The original battery for the IC-V90 was the Li-Ion BP-217 (1950mAh). Under normal 5W transmit cycles, you could get about 10-12 hours of light use. However, the Achilles' heel of used IC-V90s today is battery availability. Icom discontinued the BP-217, and aftermarket clones are of variable quality.
The IC-V90 is a legendary radio let down by time. The hardware is 10/10, but the dead battery ecosystem and lack of UHF TX drop it significantly. If you find one with a working battery for under $100, grab it. Otherwise, modern radios offer more features for less money.
Frequency Range: Operates on the VHF band, typically covering 136–174 MHz.
Durability: Built with a sturdy chassis designed to handle outdoor environments.
Power Output: Offers selectable High/Low power settings (often 5W high) to balance range and battery life.
Display: Features a clear backlit LCD that shows the frequency, channel, and essential icons like battery level and power status. Key Menu Settings
Navigating the menu is essential for customizing your radio's performance. Here are common settings found in the menu: Description 01 SCAN Activates the frequency or channel scanning mode. 03 VOX
Adjusts the Voice Operated Transmission sensitivity (Levels 1–8). 04 POW Switches between High and Low transmit power. 05 SQL
Squelch level setting (0–9) to filter out background noise. 11 TOT
Time-Out Timer (30–270s) to prevent accidental long transmissions. 15 DW Dual Watch allows you to monitor two frequencies at once. Operational Tips
Manual Programming: To enter a frequency manually, ensure you are in VFO mode. Use the keypad to type the 6-digit frequency (e.g., 145.000). Icom ic v90
Improving Battery Life: Keep the radio on Low power (POW L) for short-distance communication and enable the Battery Saver (SAVE) function in the settings.
Monitoring: Hold the [MONI] button (usually on the side) to temporarily bypass the squelch and listen for weak signals. Safety & Maintenance
Power Input: Only use power supplies between 10.5 V and 11.5 V DC. Connecting more than 11.5 V or an AC outlet directly will damage the transceiver.
Antenna Care: Never transmit without an antenna attached, as this can burn out the internal power amplifier.
Cleaning: Use a dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the plastic or screen. INSTRUCTION MANUAL - Icom UK
The Icom IC-V90 appears to be a name used for unverified or counterfeit amateur radio products, as it is not listed in any official Icom product catalogs. Genuine Icom handheld VHF transceivers typically follow a specific naming convention (e.g., IC-V80, IC-V86).
If you are looking for high-performance Icom transceivers with similar designations or advanced VHF/UHF capabilities, you may be interested in these official models: Official Icom High-Frequency Models Countermeasures against Counterfeit Products - Icom America
Warning: Counterfeit Product Identification The Icom IC-V90 is widely identified by amateur radio communities and reputable experts as a counterfeit product. It is not an official model manufactured or recognized by Icom Inc..
Reports indicate that these radios are typically generic Chinese-made transceivers (often rebranded versions of the TYT TH-F8 or similar Baofeng hardware) that have been illegally labeled with the Icom brand to capitalize on their reputation for quality. Reported Specifications
Although it is not a genuine Icom product, units sold under the "IC-V90" name typically advertise the following features on platforms like Carousell and Alibaba: Type: Dual-band handheld FM transceiver. Frequency Range: VHF: 136–174 MHz. UHF: 400–480 MHz. The original battery for the IC-V90 was the
Power Output: Advertised at 5 Watts to 10 Watts, though real-world performance often varies due to lack of quality control. Channel Capacity: 128 memory channels. Standard Features: LED Flashlight and large LCD display. FM Radio reception (65.0MHz–108.0MHz). VOX function, CTCSS/DCS tones, and battery saver mode. Why It is Not Genuine
Manufacturing Location: All genuine Icom radios are manufactured exclusively at their own plants in Wakayama, Japan. The IC-V90 is primarily sourced from third-party suppliers in China.
Missing Security Features: Genuine Icom units feature a 3D GENUINE hologram label (under the battery) or a QR Code Genuineness Determination System introduced in mid-2025. The IC-V90 lacks these verifiable authentication markers.
Official Lineup: The model does not appear in any official Icom product catalog or support list. Risks of Use
Regulatory Non-Compliance: These radios often lack the necessary technical compliance and filtering required for legal amateur or commercial use.
Safety: Counterfeit batteries and chargers sold with these units may pose fire or electrical hazards due to substandard materials.
Warranty: No official support or warranty from Icom is available for this model.
If you are looking for a genuine Icom VHF handheld, consider the Icom IC-V80 or the newer IC-V86, which are official, high-performance models. Baofeng | Ham Radio Blog PD0AC | Page 8
Introduction
The Icom IC-V90 is a mobile amateur radio transceiver designed for use in vehicles. It's a popular choice among ham radio operators due to its reliability, features, and ease of use. In this text, we'll take a closer look at the IC-V90's specifications, features, and capabilities. Features The IC-V90 comes with a range of
Specifications
The Icom IC-V90 is a dual-band, dual-mode transceiver that operates on both VHF (136-174 MHz) and UHF (400-470 MHz) frequencies. It supports both FM and digital modes, including DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) and CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Controlled Squelch System).
Key specifications include:
Features
The IC-V90 comes with a range of features that make it a versatile and user-friendly radio. Some of its notable features include:
Design and User Interface
The IC-V90 has a compact design that's suitable for installation in most vehicles. The radio measures 6.5 inches wide, 1.8 inches tall, and 9.5 inches deep. The front panel features a backlit LCD display, a channel selector, and a range of buttons for controlling the radio.
The user interface is intuitive and easy to use, with a menu system that allows users to access various settings and features. The radio also comes with a remote control, allowing users to adjust settings and change channels without taking their eyes off the road.
Conclusion
The Icom IC-V90 is a reliable and feature-rich mobile amateur radio transceiver that's suitable for use in a variety of applications. Its dual-band operation, digital signal processing, and support for CTCSS and DCS make it a popular choice among ham radio operators. With its compact design and user-friendly interface, the IC-V90 is an excellent option for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable mobile radio.
The IC-V90 uses a large, mylar speaker cone. The audio is warm, rich, and punchy. It handles distorted audio from distant repeaters better than modern miniature SDRs.
Scan resumes on signal, stops 5 sec after carrier drops.