Icom IC-V86 Portable Handheld VHF Amateur Radio Transceiver (144–148 MHz)
The Icom IC-V86 is an amateur radio transceiver (FCC Part 97). Transmit operation in the USA requires a valid Amateur Radio License.
The IC-V86 is a portable handheld VHF amateur transceiver covering the 2-meter band — 144–148 MHz TX and 136–174 MHz RX. It puts out 7W at EX Hi power and 1500 mW of audio from a 300g body rated IP54 and MIL-STD-810G. The USA version includes NOAA weather channels and Auto Repeater function for local 2m repeater access.
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Why Professionals Choose the Icom IC-V86
The IC-V86 is a portable handheld transceiver for 2-meter amateur operation — 58.6×112×30.5 mm with BP-298, weight 300g. It operates under FCC Part 97 and targets SOTA/POTA activators, local repeater users, APRS operators, and field emergency comms groups working the 2m band.
RF output reaches 7W (EX Hi) on 144–148 MHz — above the 5W standard for most handhelds at this price point. Four power levels (7.0/5.5/2.5/0.5W) let operators balance range against battery draw. Modulation is F3E FM (wide and narrow), with ±5.0kHz/±2.5kHz deviation. The 207-channel memory (200 memory + 1 call + 6 scan edges) handles busy 2m repeater environments without rekeying frequencies manually.
The radio is IP54 rated and meets MIL-STD-810G — tested for rain, temperature shock, humidity, salt fog, dust, vibration, and shock — both confirmed in the Icom America datasheet. The BNC antenna connector accepts standard 2m aftermarket antennas without adapters, a practical advantage in the field.
Receiver sensitivity is –124 dBm (typical) with 75dB selectivity (wide). Internal speaker audio is 1500 mW at 8Ω — audible on a trail or a noisy SOTA summit. The USA version adds NOAA weather alert channels and Auto Repeater offset function.
The BP-298 Li-Ion 2250mAh battery delivers up to 19 hours (EX Hi, 5:5:90, Power Save P-S.16). Built-in CTCSS/DTCS encoder-decoder and integrated VOX are standard. Programming is available from the keypad or via CS-V86 software and OPC-478UC cable.
Specification
General
| Frequency Range | TX: 144–148 MHz / RX: 136–174 MHz | |
| Channel Capacity | 207 (200 memory, 1 call, 6 scan edges) | |
| Type of Emissions | F2D, F3E (FM, FM-N) | |
| Power Supply | 7.5V DC | |
| Battery (supplied) | BP-298 Li-Ion 2250mAh | |
| Battery Life | Up to 19h (EX Hi, 5:5:90, Power Save P–S.16, BP-298) | |
| Frequency Stability | ±2.5ppm (–20°C to +60°C) | |
| Operating Temperature | –20°C to +60°C (–4°F to +140°F) | |
| Antenna Impedance | 50Ω | |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 58.6 × 112 × 30.5 mm / 2.3 × 4.4 × 1.2 in (with BP-298) | |
| Weight | 300g / 10.6 oz (with BP-298 and FA-B57V antenna) | |
Transmitter
| RF Power Output (EX Hi/Hi/Mid/Low) | 7.0 / 5.5 / 2.5 / 0.5 W |
| Maximum Frequency Deviation | ±5.0 kHz (Wide) / ±2.5 kHz (Narrow) |
Receiver
| Sensitivity | –124 dBm typical | |
| Squelch Sensitivity | –126 dBm typical | |
| Selectivity (Wide/Narrow) | 75 dB typical / 70 dB typical | |
| Intermodulation | 65 dB typical | |
| External Speaker Connector | 3-conductor 3.5mm (d) / 8Ω |
Compliance
| FCC Certification | FCC Part 97 (Amateur Radio) |
| IP Rating | IP54 (Dust-protection, Water Resistance) |
| Military Standard | MIL-STD-810G — Low Temp, Temp Shock, Solar Radiation, Rain, Humidity, Salt Fog, Dust, Vibration, Shock |
| Also Meets Equivalent | MIL-STD-810-C, -D, -E, -F |
FCC Licensing and Compliance Support
The IC-V86 is an amateur radio transceiver certified under FCC Part 97. Transmitting on amateur radio frequencies in the United States requires a valid Amateur Radio License issued by the FCC.
Three license classes are available: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra. Technician licensees have full transmit privileges on the 2-meter band (144–148 MHz) — the IC-V86's primary operating range. No HF access is available with a Technician license, but 2m and 70cm operation is fully unrestricted.
AXDIGITAL supplies the IC-V86 as an authorized Icom dealer. Licensing resources and exam preparation materials are available through the ARRL at arrl.org. Contact our team to confirm equipment availability and options for your amateur radio application.
FAQ
Does the Icom IC-V86 require a license to transmit in the USA?
Yes. The IC-V86 operates under FCC Part 97 (Amateur Radio). A valid Amateur Radio License — Technician class or higher - is required to transmit. Technician licensees have full 2-meter (144–148 MHz) transmit privileges. Exam resources are available through the ARRL at arrl.org. Receiving only does not require a license.
What battery is included, and how long does it last?
The IC-V86 ships with the BP-298 Li-Ion 2250mAh battery pack and BC-240 desktop charger. Battery life reaches up to 19 hours at EX Hi (7W) with a 5:5:90 TX:RX:standby duty cycle and Power Save set to P-S.16. Optional packs BP-264 (Ni-MH), BP-299 (Li-Ion), and BP-263 (AA battery case) are available separately.
Does the IC-V86 support APRS or digital modes?
The IC-V86 is an analog FM transceiver — it does not have a built-in TNC or APRS firmware. APRS operation on 144.390 MHz (USA) is possible with an external TNC connected via the 3.5mm speaker/mic jacks. For integrated APRS and digital modes, consider the Icom IC-705, which supports D-STAR and connects to external data devices.
