Icom IC-M85 Portable Handheld Marine & Land Mobile VHF Transceiver (156–174 MHz)
The IC-M85 is a compact dual-mode handheld covering VHF marine channels (156–163 MHz) and land mobile frequencies (136–174 MHz) in a single radio. As of 2021, Icom markets the IC-M85 as the smallest and lightest commercial-grade marine/land mobile hybrid available. It weighs 281g with the BP-294 battery.
The radio is IP67 rated and MIL-STD-810G certified. It includes a built-in voice scrambler and three automated emergency functions. Suited for seaport operations, harbor staff, and vessels requiring simultaneous marine and land channel access.
The IC-M85 is a portable handheld dual-mode radio covering VHF marine channels (156–163 MHz) and land mobile frequencies (136–174 MHz) in a single compact unit. It weighs 281 g with the BP-294 battery — the smallest and lightest commercial-grade marine/land mobile hybrid handheld available as of 2021 per Icom. IP67 rated, MIL-STD-810G certified, with built-in voice scrambler and three automated emergency functions. Suited for seaport operations, harbor staff, and vessels requiring both marine and land channel access.
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Why Professionals Choose the Icom IC-M85
Marine TX covers 156.025–157.425 MHz (FM, 16K0G3E); land mobile TX covers 136–174 MHz (FM, 16K0F3E/11K0F3E). Marine output: 5W / 3W / 1W. Land mobile output (USA): 2W / 1W. Channel spacing: 25 kHz (marine), 25 kHz / 12.5 kHz (land mobile). Up to 100 programmable land mobile channels with CTCSS and DTCS per channel. Channel group switching (marine ↔ land mobile) assigned to the top-panel multi-function button.
IP67 — dust-tight and waterproof to 1 m / 30 min, confirmed in official Icom datasheet. MIL-STD-810G certified (12 test procedures including salt fog, vibration, shock, immersion). AquaQuake function clears water from the speaker after submersion.
Built-in voice scrambler: 32-code, compatible with UT-112 unit. Provides channel-level privacy between IC-M85 units without external hardware. Three emergency functions: MOB Alarm, Man Down, and Lone Worker — each triggers an automated alarm when activated.
Receiver sensitivity: 0.25 µV at 12 dB SINAD. Adjacent channel selectivity: 70 dB (marine/wide land mobile). Audio output: 700 mW (internal and external speaker, at 10% distortion). Internal VOX for hands-free operation.
BP-294 battery (7.2V) delivers 21 hours at 5:5:90 duty cycle. Slim BP-290 option reduces weight to 246 g. Dimensions with BP-294: 56 × 92 × 36.2 mm.
Specification
General
| Parameter | Marine Channels | Land Mobile Channels |
| Frequency TX | 156.025–157.425 MHz | 136.000–174.000 MHz |
| Frequency RX | 156.050–163.275 MHz | 136.000–174.000 MHz |
| Usable Channels | USA, INT, CAN, WX | 100 programmable channels |
| Type of Emission | 16K0G3E (FM) | 16K0F3E / 11K0F3E (FM) |
| Channel Spacing | 25 kHz | 25 kHz / 12.5 kHz |
| Power Supply | 7.2V DC nominal | 7.2V DC nominal |
| Current Drain TX | 1.5A (at 5W) | 0.9A at 2W (USA) / 1.5A at 5W (EXP) |
| Current Drain RX (max. audio) | 0.45A | 0.45A |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω | 50Ω |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +60°C | −30°C to +60°C |
| Dimensions (W×H×D, no projections) | 56 × 92 × 36.2 mm / 2.2 × 3.6 × 1.4 in (BP-294) | |
| Dimensions with BP-290 | 56 × 92 × 29 mm / 2.2 × 3.6 × 1.1 in | |
| Weight (with BP-294, FA-SC58V, MBB-3) | 281 g / 9.9 oz | |
| Weight (with BP-290, FA-SC58V, MBB-3) | 246 g / 8.7 oz | |
Transmitter
| Parameter | Marine | Land Mobile (USA) |
| RF Power Output | 5W / 3W / 1W | 2W / 1W |
| Max. Frequency Deviation | ±5.0 kHz | ±5.0 kHz (Wide) / ±2.5 kHz (Narrow) |
| Frequency Stability | ±5.0 ppm | ±5.0 ppm |
| Spurious Emissions | −70 dBc typical | −70 dBc typical |
| FM Hum and Noise | 40 dB | 40 dB (Wide) / 34 dB (Narrow) |
| Audio Harmonic Distortion | 10% at 60% deviatio | 10% at 60% deviatio |
| Modulation Limiting | 60–100% of max. deviation | 60–100% of max. deviation |
Receiver
| Parameter | Marine | Land Mobile (USA) |
| Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD) | 0.25 µV typical | 0.25 µV typical |
| Adjacent Channel Selectivity | 70 dB typical | 70 dB (Wide) / 55 dB (Narrow) |
| Spurious Response | 70 dB typical | 70 dB typical |
| Intermodulation | 70 dB typical | 70 dB typical |
| Audio Output — Internal SP | 700 mW typical (10% distortion, 12Ω) | 700 mW typical |
| Audio Output — External SP | 700 mW typical (10% distortion, 8Ω) | 700 mW typical |
Compliance
| FCC Certification (Marine) | Part 80 |
| FCC Certification (Land Mobile) | Part 90 |
| IP Rating | IP67 (dust-tight and waterproof to 1 m / 30 min — confirmed in official Icom datasheet) |
| MIL-STD | MIL-STD-810G (12 procedures incl. salt fog, shock, vibration, immersion) |
| DSC / No DSC | voice communication only |
| Measurements Standard | TIA/EIA-603 |
FCC Licensing and Compliance Support
The IC-M85 operates across two licensed frequency bands. Marine VHF operation (156–163 MHz) requires an FCC Ship Station License under Part 80. Land mobile operation (136–174 MHz) requires an FCC Part 90 Business Radio License. Both licenses apply depending on how the radio is deployed.
As an authorized Icom dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers in determining the correct licensing path for dual-mode radio deployments. For port facilities, harbor operations, and seaport ground crews using both marine and land channels, we provide guidance on frequency coordination and multi-license compliance.
The IC-M85 is FCC Part 80 and Part 90 certified. It does not include DSC — MMSI registration is not required. Contact us to discuss licensing requirements for your vessel or facility.
FAQ
Can the IC-M85 transmit on both marine VHF and land mobile frequencies?
Yes. The IC-M85 covers marine channels (TX 156.025–157.425 MHz) and land mobile channels (136–174 MHz). Switching between channel groups is done via the top-panel multi-function button. Land mobile channels require separate FCC Part 90 licensing. Marine channels require FCC Part 80. AXDIGITAL can advise on the licensing requirements for both.
What emergency functions does the IC-M85 have?
Three: MOB Alarm (Man Overboard — alerts other IC-M85 units), Man Down (activates if the radio tilts beyond a set angle), and Lone Worker (triggers if no activity is detected within a set period). All three generate an automated alarm. Function activation is programmable — contact our team for configuration guidance.
What is the waterproof rating and how does it compare to IPX8?
The IC-M85 is rated IP67 — dust-tight and waterproof to 1 m for 30 minutes, confirmed in the official Icom datasheet. IPX8 (as on the IC-M73) covers deeper submersion (1.5 m). For typical port and vessel deck use, IP67 provides sufficient water protection. AquaQuake clears water from the speaker after immersion.
