INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF MARINE TRANSCEIVER iM90E
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.
FOREWORD FEATURES 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- SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-M90E.
PRECAUTION RWARNING! NEVER MAKE SURE 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 transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical. BE CAREFUL! connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IN CASE OF EMERGENCY ............................................................ i RECOMMENDATION ....................................................................... i FOREWORD ................................................................................... ii IMPORTANT .................................................................................... ii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................. ii FEATURES ............................
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. (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.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES AND ATTACHMENTS 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 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. 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-M90E completely, then turn the screw clockwise.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 3 ■ Front, top and side panels w q MIC/SP e r w MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [MIC/SP] Connects the optional external microphone. NOTE: Attach the [MIC/SP] cap when the optional speaker-microphone is not used. r TRANSMIT/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. !0 t y i 2 3 e ANTENNA CONNECTOR Connects the supplied antenna.
3 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display u TRANSMIT 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) i CHANNEL 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) Y]/[Z Z] o CHANNEL UP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y • Selects an operating channel. (pgs.
PANEL DESCRIPTION t MONITOR INDICATOR (p. 10) Appears when the monitor function is activated. y BATTERY INDICATOR Indicates remaining battery power. Indication Battery level Full Middle Charging required No battery blinks when the battery is over charged. blinks when the battery is exhaustion. 3 !2 SUB CHANNEL READOUT • Indicates Channel 16 during priority scan or dualwatch. (p. 14) • Indicates the SET mode items while in the SET mode. (p.
4 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 battery pack or charger, 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.
BASIC OPERATION 4 D International, U.S.A.*1 and ATIS*2 channels The IC-M90E has 57*3 International, 59 U.S.A.*1 and 57 ATIS*2 channels. You must select the proper channels for the operating area. 4 *3International channel numbers are depended on versions. q Push [DIAL] to select the regular channel. w Push [Y]/[Z] to select a channel. • “DUP” appears for duplex channels. e To change the channel group, push [DIAL] for 1 sec. • International, U.S.A*1 and ATIS*2 channels can be selected in sequence.
4 BASIC OPERATION ■ Receiving and transmitting CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. q Rotate [VOL] clockwise to turn power ON. w Set 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.
BASIC OPERATION 4 ■ Call channel programming ■ Lock function The call channel key is used to select the default channel, however, you can program your most often-used channel in each channel group for quick recall. This function electronically locks all keys (except for [PTT], ]) to prevent accidental channel [SQL•MONI] and [Hi/Lo• changes and function access. ➥ Push [Hi/Lo• ] for 1 sec. to turn the lock function ON and OFF. q Push [DIAL] for 1 sec.
4 BASIC OPERATION ■ Adjusting the squelch level ■ Voice scrambler operation To adjust the IC-M90E’s squelch level, use the [Y]/[Z] keys as described 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. D Activating the scrambler q Push [SQL•MONI], then adjust the squelch level with [Y]/[Z]. - “SQL” indicator starts blinking.
SCAN OPERATION 5 ■ Scan types Scanning is an efficient way to quickly locate signals over a wide frequency range. The transceiver has a priority scan setting and normal scan setting. In addition, the “Auto scan” function is available for scanning. This function can be activated simultaneously, depending on the settings on the SET mode. (p. 17) CH 01 CH 02 CH 16 CH 05 Choose priority or normal scan on the SET mode. (p.
5 SCAN OPERATION ■ 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. Tag channels can be assigned to each channel group (INT, USA*1, ATIS*2) independently. Set the priority scan function, scan resume timer and auto scan function in advance, using the SET mode. (p. 17) q Select the desired channel group (INT, USA*1, ATIS*2) by pushing [DIAL] for 1 sec.
DUALWATCH/TRI-WATCH 6 ■ 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.
7 LAND (PMR) CHANNEL OPERATION ■ LAND (PMR) channel group ■ CTCSS and DTCS display A max. of 100 PMR channels (allocated 146.000 to 174.000 MHz) can be programmed into the LAND channel group for simple communication with PMR transceivers in the VHF band. When DTCS or CTCSS is set in the selected channel, the sub channel readout displays as below. Moreover, any of the marine channels in the USA*1, INT and ATIS*2 channel groups can be programmed.
SET MODE 8 ■ SET mode programming D SET mode operation SET mode is used to change the condition of 16 transceiver functions: beep tone function, priority scan function, scan resume timer, auto scan function, dual/tri-watch function, monitor switch action, backlighting function, LCD contrast selection, auto power save function, self check function, battery voltage indicator, signal strength indicator, squelch sensitivity, scrambler code, VOX gain and VOX delay. q Turn power OFF.
8 SET MODE ■ SET mode items D Beep tone function “bP” D Scan resume timer “St” 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 key. When “ON” is selected, a fixed beep (Pi) sounds, and when “US” is selected, the preset beeps (e.g. do, re, mi) sound. The scan resume timer can be set as a pause (OFF) or timer scan (ON). When OFF is selected, the scan pauses until a received signal disappears.
SET MODE 8 D Dual/Tri-watch function “dt” D Backlighting function “bL” This item selects dual or tri-watch as desired. See p. 14 for details. This function is convenient for nighttime operation. The backlighting brightness can be adjusted from OFF, 1 (dark)–3 (bright); 3 (default). Select 1–3 to turn this function ON. • The automatic backlighting turns the backlighting ON when any key except for [PTT] is pushed. • The backlighting is automatically turned OFF after 5 sec. of inactivity.
8 SET MODE D Auto power save function “PS” D Self check function “SC” The auto power save function reduces current drain by deactivating the receiver circuit for preset intervals. The self check function checks the transceiver conditions by itself, and informs you in case a problem is found. Self check automatically and quickly runs through its diagnostic steps each time the radio is turned ON. Afterwards, the radio switches to normal operation mode. • ON : The power save function is turned ON.
SET MODE 8 D Battery voltage indicator “bt” D Squelch sensitivity function “SS” This function controls display or non-display settings of the connected battery pack’s voltage 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.
8 SET MODE SET MODE LIST D VOX gain “ga” Adjusts the VOX gain (from 1 to 6) to level when speaking with the optional headset. • Setting the VOX gain to 1 increases the sensitivity. • Setting the VOX gain to 6 reduces the sensitivity. 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. • Setting the VOX delay to 0.5 (0.5 sec.) is a short VOX delay. • Setting the VOX delay to 3.0 (3.0 sec.
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 • Use the specified chargers (BC-158, BC-119N and BC-121N). NEVER use another manufacture’s charger. • Use the supplied AC adapter for the BC-158.
9 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. BP-225 must be charged for 12–18 hours only.
BATTERY CHARGING 9 ■ 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.
9 BATTERY CHARGING 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-145E)* 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.
OPTIONAL SWIVEL BELT CLIP ■ MB-86 contents 10 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 base clip to the back of the transceiver using the two screws (supplied), as shown below. Supplied screws ■ Detachment ➥ Turn the transceiver upside down in the direction of the 9 10 arrow and pull out from the belt clip.
11 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 without connecting with the transceiver. 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.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION 12 REF. The transceiver does • The battery is exhausted. not turn ON. • Bad connection to the battery pack. • Recharge the battery pack. No sound from the • Squelch level is too deep. speaker. • Volume level is too low. • Speaker has been exposed to water. • Water has entered to [MIC/SP] connector. • Set squelch to the threshold point. • Rotate [VOL] to set a suitable level. • Drain water from the speaker. • Dry [MIC/SP] connector.
13 VHF MARINE CHANNEL LIST International channels CH Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive CH Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive CH Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive CH Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive CH Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive CH Frequency (MHz) Transmit Receive 01 156.050 160.650 11 156.550 156.550 21 157.050 161.650 62 156.125 160.725 72 156.625 156.625 82 157.125 161.725 02 156.100 160.700 12 156.600 156.600 22 157.100 161.700 63 156.175 160.
SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL • Frequency coverage [Marine] TX RX [PMR] TX/RX • Mode [Marine] [PMR] • Number of programmable ch. • Power supply requirement • Current drain (approx.) (at 7.2 V DC) • Frequency stability • Operating temperature range [Marine] [PMR] • Antenna impedance • Dimensions (Projections not included) • Weight (with BP-225) : 156.000–161.450 MHz : 156.000–163.425 MHz : 146.000–174.000 MHz : 16K0G3E (Wide) : 16K0F3E (Wide)*/8K50F3E (Narrow) *Germany version is 14K0F3E.
15 OPTIONS 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 (LR6) Alkaline cells. • CP-17L CIGARETTE LIGHTER CABLE Charges the battery pack through a 12 V cigarette lighter socket. (For BC-119N) • OPC-515L/OPC-656 DC POWER CABLES Charges the battery pack using 13.8 V power source instead of the AC adapter.
32 iM90E might facilitate the rescue. 6. Any other information which and assistance required. 5. The nature of the distress 4. ÒLOCATED AT (your position)Ó cation of the vessel. 3. Your call sign or other indi- 2. ÒTHIS IS (name of vessel)Ó for 1 sec. Push channels (p. 8) International/USA/ATIS and LAND Push Channel 16 (p. 7) r Push [16 C] to program the displayed channel as the call channel. e Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired channel. w Push [16 C] for 3 sec.
Refer to pgs. 16 21 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 C] to return to regular operating mode. r Push [16 Push [SCAN scanning. DUAL] n SCAN (pgs. 12, 13) to start/stop MONI] for 1sec. to active the monitor function. w Push [SQL SET mode (p. 18). q Select monitor switch action in n MONITOR FUNCTION (p.
ABOUT DOC 17 This warning symbol indicates that this equipment operates in non-harmonised frequency bands and/or may be subject to licensing conditions in the country of use. Be sure to check that you have the correct version of this radio or the correct programming of this radio, to comply with national licensing requirement.
< Intended Country of Use > GER AUT GBR IRL NOR A-6389H-1EU Printed in Japan © 2004 Icom Inc.
