IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page A INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM90 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page i SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION Your Icom radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during transmit mode. This radio is designed for and classified as “Occupational Use Only”, meaning it must be used only during the course of employment by individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards. This radio is W ARN ING NOT intended for use by the “General Population” in an uncontrolled environment.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page ii IN CASE OF EMERGENCY RECOMMENDATION If your vessel requires assistance, contact other vessels and the Coast Guard by sending a distress call on Channel 16. 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. ❍ USING CHANNEL 16 DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE 1. “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY.” 2. “THIS IS ............
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page iii FOREWORD FEATURES Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. 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. ☞ 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page v TABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION ............................................... i IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ........................................................... ii RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................... ii FOREWORD .................................................................................. iii IMPORTANT ...................................................................................
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 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. 1 (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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 2 3:53 PM Page 2 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS ■ 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) .
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 3 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS 2 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. NOTE: When removing or attaching the battery pack, use a coin or flat-blade screwdriver to loosen or tighten the bottom screw. To attach the battery pack: Insert the battery pack in the IC-M90 completely, then turn the screw clockwise.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3 3:53 PM Page 4 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front, top and side panels w q MIC/SP e r r TRANSMIT/RECEIVE INDICATOR Lights green while receiving a signal or when the squelch is open; lights red while transmitting. !0 t y i 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 5 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.
IC-M90.qxd 3 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 6 PANEL DESCRIPTION t MONITOR INDICATOR (p. 10) Appears when the monitor function is activated. y BATTERY INDICATOR Indicates remaining battery power. !3 DUPLEX INDICATOR Appears when a duplex channel is selected. Indication Battery level Full Middle Charging required No battery blinks when the battery over charged. blinks when the battery is exhaustion. !4 SUB CHANNEL READOUT • Indicates Channel 16 during priority scan or dualwatch. (p.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 7 BASIC OPERATION 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.
IC-M90.qxd 4 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 8 BASIC OPERATION D U.S.A., International and Canadian channels D Weather channels The IC-M90 has 57 U.S.A., 57 International and 61 Canadian channels. These channel groups may be specified for the operating area. The IC-M90 are 10 weather channels. They are used for monitoring weather channels from the NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) broadcasts (reception of weather channels possible in U.S.A. only).
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 9 BASIC OPERATION 4 ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. 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.
IC-M90.qxd 4 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 10 BASIC OPERATION ■ Call channel programming ■ Lock function 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. 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 11 BASIC OPERATION ■ Adjusting the squelch level ■ Voice scrambler operation The IC-M90 has a squelch level adjustment, even though there is no control knob for it. In order to receive signals properly, as well as for the scan to function effectively, the squelch must be adjusted to the proper level. D Activating the scrambler q Push [SQL•MONI], then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z]. - “SQL” indicator starts blinking.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 5 3:53 PM Page 12 SCAN OPERATION ■ Scan types Scanning is an efficient way to locate signals quickly over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has priority scan and normal scan. In addition, the “Weather alert” and “Auto scan” functions are available for standby convenience. These functions can be activated simultaneously, depending on the settings on the SET mode. (pgs.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 13 SCAN OPERATION 5 ■ Setting tag channels ■ Starting a scan 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. 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 to set as a tag channel. w Push both [Y] and [Z] for 1 sec.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 6 3:53 PM Page 14 DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH ■ Description ■ Operation Dualwatch monitors Channel 16 while you are receiving another channel; tri-watch monitors Channel 16 and the call channel while receiving another channel. 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). DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH SIMULATION Call channel • “DUAL” blinks during dualwatch; “TRI” blinks during tri-watch.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 15 LAND CHANNEL OPERATION 7 ■ LAND channel group ■ CTCSS and DTCS display 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. 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 17 SET MODE 8 ■ SET mode items D Beep tone function “bP” D Priority scan function “Pr” 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. The transceiver has 2 scan types—normal (OFF) and priority (ON) scans.
IC-M90.qxd 8 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 18 SET MODE D Auto scan function “AS” D Monitor switch action “Sq” The Auto scan function starts the desired scan automatically when no signal is received, and no operation is performed for 30 sec. The monitor switch action cuts off the squelch function temporarily. This switch action contains PUSH (Pu) or HOLD (Ho) settings as shown below. Push • Pu (PUSH): After pushing [SQL•MONI] for 1 sec., the squelch opens and emits audio.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 19 SET MODE 8 D LCD contrast selection “LC” D Self check function “SC” The contrast of the LCD can be adjusted from 4 levels. The self check function checks transceiver conditions by itself, and informs you in case a problem is found. The following items are checked after the power is turned ON, then it switches to operation mode. • 1 (bright)–4 (dark); 3 (default) Push bright default • Temperature : Outside of –35°C to +73°C; –31°F to +163°F (approx.
IC-M90.qxd 8 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 20 SET MODE D Battery voltage indicator “bt” D Squelch sensitivity function “SS” This function contains display or non-display settings of the voltage of the connected battery pack when the power is ON. When this function is turned ON, blocking against noise is improved. Therefore the squelch is not easily affected by noise. • The voltage of the connected battery pack is displayed for 2 sec. after power is turned ON.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 21 SET MODE 8 SET MODE LIST D VOX gain “ga” Adjusts the VOX gain (from 1 to 6) to turn transmitting automatically when speaking with the optional headset. • In case of setting to 1, the VOX gain sets to dulling. • In case of setting to 6, the VOX gain sets to sharpening. Push VOX gain 3 (default) VOX gain 6 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 9 3:53 PM Page 22 BATTERY CHARGING ■ Battery charging ■ Battery cautions Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimum life and operation. CAUTION! NEVER 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 23 BATTERY CHARGING 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.
IC-M90.qxd 9 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 24 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. 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. NOTE: The 3-pins connector is not used.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:53 PM Page 25 BATTERY CHARGING 9 ï Rapid charging with the BC-119N+AD-109 ï Rapid charging with the BC-121N+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-147A) or the DC power cable (OPC515L/CP-17L). The optional BC-121N allows up to 6 battery packs to be charged simultaneously. The following are additionally required.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 10 3:54 PM Page 26 OPTIONAL SWIVEL BELT CLIP ■ MB-86 contents e Once the transceiver is locked in place, it swivels as illustrated below. Qty. Belt clip ………………………………………………………… 1 Base clip ……………………………………………………… 1 Supplied screws ……………………………………………… 2 ■ Attachment q Screw the supplied 2 screws to fix the base clip with the back of the transceiver as illustrated below.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:54 PM Page 27 OPTIONAL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE ■ HM-125 Descriptions Alligator type clip To attach the speaker-mic. to your shirt or collar, etc. PTT switch Transmits during push. Receives during release. Microphone Speaker NEVER immerse the connector in water. If the connector becomes 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.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 12 3:54 PM Page 28 TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM The transceiver does not turn ON. No sound from the speaker. POSSIBLE CAUSE • 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. Transmitting is impos- • Some channels are for low power or resible, or high power ceive only. • The battery is exhausted. can not be selected.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:54 PM Page 29 13 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) Channel number Frequency (MHz) USA INT CAN Transmit Receive USA INT CAN Transmit Receive USA INT CAN Transmit Receive USA INT CAN Transmit Receive 01 01 01A 156.050 160.650 19A 156.050 156.050 20 20A 02 02 156.100 160.700 03 03 156.150 160.750 03A 156.150 156.150 04A 156.200 156.200 06 157.050 161.650 68 67 156.375 156.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 14 3:54 PM Page 30 SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL • Frequency coverage [Marine] TX RX [LMR] TX/RX • Mode [Marine] [LMR] • Channel spacing • Number of programmable ch. • Power supply requirement • Current drain (at 7.5 V DC) • Useable temperature range [Marine] [LMR] • Frequency stability • Antenna impedance • Dimensions (Projections not included) • Weight (with BP-225) TRANSMITTER • Output power (at 7.5 V DC) : 156.025–157.425 MHz 156.050–163.275 MHz 146.000–174.
31 6. Any other information which might facilitate the rescue. 5. The nature of the distress and assistance required. 4. LOCATED AT (your position) 3. Your call sign or other indication of the vessel. 2. THIS IS (name of vessel) 1. MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. DISTRESS CALL PROCEDURE e Complete iM90 w Fold for 1 sec. Push USA/International/Canadian/LAND channels (p. 8) Push Weather channel (p. 8) Push r Push [16 9] to program the displayed channel as the call channel.
Page 32 3:54 PM 04.8.23 IC-M90.qxd Refer to pgs. 15 20 for set mode item. n SET MODE (pgs. 16 21) q While pushing [SQL MONI], turn power ON. w Push [SQL MONI] again to select an item. condition. e Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired erating mode. r Push [16 9] to return to regular op- n WEATHER ALERT (pgs. 8, 17) q Turn the weather alert item in the SET mode ON (p. 17). w Select WX channel; or start scanning. Push [SCAN scanning. DIAL] n SCAN (pgs. 12, 13) to start/stop MONI] for 1sec.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 3:54 PM Page 33 OPTIONS 16 D BATTERY CASE AND PACK D DC CABLES • 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. • CP-17L CIGARETTE LIGHTER CABLE Allows to charge the battery pack through a 12 V cigarette lighter socket. (For BC-119N) • OPC-515L/OPC-656 DC POWER CABLES Allows to charge the battery pack using 13.
IC-M90.qxd 04.8.23 A-6383H-1EX Printed in Japan © 2004 Icom Inc.
