For your information Third-party antennas may increase transceiver performance. An optional AD-92SMA ANTENNA CONNECTOR ADAPTER is available to connect an antenna with a BNC connector.

Handstrap

I Battery pack
Attach the Li-Ion battery pack (BP-217) or battery case (BP216) as illustrated below. Charge the Li-Ion battery pack before use. (pgs. 10, 11)
Battery pack/ Battery case

I Belt clip

Supplied screws* *NOTE: USE the supplied screws only. Using screws longer than specified could damage the transceiver.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

I Front, top and side panels
!7 q !6 !5 !4 !3 w TX/RX INDICATOR [TX/RX] (p. 24) Lights green while receiving a signal or when the squelch is open; lights red while transmitting. e PTT SWITCH [PTT] (p. 24) Push and hold to transmit, release to receive. r SQUELCH KEY [SQL] Push and hold to open the squelch temporarily and monitor the operating frequency. (p. 22) While pushing and holding this key, rotate [DIAL] to adjust the squelch level. (p. 21) t MENU/LOCK KEY [MENU/LOCK] Push to toggle menu screen indication ON and OFF. (p. 85) Push and hold for 1 sec. to toggle the lock function ON and OFF. (p. 25) y POWER KEY [PWR] Push and hold for 1 sec. to turn the transceiver power ON and OFF. u MAIN/DUAL KEY [MAIN/DUAL] Push to select the main band between A and B bands. (p. 26) Push and hold for 1 sec. to toggle the dualwatch function ON and OFF. (p. 25) i KEYPAD (pgs. 4, 5) 2
w e r t y u i Function display Internal microphone Speaker !2 !1 !0 o
q ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 1) Connects the supplied antenna.
An optional AD-92SMA adapter (p. 122) is available for connecting an antenna with a BNC connector.
o CALL/RXCS KEY [CALL]/[RXCS](CALL) Push to select the call channel/TV channel/weather channel. (p. 16) During DV mode operation, push and hold for 1 sec. to set the received call signs (station and repeaters) for operation. (p. 47) Enters or sends the DTMF code C. (pgs. 103, 104) !0 MEMORY/SELECT MEMORY WRITE KEY [MR]/[S.MW](MR) Push to select memory mode. (p. 15) During memory mode operation, push to toggle between memory and memory bank mode. (p. 68) Push and hold for 1 sec. to enter select memory write mode. (p. 64) Enters or sends the DTMF code B. (pgs. 103, 104) !1 VFO/MHz KEY [VFO]/[MHz](VFO) Push to toggle select VFO mode. (p. 15) During VFO mode operation, push and hold for 1 sec. to select and toggle 1 MHz and 10 MHz tuning steps (p. 18) Enters or sends the DTMF code A. (pgs. 103, 104) !2 BAND KEY [BAND] During VFO mode operation, push to select an operating frequency band. (pgs. 16, 17) During memory bank mode, push to select a memory bank. (p. 68) Enters or sends the DTMF code D. (pgs. 103, 104)
!3 EXTERNAL DC IN JACK [DC IN] Connects the supplied wall charger, BC-167, to charge the attached battery pack. (p. 10) Connect an external DC power supply through the optional CP-12L, CP-19R or OPC-254L for external DC operation. (p. 13) !4 DATA JACK [DATA] Connects a PC through the optional data communication cable, OPC-1529R, for low-speed data communication or control the transceiver remotely using the optional RS-91 (OPC-1529R is supplied). (p. 56) !5 VOLUME CONTROL [VOL] Rotate to adjust the audio output level. (p. 20) !6 CONTROL DIAL [DIAL] Rotate to tune the operating frequency. (p. 18) During memory mode, rotate to select the memory channel. (pgs. 15, 64) While pushing and holding [BAND], selects the operating band in VFO mode. (p. 18) While scanning, changes the scanning direction. (p. 75) While pushing and holding [SQL], sets the squelch level. (p. 21) While pushing and holding [BAND], selects the programmed bank in memory mode. (p. 68) !7 EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MICROPHONE JACK [MIC/SP] Connect an optional speaker-microphone or headset, if desired. See page 122 for a list of available options.

D KEYPAD

KEY Pushed momentarily Pushed and held for 1 sec.
Inputs digit 1 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Displays the simple band scope for a single sweep. (p. 23) etc. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 1. Inputs digit 2 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Starts a scan. (p. 75) etc. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 2. Inputs digit 3 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Toggles the transmit output power between high and low. (p. 24) - LOW appears when low power is selected. etc. - While pushing and holding this key, with [DIAL] rotation selects While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 3. the output power. Inputs digit 4 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Activates the following duplex functions in order. - Minus duplex operation DUP appears. etc. - Plus duplex operation +DUP appears. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 4. - Simplex operation no duplex indicator appears. - While pushing and holding this key, with [DIAL] rotation selects the duplex function. Inputs digit 5 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Turn the frequency skip function ON and OFF in VFO mode, or set the memory channel as the following skip channel in memory etc. mode in order (p. 79). While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 5. - Skip channel SKIP appears. - Frequency skip channel PSKIP appears. - Non-skip channel no skip indicator appears. Inputs digit 6 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Turn the memory name or bank name indication ON and OFF. (p. 70) etc. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 6.

Pushed momentarily

Pushed and held for 1 sec.
Inputs digit 7 for frequency input, memory channel selection, During FM/FM-N mode operation, selects repeater tone, tone squelch, DTCS squelch and no tone operation in sequence. etc. (p. 110) While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 7. During DV mode operation, selects digital call sign, digital code and no tone operation in sequence. (p. 110) Inputs digit 8 for frequency input, memory channel selection, Selects tuning step selection. (p. 18) etc. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 8. Inputs digit 9 for frequency input, memory channel selection, During FM/FM-N mode operation, starts tone scan function. (p. 112) etc. During DV mode operation, selects break-in operation mode. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 9. (p. 51) Inputs digit 0 for frequency input, memory channel selection, During DV mode operation, set CQCQCQ for stations call sign for operation. etc. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code 0. Inputs MHz digit for frequency input. While pushing [PTT], this key sends the DTMF code F (#). Select DTMF memory mode. (p. 103) During DV mode operation, to turn EMR mode operation ON, keep pushing and holding until 3 short and 1 long beeps are emitted. (p. 56)

D Battery indicator

The battery indicator, , appears only when the BP-217 is attached to the transceiver. The battery indicator does not appear when turning power ON after the charging is completed without disconnecting the battery charger or external DC power.
Indication Battery condition The battery has ample capacity. The battery is nearing exhaustion. Charging is necessary.

D Battery information

The batteries may seem to have low capacity when used in low temperatures such as 10C (+14F) or below. Keep the battery case or pack warm in this case.

D Battery replacement

When the batteries become exhausted, the function display may blink or have a lower contrast. In these cases, replace all batteries with new, same brand, alkaline batteries. 12
I External DC power operation
An optional cigarette lighter cable (CP-12L or CP-19R; for 12 V cigarette lighter socket) or external DC power cable (OPC-254L) can be used for external power operation.
Transceiver CP-12L (Optional)

D Operating note

Power supply range is between 10.016.0 V DC. NEVER CONNECT OVER 16 V DC directly into the [DC IN] jack of the transceiver. BE SURE to use CP-12L,CP-19R or OPC-254L when connecting a regulated 12 V DC power supply. Use an external DC-DC converter to connect the transceiver through optional CP-12L, CP-19R or OPC-254L to a 24 V DC power source. The voltage of the external power supply must be within 1016 V DC when using either CP-12L, CP-19R or OPC254L, otherwise, use the battery pack. Up to 5 W (approx.) of maximum output power is provided with the external DC power operation, however, when the supplied voltage exceeds 14 V, the built-in protection circuit activates to reduce the transmit output power to 0.5 W (approx.). Disconnect the power cables from the transceiver when not using it. Otherwise, the vehicle battery will become exhausted. The power save function is deactivated automatically during external DC power operation.
OPC-254L (Optional) to 12 V DC (power supply) Black: _ White: +
FREQUENCY AND CHANNEL SETTING

I Main band selection

The IC-91A/91AD has two independent operating bands; A band (VFO A) and B band (VFO B). A band (VFO A) can operate 0.495 MHz to 999.990 MHz*, and B band (VFO B) can operate 118 MHz to 174 MHz and 350 MHz to 470 MHz.
*Some frequency ranges are blocked for the USA version by regulation.
D How to change the main band
Push [MAIN/DUAL] to toggle between A and B band. Push and hold [MAIN/DUAL] for 1 sec. to turn the dualwatch operation ON and OFF.
While in dualwatch operation, the display indicates A band in the upper half and B band in the lower half.
NOTE: When in dualwatch mode, transmission is available from the MAIN band only. Single band operation

The transceiver can check whether the other stations transmit signal can be received directly or not, by listening on the repeater input frequency. Push and hold [SQL] to check whether the other stations transmit signal can be directly received or not.
When the other stations signal can be directly received, move to a non-repeater frequency to use simplex. (duplex OFF) Indication while receiving.

D Off band indication

If the transmit frequency is out of the amateur band, the off band indication, OFF, appears on the display when [PTT] is pushed. Check the offset frequency or duplex direction in this case. (p. 31)
U.S.A. and Korean versions: Auto repeater function uses standard values of the offset frequency.
Push and hold Receives 0.6 MHz shift frequency.

144 700

CONVENIENT! Tone scan function: When you dont know the subaudible tone used for a repeater, the tone scan is convenient for detecting the tone frequency. Push and hold [T.SCAN](9) for 1 sec. to start the tone scan. See p. 112 for more information.
Blinks while pushing and holding [SQL].

I Duplex operation

Although [DIAL] and [](5) are used for description in this section, [](2)/[](8) and [](6) are available instead of [DIAL] and [](5).
D Setting duplex direction
Push and hold [DUP](4) for 1 sec. to select DUP or +DUP.
DUP or +DUP indicates the transmit frequency for minus shift or plus shift, respectively.
D Setting offset frequency
q Enter OFFSET FREQ in DUP/TONE set mode. (p. 97) MENU screen DUP/TONE OFFSET FREQ
When offset frequency is 0.6 MHz.
w Rotate [DIAL] to set offset frequency.
1 MHz and 10 MHz tuning steps are available by pushing and holding [MHz](VFO) for 1 sec.: push [MHz](VFO) to cancel it. e Push [](5) (or [](4)) to return to DUP/TONE set mode,
and push [MENU/LOCK] to return to frequency indication.
No offset frequency 5.0 MHz offset
U.S.A. and Korean versions:

Duplex example Receiving

OFFSET FREQ

0.000.00

5.000.00
+Duplex example Receiving

+DUP TONE FM

Transmitting

145900

Auto repeater function has priority over the manual duplex setting. If the frequency changes after setting, the auto repeater function may have changed the duplex setting.

I Auto repeater function

The U.S.A. and Korean versions automatically use standard repeater settings (duplex ON/OFF, duplex direction, tone encoder ON/OFF) when the operating frequency falls within or outside of the general repeater output frequency range. The offset and repeater tone frequencies are not changed by the auto repeater function, reset these frequencies, if necessary.
U.S.A./KOREAN versions only q Enter AUTO RPT in set mode. (p. 89) MENU screen SET MODE AUTO RPT
w Rotate [DIAL] to select the auto repeater setting.

e Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired call sign memory, M01 to M06. r Push [](6) to enter call sign programming mode.

The 1st digit blinks.

:SET :SEL :CUR

CLR:CLR A/a:CHAR

t Rotate
to select the desired character or code.
Push [A/a](3) to change the character group from AB (alphabetical characters; capital letters), 12 (numbers) and / (symbols) in sequence.
y Push [](6) to select 2nd digit, then rotate [DIAL] to select the desired character or code.
Push [](6) to move the cursor right; push [](4) to move the cursor left. 2nd digit blinks (1st digit stops blinking).
!0 Push [](5) to store the programmed call sign with note and returns to MY CALL SIGN screen. !1 Push [MENU/LOCK] to return to frequency indication.

M01 M /

u Repeat the steps t and y to enter your own call sign.
Up to a 8-digit of call sign can be set. If an un-necessary character is entered, push [](6) or [](4) to select the character, then push [CLR](1) to erase the selected character, or push and hold [CLR](1) for 1 sec. to erase all characters following the cursor. When programming a note (Up to a 4-digit for operating radio type or area, etc.), go to step i, otherwise go to step !0.
i Push [](6) several times to set the cursor beside / indication. o Repeat steps t to y to program the desired 4-character note.

M01 MYCALL /IC91

:SET :BACK :SEL :EDIT CLR:CLR
D Station call sign programming
Station call sign must be programmed for the specied station call as well as repeater operation in both digital voice and low-speed data communications. q Select B band as the main band. (p. 14) w Enter UR in call sign set mode. MENU screen CALL SIGN UR
(Push [MENU/LOCK]) (Rotate [DIAL], then push [](5).) YOUR CALL SIGN screen is displayed.

YOUR CALL SIGN

:SET :SEL :CUR CLR:CLR A/a:CHAR 0:CQ

U CQCQCQ

u Repeat the steps t and y to enter the desired station call sign.
Up to an 8-digit of call sign can be set. If an un-necessary character is entered, push [](6) or [](4) to select the character, then push [CLR](1) to erase the selected character, or push and hold [CLR](1) for 1 sec. to erase all characters following the cursor.
e Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired call sign memory, U01 to U60. r Push [](6) to enter call sign programming mode.

U01 STATION1

t Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired character or code.
i Push [](5) to store the programmed call sign and returns to YOUR CALL SIGN screen. o Push [MENU/LOCK] to return to frequency indication.

RPT1 CALL SIGN

D Repeater call sign programming
q Select B band as the main band. (p. 14) w Enter R1 or R2 in call sign set mode. MENU screen CALL SIGN R1/R2
(Push [MENU/LOCK]) (Rotate [DIAL], then push [](5).) RPT1 or RPT2 CALL SIGN screen is displayed.
e Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired call sign memory, R01 to R60. r Push [](6) to enter call sign programming mode.

R01 RPT1AA G

Push [A/a](3) to change the character group from AB (alphabetical characters; capital letters), 12 (numbers) and / (symbols) in sequence. Set / at the 1st digit then set the desired area repeaters call sign (in a different zone) for CQ call (/ stands for CQCQCQ) in a different zone operation. (p. 44)
i Push [](5) to store the programmed call sign and returns to RPT1 or RPT2 CALL SIGN screen. o Push [MENU/LOCK] to return to frequency indication.
D Repeater operation in the same zone
qSet the desired repeaters frequency, offset and shift direction in B band. (pgs. 18, 31)
Select DV mode in advance. (p. 21)
t Push [PTT] to transmit; release to receive.
w Set your own call sign. (p. 38)
See p. 34 for your own call sign programming.
e Set the desired station call sign. (p. 39)
See p. 36 for station call sign programming.
r Set the repeaters call sign as follows; z Enter R1 in call sign set mode. MENU screen CALL SIGN R1
xRotate [DIAL] to select the nearest repeaters call sign. cPush [](5) to set the call sign for R1.
Return to CALL SIGN screen.
vRotate [DIAL] to select R2 then push [](5).
RPT2 CALL SIGN screen is displayed.
bRotate [DIAL] to select the desired repeaters (in the same zone) call sign.
Select NOT USE when not operating RPT2.
nPush [](5) to set the call sign for R2.
UR:CQCQCQ R1:RPT1AA R2:NOT USE* MY:MYCALL /IC91
mPush [MENU/LOCK] to return to frequency indication. 42

Setting example 1

Area 1

Repeater 1 : A11111

Area 2

Repeater 2 : A22222

Area 3 (Gateway)

Repeater 3 : A33333

*Available for B band operation only.
eRotate [DIAL] to select the desired memory channel.
All channels are displayed. Push [VFO] to return to memory mode indication.
I Selecting a call channel
qPush [CALL] to select call channel mode.

Blinks

Pushing [CALL] toggles call, TV* and weather channels.
BANK :---MNAME: SKIP :OFF
wRotate [DIAL] to select the desired call channel.
C0 and C1 are selectable.
*Appears only when TV channels are programmed via the optional RS-91. Also available for A band operation only. Available for the USA version only.
[DIAL] VHF band call channel

D Using the KEYPAD

qPush [MR] to select memory mode. wPush the keypad to enter 3 digits to select the desired memory channel.
The blank channels are also selectable.

UHF band call channel

Example selecting memory channel 25 Push [MR] then push [0], [2], [5].

145 600

Keypad The entered memory channel is selected.
I Memory channel programming
q Push [VFO] to select VFO mode. w Set the desired frequency: Select the desired band with [BAND]. Set the desired frequency with [DIAL]. Or set the desired frequency with keypad directly. In this case, the band and frequency settings with [BAND] and [DIAL] as above are not required. Set other data (e.g. offset frequency, duplex direction, tone squelch, etc.), if desired. ePush and hold [S.MW](MR) for 1 sec. to enter select memory write mode.
[EXAMPLE]: Programming 145.870 MHz into memory channel 11 (blank channel).

VFO mode

Push and hold for 1 sec. to program.

145 870

Push for 1 sec. Enter select memory write mode.

Return to the VFO mode

r Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired channel.
Call channels (C0, C1), VFO (VFO) and scan edge channels (0A/0B to 24A/24B), as well as regular memory channels, can be programmed in this way.
t Push and hold [S.MW](MR) for 1 sec. to program.
3 beeps sound. Memory channel number automatically increases when continuing to push and hold [S.MW](MR) for 3 sec. after programming. Rotate [DIAL] to select channel 11.

D Available characters

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 0123456789 !' #$%&'()*+,-./:;<=>?@[\] ' ^ _ ` { | } ~ (Space)
rPush [](2) or [](8) several times to select BNAME, MNAME or SNAME when programming the bank name, the memory name or the scan name, respectively.
After selecting the name to be programmed, a cursor blinks for the rst character.
tRotate [DIAL] to select the desired character.
The selected character blinks. Push [A/a](3) to change the character group from AB (alphabetical characters; capital letters), ab (alphabetical characters; lower case letters), 12 (numbers) and ! (symbols) in sequence.
[EXAMPLE]: Programming the bank name AIR into the scan edge channel 03A.
Push to select memory mode.
I Selecting memory/bank name indication
During memory mode operation, either the programmed memory name or bank name can be displayed below the frequency indication. NOTE: The programmed scan name is displayed during the programmed scan edge channel selection. q Push [MR] to select memory mode. wWhile pushing [M.N](6), rotate [DIAL] to select display indication type from bank name, memory name and OFF.

Name indication OFF.

to select BNAME *.
BANK :A-01 BNAME:A MNAME: SNAME:
Rotate [DIAL] to select scan edge channel 03A.
Rotate [DIAL] to enter A , push

127 500

BANK :A-01 BNAME:AI MNAME: SNAME:
Enter I and R with [DIAL] and

Memory name indication

BANK :A-01 BNAME: MNAME: SNAME:
BANK :A-01 rBNAME:AIR MNAME: SNAME:

Airport1

Scan edge channel 03A Bank name indication *Select when programming the memory name or the scan name, respectively. Push and hold for 1 sec. to program.
I Copying memory/call contents
This function transfers a memory channels contents to VFO (or another memory/call channel). This is useful when searching for signals around a memory channel frequency and for recalling the offset frequency, subaudible tone frequency etc. Holding [S.MW](MR) for 2 sec. at the step w, will also copy the memory contents to VFO. In this case, the steps e and r are not necessary.

D Memory/callVFO

q Select the memory (call) channel to be copied. Push [MR] or [CALL] to select memory mode or call channel mode, then rotate [DIAL] to select the desired channel. wPush and hold [S.MW](MR) for 1 sec. to enter select memory write mode.

D Memory/callmemory/call

q Select the memory (call) channel to be copied. Push [MR] or [CALL] to select memory mode or call channel mode, then rotate [DIAL] to select the desired memory channel. wPush and hold [S.MW](MR) for 1 sec. to enter select memory write mode.
1 short and 1 long beep sound. indicator blinks. Do not hold [S.MW](MR) for more than 2 sec. otherwise the memory contents will be copied to VFO.

POWER SAVE

OFF AUTO

D Attenuator

The attenuator prevents distortion of a desired signal by very strong RF signals near the desired frequency or when very strong electric elds, such as from a broadcasting station, are present at your location. Select the attenuator function ON and OFF (default).

ATTENUATOR

OFF ON
MENU SCREEN OPERATION D Monitor key action
The monitor key, [SQL] , can be set as a sticky key. When set to the sticky condition, each push of [SQL] toggles the monitor function ON and OFF. PUSH: Pushing and holding [SQL] to monitor the frequency. (default) HOLD : Push [SQL] momentarily to monitor the frequency and push momentarily again to cancel it.

MONITOR

U.S.A./KOREAN versions only The auto repeater function automatically turns ON or OFF the duplex operation and tone encoder. The offset and repeater tone is not changed by the auto repeater function. Reset these frequencies, if necessary. U.S.A. version: OFF : The auto repeater function is turned OFF. RPT1 : Activates for duplex only. (default) RPT2 : Activates for duplex and tone.
AUTO REPEATER AUTO REPEATER

D Auto repeater

PUSH HOLD

OFF r RPT1 RPT2

OFF RPT1 r RPT2
D Dial speed acceleration
The dial speed acceleration automatically speeds up the tuning dial speed when rotating [DIAL] rapidly. OFF : The dial speed acceleration is turned OFF. ON : The dial speed acceleration is tuned ON. (default)

DIAL SPEED-UP

Korean version: OFF : Deactivates the function. ON : Activates duplex and tone. (default)

OFF r ON

MENU SCREEN OPERATION D Auto power ON
Auto power ON function turns the transceiver power ON automatically after passing the set time period from power OFF. Select the desired time period within 30 minutes to 24 hours in 30 minutes steps and OFF. (default: OFF)
AUTO POWER ON AUTO POWER ON

D Microphone simple mode

Microphone simple mode is used to change the function assignments for keys on the optional HM-75A REMOTE CONTROL SPEAKER-MICROPHONE. (pgs. 122, 124) SIMPLE NORM-1 (default) NORM-2

MIC SIMPLE MODE

SIMPLE NORM-1 NORM-2

D Key lock Type

While the key lock function is ON, [PWR], [PTT], [SQL], [VOL] and [MENU](Lock function only) can still be accessed. Accessible keys can be set to 1 of 4 groups. NORMAL : [PWR], [PTT], [SQL], [VOL] and [MENU] (Lock function only) accessible. (default) NO SQL : [PWR], [PTT], [SQL], and [MENU] (Lock function only) are accessible. NO VOL : [PWR], [PTT], [VOL], and [MENU] (Lock function only) are accessible. ALL : [PWR], [PTT] and [MENU] (Lock function only) are accessible.

Rotating [DIAL] while pushing and holding [TONE](7) also selects the tone functions.
Tone scan for tone Tone scan for DTCS squelch. [DIAL]
e Push and hold [T.SCAN](9) for 1 sec. to start the tone scan.
To change the scanning direction, rotate [DIAL].

squelch/ repeater tone.

+DUP DTCS FM PRIO WX EMR +DUP DTCS DV PRIO WX EMR
r When the tone frequency or DTCS code is decoded, the set mode contents are programmed with the frequency or code.
The tone scan pauses for the set period in scan pause timer (p. 96) when a tone frequency or DTCS code is detected. The decoded tone frequency is used for the repeater tone frequency when the tone squelch is OFF. The decoded tone frequency is used for the tone squelch frequency (CTCSS TONE) when the tone squelch is ON. The decoded DTCS code is used for the DTCS code when the DTCS squelch is ON.
The decimal point is blinking while tone scanning.
t Push [VFO] to stop the scan.
If the scan is cancelled before the transceiver detects the tone or code, the set mode contents are not changed. The detected tone is temporary operation only. The stored tone setting in memory or call channel wont be changed.

I Beep tones

You can select to have conrmation beeps sound at the push of a switch. The output level can be adjusted within 39 levels with BEEP LEVEL in sounds set mode. (p. 102) MENU screen SOUNDS BEEP LEVEL

I Key lock effect

D Lock function
The lock function prevents accidental frequency changes and accidental function access. Push [MENU/LOCK] for 1 sec. to toggle the lock function ON and OFF.
[PWR], [VOL], [SQL] and [PTT] can still be accessed while the lock function is ON. (default)
You can select silent operation by turning beep tones OFF with KEY-TOUCH BEEP in sounds set mode. (p. 102) MENU screen SOUNDS KEY-TOUCH BEEP
I Dial speed acceleration
The dial speed acceleration automatically speeds up the tuning dial speed when rotating [DIAL] rapidly. This function can be turned ON and OFF with DIAL SPEED in set mode. (p. 89) MENU screen SET MODE DIAL SPEED

Circuit ON Circuit OFF

150 msec. 60 sec. 60 sec.

I Auto power OFF

The transceiver can be set to automatically turn OFF after a specied period with a beep when no switch is pushed. 120 min., 90 min., 60 min., 30 min. and OFF can be specified. The specified period is retained even when the transceiver is turned OFF by the auto power-off function. To cancel the function, select OFF in the auto power-off item in set mode. This can be selected with AP OFF in set mode. (p. 88) MENU screen SET MODE AP OFF

I Time-out timer

To prevent accidental prolonged transmission, etc., the transceiver has a time-out timer. This timer cuts a transmission OFF after 1, 3, 5 or 10 min. of continuous transmission. This timer can be cancelled (default). Approx. 10 sec. before the time-out timer is activated, the transceiver emits a beep tone as a warning. This can be selected with TOT in set mode. (p. 91) MENU screen SET MODE TOT

I Auto power ON

The transceiver can be set to automatically turn ON after a specied period. The timer can be selected within 30 min. to 24 hrs. in 30 min. steps. This can be selected with AP ON in set mode. (p. 90) MENU screen SET MODE AP ON

I PTT lock

To prevent accidental transmission, etc., the transceiver has a PTT lock function. This can be selected with PTT LOCK in set mode. (p. 91) MENU screen SET MODE PTT LOCK
When operating with battery pack or case and the battery is exhausted, auto power-on does not function. A slight current still ows in the circuits during standby condition of the auto power-on function. 116

I Cloning function

The IC-91A/91AD has transceiver-to-transceiver data cloning capability. This function is useful when you want to copy all of the programmed contents from one IC-91A/91AD to another. An optional OPC-474 CLONING CABLE is required. q Turn the transceivers power OFF, then connect an optional OPC-474 between both [SP] jacks. w While pushing [MR] and [MENU/LOCK], push and hold [PWR] for 1 sec. to enter cloning mode.

CLONE M appears.

The optional RS-91 REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE is also available to clone/edit contents with a PC (for Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000XP) and using ICF format les.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries.

I [MIC/SP] jacks

To connect external equipment such as speaker, microphone, TNC, etc. refer to the diagram below.
the [SP] jack SP (AF OUT) INTERNAL SP CLONE SP GND 3.5 (d) mm plug SP SP GND Impedance 8

e Push [PTT] on the master transceiver.
CLONE OUT M appears and the bar meter shows that cloning is taking place. After the cloning is completed, the display returns to CLONE M.

External speaker

r Push and hold [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn power OFF.
OPC-474 to the [SP] jack to the [SP] jack

MIC 3.0 V MIC GND 330

the [MIC] jack

2.5 (d) mm plug 33 k

External microphone
MIC MIC GND Impedance 2 k

3.3 V (See below)

The center terminal of [MIC] outputs 3.3 V DC via 330 resistor.

I Resetting

The function display may occasionally display erroneous information (e.g. when rst applying power). This may be caused externally by static electricity or by other factors. If this problem occurs, turn power OFF. After waiting a few seconds, turn power ON again. If the problem persists, perform either or both procedures below.

D All reset

q Push and hold [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn power OFF. w While pushing and holding [VFO], [MR] and [BAND], then turn power ON to reset the CPU.
ALL RESET appears when resetting the CPU (See the illustration below).

D Partial reset

q Push and hold [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn power OFF. w While pushing and holding [VFO], then turn power ON to partially reset the transceiver. [NOTE]: No message appears on the display after the partial reset is done.

All reset

Reset the CPU before operating the transceiver for the rst time, or if the internal CPU malfunctions, to clear and return all programmed contents to their default settings.

ALL RESET

Partial reset
If you want to initialize the operating conditions (VFO frequency, VFO settings, set mode contents) without clearing the memory contents, a partial reset function is available for the transceiver.
CAUTION: Resetting the CPU returns all programmed contents to their default settings.

TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

No power comes ON.

pgs. 1, 1012 p. 12 p. 20 p. 110
If your transceiver seems to be malfunctioning, please check the following points before sending it to a service center.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

The batteries are exhausted. The battery polarity is reversed.

SOLUTION

Replace the batteries or charge the battery pack. Check the battery polarity.
Rotate [VOL] to suitable level. No sound comes from the Volume level is too low. Different tone is selected with tone/DTCS Check the tone using tone/DTCS scan. speaker. squelch.
Replace the batteries or charge the battery pack. pgs. 1, 1012 Transmitting is impossible. The batteries are exhausted. A frequency outside of the 144/440 MHz Reset the frequency within 144/440 MHz amateur p. 24 bands. amateur bands is set. No contact possible with Different tone is selected with tone/DTCS Check the tone/DTCS using tone scan. squelch. another station. Frequency can not be set. The lock function is activated. Memory mode or call channel is selected. p. 112

Available

Selectable
for the IC-91AD or when UT-121 is installed into the IC-91A. depending on the operating frequency band.

D Receiver

Receive system : FM/AM Double-conversion superheterodyne WFM Triple-conversion superheterodyne Intermediate frequencies : 1st A band 61.65 MHz/59.25 MHz (WFM) B band 46.35 MHz 2nd 450 kHz/13.35 MHz (WFM) 3rd 1.95 MHz (WFM only) Sensitivity (except spurious points): AM (1 kHz/30% Mod.; 10 dB S/N) 0.4954.995 MHz 1.3 V typ. 5.00029.995 MHz 0.56 V typ. 118.000137.000 MHz 0.5 V typ. 222.000246.995 MHz 0.79 V typ. 247.000329.995 MHz 1 V typ. FM (1 kHz/3.5 kHz Dev.; 12 dB SINAD) VHF (Amateur band only) 0.14 V typ. UHF (Amateur band only) 0.16 V typ. 1.62529.995 MHz 0.4 V typ. 30.000117.995 MHz 0.25 V typ. 118.000173.995 MHz 0.18 V typ. 174.000349.995 MHz 0.32 V typ. 350.000469.995 MHz 0.22 V typ. 470.000599.995 MHz 0.32 V typ. 600.000999.990 MHz 0.56 V typ. WFM (1 kHz/52.5 kHz Dev.; 12 dB SINAD) 76.000108.000 MHz 1 V typ. 175.000221.995 MHz 1.8 V typ. 470.000770.000 MHz 2.5 V typ. DV (digital/PN9 4.8 kbps; BER 1%) Amateur bands 0.22 V typ. Selectivity FM (Wide), AM FM (Narrow), DV WFM : More than 50 dB More than 45 dB More than 300 kHz/3 dB Less than 700 kHz/20 dB Spurious and image rejection ratio: VHF More than 60 dB UHF More than 50 dB
(Intermediate freq.; More than 60 dB)

Audio output power

(at 7.4 V DC)

Ext. speaker connector

: More than 200 mW at 10% distortion with an 8 load : 3-conductor 3.5(d) mm; (18)/8
for the IC-91AD or when UT-121 is installed into the IC-91A.

OPTIONS

CP-12L CIGARETTE LIGHTER CABLE WITH NOISE FILTER CP-19R CIGARETTE LIGHTER CABLE WITH DC-DC CONVERTER Allows you to operate the transceiver through a 12 V cigarette lighter socket, and also charge the attached battery pack (during stand-by only) regularly. CP-19R: A built-in DC-DC converter outputs 11 V DC. OPC-254L DC POWER CABLE For operation and charging via an external power supply. OPC-474 CLONING CABLE Used for handheld-to-handheld cloning. OPC-1529R DATA COMMUNICATION CABLE Allows you to GPS operation in DV mode operation. SP-13 EARPHONE Provides clear receive audio in noisy environments. LC-163 CARRYING CASE Helps protect the transceiver from scratches, etc. AD-92SMA ANTENNA CONNECTOR ADAPTER Allows you to connect an external antenna with a BNC connector.
UT-121 DIGITAL UNIT Provides DV mode operation for IC-91A. Already installed into the IC-91AD. RS-91 REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE Allows you to operate the transceiver, as well as the easy memory management from the connected PC for Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP with an RS-232C (COM) port. In addition, low-speed data communication is enabled with this software for DV mode operation. A data communication cable, OPC-1529R, is supplied with the software. BC-139 DESKTOP CHARGER Rapidly charges BP-217 Li-ion battery pack in 2.5 hrs. BP-216 BATTERY CASE Battery case for R6 (AA) 2 alkaline batteries. BP-217 LI-ION BATTERY PACK 7.4 V/1300 mAh Lithium Ion battery pack. Battery life: 5 hrs.

ICOM IC-91A Dual Band Handheld Transceiver
Reviewed by Dan Henderson, N1ND ARRL Regulatory Information Specialist The IC-91 comes in two flavors. The model reviewed is the IC-91A, a traditional analog dual band handheld FM transceiver with 5 W of power on transmit, a wideband receiver and a host of other features. ICOM also offers the IC-91AD, which incorporates D-STAR digital voice and data features. An IC-91A can be upgraded to a D-STAR capable AD version with the optional UT-121 digital unit. See the June 2005 Product Review column for more information on the D-STAR system.3 hour for the D-STAR version. Those figures are based on 10% high power transmit, 10% receive and 80% standby and will vary with actual operating habits.

Key Measurements

0.14 0.12 0.1

SINAD 0.25

Receiver Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD, V)

65@10 MHz

The N1ND Reality Test
As noted in previous reviews, my very first reality test for a new radio is how quickly can I get on the air with it and have some fun? Options and features are nice, but the bottom line for any radio is the ease with which you can use it to communicate. The IC-91A has the usual assortment of function keys that allow you to program and operate the radio. Theres a dual function knob on top of the unit and PTT and squelch buttons on the left side. Even for basic operation you will want to spend some time familiarizing yourself with the most commonly used buttons and combinations. After spending a couple of minutes reviewing the manual, I powered up the radio and set out to access a local repeater. First, I selected 144 MHz as my active VFO by pushing the MAIN button located directly beneath the PWR button until the main display showed the desired band. Then I used the larger dial on top of the radio, turning it until the desired frequency was displayed. A quick adjustment of the VOL control (a real knob that turns instead of up and down push buttons) and I was ready to give the IC-91A what my Elmer jokingly referred to as the smoke test. I keyed the mike, gave my call sign and waited for a reply. As you would hope, I got a quick response and enjoyed a brief chat with a friend who gave the audio good marks. After the initial operation on 2 meters, I tried 70 cm with similar results. I was pleased with the received audio of the radio. The quality of the audio was solid very acceptable for a small speaker built into a handheld. I was struck by how comfortable the IC-91A felt to operate. Some of the handhelds on the market have an almost toodelicate feel, almost like razor-thin cell phones. Others really seem bulky in my hand, similar to the handhelds of decades ago. This radio fit nicely into my hand
3W. Silver, D-STAR Digital Voice and Data An

I3 Rx 60

73@10 MHz 90
Receiver 3rd-Order Dynamic Range (dB)

56@20 kHz

I3 Rx 40

55@20 kHz 70

Charge it Up
Like most modern handhelds, the IC91A uses a compact, high capacity lithiumion battery pack. A full charge for the 7.4 V, 1300 mAh battery pack takes about 6 hours with the included BC-167A/D wall charger. If you want something quicker, try the optional BC-139 drop-in charger for a full charge in about 2.5 hours. The battery also charges whenever the radio is connected to a 10 to 16 V dc source, and ICOM offers several optional cigarette lighter adapters and dc power supply cables. The IC-91A operates at 5 W on high power and 0.5 W on low power and incorporates several features to conserve battery life. Radio specs call for approximately 5 hours of battery life during normal analog operation on VHF and 4.5 hours on UHF. Subtract about half an

ChRej 50

Adjacent Channel Rejection (dB)

IF Rejection (dB)

101 110

Img 60

Image Rejection (dB)

Snd 100 245

Audio Output (mW)

T-R 250

Tx-Rx Turnaround Time (ms)

Off Scale

70 cm 2M

Bottom Line

The ICOM IC-91A handheld transceiver packs good performance, ease of operation, wide receive coverage and optional digital voice in a convenient package. December 2006 59
Overview, Product Review, QST, Jun 2005, pp 67-69. This column also includes testing of the UT-118 digital voice module with an ICOM 2 meter handheld. QST Product Reviews are available on the Web at www.arrl.org/members-only/prodrev/.
without an awkward feeling. With the belt clip attached, its light weight didnt leave me needing to hitch up my pants frequently. The IC-91A passed the initial test with flying colors and it was time to move on to examining the more detailed operations of the radio.
Table 2 ICOM IC-91A, serial number 2501359 Manufacturers Specifications
Frequency coverage: Receive, 0.5-999 MHz (cell blocked), transmit, 144-148, 420-450 MHz. Modes: FM, AM (receive only), WFM (receive only), DV (with optional module). Power requirements: 10-16 V dc; receive, 0.34 A; transmit, 2.2 A (max, high power).

Measured in the ARRL Lab

Receive and transmit, as specified. As specified. Receive (max vol, no signal), 0.23 A, 0.34 A when charging the battery; transmit, 2.0 A (13.8 V dc and batt).

Digging Deeper

Most modern handhelds in a particular category offer nearly identical bells and whistles. That said, the ease of selecting and using the particular features important to the user becomes a key component in choosing the right radio. One thing I look for is the ease with which I can navigate not only the radio, but also the instruction manual. ICOM does an excellent job of presenting the information in its 124 page manual, along with clear illustrations and good step-by-step instructions. The only addition I would make is an index. A PDF version of the manual is available for free download from www.icomamerica. com and is worth a look to understand all that this radio offers. ICOM has included a useful and intuitive on-screen programming system for accessing the special features in the IC-91A. It takes more effort to explain the process than it does to actually select and set up the features from the MENU screen. DTMF and tone squelch (CTCSS/ DTCS), once considered an option in VHF/ UHF FM transceivers, are now the norm. More and more repeaters require a tone for access to reduce interference and to allow frequency coordinators to accommodate more repeaters in an already tightly packed spectrum. The IC-91A makes programming these subaudible tones easy using the onscreen MENU function. You neednt worry about having enough channels for memory storage, as you have some 1300 available. Memory channels can be sorted into banks for ease of use. In each memory channel, you can store everything needed to use a specific repeater frequency, mode, duplex direction and offset, any required subaudible tones for encoding or squelch, assignment to a specific memory bank for scanning and even a memory name. Another fairly standard feature is the

Receiver

AM sensitivity: 10 dB S/N, 0.5-5 MHz, 1.3 V, 5-30 MHz, 0.56 V, 118-137 MHz, 0.5 V, 222-247 MHz, 0.79 V, 247-330 MHz, 1.0 V. FM sensitivity: 12 dB SINAD, 1.6-30 MHz, 0.4 V, 30-118 MHz, 0.25 V, 118-174 MHz, 0.18 V, 174-350, 470-600 MHz, 0.32 V, 350-470 MHz, 0.22 V, 600-999 MHz, 0.56 V; WFM, 76-108 MHz, 1 V, 175-222 MHz, 1.8 V; 470-770 MHz, 2.5 V. FM two-tone, third-order IMD dynamic range: Not specified. FM two-tone, second-order IMD dynamic range: Not specified. FM adjacent-channel rejection: Not specified. Spurious response: VHF, 60 dB; UHF, 50 dB. Squelch sensitivity: Not specified. Audio output: 200 mW at 10% THD into 8 W.

Receiver Dynamic Testing

10 dB S+N/N, 1-kHz tone, 30% mod: 1 MHz, 0.42 V; 3.9 MHz, 0.41 V; 14 MHz, 0.43 V; 53 MHz, 0.45 V; 120 MHz: 0.47 V; 146 MHz, 0.33 V; 440 MHz, 0.43 V. For 12 dB SINAD, 29 MHz, 0.16 V; 52 MHz, 0.18 V; 146 MHz, 0.12 V; 222 MHz, 0.19 V; 440 MHz, 0.14 V; 902 MHz, 0.23 V; WFM, 100 MHz, 0.85 V. 20 kHz offset: 29 MHz, 54 dB; 52 MHz, 57 dB*; 146 and 222 MHz, 55 dB; 440 MHz, 56 dB; 902 MHz, 52 dB*. 10 MHz offset: 146 MHz, 73 dB; 440 MHz, 65 dB. 146 MHz, 67 dB. 20 kHz offset: 29 MHz, 60 dB; 52 MHz, 57 dB; 146 MHz, 59 dB; 222 MHz, 61 dB; 440 MHz, 59 dB; 902 MHz, 52 dB. IF rejection, 52 MHz, 34 dB; 146 MHz, 101 dB; 440 MHz, 119 dB; 902 MHz, 100 dB. Image rejection, 52 MHz, 86 dB; 146 MHz, 95 dB; 440 MHz, 94 dB; 902 MHz, 6 dB. At threshold, VHF, 0.35 V; UHF, 0.4 V. 245 mW at 10% THD into 8 W.

Transmitter

Power output: VHF and UHF, 5.0 W high; 0.5 W low. Spurious signal and harmonic suppression: 60 dB. Transmit-receive turnaround time (PTT release to 50% of full audio output): Not specified. Receive-transmit turnaround time (tx delay): Not specified.
Transmitter Dynamic Testing
With battery pack, VHF, 5.1 / 0.6 W; UHF, 4.5 / 0.5 W; with 13.8 V dc: VHF, 5.0 / 0.5 W; UHF, 5.2 / 0.4 W. VHF, 67 dB; UHF, 72 dB. Meets FCC requirements. Squelch on, S9 signal, VHF and UHF, 194 ms. VHF, 123 ms; UHF, 92 ms.
Size (height, width, depth): 4.1 2.3 1.3 inches; weight, 10.6 ounces. *Measurement was noise limited. Typical retail price: IC-91A, $369; IC-91AD, $525, UT-121, UT-121, $199.

60 December 2006

ability to transfer (clone) settings and memories from one radio to another. With the IC-91A this is easily accomplished using the optional OPC-474 cloning cable. ICOMs optional RS-91 Windows software handles memory management and remote transceiver operation. It also provides for low-speed data communication if your radio includes the digital module.
the DUAL WATCH function enabled, you can monitor two frequencies simultaneously (they can be on different bands). The IC-91A makes it simple to access the 10 preprogrammed NOAA weather channels. Its also easy to set up the radio to monitor the weather channel in the background and notify you when NOAA issues a weather alert.

Digital Capable

While the review radio did not include the optional UT-121 digital module, I did have an opportunity see and briefly use an IC-91AD with digital capability. The module allows the radio to use digital voice and data communication through D-STAR system repeaters being marketed by ICOM. Although D-STAR repeaters are growing in popularity in many parts of the country, Im not aware of any 2 meter or 70 cm D-STAR repeater systems in central Connecticut and didnt have an opportunity to fully explore the digital additions to the radio. In addition to digital voice, the UT-121
An Amateur Band Receiver Plus.
The IC-91A receiver has two bands. With the A band you can transmit on the 2 meter and 70 cm amateur bands. Receive range is really wide. You can listen to FM on the ham bands through 902 MHz, AM shortwave broadcasts, AM and FM broadcast bands, VHF aircraft band and NOAA weather channels, plus the usual VHF/UHF services. As shown in Table 2, receiver sensitivity is good across most of the range. The B band is more for ham radio, with transmit coverage on 2 meters and 70 cm and receive coverage from 118 to 174 and 350 to 470 MHz. With

adds the capability to interface with a GPS receiver so position data can be transmitted and received. It adds a digital recorder that can capture 30 seconds of receive audio. With the digital recorder, you can preprogram automatic responses for your radio, such as your call sign and information messages. You can also use the UT-121 module to do the equivalent of low-speed text messaging using the D-STAR protocols.

Thumbs Up

I found the ICOM IC-91A to be an exceptional dual band Amateur Radio handheld. It is relatively intuitive to program and use. It will meet most needs of the newcomer or experienced amateur looking for reliable local communications on 2 meters and 70 cm, and the wide receiver coverage allows you to listen to a variety of bands and services. Manufacturer: ICOM America, 2380 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004, tel 425-454-8155; www.icomamerica.com.

December 2006 61