INSTRUCTION MANUAL COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER iC- r8500
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS IMPORTANT READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAREFULLY before attempting to operate the receiver. WORD DEFINITION Personal injury, fire hazard or electric RWARNING shock may occur. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This CAUTION instruction manual contains important safety and operating instructions for the IC-R8500. NOTE Equipment damage may occur. If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk of personal injury, fire or electric shock.
TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT ............................................................. EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .......................................... PRECAUTIONS ........................................................ UNPACKING ............................................................. TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................ i i i i ii 1 PANEL DESCRIPTION ..................................... 1– 6 8 SET MODE ..........................................................
1 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Front panel @0 q S POWER FM 1 3 5 7 9 +20dB +60dB SLEEP LOCK SIGNAL SLEEP/ SET w NB AFC AGC-F APF-N 10-ATT-20 RECV iC- r8500 COMMUNICATION RECEIVER REC REMOTE BANK ICOM MODE e WFM FM NB/AFC AGC AM SSB/CW TS REC OUT r AF GAIN 10dB 20dB APF SQUELCH IF SHIFT t APF yu w SLEEP/SET SWITCH [SLEEP/SET] ➥ Push momentarily to set the sleep timer (p. 29). • Selectable times are 30, 60, 90, 120 min. or OFF.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 1 !9 1 QZ 2 ABC 3 DEF OFF DLY JKL 6 MNO BANK 7 PRS 8 TUV 9 WXY BANK . 0 CE 4 SEL-CH SKIP-CH IC-R8500 .;, M-CH GHI 5 kHz M ENT ENT NAME MEMO PROG AUTO PRIO SCAN/ SCAN SET SEL SKIP M-SET BANK M-CL MW VSC M-CH DLY D/S DELAY/SPEED !5 !6 !7 !8 Center frequency is shifted down. Center frequency is shifted up. • Automatic announcement at signal detection during scan is available. Refer to the “REC SPCH” item on p. 31 for details. ➥ Push for 1 sec.
1 PANEL DESCRIPTION S FM 1 3 5 7 9 +20dB +60dB POWER SLEEP LOCK SIGNAL SLEEP/ SET NB AFC AGC-F APF-N 10-ATT-20 RECV iC- r8500 COMMUNICATION RECEIVER REC REMOTE BANK ICOM MODE WFM FM AM SSB/CW NB/AFC AGC 10dB 20dB TS REC OUT AF GAIN SQUELCH APC IF SHIFT PHONES TS SPCH LOCK APF @1 MEMORY SET SWITCH [M-SET] (p. 19) Used to ‘copy and paste’ the displayed frequency into another memory channel.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 1 QZ 2 ABC M-CH JKL 6 MNO BANK 7 PRS 8 TUV 9 WXY BANK . 0 CE 4 SKIP-CH IC-R8500 .;, 3 DEF OFF DLY SEL-CH 1 GHI 5 @8 kHz M ENT ENT NAME MEMO PROG AUTO PRIO @7 SCAN/ SCAN SET SEL SKIP M-SET BANK M-CL MW @1 @2 VSC M-CH @3 @4 DLY D/S DELAY/SPEED @5 @6 [SKIP] (p. 25) ➥ Push momentarily to toggle the skip function ON and OFF for any scan. • Automatic skip activation is available with the [MEMO] switch. ➥ Push for 1 sec.
1 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Rear panel q w e t r y u i !1 q RS-232C CONNECTOR (p. 10) Connects an RS-232C cable. An RS-232C cable can be used to connect the IC-R8500 to a PC. In this way commands can be sent to the receiver via the PC. w CI-V REMOTE CONTROL JACK (p. 10) Allows connection to an Icom CI-V system transceiver or another receiver for the transceive function. Also connects to a PC with several receivers for command control via an optional CT-17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER.
PANEL DESCRIPTION 1 ■ Function display q w e r REMOTE WFM AMUSBLSBCW @4 SLEEP @3 @2 LOCK @1 !9 NAR SKIP VSC y OFF DLY P NB AFC AGC-F APF-N 10-ATT-20 RECV @0 WIDE t @0 !8 !7 !6 BANK SEL-CH SKIP-CH u MHz kHz M !5 q REMOTE INDICATOR (p. 35) Appears when a level control command is received from a PC via CI-V data. • When this indicator appears, the control knob’s setting is ignored. • This indicator will disappear when the control knob is rotated. w MODE INDICATORS (p.
2 CONNECTIONS ■ Mounting installation D Location Select a location for the receiver that allows adequate air circulation and access to the front and rear panels. Do not place in areas subject to extreme heat, cold, or vibrations, or near TV sets, radios and electromagnetic sources. Be careful of the internal temperature of the receiver. Installation into a rack or other enclosed area may increase the internal temperature over the useable temperature range.
CONNECTIONS 2 ■ Required connections Supplied DC power cable External speaker (p. 43) IC-R8500 Connect either power source Unplug the jumper plug from the [DC13.8V] jack. AC adapter AD-55/A/V Computer control (p. 10) The jumper plug must be connected to the [DC 13.8V] jack. High speed data connection (p. 16) Ground connection (p. 9) VHF/UHF wide band antenna Long wire antenna HF antenna 30 MHz –2 GHz coverage 0.1–30 MHz coverage 0.
2 CONNECTIONS ■ Antenna connection ■ Grounding Antennas play a very important role in receiver operation. Connecting a poor quality antenna to the IC-R8500 will result in less than optimum performance. RWARNING: NEVER use a gas pipe or electri- The IC-R8500 requires at least 2 antennas for full frequency coverage: one for 0.1 to 30 MHz and one for 30 to 2000 MHz.
CONNECTIONS 2 ■ Tape recorder connections The [REC OUT] jack has 350 mV rms/4.7 kΩ output for connection to other audio equipment. IC-R8500 [REC REMOTE] SCAN SET [AUX IN] or [LIVE IN] jack [REC REMOTE] jack: Grounds when a signal is received and squelch opens. If a tape recorder has a control terminal, this jack can be used for recording control. (2 A/DC max.) [REC OUT] 350 mVrms 4.
3 FREQUENCY SETTING ■ Read me first The IC-R8500 uses memory channels for storage of frequencies (as well as mode, tuning steps, etc.). When turning power OFF or changing memory channels, the previously displayed frequency cannot be recalled unless it has been stored into a memory channel. Therefore, when you want to keep a displayed frequency for later recall, you must program it into a memory channel by pushing [MW] for 1 sec. Push [MW] for 1 sec. after tuning.
FREQUENCY SETTING 3 ■ Using the main dial Rotate the main dial to change the frequency. • The frequency changes in increments determined by the selected tuning step (see below). • When the lock function is activated (“LOCK” appears) the frequency cannot be changed. D Selecting a tuning step 13 preset tuning steps are available plus 1 programmable tuning step (see below). The preset tuning steps are: 10 50 100 Hz 1 2.5 5 9 1 MHz 10 12.
4 RECEIVE FUNCTIONS ■ Initial settings Before turning power ON, set controls and switches as indicated below: SCAN SET [AF GAIN]: 10 o’clock [APF]: center [SQUELCH]: max.
RECEIVE FUNCTIONS 4 ■ Squelch function The IC-R8500 has 2 types of squelch, noise squelch and S-meter squelch. Noise squelch: Only acts on noise; has good sensitivity. It can be adjusted for reception of weak signals. Strong signals exceeding a certain level will always cause the squelch to open. S-meter squelch: S-meter squelch does not open for weak signals but can be adjusted to open for signals over a wide range of strengths.
4 RECEIVE FUNCTIONS D Noise blanker The noise blanker reduces pulse-type noise such as that generated by automobile ignition systems. This function is not effective for FM and WFM mode or for non pulse-type noise and wide width pulses. SCAN SET [NB/AFC] switch Push [NB] to toggle the noise blanker ON and OFF. • “NB” appears when the noise blanker is activated. NOTE: When a strong signal is received while the noise blanker is ON, the output audio may be distorted.
RECEIVE FUNCTIONS 4 ■ Data communications D Connections • For high speed data (9600 bps) reception in FM mode [Audio IN] or [Detector IN] Rear panel to [AGC] RCA plug TU or TNC Personal computer • To use the [AGC] socket for AF output Change the internal jumper plug as illustrated at right. AGC output (default) • The output is obtained for FM mode only. • Usable for 9600 bps only. • Refer to p. 37 for a description of opening the case. AF direct detector output 200 mVrms/4.
5 MEMORY CHANNELS ■ General The IC-R8500 has 1000 regular memory channels, plus 20 programmable scan edge channels and 1 priority channel. 8-digit memory names are programmed into all 1000 channels and 5-digit bank names are programmed into 20 user banks for convenient recall and organisation of frequencies. Moreover, memory channels can store mode information, a tuning step, and ATT (attenuation) information.
MEMORY CHANNELS 5 ■ Channel selection D Using the [M-CH] selector q Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK▲] or [ENT • BANK▼]. w Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the desired channel. • Bank limit function While rotating the [M-CH] selector, memory channels can be selected from within the current bank only; or from any bank. Push [BANK] to toggle the bank limit function ON and OFF.
5 MEMORY CHANNELS ■ Programming This is the method most often used to program memory channels. q Select the desired memory channel. w Set the desired frequency. • When the memory channel already contains information, change the frequency using the main dial or the keypad. • When the memory channel is blank, use keypad entry only to set the frequency. e Set operating mode (p. 13) and tuning steps (p. 12). r Push and hold [MW] until the receiver emits 3 beeps.
MEMORY CHANNELS 5 ■ Channel/bank names Channel names of up to 8 characters and bank names of up to 5 characters can be programmed for convenience. Programmed names can be easily copied to other channels using the copy/paste function. [CEs• NAME] key D Channel name programming q Select the desired memory channel. w Set the frequency (and mode/tuning steps), then push and hold the [MW] key. • When no data is programmed, “BLANK” appears and memory names cannot be programmed. e Push [CE≈ • NAME].
5 MEMORY CHANNELS ■ Assigning channel numbers The IC-R8500 has 20 banks in which memory channels can be programmed and arranged. By default, each bank contains 40 memory channels, however, channels can be deleted from or added (inserted) to banks to suit your preferences and operating style. Deleted channels are stored temporarily in the “FREE” bank. NOTE: When shipped from the factory or after resetting the receiver’s CPU, the “FREE” bank has no memory channels and cannot be selected.
MEMORY CHANNELS 5 D Adding/inserting memory channels q Select the bank you wish to add memory channel(s) to. w Push [BANK] for 1 sec. • One of “INS. 1CH,” “DEL. 1CH,” “ADD.10CH,” or “ADD. 1CH,”appears and flashes. • Push [BANK] momentarily to exit the condition and return to the previous display, if desired. BANK USR-T BANK BLANK (for 1 sec.) e Rotate [M-CH] to select the following: INDICATION INS. 1CH DESCRIPTION 1 channel will be inserted ‘in front’ of the selected channel.
6 SCANS ■ Operation D Memory scan Select All memory channels (except skip channels) in the selected bank are scanned at up to 40 ch/sec. q Push [M-CH • BANK▲] or [ENT • BANK▼] to select the desired bank. Mch 3 Mch 2 Mch 4 Mch 1 • Direct selection is also available as below. Select w Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point. e Push [MEMO] to start the scan. • “MEMO” appears in the bank name area. Skip Mch 39 Mch 7 Select Mch 5 Mch 6 Select r Push [MEMO] again to stop the scan.
SCANS 6 D Programmed scan Programmed scan (and auto memory write scan) searches for signals within a specified frequency range, using the selected tuning step increments. The result is like an ‘automatic’ rotating of the main dial. Programmed edges Preparation—setting the scan range: Push and hold [PROG] to enter the ‘prog’ bank, then input the desired edge frequencies, mode and tuning steps. Refer to p. 27 for details. Start/stop: q Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point.
6 SCANS D Priority scan Priority scan monitors a specified frequency (the priority channel) once every 1–16 sec. (programmable) during any operation, such as receiving, scanning other channels, etc. Start/stop: Push [PRIO] to start/stop the scan. • Priority scan can be used in combination with other scan types: start another scan type during priority scan; or, push [PRIO] while operating another scan. Preparation—priority channel programming: q Push [PRIO] for 1 sec.
SCANS 6 ■ Automatic bank limit/skip functions When starting a scan, the following functions are automatically turned ON by default; and the [SKIP] and [BANK] switches are deactivated during scan. • The bank limit function (for memory scan and select memory scan)—The memory scan operates within the selected bank only.
6 SCANS ■ Programming scan edge frequencies A set of scan edge frequencies must be programmed before starting the programmed or auto memory write scans. 10 pairs of scan edges are available: 0P1 to 9P2. [PROG] switch q Push [PROG] for 1 sec. • “*SET*” appears in the bank name area, then changes to a flashing “PROG.” [MW] switch w Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the lower scan edge in a pair e.g. 0P1. [M-CH] selector AM • The keypad can also be used for selection.
SCANS 6 D Assigning a function to the [DELAY/SPEED] control The function of the [DELAY/SPEED] control is selectable, as shown below, to suit your operating style. q Push [DLY ] for 1 sec. to enter the setting condition. w Rotate the main dial to select the function for the [DELAY/SPEED] control. e When the scan speed is assigned to the [DELAY/SPEED] control, the scan delay time is determined while “VR:SPD DLY: 3S” appears. • Rotate the [M-CH] selector to set the delay time.
7 SLEEP TIMER The IC-R8500 has a sleep timer function to automatically turn the power OFF after a specified period. [SLEEP/ SET ] switch D Operation SLEEP q Push [SLEEP/ ] momentarily, several times, to activate the sleep timer and set the power OFF period. • When the sleep timer is activated, “ ” appears in the display. • 5 settings are available: 120, 90, 60, 30 min. and sleep OFF. Minutes SLEEP Each push of SLEEP/ SET Minutes after 2 sec. w 2 sec.
8 SET MODE ■ General Set mode is used for programming infrequently changed values or conditions of functions. The IC-R8500 has 2 separate set modes: quick set mode and initial set mode. D Selecting quick set mode q Push [SLEEP/ Main dial (for contents) ] for 1 sec. • Quick set mode is selected and one of its items appears. w Rotate the [M-CH] control to select the desired item. e Rotate the main dial to set the values or conditions for the selected item. r Repeat steps w and e to set other items.
8 SET MODE ■ Quick set mode items DIMMER This item toggles the intensity of the display backlighting between high or low. HIGH LOW Bright backlighting (default). Dark backlighting. ON OFF Confirmation beeps ON (default). Confirmation beeps OFF. DIAL PANEL Only the main dial can be locked (default). Both the main dial and panel switches can be locked. ON OFF The auto tuning speed function is ON (default). The auto tuning speed function is OFF.
SET MODE 8 SPCH LAN When the optional UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT is installed, you can select between English and Japanese as the language. ENG JPN Voice synthesizer functions in English (default). Voice synthesizer functions in Japanese. FAST SLOW Voice synthesizer output is faster (default). Voice synthesizer output is slower. 4AH 01H Address set to 4AH (default). Address set to 01H. AUTO 19200 Auto baud rate (default). 19200 bps ON OFF Transceive ON (default). Transceive OFF.
9 CONNECTOR INFORMATION D RS-232C socket 13 1 25 14 D Remote jack Outer Pin Port name Description 1 GND Grounded. 2 RXD Input port for CI-V format data; +12V/–12V. 3 TXD Output port for CI-V format data; +12V/–12V. 4 5 RTS CTS Shorten these ports inside. Can be connected to pin 8 (DCD) via the internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’). 6 DSR NC; can be connected to pin 20 (DTR) via the internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’). 7 GND Grounded.
CONNECTOR INFORMATION D DC 13.8 V and DC IN sockets 4 • DC IN DC IN DC 13.8 V 1 Inner Outer [POWER] switch Receiver circuit 9 Pin Port name Description Inner DC IN Accepts connection to the AD-55A/V only Outer GND Grounded. • DC 13.8 V Pin Port name 1 13.8 IN 2 12.5 OUT 3 NC 4 GND Pin Port name Description Inner SQL • Grounded when squelch opens. • Can be deactivated via initial set mode. (p. 31) • Max.
10 CONTROL COMMANDS The IC-R8500 can be connected to a PC via the PC’s RS-232C port. This allows you to control the receiver from the PC and/or transfer data from the receiver to the PC. ■ Command table Operation Reading freq. edges Reading operating freq.
COMMAND LIST • ‘OK’ message from IC-R8500 to PC • ‘NG’ message from IC-R8500 to PC End of message code NG code PC’s address Preamble code IC-R8500’s address FE FE E0 4A FA FD End of message code OK code IC-R8500’s address PC’s address FE FE E0 4A FB FD Preamble code 10 • Memory channel contents set & write (1A 00) The above data packet is an example of programming the following into memory channel 123 of bank number 19: • Frequency: 1,234,567,890 Hz • Mode: FM • Tuning step: 199.
11 MAINTENANCE ■ Disassembly For internal maintenance and optional installations, disassemble the receiver. CAUTION: DISCONNECT the DC power cable or AC adapter before performing any work on the receiver. q Remove 6 screws from the top of the receiver and 4 screws from its sides. w Carefully lift up the top cover while disconnecting the plug from the speaker cable. e Turn the receiver upside down. r Remove 6 screws from the bottom cover, then lift up the bottom cover.
OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS ■ UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT The UT-102 announces the accessed frequency in a clear, electronically generated voice, in English (or Japanese) when pushing [SPCH] or when a signal is detected during scan (see p. 31, 32 for settings). Under the top cover q Remove the top cover as shown opposite. w Remove the protected paper attached to the bottom of the UT-102 to expose the adhesive strip. e Connect the UT-102 as shown in the diagram at right. r Replace the top cover.
12 OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS ■ CR-293 HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT A temperature-compensating crystal with a stability of ± 3 ppm is built-in to the receiver. For more demanding operation, the CR-293 HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT is available. It has a stability of ± 0.5 ppm. q Remove the bottom cover as shown on p. 37. w Remove 6 screws from the metal plate, then remove the metal plate and shield cover.
TROUBLESHOOTING The following chart is designed to help you correct problems which are not equipment malfunctions. If you are unable to locate the cause of a problem or PROBLEM POWER Power does not turn ON when [POWER] is pushed in. solve it through the use of this chart, contact your nearest Icom Dealer or Service Center. POSSIBLE CAUSE RECEIVE FUNCTIONS SOLUTION • DC power cable is improperly connected. • A fuse is blown. • Reconnect the DC power cable securely.
13 TROUBLESHOOTING 41 POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF. Memory channels in another bank cannot be selected. • The bank limit function is activated and • Push [BANK] to turn OFF the bank limit p. 18 “BANK” is indicated. function or use [BANK] or [BANK] to select the bank. Memory channels in the ‘AUTO’ bank are cleared. • Written memories condition is set as • Change the setting to START. CL&START. p. 24 Bank name is erased after setting.
14 SPECIFICATIONS ■ General • Frequency coverage : Version • Mode : FM (normal/narrow), AM (wide/normal/narrow), SSB (USB/LSB) CW (normal/narrow*), WFM *Optional FL-52A is required. : 1000 (plus 20 scan edges and 1 priority channel) : Below 30 MHz SO-239 (50 Ω)/Phono (500 Ω) Above 30 MHz Type-N (50 Ω) : –10°C to +50°C (+14°F to +122°F) : Below 30 MHz ±100 Hz (±20 Hz*) Above 30 MHz ± 0.0003 % (±0.
15 OPTIONS AH-7000 SUPER WIDEBAND OMNIDIRECTIONAL ANTENNA Frequency coverage: Receive 25–1300 MHz Transmit 50, 144, 430, 900, 1200 MHz bands Type of antenna: Discone Weight: 1 kg Designed for base station operation. Input impedance: 8 Ω Max. input power: 5 W MB-23 CARRYING HANDLE CT-17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER Carrying handle, convenient for portable operation. Use the screws supplied with the IC-R8500; DO NOT use the screws supplied with the MB-23. For remote control of up to 4 receivers from 1 PC.
DOC 16 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY We Icom Inc. Japan 1-1-32, Kamiminami, Hirano-ku Osaka 547-0003, Japan Declare on our sole responsibility that this equipment complies with the essential requirements of the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive, 1999/5/EC, and that any applicable Essential Test Suite measurements have been performed. Kind of equipment: COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER Type-designation: iR8500 Düsseldorf 4th Aug.
#23 EUR ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ A-5395H-1EX-e Printed in Japan © 1996–2006 by Icom Inc.
