995 MHz

136.000–221.995 MHz

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

■ Operating band and receive mode selection

DSelecting the operating

band

The transceiver can receive the BC (broadcast) bands, 5 MHz band, 50 MHz band, FM broadcast band, Air

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.

band, VHF (144 MHz) band, 220 MHz band, 300 MHz band, UHF (430MHz) band or 800 MHz band. *

Frequency coverage depends on versions.

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 (108–135.995 MHz) and WFM is used for FM broadcast stations (76–107.995 MHz).

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

■ Setting the squelch level

[SQL]

Blinks while monitoring.

FM SKIPP

[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)

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)

BASIC OPERATION

[DIAL]

[Y]/[Z]

Default setting

Frequency setting Memory channel setting Scan direction setting Set mode setting

Volume setting

Exchanged setting

Frequency setting Memory channel setting Scan direction setting Set mode setting

VOL

SKIPP

[DIAL]

[∫] [√]

Appears when the functions are exchanged.

[1 V D]

[DIAL]

[SQL]

[∫] [√]

■ 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.

BASIC OPERATION

FM SKIPP

[DIAL]

[VFO]

[MODE]

[BAND]

S meter

FM SKIPPW

[DIAL]

[VFO]

[MODE]

[BAND]

S meter

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.

BASIC OPERATION

FMW

[BAND]

[DIAL]

[CALL/TV]

TV mode indicationTV channel indication

D Receiving TV channels

Available TV channels depends on the version. Refer to the TV frequency table (p. 83) 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 weather channel (p. 77; U.S.A. version only) 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.

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