Icom IC-R8500 manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL iC- r8500 COMMUNICA TIONS RECEIVER[...]

The IC-R8500 complies with essential require- ments of the 89/336/EEC directive for Electromagnetic Compatibility . This compliance is based on conformity with the ETSI specification prETS300 684 (EMC product standard for Commercially Available Amateur Radio Equipment). UNP ACKING PRECAUTIONS IMPOR T ANT READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL CAREFULL Y bef[...]

T ABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORT ANT ............................................................. i EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .......................................... i PRECAUTIONS ........................................................ i UNP ACKING ............................................................. i T ABLE OF CONTENTS .........................[...]

➊ POWER SWITCH [POWER] T urns power ON and OFF . ➋ SLEEP/SET SWITCH [SLEEP/SET] ➥ Push momentarily to set the sleep timer (p. 29). • Selectable times are 30, 60, 90, 120 min. or OFF . • “ ” appears in the function display when the sleep timer is set. ➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter quick set mode (p. 30). • Use the [M-CH] selector and [...]

2 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION !2 AUDIO PEAK FIL TER CONTROL [APF] (p. 15) Adjusts the audio peak filter setting to pick up a de- sired audio frequency . Only valid when the [APF] switch is ON. • Clockwise rotation adjusts the filter setting higher; coun- terclockwise rotation adjusts the filter setting lower . !3 A TTENUA TOR SWITCHES [10dB]/[20dB] P[...]

@1 MEMOR Y SET SWITCH [M-SET] (p. 19) Used to ‘copy and paste’ the displayed frequency into another memory channel. • The first push is used to copy ( appears), and the sec- ond push is used to paste ( disappears). • Frequency , mode, tuning step, memory name, etc. can be programmed into a temporary memory . @2 MEMOR Y CLEAR SWITCH [M-CL] [...]

4 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION grammed scan. [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. to set the memory channel as a skip channel. [AUTO] (p. 24) ➥ Push momentarily to start/stop auto write scan. ➥ Push for 1 sec. to se[...]

5 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Rear panel 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 trans- ceiver or another receiver for the transceive funct[...]

6 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display q REMOTE INDICA T OR (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 INDICA T ORS (p. 13) Show the operating mode. e FREQUE[...]

7 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 . Instal[...]

8 2 CONNECTIONS ■ Required connections IC-R8500 Supplied DC power cable Unplug the jumper plug from the [DC13.8V] jack. AC adapter AD-55/A/V Connect either power source The jumper plug must be connected to the [DC 13.8V] jack. Ground connection (p. 9) HF antenna Long wire antenna VHF/UHF wide band antenna Computer control (p. 10) External speaker[...]

9 2 CONNECTIONS ■ Antenna connection Antennas play a very important role in receiver opera- tion. Connecting a poor quality antenna to the IC-R8500 will result in less than optimum perfor- mance. The IC-R8500 requires at least 2 antennas for full fre- quency coverage: one for 0.1 to 30 MHz and one for 30 to 2000 MHz. D Using a long wire antenna f[...]

10 2 CONNECTIONS ■ T ape recorder connections The [REC OUT] jack has 350 mV rms/4.7 k Ω output for connection to other audio equipment. ■ T ransceive function Icom CI-V transceivers or receivers can be connect- ed via the [REMOTE] jack. The frequency and mode become the same* when either radio is changed. * When a set frequency is out-of-rang[...]

11 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 chan- nels, the previously displayed frequency cannot be recalled unless it has been stored into a memory channel. Therefore, when you want to keep a dis- played freq[...]

12 3 FREQUENCY SETTING ■ 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 [...]

13 4 RECEIVE FUNCTIONS ■ Initial settings ■ Mode selection Push one of the mode keys one or more times to select the desired mode. Consult the table below for basic characteristics of each mode. The indications in the table appear in the bank name area for 1 sec. after an operating mode is selected. SCAN SET FM RECV BANK 10-ATT-20 APF-N AGC-F A[...]

The IC-R8500 has 2 types of squelch, noise squelch and S-meter squelch. Noise squelch: Only acts on noise; has good sensi- tivity . 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 o[...]

15 4 RECEIVE FUNCTIONS 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. Push [NB] to toggle the noise blanker ON and OFF . • “NB” appears when the noise blanker is activated. NOTE: When a stron[...]

TU or TNC AF IN SQUELCH IN to [REC OUT] to [REC REMOTE] SCAN SET 2-conductor 3.5(d) plugs Personal computer 16 4 RECEIVE FUNCTIONS ■ Data communications D Connections D Receiving method • T o use the [AGC] socket for AF output Change the internal jumper plug as illustrated at right. • The output is obtained for FM mode only . • Usable for 9[...]

17 5 MEMOR Y CHANNELS T o select regular channel banks: Push [ M-CH • BANK ▲ ] or [ ENT • BANK ▼ ], one or more times to select the desired channel bank. • The bank indicator shows the selected bank. • Push and hold [BANK ▲ ] or [BANK ▼ ] to quickly cycle through the channel banks in the order to , FREE , AUTO and SKIP . NOTE: The F[...]

18 5 MEMORY CHANNELS ➀ Select the desired bank using [ M-CH • BANK ▲ ] or [ ENT • BANK ▼ ]. ➁ 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 fun[...]

19 5 MEMORY CHANNELS ■ Programming This is the method most often used to program mem- ory channels. ➀ Select the desired memory channel. ➁ 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 [...]

20 5 MEMORY CHANNELS ■ Channel/bank names Channel names of up to 8 characters and bank names of up to 5 characters can be programmed for conve- nience. Programmed names can be easily copied to other channels using the copy/paste function. ➀ Select the desired memory channel. ➁ Set the frequency (and mode/tuning steps), then push and hold the [...]

21 5 MEMORY CHANNELS ■ Assigning channel numbers The IC-R8500 has 20 banks in which memory chan- nels 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 ?[...]

22 5 MEMORY CHANNELS ➀ Select the bank you wish to add memory chan- nel(s) to. ➁ 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. ➂ Rotate [M-CH] to select the foll[...]

■ Operation D Memory scan D Memory select scan 23 6 SCANS All memory channels (except skip channels) in the selected bank are scanned at up to 40 ch/sec. ➀ Push [ M-CH • BANK ▲ ] or [ ENT • BANK ▼ ] to select the desired bank. • Direct selection is also available as below . ➁ Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point. ➂ Pus[...]

24 6 SCANS D Programmed scan D Auto memory write 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. Preparation—setting the scan range: Push and hold [PROG] to enter the ‘prog’ ba[...]

25 6 SCANS D Priority scan Priority scan monitors a specified frequency (the pri- ority channel) once every 1–16 sec. (programmable) during any operation, such as receiving, scanning other channels, etc. Preparation—priority channel programming: ➀ Push [PRIO] for 1 sec. •“ *SET* ” appears in the bank name area, then changes to a flash[...]

26 6 SCANS ■ 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 . • T urning OFF the [...]

27 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. ➀ Push [PROG] for 1 sec. •“ *SET* ” appears in the bank name area, then changes to a flashing “ PROG .” ➁ Rotate the [M-CH] sel[...]

28 6 SCANS When scan speed is assigned to the [DELA Y/SPEED] control (see above), the scan speed can be instantly updated during scan operation. The name area shows as at right for 1 sec. after rotating the control. When scan delay time is assigned to the [DELA Y/SPEED] control, the scan speed is fixed at the maximum of 40 ch/sec. Highest scan spe[...]

The IC-R8500 has a sleep timer function to automati- cally turn the power OFF after a specified period. D Operation ➀ 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 [...]

30 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 ➀ Push [ SLEEP / ] for 1 sec. • Quick set mode is selected and one of its items appears. ➁ Rotate the [M-CH] control to selec[...]

31 8 SET MODE ■ Quick set mode items ■ Initial set mode items DIMMER This item toggles the intensity of the display back- lighting between high or low . Bright backlighting (default). HIGH Dark backlighting. LOW BEEP A beep sounds each time a switch is pushed for con- firmation. This function can be turned OFF for silent operation. Confirmatio[...]

32 8 SET MODE SPCH LAN When the optional UT -102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT is installed, you can select between English and Japanese as the language. Voice synthesizer functions in English (default). ENG Voice synthesizer functions in Japanese. JPN SPCH SPD When the optional UT -102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT is installed, you can select between faster or[...]

33 9 CONNECT OR INFORMA TION D RS-232C socket D Remote jack D IF OUT jack D AGC OUT jack D External speaker 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 inter- nal ci[...]

34 9 CONNECTOR INFORMA TION D DC 13.8 V and DC IN sockets D REC REMOTE jack • DC IN • DC 13.8 V DC 13.8 V Inner Outer [POWER] switch Receiver circuit Internal regulator circuit DC IN 41 Pin Port name Description Inner DC IN Accepts connection to the AD-55A/V only Outer GND Grounded. Pin Port name Description 1 13.8 IN 13.8 V DC input; current c[...]

CONTROL COMMANDS 10 35 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. Operation Cn Sc Remark Reading freq. edges Reading operating freq. Reading operating mode 02 03 04 — — — Reading M-ch contents package Reading bank name[...]

36 10 COMMAND LIST • ‘OK’ message from IC-R8500 to PC • ‘NG’ message from IC-R8500 to PC • Memory channel contents set & write (1A 00) The above data packet is an example of programming the following into memory channel 123 of bank num- ber 19: • Frequency: 1,234,567,890 Hz • Mode: FM • Tuning step: 199.5 kHz (programmable s[...]

■ Disassembly ■ Fuse replacement If a fuse blows or the receiver stops functioning, try to find the source of the problem, and replace the dam- aged fuse with a new , rated fuse. ■ Level adjustments 3 A FGB • For DC cable fuse • For internal fuse 37 11 MAINTENANCE ■ Memory backup All of the CPU’s memory is backed up by an EEP- ROM (E[...]

12 OPTIONAL INST ALLA TIONS ■ 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). ➀ Remove the top cover as shown opposite. ➁ Remove the protected paper attach[...]

39 12 OPTIONAL INST ALLA TIONS ■ CR-293 HIGH ST ABILITY CRYST AL UNIT A temperature-compensating crystal with a stability of ± 3 ppm is built-in to the receiver . For more demand- ing operation, the CR-293 HIGH ST ABILITY CRYST AL UNIT is available. It has a stability of ± 0.5 ppm. ➀ Remove the bottom cover as shown on p. 37. ➁ Remove 6 scr[...]

40 12 OPTIONAL INST ALLA TIONS ■ TV -R7100 TV RECEIVE ADAPTER D Connections D Operation ➀ T urn on the TV -R7100, IC-R8500 and all connected equipment. ➁ Select WFM mode. ➂ ➥ Push OUT [FM/TV] on the TV -R7100 to select “TV” when receiving TV broadcasts or A TV . ➥ Push IN [FM/TV] on the TV -R7100 to select “FM” when receiving FM[...]

41 13 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 solve it through the use of this chart, contact your nearest Icom Dealer or Service Center . POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF . POWER • DC power cable is improperly con- nected. [...]

42 13 TROUBLESHOOTING MEMOR Y CHANNELS • The bank limit function is activated and “BANK” is indicated. • Push [BANK] to turn OFF the bank limit function or use [BANK] or [BANK] to se- lect the bank. p. 18 Memory channels in another bank cannot be selected. SCAN • [SQUELCH] is open and [ ∞ ] is selected. • T urn [SQUELCH] CW until nois[...]

■ General • Frequency coverage : • Mode : FM (normal/narrow), AM (wide/normal/narrow), SSB (USB/LSB) CW (normal/narrow*), WFM * Optional FL-52A is required. • Number of memory channels : 1000 (plus 20 scan edges and 1 priority channel) • Antenna connector : Below 30 MHz SO-239 (50 Ω )/Phono (500 Ω ) Above 30 MHz T ype-N (50 Ω ) • [...]

44 15 OPTIONS AH-7000 SUPER WIDEBAND OM- NIDIRECTIONAL AN- TENNA SP-7 EXTERNAL SPEAKER TV -R7100 TV RECEIVE ADAPTER SP-21 EXTERNAL SPEAKER MB-23 CARRYING HANDLE IC-MB12 MOBILE MOUNTING BRACKET CT -17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER AD-55/A/V AC ADAPTER CR-293 HIGH ST ABILITY CR YST AL UNIT Provides improved frequency stability . • Frequency stability: ± 5 [...]

A-5395Y -1EX- ➀ Printed in Japan Copyright © 1996 by Icom Inc. 1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003 Japan Count on us![...]