It lacks a numeric keypad. Yes, you read that right. To change frequency, you rotate the top knob. To enter a specific frequency (e.g., 146.520), you must use the "dial" method, spinning through megahertz and kilohertz separately. It is slow and tedious.
If you find one at a hamfest, don't walk away. Just make sure you have a programming cable ready. Do you still use an Icom IC-V90? Share your restoration tips in the comments below! Icom ic v90
But why the enduring hype? In an era of touchscreen DMR radios and Bluetooth programming, is the Icom IC-V90 a timeless tool or just outdated technology? This article dives deep into the specifications, real-world performance, and lasting legacy of the IC-V90 to help you decide if it belongs in your go-bag. Icom launched the IC-V90 in the early 2000s as the successor to the popular IC-V8. While the V8 was a solid single-band radio, the V90 was designed to answer a specific need: a handheld that could survive military-grade abuse while offering expanded receive capabilities. It lacks a numeric keypad
In the fast-paced world of amateur radio, where software-defined radios (SDRs) and digital modes dominate the headlines, it is rare to find a handheld transceiver that achieves "cult classic" status. The Icom IC-V90 is one such radio. Discontinued for several years now, this rugged, submersible tribander still commands respect—and surprisingly high prices—on the used market. To enter a specific frequency (e
For the hobbyist who spends time on the water, up a mountain, or in an emergency management role, the simplicity and ruggedness of the IC-V90 make it a superior choice to the disposable plastic toys flooding the market today. It is a classic because it does one thing perfectly: reliable, loud, waterproof VHF communication.