INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER iA23 iA5 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.
FOREWORD CAUTION READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely R WARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the before using the transceiver. antenna is very close to, or touching exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL— This instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-A23/A5.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES etc. Therefore, be careful when carrying with, or placing near metal objects, carrying in handbags, etc. DO NOT allow children to play with any radio equipment containing a transmitter. DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +60°C (+140°F).
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD .................................................................................... i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................. i CAUTIONS ....................................................................................... i SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES............................................................. ii TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................. iii 1 ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT ............
ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT D Antenna CAUTION: Transmitting without an antenna may damage the transceiver. Insert the supplied antenna into the antenna connector and screw down the antenna as shown below. Keep the jack cover attached when jacks are not in use to avoid bad contacts from dust and moisture. 1 D Belt clip Conveniently attaches to your belt. To attach: Slide the belt clip into the plastic loop on the back of the battery case/pack.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Panel description u r[MIC/SP] i o t[ANT] e[DIAL] !0 !6 !1 yDisplay w[PTT] Tx/Rx indicator q[LIGHT] !3 u[UP/DOWN] i[SQL(SCAN)] o[PWR] !0[CLR(DIAL/ÙÚ)] !1[ANL(REC)] !6[DIGIT KEYS] !2[BANK(PLAY)] !3[FUNCTION] !5[ENT(WX)]!4[MR(MW)] 2 !2 !5 !4
PANEL DESCRIPTION q LIGHT [LIGHT] (p. 10) Turns the light for display and keypad ON or OFF. w PTT SWITCH [PTT] (p. 11) Push and hold to transmit; release to receive. e TUNING DIAL [DIAL] (p. 8) ➥ Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired frequency. (default) ➥ Rotate [DIAL] to select the BANK number. (default) ➥ Rotate [DIAL] to select the memory channel or WX channel number. (default) ➥ Rotate [DIAL] to adjust the audio level.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION !0 CLR KEY [CLR (DIAL/YZ)] (continue) ➥ Push [CLR] to cancel the SCAN function. ➥ Push [CLR] to cancel the direct frequency entering with digit key. ➥ Push [CLR] to turn the squelch level adjusting mode OFF. !1 ANL KEY [ANL (REC)] ➥ Push to turn the ANL function ON or OFF. ➥ Push , then push [ANL (REC)] to turn the recording function ON. (p. 10) - The transceiver records the receiving signal or operators voice message by push and holding [PTT] for 20 sec.
PANEL DESCRIPTION !6 DIGIT KEYS ➥ Input the specified digit during frequency input, memory channel selection, etc. ➥ In addition, each key has one or more secondary functions after pushing as follows: ➥ Push , then push [0 (121.5)] to select the 121.5 MHz emergency frequency. (p. 8) ➥ Push , then push [1 (DVOR)] to select the DVOR display from the CDI display in NAV band. (p. 19)*1 ➥ Push , then push [2 (TO)] to change the course indicator characteristics to “TO” flag in the DVOR display in NAV band. (p.
2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display (COM) q w e r t y u i o !1 !0 q FUNCTION INDICATOR (p. 4) Appears when is pushed. w ANL INDICATOR (p. 4) Appears while the ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) function is in use. e LOCK INDICATOR (p. 10) ➥ Appears while the lock function is in use. r DUPLEX INDICATOR (IC-A23 only) (p. 22) ➥“DUP” appears when the duplex function is activated in NAV mode. ➥“DUP” blinks while setting the duplex frequency. t LOW BATTERY INDICATOR (p.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 2 ■ Function display (COM/NAV) !5 !2 !3 !0 MEMORY BANK NUMBER INDICATOR (p. 12) Shows the selected memory bank number. !1 FREQUENCY DISPLAY (p. 8) ➥ Shows the operating frequency. ➥ Shows the channel name when the memory name function is selected. !2 COURSE INDICATORS (IC-A23 only) (p. 19) ➥ Indicates where your aircraft is located on a VOR radial in DVOR mode. ➥ Indicates where your desired course is located on a VOR radial in CDI mode. !4 !3 TO-FROM INDICATOR (IC-A23 only) (p.
3 BASIC OPERATION ■ DIAL↔[Y]/[Z] trade function The transceiver is equipped [DIAL]↔[Y]/[Z] keys trade function. Push then push [CLR (DIAL/YZ)] to trade each function. Default setting: DIAL: • Setting the frequency, • Selecting the memory channel, • Selecting the bank number YZ keys: • Increasing or decreasing the audio level Following explanation is according to the default setting. ■ Setting a frequency ï Using keypad q Push [PWR] for 0.5 sec.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Selecting a weather channel (U.S.A. version only) The U.S.A. version has VHF marine WX (weather) channel receiving capability for flight planning. q Push , then push [ENT (WX)] to select WX channel mode. • “WX--” and previously selected channel number appears. w Rotate the [DIAL] to select the desired WX channel. e Push [CLR] to exit the WX channel mode and return to frequency mode.
3 BASIC OPERATION ■ Lock function The lock function prevents accidental frequency changes and accidental function activation. q Push , then push [KEY LOCK] to turn the function ON. w To turn the function OFF,repeat step q above. •“ ” disappears. ■ Display backlighting Push [LIGHT] to turn the display backlighting ON or OFF. ■ Low battery indicator Low battery indicator appears when the battery power has decreased to a specified level. The attached battery pack requires recharging.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Receiving q Push [PWR] to turn the power ON. w Push [SQL], then turn the [DIAL] counterclockwise (or [Z] key) to select the squelch level [0]. e Push [Y]/[Z] key several times to adjust the audio level. r Push [SQL], then turn the [DIAL] clockwise (or [Y] key) until the noise is muted. • The Tx/Rx indicator disappears. t Set the desired frequency using the [DIAL] or keypad. y Push [ANL] to reduce pulse noise such as that caused by engine ignition systems, if necessary.
4 MEMORY OPERATION ■ Memory channel selection The transceiver has 200 memory channels for storage of often-used frequencies along with 6-character notes. q Push [MR] to select memory mode. • Memory BANK number and memory CH number appears. Using the [DIAL]: w Push [BANK], then rotate the [DIAL] to select the desired memory bank number, then push [BANK] (or [CLR]) to exit the bank selection mode. • “BANK” appears. e Rotate [DIAL] to select the desired memory CH number.
MEMORY OPERATION ■ Programming a memory channel 4 • EXAMPLE: Programming WX-05* into memory BANK 3/ memory channel 2. The transceiver has 200 (10 BANK x 20 CH) memory channels for storage of often-used frequencies. then [0], [5] or [5] [ENT] q Push [CLR] to select Frequency mode, if necessary. w Select the desired frequency. • Push , then push [ENT (WX)] to select a weather channel.* • Set the desired frequency or WX channel* using the [DIAL] or keypad. e Push then , then push [MR (MW)].
4 MEMORY OPERATION ■ Memory names ï Programming memory names key Character key Character key Character The memory channel can display a 6-character comment as well as a frequency. 1 1, Q, Z 2 2, A, B, C 3 3, D, E, F 4 4, G, H, I 5 5, J, K, L 6 6, M, N, O q Rotate the [DIAL] to select the desired frequency in Frequency mode. w Push , then push [MR]. e Rotate the [DIAL] to select the desired memory channel to be programmed.
MEMORY OPERATION 4 • EXAMPLE: Programming 125.000 MHz into memory BANK 0/ memory channel 15 with “AIR-23” as a comment. [CLR], [1], [2], [5], [ENT] [MR] [0], [0], [0],[2],[3] [F], [MR(MW)] [2], [2], [4], [4], [4], [4] [1], [5] (*see NOTE) [7], [7], [7] [ENT] *NOTE: Push [BANK], then rotate the [DIAL] to select the BANK number, if desired. Push [CLR] to continue memory name programming.
5 SCAN OPERATION ■ Scan types ■ COM band scan The U.S.A. version has 3 scan types to suit your needs. The non-U.S.A. versions have 2 scan types. q Push [CLR] to select VFO mode. w Set squelch to the point where noise is just muted. e Push , then push [SQL (SCAN)] to start the scan. • When a signal is received, the scan pauses until it disappears. • To change the scanning direction, rotate the [DIAL]. r To stop the scan, push [CLR]. COM BAND SCAN 108.00 MHz 118.00 MHz 136.
SCAN OPERATION ■ Weather channel scan (U.S.A. version only) q Push , then push [ENT (WX)] to select a weather channel. w Set squelch to the point where noise is just muted. e Push , then push [SQL (SCAN)] to start the scan. • When a signal is received, the scan pauses until it disappears. • To change the scanning direction, rotate the [DIAL]. r To stop the scan, push [CLR].
VOR NAVIGATION 6 VOR NAVIGATION (IC-A23 ONLY) ■ VOR indicators NAV BAND (108.00–117.975 MHz) COM BAND (118.00–136.975 MHz) DVOR MODE To-from flag indicator Course indicator Push [F] then [q DVOR]. Push [F] then [r CDI].
■ VOR functions ◊ To select CDI mode To show the deviation between your flying course and the desired course, push , then [4 (CDI)]. 6 ◊ ‘TO’ or ‘FROM’ flag selection The to-from flag indicators indicate whether the VOR navigation information is based on a course leading to the VOR station or leading away from the VOR station. To change the flag from ‘TO’ to ‘FROM’ or vice versa, push , then [3 (FROM)] or [2 (TO)], respectively. Operating frequency cannot be changed.
VOR NAVIGATION 6 VOR NAVIGATION ■ Flying to a VOR station The IC-A23 shows the deviation from a VOR station. q Select a VOR station on your aeronautical chart and set the frequency of the station. • ‘Ω’ or ‘≈’ appears to indicate your aircraft is off course to the right or left, respectively. Correct your course until ‘Ω’ or ‘≈’ disappears. Each arrow represents a two-degree deviation. t To exit CDI mode, push , then [1 (DVOR)].
0° THE AIRCRAFT IS ON COURSE 310° 320° 300° 290° 280° 270° 123.65 VORTAC SEATTLE 116.8 Ch 115 SEA 330° 340° N 350° Magnetic north 10° 20° 30° 40° 260° 250° 50° 60° 240° 230° ed esir D ° g 40 210° 200° 190° 180° 170° 160°150° adin t he craf Air 70° VOR station 220° rse cou 80° 90° 100° 110° 120° 140° 130° 0° THE AIRCRAFT IS OFF COURSE 310° 320° 300° 290° 280° 270° 123.65 VORTAC SEATTLE 116.
VOR NAVIGATION 6 VOR NAVIGATION ■ Entering a desired course ■ Crosschecking position The IC-A23 shows not only the deviation from the VOR station but the deviation from the desired course. q Select 2 VOR stations on your aeronautical chart. w Set the frequency of one of the VOR station in DVOR mode. q Set the frequency for the desired VOR station. • To change the to-from flag, push , then [2 (TO)] or [3 • The course indicator shows course deviation from the VOR radial. Note the radial you are on.
VOR NAVIGATION 6 VOR NAVIGATION EXAMPLE: Entering the desired course bearing 89° to a VOR station. CROSSCHECKING POSITION VORTAC OLYMPIA 113.4 Ch 81 OLM 0° 0° 310° 320° 300° 290° 280° 270° 330° 340° 20° 30° 40° 250° VOR station 220° 210° 250° 60° 240° 70° 230° 200° 190° 180° 170° 160°150° 80° 90° 100° 110° 120° 140° 130° 330° 340° 350° 10° 20° N 30° 40° 260° 50° 240° 230° 310° 320° 300° 290° 280° 270° 350° 10° 260° 123.65 VORTAC SEATTLE 116.
VOR NAVIGATION 6 VOR NAVIGATION ■ Duplex operation (U.S.A. version only) The duplex function allows you to call a flight service station while receiving a VOR station. The duplex function requires frequency programming for the flight service station in advance. ◊ Programming a duplex frequency q Push [CLR] to select frequency mode. w Set a NAV band frequency using the tuning dial or keypad. • NAV band frequency range: 108.00–117.975 MHz e Push , then [5 (DUP-W)].
BATTERY PACKS ■ Charging precautions ■ Battery pack charging NEVER connect two or more chargers at the same time. The BP-200L BATTERY PACK includes rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and can be charged approx. 300 times. Charge the battery pack before first operating the transceiver or when the battery pack becomes exhausted. Charging may not occur under temperatures of 10°C (+50°F) or over temperatures of 40°C (+104°F).
7 BATTERY PACKS D Rapid charging with the BC-119 D Regular charging q Attach the battery pack to the transceiver. w Be sure to turn the transceiver power OFF. e Connect the Wall charger (BC-110A) or optional cable (CP-12L or OPC-254L) as shown below.
BATTERY PACKS 7 ■ About the battery pack D Operating period The operating period of the transceiver is 6 hours. • Operating periods are calibrated for the following conditions: at 25°C (77°F), Tx : Rx : standby = 5 : 5 : 90 D Battery pack life If your battery pack seems to have no capacity even after being fully charged, completely discharge it by leaving the power ON overnight. Then, fully charge the battery pack again.
8 CLONING Cloning allows you to quickly and easily transfer the programmed data from one transceiver to another transceiver, or, data from PC to a transceiver using the optional CS-A23 cloning software. D Transceiver to transceiver cloning q Connect the OPC-474 CLONING CABLE with adapter plugs to the [SP/MIC] jack of the master and slave transceivers. • The master transceiver is used to send data to the slave transceiver.
9 TROUBLESHOOTING If your transceiver seems to be malfunctioning, please check the following points before sending it to a service center. PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF. No power comes on. • The battery is exhausted. • Bad connection for the battery pack. • Recharge the battery pack. • Check the connection to the transceiver. pgs. 25, 26 No sound comes from the speaker. • Squelch level is too deep. • Volume level is too low. • Set squelch to the threshold point.
10 SPECIFICATIONS D General • Frequency coverage (MHz): TX RX WX D Transmitter 118.000 to 136.975 108.000 to 136.975*1 161.650 to 163.275*2 *1: IC-A23 only, IC-A5; 118.000 to 136.975 *2: U.S.A. version only. • Mode : 6K00A3E 16K0G3E (161.65. to 163.275 MHz) • Number of memory channels : 200 (10 BANK x 20 CH) • Acceptable power supply : 9.6 V DC nominal (negative ground) (authorized battery packs) • Usable temp.
OPTIONS D Battery packs Charging period Battery Voltage Capacity pack BP-200L 1 9.6 V 760 mAh Wall charger BC-119 or BC-121 with AD-88 15 hrs 1.5 hrs Operating period*1 6 hrs Operating periods are calibrated for the following conditions: at 25°C (77°F), Tx (high power) : Rx : standby = 5 : 5 : 90 D Other options BC-110A WALL CHARGER (same as supplied. Depends on version) Used for regular charging of the connected battery pack.
11 OPTIONS D OPC-967 (HEADSET ADAPTER) connection When using an optional headset, such as those from the David Clark Co. via the adapter, the transceiver outputs your transmitted voice to the headset for monitoring. (p. 9) OPC-967 PTT PTT switch Use a PTT switch with a 3.5 mm diameter plug, if required. IC-A23 IC-A5 Clip the cable to the handstrap loop on the belt clip for support. 32 HEADSET (Must be purchased separately.
33 eral times to adjust the squelch level. r Push [SQL], then push [Y] sev- adjust the desired audio level. e Push [Y]/[Z] several times to eral times to adjust the squelch level ‘0’. Push [SQL] to exit the squelch set mode. w Push [SQL], then push [Z] sev- the power ON or OFF. q Push [PWR] for 0.5 sec. to turn put the frequency. • Enter [1] as the 1st digit. • Only [2], [5], [7] and [0] can be entered as the 5th and final digit. • Push [CLR] , when a digit is mistakenly input.
" MEMORY • Memory programming q Push [CLR] to select the frequency mode or push [F], then push [ENT (WX)] to select WX CH* mode. CH*. w Select the desired frequency or WX e Push [F], then push [MR (MW)] to enter memory programming mode. • “M” blinks on the display. r Rotate [DIAL] to select a desired memory CH number. • Push [BANK], then select the BANK number if desired. Push [BANK] to exit the BANK selection mode. t Push [ENT] to program the memory contents.
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