Icom IC-M90E User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iM90E
VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER

i
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.
NOTE: DO NOT remove the battery pack when cleaning the
transceiver thoroughly with fresh water. Water may enter into
the transceiver, and damage it.
MIC
/SP

ii
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom radio. The IC-M90E VHF
MARINE TRANSCEIVER is designed and built with Icom’s state
of the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care this
product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.
IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com-
pletely before using the transceiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This in-
struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-M90E.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
FEATURES
☞Waterproof construction
Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environ-
ment, the IC-M90E meets IPX7 waterproof specification
while using BP-223 (option), BP-224 (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 channel (tri-watch).
See p. 14 for details.
☞Large, easy-to-read LCD
With dimensions of 19(H) ×35(W) mm, the IC-M90E’s func-
tion display is easy to read and shows operating conditions
at a glance. Backlighting and contrast can be adjusted to
suit your preferences.
☞Simple operation
6 large buttons on the front panel provide user-friendly op-
eration. The independent volume and channel buttons are
located on the front panel for convenient one-handed op-
eration.
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.

iii
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 from exposed parts of the body,
especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The trans-
ceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm away
from the lips and the transceiver is vertical.
NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source other
than the BP-225, BP-224 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 –15°C or above +55°C
: MARINE, –25°C or above +55°C : PMR.
KEEP the transceiver out of the reach of children.
KEEP the transceiver at least 0.9 meters 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-M90E employs waterproof con-
struction, which corresponds to IPX7 waterproof specification
(1 m depth for 30 min.). However, once the transceiver has
been dropped, waterproofing cannot be guaranteed due to
the fact that the transceiver may be cracked, or the water-
proof seal damaged, etc.
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.

iv
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ............................................................ i
RECOMMENDATION ....................................................................... i
FOREWORD ................................................................................... ii
IMPORTANT .................................................................................... ii
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................. ii
FEATURES ...................................................................................... ii
PRECAUTION ................................................................................ iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................. iv
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 ....................................................... 10
■Monitor function .................................................................... 10
■Adjusting the squelch level .................................................... 11
■Backlighting function ............................................................. 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 (PMR) CHANNEL OPERATION .................................... 15
■LAND (PMR) 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
■HM-125 descriptions ............................................................. 27
■Attachment ............................................................................ 27
12 TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................. 28
13 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST ............................................... 29
14 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................... 30
15 OPTIONS ................................................................................. 31
16 QUICK REFERENCE .............................................................. 32
17 ABOUT DOC ........................................................................... 34
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

1
OPERATING RULES
1
DPriorities
• 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.
DPrivacy
• Information overheard but not intended for you cannot law-
fully be used in any way.
• Indecent or profane language is prohibited.
DRadio 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.

2
2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
1
2
■Supplied accessories
The following accessories are supplied: Qty.
• Handstrap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Belt clip (MB-103) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Ni-Cd battery pack (BP-225) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Battery charger (BC-158)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Screws for the BC-158 (M3.5 ×20)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
• AC adapter (BC-147E)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
• Flexible antenna (FA-S59V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
*Not supplied with some version.
■Attachments
DFlexible antenna
Connect the supplied flexible an-
tenna to the antenna connector.
CAUTION: Transmitting with-
out an antenna may damage
the transceiver.
NEVER HOLD by the antenna
when carrying the transceiver.
DHandstrap
Pass the handstrap through the
loop on the top of the transceiver
as illustrated at right. Facilitates
carrying.
DBelt clip
Attach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated below.
Supplied screws
MIC
/SP

3
2SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS
ïBattery 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-M90E 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
LOCK
Screw position
when removing battery
Screw position
when attaching battery
OPEN
LOCK
Make sure both the rubber seal (purple) is set to the groove
correctly and dust or else does not adhere to it.
Battery pack Battery pack
Rubber seal
Groove
Correct position Incorrect position
NOTE:
When attaching a battery pack, make sure dust or else does
not adhere to the rubber seal. If dust or else is on the seal
when attaching a battery pack, the water resistant may be
reduced.
NOTE: When the lock screw does not easily (feels tight),
check to ensure the battery pack is sufficiently inserted to
the transceiver. DO NOT bang or cause high impact to
the battery pack, as this may damage the battery pack/or
the transceiver.

4
3
PANEL DESCRIPTION
2
3
■Front, top and side panels
qVOLUME CONTROL [VOL]
Turns power ON and adjusts the audio level.
wMICROPHONE CONNECTOR [MIC/SP]
Connects the optional external microphone.
NOTE: Attach the [MIC/SP] cap when the optional
speaker-microphone is not used.
eANTENNA CONNECTOR
Connects the supplied antenna.
rTRANSMIT/RECEIVE INDICATOR
Lights green while receiving a signal or when the squelch
is open; lights red while transmitting; lights orange while
the VOX function is used.
tDIAL/CHANNEL GROUP KEY [DIAL]
•Selects one of 3 regular channels in sequence when
pushed for 1 sec. (pgs. 8, 15)
- U.S.A.*1(or ATIS*2), International and LAND (PMR)
channels are available.
*1U.K. version only.
*2German version only.
•Push to return to the condition before selecting the chan-
nel when the priority channel or the call channel is se-
lected.
ySCAN KEY [SCAN•DUAL]
•Starts and stops normal or priority scan when pushed.
(pgs. 12, 13)
•Enters watch mode when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 14)
MIC
/SP
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5
3PANEL DESCRIPTION
uTRANSMIT POWER/LOCK KEY [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)
iCHANNEL 16 KEY [16•C]
•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 key is pushed for 3 sec. (p. 10)
oCHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [YY]/[ZZ]
•Selects an operating channel. (pgs. 7–9)
•Selects the SET mode condition of the item. (p. 16)
•Selects the SET mode item when pushed with
[SQL•MONI]. (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
[YY]/[ZZ]. (p. 11)
•Manually opens the squelch for monitoring the channel
while pushed and held. (p. 10)
•While pushing this switch, turn power ON to enter the
SET mode. (p. 16)
•Selects the SET mode item. (p. 16)
!1 PTT SWITCH [PTT]
Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.
■Function display
qSIGNAL STRENGTH INDICATOR (pgs. 10, 20)
Shows the relative signal strength while receiving signals.
wTRANSMIT POWER INDICATOR
•“LOW”appears when low power is selected.
•“MID”appears when middle power is selected.
•No indication appears when high power is selected.
eTAG CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 13)
Appears when tag channel is selected.
rSQUELCH LEVEL INDICATOR (p. 11)
Shows the squelch level.
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!2
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!6
!5
!3