INSTRUCTION MANUAL HF TRANSCEIVER i78 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
IMPORTANT READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAREFULLY before attempting to operate the transceiver. EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS WORD DEFINITION Personal injury, fire hazard or electric R WARNING shock may occur. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This CAUTION manual contains important safety and operating instructions for the IC-78. NOTE Equipment damage may occur. Inconvenience only. No risk of per of personal injury, fire or electric shock.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT .............................................................. i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ........................................... i PRECAUTIONS ........................................................ i 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................... 1 SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ..................................... 1 2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ................................... 2 – 7 ■ Front panel ....................................................... 2 ■ Function display .....
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front panel @1 Function Display Speaker @0 !9 !7 !8 !6 !5 q PWR !4 !3 !2 w e r t y u q POWER SWITCH [PWR] ➥ Push momentarily to turn power ON. • Turn the optional DC power supply ON in advance. ➥ Push for 1 sec. to turn power OFF. ➥ While pushing and holding [SET], push [PWR] to enter the initial set mode. (p. 28) w MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [MIC] Accepts supplied or optional microphone. • See p. 45 for appropriate microphones. • See p.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 2 !3 ATTENUATOR SWITCH [ATT] (p. 19) Push to turn the 20 dB attenuator function ON and OFF. @0 CALL SWITCH [CALL] ➥ Push to select call channel. • Push again to return to previous condition. !4 TUNER SWITCH [TUNER] (p. 18) ➥ Push to turn the antenna tuner function ON and OFF. ➥ Push for 1 sec. to manually tune the tuner. • An optional antenna tuner must be connected. • When the tuner cannot tune the antenna, the tuning circuit is bypassed automatically after 20 sec.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display !6 !5 !4 q w e r t y !3 !2 !1 !0 u q LOCK INDICATOR (p. 14) Appears when the dial lock function is in use. w RECEIVE INDICATOR Appears while receiving a signal or when the squelch is open. e TUNE INDICATOR ➥ Appears or disappears when the connected automatic tuner is tuned completely, depending on connected antenna tuner type. ➥ Flashes while tuning. r TRANSMIT INDICATOR ➥ Appears while transmitting. ➥ Flashes while transmit frequency is indicated.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 2 ■ Rear panel q !0 w o i q ANTENNA TERMINAL [ANT] (p. 9) Connects a 50 Ω antenna with a PL-259 connector and a 50 Ω coaxial cable. w DC POWER SOCKET [DC 13.8V] (p. 10) Accepts 13.8 V DC through the supplied DC power cable. u e y t r u ELECTRONIC KEYER JACK [KEY] Accepts a paddle to activate the internal electronic keyer. • Selection between the internal electronic keyer and straight key operation can be made in initial set mode.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION D ACC SOCKET INFORMATION • ACC socket ACC 13 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 Rear panel view PIN # NAME DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS 1 8V Regulated 8 V output. Output voltage : 8 V ±0.3 V Output current : Less than 10 mA 2 GND Connects to ground. — 3 Input/output pin. Ground level SEND Goes to ground when transmitting. Input current When grounded, transmits. 4 BDT 5 BAND Band voltage output. 6 ALC ALC voltage output.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 2 ■ Microphone (HM-36) • DESCRIPTION • MICROPHONE CONNECTOR (Front view) q i Main readout AF output (varies with [AF]) w q Microphone input u GND (Microphone ground) w +8 V DC output y GND (PTT ground) e Frequency up/down t PTT r Main readout squelch switch [MIC] Pin No. q UP/DOWN SWITCHES [UP]/[DN] Change the selected readout frequency or memory channel. • Continuous pushing changes the frequency or memory channel number continuously.
3 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS ■ Unpacking ■ Antenna connection After unpacking, immediately report any damage to the delivering carrier or dealer. Keep the shipping cartons. For radio communications, the antenna is of critical importance, along with output power and sensitivity. Select antenna(s), such as a well-matched 50 Ω antenna, and feed line. 1.5:1 or better of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is recommended for your desired band. Of course, the transmission line should be a coaxial cable.
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 3 ■ Required connections • Front panel MICROPHONES (p. 45) PWR HM-36 SM-20 or SM-6, SM-8 • Rear panel DC POWER SUPPLY ANTENNA [Example]: 1.8–30 MHz bands PS-85 AH-710 GROUND (p. 8) CW KEY Use the heaviest gauge wire or strap available and make the connection as short as possible. Grounding prevents electrical shocks, TVI and other problems. A straight key can be used when the internal electronic keyer is turned OFF in “CW PADDL” in initial set mode. (p.
3 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS ■ Power supply connections CAUTION: Before connecting the DC power cable, check the following important items. Make sure: • The [PWR] switch is OFF. • Output voltage of the power source is 12–15 V when you use a non-Icom power supply. • DC power cable polarity is correct. Use an optional PS-85 DC POWER SUPPLY when operating the IC-78 with AC power. Refer to the diagrams below.
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 3 ■ Advanced connections • Front panel PWR MIC The AFSK modulation signal can be input from [MIC]. (p. 25) HEADPHONES • Rear panel AT-120, AT-130, or AH-4 (p. 44) [REMOTE] (pgs. 41, 42) Used for computer control and transceive operation, and cloning operation between transceivers. with AH-2b or long wire ANTENNA Connects a linear amplifier, etc. ACC SOCKETS (p. 6) [SEND], [ALC] Used for connecting a non-Icom linear amplifier. EXTERNAL SPEAKER (p. 44) SP-21, etc.
3 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS ■ External antenna tuners CONNECTING AN ANTENNA TUNER (p.
OPERATION 4 ■ Selecting a channel The transceiver has 99 memory channels. However, the number of channels can be restricted in initial set mode (p. 32) depending on your needs. A total of 3 ways of channel selections are available to suit your operating style. D Using the channel selector Rotate the channel selector clockwise (channel number increases) or counterclockwise (channel number decreases) to select desired channel. This is the most useful way of channel selection.
4 OPERATION ■ Frequency indication By pushing the [FC], channel comment indication or frequency indication can be selected. D Transmit frequency indication By pushing the [TXF], transmit frequency is indicated, regardless channel comment or frequency indication. While transmit frequency is indicated, “ Push Channel indication ” flashes.
OPERATION 4 ■ Basic voice receive and transmit q Check the following in advance: ➥ Microphone is connected. ➥ [AF] control is set to minimum position. ➥ [RF/SQL] is set to center position (squelch open). ➥ [RIT] control set to center position. [RIT] Microphone connector [AF] [RF/SQL] e Adjust [AF] to the desired audio level when receiving a signal. r Push [MODE] to select the desired operation mode, if the received signal is in a different mode.
4 OPERATION ■ Functions for transmit ï Output power and microphone gain • Setting output power q Push [SET] for 1 sec. to select quick set mode. w Push [∫ UP]/[√ DN] to select “RF POWER”. e Rotate the main dial to select the desired output. • Output power is displayed in 101 steps (L, 1–99 and H) but is continuously selectable. • Available power SSB/CW/RTTY: AM: 2 (or less) to 100 W 2 (or less) to 40 W* *Carrier power Maximum output power is selected.
OPERATION 4 ï Microphone compressor IC-78 has a built-in, low distortion Mic compressor circuit. This circuit increases your average talk power in SSB mode and is especially useful when the receiving station is having difficulty copying your signal. q Select USB or LSB mode. w Push [COMP] switch to turn mic compressor ON. e Confirm the ALC level. • Push [SET] to select the ALC meter. • Speak into the microphone at a normal voice level. • If the ALC meter peak past the ALC zone, re-adjust the mic. gain.
4 OPERATION ï Optional AT-120/AT-130/AH-4 operation The AT-120, AT-130 or AH-4 matches the IC-78 to a long wire antenna more than 7 m (23 ft) long (3.5 MHz and above). • See p. 11 for connection. • See the connected antenna tuner’s instruction manual for installation and antenna connection details. • Setting example: For mobile operation Optional AH-2b antenna element Tuning is required for each frequency. Be sure to re-tune the antenna before transmitting when you change the frequency— even slightly.
OPERATION 4 ■ Functions for receive ï RIT function The RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning) function compensates for off-frequencies of communicating stations. The function shifts the receive frequency up to 1.2 KHz without moving the transmit frequency. w To cancel the RIT function, rotate the RIT control to the center position. •“ RIT off position ” disappears. q Rotate the RIT control to cancel the off-frequencies. •“ ” appears on the display. • The transmit frequencies are not shifted.
4 OPERATION ï Meter peak hold The meter peak hold function freezes the highest displayed bar segment in any meter function for about 0.5 sec. so that you can more easily read the meter. This function can be turned ON and OFF in initial set mode. (p. 31) Initial reception of a signal results in an S-meter reading of 40 dB. The highest indicated bar remains displayed for 0.5 sec. even when the signal strength decreases.
OPERATION 4 ■ Filter selection The filter selection switches the IF passband width as shown in the table at right. • Optional filter variations Name Band width Mode The filter selection is for temporal setting. FL-52A 500 Hz/–6dB CW/RTTY-N q Select the desired mode programmed channel. (p. 13) w Push [SET] for 1 sec. to enter quick set mode. e Push [UP Y] or [Z DN] several times until “FILTER” appears on the display. r Rotate the channel selector to select desired passband width.
4 OPERATION ■ Filter setting When an optional filter is installed, set the optional filters in initial set mode. Optional filters are not selected by default. (p. 33) D Optional filter setting q While pushing and holding [SET], push [PWR] to enter initial set mode. w Push [UP Y] or [Z DN] several times until “FIL” appears on the display. e Rotate the channel selector to select the installed filter.
OPERATION 4 ■ Function for CW ï Connection for CW Initial set mode setting (p. 32) 13 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 : normal [ACC] [ELEC KEY] For no break-in operation: Connect an external switch such as a foot switch; or use the RTTY SEND terminal for all bands. 12 (See p. 25) Paddle : reverse 13 9 10 11 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 : off Straight key See p. 25 for connection details: Paddle operation from front panel MIC connector.
4 OPERATION ï CW pitch control The received CW audio pitch and monitored CW audio pitch can be adjusted to suit your preferences (300 to 900 Hz) without changing the operating frequency. This shows the default setting for the CW pitch control (600 Hz). q Push [SET] for 1 sec. to enter quick set mode. w Push [∫ UP]/[√ DN] one or more times until “CW PITCH” appears, then rotate the main dial to set the desired pitch. (p.
OPERATION 4 ■ Function for RTTY ï Connection for RTTY (FSK) Rear panel TU or TNC [EXT SP] [ACC] Personal computer 2-conductor 1⁄8″ plug AF GND Use either the ACC or one of the two 1⁄8″ plugs. Rear panel view SQL*1 AF out SEND GND FSKK 13 9 10 11 12 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 *1Connect SQL line when required. ï Connection for AFSK [MIC] connector (Front panel view) q Mic input 1 7 8 2 3 4 6 5 Use either the ACC or microphone connector.
4 OPERATION ï RTTY (FSK) operation q Connect a terminal unit as at p. 25. w Select RTTY (or RTTY-R) mode with [MODE]. e Select the desired FSK tone and shift frequencies as below. r Set the desired frequency with the channel selector. t Operate the connected PC or TNC (TO). PRESETTING FOR RTTY • Tone frequency q Push [SET] for 1 sec. to enter quick set mode. w Push [∫ UP]/[√ DN] several times until “TON 2125” appears, then rotate the channel selector to select the desired tone frequency.
OPERATION 4 ■ Channel comment programming The IC-78 has a capability to assign up to 8-character channel comments for each operating channel. This provides easy recognition of channel usage, or station names, etc. q Select the desired channel by pushing [√ DN]/[UP ∫], rotating the channel selector, or using the keypad. (p. 13) w Push [FC] to select channel comment indication, if desired. e Push [ENT] for 1 sec. to enter channel comment programmable mode.
5 SET MODE ■ General Set mode is used for programming infrequently changed values or conditions of functions. The IC-78 has 2 separate set modes: quick set mode and initial set mode. D Quick set mode operation q While power is ON, push [SET] for 1 sec. [DIAL] • Quick set mode is selected and one of its items appears. w Push [UP Y] or [Z DN] to select the desired item. e Rotate the main dial to set the values or conditions for the selected item. r Repeat w and e to set other items.
SET MODE 5 ■ Quick set mode items • RF power This item adjusts the RF output power. The RF output power can be adjusted from L, 1 to 99 and H by indication, however, it can be adjusted continuously. •The default is H (maximum power). Note that while adjusting the output power, the power meter is displayed automatically. • Mic gain This item adjusts microphone gain from 0 to 99 and H by indication, however, it can be adjusted continuously. The default is 50.
5 SET MODE ■ Quick set mode items— (continued) • BK-IN This item selects break-in type for CW operation. There are three selectable values: oF : No break-in operation available (default). SE : Semi break-in operation available. FL : Full break-in operation available. • BK-IN delay This item adjusts break-in delay time for CW semi break-in operation. The delay time is selectable from 2.0 to 13 (dots). The default is 7. • Key speed This item adjusts the CW key speed.
SET MODE 5 ■ Initial set mode items • RF/SQL control action Select [RF/SQL] control action from RF/squelch, automatic (acts as squelch in AM modes; as RF in SSB/CW/RTTY modes), or the squelch. (See p. 15) The default is Sq (squelch). • Beep A beep sounds each time a switch is pushed to confirm it. This function can be turned OFF for silent operation. The default is on. • Beep level Adjusts the confirmation beep level from 1 to 99. The default is 50.
5 SET MODE ■ Initial set mode items— (continued) • Key type Selects the CW paddle type. Four selections are available. • n : normal (for electronic keyer use) • r : reverse (for electronic keyer use) • oF : Turns OFF the electronic keyer (for straight key use) • ud : For using the microphone’s [UP]/[DN] keys instead of the paddle. The default is n (normal). • Tuner type Selects the connected antenna tuner type. Four selections are available. • no : No optional tuner is connected.
SET MODE 5 ■ Initial set mode items— (continued) • OPTION Filter When an optional IF filer is installed, this selection is necessary, otherwise the filters cannot be selected. Selections available are FL-96, FL-222, FL-52A, FL53A, FL-257 and none (default). See p. 21 for usable filters for each mode and see p. 38 for filter installation. • Expand Filter When an optional IF filter is installed, this selection expands filter and filter selection (W/N) key combination in operating mode independently.
6 EXTRA FEATURES ■ INTRODUCTION Extra features, explained in this section, are available only on some versions of the IC-78. Therefore, the instructions in this section are not necessary for some versions. ■ VFO operation D Entering VFO mode To enter VFO mode, push [FC] for 1 sec. • VFO indicator appears. • In the VFO mode, channel comment cannot be indicated.
EXTRA FEATURES 6 D Channel programming The programmed frequencies, both transmit and receive, in operating channel can be re-programmed from the VFO mode. • Simplex channel programming q Push [FC] for 1 sec. to enter VFO mode. w Push [√ DN]/[UP ∫] to select the desired channel. • Any channels, even blank channels, can be selected. • If you want to select the desired channel with keypad, select the channel before entering VFO mode.
6 EXTRA FEATURES D Channel clearing If un-necessary channels are available, the stored frequency can be cleared. The cleared channels are skipped in the channel mode operation, Note: Blank channels cannot be selected with [√ DN]/[UP ∫], and channel selector; can only be selected with the keypad. q Select desired channel in channel mode. (p. 13) w Enter VFO mode by pushing [FC] for 1 sec. • Channel selection with [√ DN]/[UP ∫] is also possible in the VFO mode. e Push [0], then [ENT].
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS 7 ■ Opening the transceiver’s case Follow the case and cover opening procedures shown here when you want to install an optional unit or adjust an internal unit, etc. CAUTION: DISCONNECT the DC power cable from the IC-78 before performing any work on the transceiver. Otherwise, there is danger of electric shock and/or equipment damage. q Remove the 5 screws from the top of the transceiver and 4 screws from the sides, then lift up the top cover.
7 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS ■ CR-338 HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT By installing the CR-338, the total frequency stability of the transceiver will be improved. q Remove the bottom cover as shown in the previous diagram. w Disconnect W2 from J4401 (MAIN unit) and W3 from J4201 (MAIN unit). e Remove 9 screws from the PLL unit, disconnect P4 from J201 (MAIN unit) and P2 from J401 (MAIN unit), then remove the PLL unit. r Remove the supplied internal crystal and replace with the CR-338.
MAINTENANCE 8 ■ Troubleshooting The following chart is designed to help you correct problems which are equipment malfunctions. POWER PROBLEM If you are not able to locate the cause of a problem or solve it through the use of this chart, contact your nearest Icom Dealer or Service Center. POSSIBLE CAUSE Power does not come • Power cable is improperly connected. on when the [PWR] • Fuse is blown. switch is pushed. SOLUTION REF. • Re-connect the DC power cable correctly. p.
8 MAINTENANCE ■ Fuse replacement DC POWER CABLE FUSE REPLACEMENT If a fuse blows or the transceiver stops functioning, try to find the source of the problem, and replace the damaged fuse with a new, rated fuse. CAUTION: DISCONNECT the DC power cable from the transceiver when changing a fuse. 20 A fuse The IC-78 has 2 types of fuses installed for transceiver protection. • DC power cable fuses ................................ FGB 20 A • Circuitry fuse ................................................
REMOTE JACK INFORMATION 9 ■ CI-V remote control The transceiver can be connected through an optional CT-17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER to a personal computer equipped with an RS-232C port. The Icom Communications Interface-V (CI-V) controls the following functions of the transceiver. 9–15 V DC • CI-V connection example IC-78 Up to 4 Icom CI-V transceivers or receivers can be connected to a personal computer equipped with an RS-232C port. See p. 32 for setting the CI-V condition using set mode.
9 CONTROL COMMAND • Command table Command 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 08 0E 11 14 15 16 19 Sub command — — — — — — — — — 00 01 — 01 02 03 01 02 02 22 44 00 Description Send frequency data Send mode data Read Upper/Lower frequencies Read frequencies Read operating mode Set operating frequency Set mode Set memory Set memory channel Scan stop Memory scan start ATT AF gain RF gain Squelch level Read squelch Open/Close Read S-meter level PREAMP Noise blanker Microphone compressor Read ID ■ Data cloning between t
SPECIFICATIONS ■ GENERAL • Frequency range Rx Tx 10 ■ TRANSMITTER : 0.030000–29.999999 MHz*1 1.600000–29.999999 MHz*2 *1Guaranteed range: 0.5–29.999999 MHz *2Not guaranteed for some frequency bands • Mode : USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, AM • No. of memory channels : 99 (Duplex) +1 call • Frequency stability : Less than ±200 Hz from 1 min. to 60 min. after power ON. After that rate of stability less than ±30 Hz/hr. at +25˚C (+77˚F).
11 OPTIONS PS-85 DC POWER SUPPLY AT-130/E AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER AH-4 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER Specially designed to tune a long wire antenna for portable or mobile HF operation. The PTT tuner start function provides simple operation. • Input power rating: 120 W Light weight switching regulator system power supply. • Output voltage: 13.8 V DC • Max. current drain: 20 A Matches the transceiver to a long wire antenna with a minimum of insertion loss.
OPTIONS 11 SM-6 DESKTOP MICROPHONE SM-8 DESKTOP MICROPHONE SM-20 DESKTOP MICROPHONE Electret condenser-type desktop microphone. Including 2 connection cables for simultaneous connection of 2 transceivers. Has [UP]/[DOWN] switches. HM-36 HAND MICROPHONE MB-23 CARRYING HANDLE IC-MB5 MOBILE MOUNTING BRACKET Hand microphone equipped with [UP]/[DOWN] switches. Same as supplied. Carrying handle, convenient for portable operation. Transceiver mounting bracket for mobile operation.
A-5658H-1EX-w Printed in Japan © 2000 Icom Inc.
