Safety Training Information
Your Icom radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during transmit mode. This radio has been evaluated for compliance at a distance of 2.5 cm with the FCC RF exposure limits for "Occupational Use Only." It complies with FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C and ANSI standards regarding RF energy and human exposure.
Guidelines for safe RF exposure:
- DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached.
- DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (50% duty cycle).
- ALWAYS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body when transmitting. Use Icom belt-clips to ensure compliance.
- Hold the radio vertically at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth when transmitting.
Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility:
Turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so. DO NOT operate the transmitter in areas sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites.
In Case of Emergency
If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16.
Distress Call Procedure:
- "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY."
- "THIS IS [Name of vessel]."
- Your call sign or other indication of the vessel.
- "LOCATED AT [Your position]."
- The nature of the distress and assistance required.
- Any other information which might facilitate the rescue.
Recommendation
Clean the transceiver thoroughly with fresh water after exposure to saltwater, and dry it before operation. Otherwise, the transceiver's keys, switches, and controllers may become inoperable due to salt crystallization.
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 years of trouble-free operation.
Important
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely before using the transceiver. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
Explicit Definitions
| WORD | DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| $ riangle$ WARNING | Personal injury, fire hazard, or electric shock may occur. |
| CAUTION | Equipment damage may occur. |
| NOTE | If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk of personal injury, fire, or electric shock. |
Features
- Waterproof construction: Meets JIS waterproof specification grade 7. Features a speaker grill that drains water easily.
- Dualwatch and tri-watch functions: Monitor Channel 16 while receiving another channel (dualwatch), or monitor Channel 16 and Channel 9 while receiving another channel (tri-watch).
- Large, easy-to-read LCD: Dimensions of 19(H) x 35(W) mm (3/4(H) x 13/8(W) inch). Backlighting and contrast are adjustable.
- Simple operation: 6 large buttons on the front panel for user-friendly operation. Independent volume and channel buttons for one-handed use.
Precaution
- WARNING: NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet.
- WARNING: NEVER hold the transceiver so that the antenna is closer than 2.5 cm (1 inch) from exposed parts of the body while transmitting.
- NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source other than the BP-225 or BP-223.
- AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with extreme temperatures (below -20°C or above +60°C).
- 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 and dry before attachment.
- BE CAREFUL! While the IC-M90 employs waterproof construction (JIS grade 7), dropping the transceiver may damage the waterproofing.
- CAUTION (U.S.A. only): Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Icom Inc. could void your authority to operate this device.
Operating Rules
- Priorities: Safety and distress calls take priority. Monitor Channel 16 when not operating on another channel. False distress calls are prohibited.
- Privacy: Information overheard but not intended for you cannot lawfully be used. Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
- Radio Licenses: A current radio station license is required before operating. An operator's license (Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit) is also necessary.
Note: Simplex channels 3, 21, 23, 61, 64, 81, 82, and 83 cannot be lawfully used by the general public in USA waters.
Supplied Accessories and Attachments
Supplied accessories: Handstrap.
Battery pack attachment/detachment: Turn the screw counterclockwise to remove, and clockwise to attach. Ensure the rubber seal is correctly seated to maintain waterproofing. Avoid attaching or removing the battery pack when wet or soiled.
Panel Description
The transceiver features several controls and indicators:
- 1 VOLUME CONTROL [VOL]: Turns power ON and adjusts audio level.
- 2 MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [SP MIC]: For optional external microphone. Attach the [SP MIC] cap when not in use.
- 3 ANTENNA CONNECTOR: Connects the supplied antenna.
- 4 TRANSMIT/RECEIVE INDICATOR: Green while receiving, red while transmitting.
- 5 CHANNEL/WEATHER CHANNEL SWITCH [CH/WX•U/I/C/L]: Selects channels and toggles between regular and weather channels. Long press switches channel groups (U.S.A., International, Canadian, Land).
- 6 SCAN SWITCH [SCAN•DUAL]: Starts/stops scan or enters watch mode.
- 7 TRANSMIT POWER/LOCK SWITCH [Hi/Lo • • •]: Selects transmit power (High, Middle, Low) or toggles lock function ON/OFF.
- 8 CHANNEL 16 SWITCH [16•9]: Selects Channel 16 or call channel. Long press enters call channel programming mode.
- 9 CHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [A]/[V]: Selects operating channel or SET mode items/conditions.
- 10 SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL•MONI]: Adjusts squelch level or manually opens squelch for monitoring. Long press with power ON enters SET mode.
- 11 PTT SWITCH [PTT]: Push to transmit, release to receive.
Function display indicators:
- SIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR: Shows relative signal strength.
- TRANSMIT POWER INDICATOR: Shows selected transmit power (LOW, MID).
- TAG CHANNEL INDICATOR: Appears when a tag channel is selected.
- SQUELCH LEVEL INDICATOR: Shows the squelch level.
- MONITOR INDICATOR: Appears when the monitor function is activated.
- BATTERY INDICATOR: Shows remaining battery power.
- WEATHER CHANNEL/WEATHER ALERT INDICATORS: "WX" for weather channel, "WX ALT" for weather alert.
- BELL INDICATOR: Blinks when an alert tone is received.
- SCAN INDICATOR: "SCAN" blinks during scanning.
- VOX INDICATOR: "VOX" appears when the VOX function is used.
- DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH INDICATORS: "DUAL" or "TRI" blinks during watch modes.
- SCRAMBLER INDICATOR: "SCRM" appears when the voice scrambler is activated.
- DUPLEX INDICATOR: Appears when a duplex channel is selected.
- SUB CHANNEL READOUT: Shows Channel 16 during priority scan/dualwatch, or SET mode items.
- CHANNEL NUMBER READOUT: Shows the selected operating channel or SET mode condition.
- LOCK INDICATOR: Appears when the lock function is activated.
- CALL CHANNEL INDICATOR: "CALL" appears when the call channel is selected.
- CHANNEL GROUP INDICATOR: "U" (USA), "I" (International), "C" (Canadian), "LAND" (Land channels).
Basic Operation
- Channel Selection: Rotate [VOL] clockwise to turn ON. Use [16•9] for Channel 16 or Channel 9 (call channel). Use [CH/WX•U/I/C/L] and [A]/[V] for other channels and channel groups.
- Receiving and Transmitting: Select channel, adjust volume and squelch. Push and hold [PTT] to transmit; release to receive. Use [Hi/Lo • • •] to select transmit power.
- Call Channel Programming: Program your most frequently used channel for quick recall.
- Lock Function: Push [Hi/Lo • • •] for 1 sec. to lock/unlock switches (except PTT, SQL•MONI, Hi/Lo).
- Signal Strength Indicator: Displays received signal strength. Can be hidden via SET mode.
- Monitor Function: Push [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec. to open squelch and monitor the channel.
- Adjusting Squelch Level: Push [SQL-MONI], then use [A]/[V] to set the squelch level.
- Backlighting Function: Push any switch (except PTT) to turn backlighting ON. It turns OFF automatically after 5 sec. of inactivity. Brightness is adjustable in SET mode.
- Voice Scrambler Operation: Activate scrambler by pushing [SQL-MONI] and [SCAN•DUAL] simultaneously. Program scramble codes in SET mode.
Scan Operation
- Scan Types: Priority scan (monitors Channel 16) and Normal scan (monitors selected tag channels).
- Setting Tag Channels: Select a channel and push [A] and [V] for 1 sec. to set as a tag channel. Push again to cancel.
- Starting a Scan: Push [SCAN•DUAL] to start scanning. "SCAN" blinks on the display. Push [SCAN•DUAL] again to stop.
Dualwatch/Tri-Watch
- Description: Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while receiving another channel. Tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the call channel.
- Operation: Select dual or tri-watch in SET mode. Push [SCAN-DUAL] for 1 sec. to start. "DUAL" or "TRI" blinks. Push [SCAN-DUAL] again to cancel.
Land Channel Operation
The IC-M90 can be programmed with up to 100 LAND mobile channels for communication with LMR transceivers. Consult your Icom dealer for LAND channel group settings and LMR frequency programming.
- CTCSS and DTCS Display: "dt" or "ct" appears when DTCS or CTCSS is set.
- VOX Function: Enables hands-free transmission. Requires optional headset and adapter. Activate by pushing [SQL•MONI] and [Hi/Lo • • •] while connected. "VOX" appears on the LCD. VOX gain and delay are adjustable in SET mode.
Set Mode
Set mode allows customization of various transceiver functions including beep tones, weather alert, scan settings, power save, LCD contrast, and more. Enter SET mode by turning the power ON while holding [SQL•MONI]. Use [SQL•MONI] and [A]/[V] to navigate and change settings. Push [16•9] to exit.
Key SET Mode Items:
- Beep tone function (bP): ON/OFF, Fixed Beep/User Beep.
- Weather alert function (AL): ON/OFF.
- Priority scan function (Pr): OFF (Normal)/ON (Priority).
- Scan resume timer (St): OFF (Pause)/ON (5 sec. resume).
- Auto scan function (AS): OFF/ON.
- Dual/Tri-watch function (dt): Dual/Tri.
- Monitor switch action (Sq): Push/Hold.
- Backlighting function (bL): OFF/1-3 (brightness).
- LCD contrast selection (LC): 1-4 levels.
- 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 function (SS): OFF/ON.
- Scrambler code (cd): 1-32.
- VOX gain (ga): 1-6.
- VOX delay (dL): 0.5-3.0 sec.
Battery Charging
Fully charge the battery pack before first use. Use specified chargers (BC-158, BC-119N, BC-121N) and adapters. Charging time for BC-158 is approx. 12 hours. Rapid charging with BC-119N/BC-121N takes approx. 2.2 to 2.8 hours.
Battery Cautions:
- Never incinerate or immerse battery packs in water.
- Never short the battery terminals.
- Turn the transceiver OFF when charging an attached battery pack.
- Recycle used battery packs. Contact 1-800-822-8837 for options.
Optional Battery Case: The BP-223 battery case uses 6 x AA Alkaline cells.
Optional Battery Chargers: BC-119N (rapid), BC-121N (multi-unit rapid), BC-158 (regular).
Optional Swivel Belt Clip (MB-86)
Attach the base clip to the transceiver using the supplied screws. Clip the belt clip over your belt and insert the transceiver. The transceiver can swivel for convenience.
Optional Speaker-Microphone (HM-125)
The HM-125 is a full-sized waterproof speaker-microphone. Attach the connector to the [SP MIC] connector and screw it tight. Keep the transceiver's [SP MIC] connector cap attached when not in use.
Troubleshooting
| PROBLEM | POSSIBLE CAUSE | SOLUTION |
|---|---|---|
| Transceiver does not turn ON. | Battery exhausted or bad connection. | Recharge battery or check connection. |
| No sound from speaker. | Squelch too deep, volume too low, or water ingress. | Adjust squelch/volume, drain water, dry connector. |
| Transmitting impossible or high power unavailable. | Channel restrictions, low battery, or incorrect power setting. | Change channels, recharge battery, check voltage, select high power. |
| Displayed channel cannot be changed. | Lock function activated. | Push [Hi/Lo • • •] for 1 sec. to cancel. |
| Scan does not start. | No tag channels programmed. | Set desired channels as tag channels. |
| No beeps. | Beep tones turned OFF. | Enable beep tones in SET mode. |
| Self check error (Temperature). | Temperature outside operating range. | Allow transceiver to reach room temperature. |
| Self check error (Battery voltage). | Battery voltage too high. | Verify battery voltage. |
| Continuous transmitting with VOX. | Ambient noise too high. | Remove headset or adjust VOX gain. |
VHF Marine Channel List
A comprehensive list of USA, International, and Canadian VHF marine channels, including transmit and receive frequencies, is provided. Note that some channels are low power only, and certain simplex channels are restricted for public use in USA waters.
Specifications
Detailed specifications for the IC-M90 are provided, covering frequency coverage, modes, channel spacing, power supply requirements, current drain, operating temperature range, frequency stability, antenna impedance, dimensions, and weight.
Transmitter Specifications: Include output power, modulation system, microphone impedance, frequency deviation, adjacent channel power, and spurious emissions.
Receiver Specifications: Include receive system, sensitivity, squelch sensitivity, intermodulation rejection ratio, spurious response rejection ratio, adjacent channel selectivity, and audio output power.
Quick Reference
A summary of important operating instructions is provided for easy reference, including SET mode operation, weather alert, dualwatch/tri-watch, tag channels, lock function, squelch level, monitor function, and scanning.
Options
Various optional accessories are available:
- Battery Cases and Packs: BP-225 (Ni-Cd), BP-224 (Ni-Cd), BP-223 (Alkaline battery case).
- Chargers: BC-119N (rapid), BC-121N (multi-unit rapid), BC-158 (regular).
- Belt Clips: MB-103, MB-86 (swivel), MB-96F/96N.
- DC Cables: CP-17L (cigarette lighter), OPC-515L/OPC-656 (13.8V power source).
- Other Options: HM-125 Speaker-Microphone, HS-94/HS-95/HS-97 Headsets with OPC-1392 adapter.
