Icom Ic V90 May 2026

Scan resumes on signal, stops 5 sec after carrier drops.

The Icom IC‑V90 is a compact, entry‑level VHF handheld transceiver designed for amateur radio operators and first responders who need reliable, easy‑to‑use communication on the 2‑meter band (136–174 MHz). It emphasizes durability, clear audio, and straightforward operation, making it suitable for newcomers and users who prioritize practicality over advanced features.

To provide a balanced "deep paper," the flaws must be addressed: Icom ic v90

Since the IC-V90 is discontinued, your only options are eBay, QRZ classifieds, or ham swaps.

Restoration Checklist:

Released by Icom Inc. in the early 2000s, the IC-V90 was designed to solve a specific problem: water damage. Before the advent of affordable IP67-rated radios, most handhelds were vulnerable to rain or a drop in a puddle. The IC-V90 was built to military specifications (MIL-STD-810), but its party trick was its floating capability.

The radio famously featured a distinctive floating design. When dropped overboard, the IC-V90 would bob to the surface, allowing retrieval. This wasn't just a gimmick; it required a sealed chassis, a gasketed battery compartment, and a unique internal skeleton. Scan resumes on signal, stops 5 sec after carrier drops

Cheap dual-band radios suffer from desensing. If you stand near a commercial FM broadcast tower or a pager transmitter, the front-end of a cheap chipset overloads, and the radio goes deaf. The IC-V90 uses discrete components and tight SAW filters. In high-RF environments (Manhattan, near airport radar, or atop a mountain with broadcast TV antennas), the V90 hears signals that blind other radios.