ICOM IC-M90 User manual

Brand: ICOM

Model: IC-M90

Category: Two-way radios

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

iM90

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.

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 fol-

lowing Standards and Guidelines with regard to RF energy

and electromagnetic energy levels and evaluation of such lev-

els for exposure to humans:

• FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance

with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electro-

magnetic Fields.

• American National Standards Institute (C95.1-1992), IEEE Standard for

Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Elec-

tromagnetic 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 (MB-

86/103), Rechargeable Ni-Cd Battery Pack (BP-225) and Alkaline Battery

Case (BP-223).

To ensure that your expose to RF electromagnetic en-

ergy 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 expo-

sure 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 ex-

posure compliance requirements are not exceeded. To provide the recipi-

ents 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 mi-

crophone 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.

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 ves-

sel.

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

5. The nature of the distress and assistance re-

quired.

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 con-

trollers may become inoperable due to salt crystallization.

MIC

/SP

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M90 VHF MA-

RINE 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 environ-

ment, 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 dis-

tress 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) (tri-

watch). See p. 14 for details.

☞ Large, easy-to-read LCD

With dimensions of 19(H) × 35(W) mm;

⁄4(H) × 1

⁄8(W) inch,

the IC-M90’s function display is easy to read and shows op-

erating 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 op-

eration. The independent volume and channel buttons are

located on the front panel for convenient one-handed op-

eration.

iii

WORD

DEFINITION

RWARNING

CAUTION

NOTE

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.

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 verti-

cal.

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 guar-

anteed 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 Incor-

porated (Japan) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France,

Spain, Russia and/or other countries.

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

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 law-

fully 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 in-

cludes 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 regu-

lations 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 can-

not be lawfully used by the general occupational in USA

waters.

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) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

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

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

■ Attachments

D Flexible antenna

Connect the supplied ﬂexible an-

tenna 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.

Supplied screws

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 trans-

ceiver is wet or soiled. This may result water or dust get-

ting 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 bot-

tom screw.

CAUTION!:

When attaching or removing a battery pack, make sure the

rubber seal is set in the groove of the battery pack cor-

rectly. If the seal is not neatly in the groove it may be dam-

aged when attaching the battery pack.

If the seal is damaged, waterprooﬁng is not guaranteed.

OPEN

Screw position

when removing battery

Screw position

when attaching battery

OPEN

Make sure both the rubber seal (purple) is set to the groove

correctly and dust or else does not adhere to it.

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.

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.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ 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 chan-

nel when the priority channel or the call channel is se-

lected.

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)

/SP

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•

• 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 [

]/[

]

• 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 dur-

ing scan. (p. 13)

!0 SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL•

MONI]

• Push this switch, then adjust the squelch level with

[

]/[

]. (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

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 tri-

watch.

!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 Interna-

tional; “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.

BASIC OPERATION

■ 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 communica-

tions. 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 re-

call.

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 for 1 sec.

U.S.A. channels

International channels Canadian channels

BASIC OPERATION

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 oper-

ating 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 se-

lected. See the “LAND CHANNEL OPERATION” on p. 15 for de-

tails.

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

BASIC OPERATION

■ 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 trans-

mitted 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 con-

serve the battery power. The power save function activates

automatically when no signal is received for 5 sec.

To prevent accidental prolonged transmission, etc., the IC-

M90 has a time-out timer function. This timer cuts a trans-

mission OFF after 5 min. of continuous transmission.

CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may

damage the transceiver.

q Power ON

e Set volume

Speaker

y Push to transmit

u Release to receive

r Set channel

w Set the squelch level

e Set volume

Microphone

t Set output power

BASIC OPERATION

■ Call channel programming

The call channel switch is used to select Channel 9 by de-

fault, however, you can program your most often-used chan-

nel 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.

Indication

Strong Middle Weak

No signal or

very weak

Signal

strength

Appears while the lock

function is used.

BASIC OPERATION

■ 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 back-

lighting 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.

Select an operating

channel except Channel

16, 70 or weather chan-

nels.

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.

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

SCAN OPERATION

■ Scan types

Scanning is an efﬁcient way to quickly locate signals over a

wide frequency range. The transceiver has a priority scan set-

ting and normal scan setting.

In addition, the “Weather alert” and “Auto scan” functions are

available for scanning. These functions can be activated si-

multaneously, 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 inconve-

niently 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, Chan-

nel 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.

SCAN OPERATION

■ 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 re-

sume 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.

Scan starts.

Push

to stop the scan

Receiving a signal

and audio is emitted.

for 1 sec.

Push

DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH

■ 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/tri-

watch, 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.

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ICOM IC-M90 User manual

Brand: ICOM

Model: IC-M90

Category: Two-way radios

Type: User manual

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ICOM IC-M90 User manual

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