Icom IC-V8 manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL VHF TRANSCEIVER iV8 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Oper- ation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This de- vice may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including in- terference that may cause undesired operation.[...]

i SAFETY TRAINING INFORMA TION CAUTION T o ensure that your exposure to RF electromagnetic en- ergy is within the FCC allowable limits, always adhere to the following guidelines: • DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damage the radio and may also cause you to ex- ceed FCC RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is[...]

ii • AL W A YS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body when transmitting, and only use the Icom belt-clips which are listed in this manual when attaching the radio to your belt, etc. T o provide the recipients of your transmission the best sound quality , hold the antenna at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, and slightly[...]

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS The explicit definitions below apply to this instruction manual. iii FOREWORD Thank you for purchasing the IC-V8 FM transceiver . This trans- ceiver is designed for those who require quality , performance and outstanding reliability under the most demanding condi- tions. IMPOR T ANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and complete[...]

iv SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES Accessories included with the transceiver: q Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 w Belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 e 2251 OPT sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 r AC Adap[...]

v PRECAUTION R W ARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the 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 (2 to 4 in) away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical. R W ARNING! NEVER operate the transceiver[...]

vi DO NOT push the PTT when not actually desiring to trans- mit. Place unit in a secure place to avoid inadvertent use by chil- dren. DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. A VOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14°F) [...]

vii T ABLE OF CONTENTS SAFETY TRAINING INFORMA TION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i–ii FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii IMPORT ANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .[...]

viii 6 MEMOR Y PROGRAMMING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25–27 ‘ General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 ‘ Programming the memory/call channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 ‘ Channel name programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 ‘ Memory tra[...]

P ANEL DESCRIPTION 1 1 ‘ ‘ Switches, controls, keys and connectors q CONTROL DIAL [VOL] A Adjusts the audio level. B Selects the operating channel or adjusts the squelch level. • The function B is available when “dial” is assigned with [VOL] in INITIAL SET MODE (p. 51). w POWER SWITCH [POWER] Push for 1 sec. to turn the power ON and OFF .[...]

2 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION r SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL] Push and hold to force the squelch open and to adjust the squelch level with [ Y ]/[ Z ] keys . t UP/DOWN KEYS [ Y Y ]/[ Z Z ] A Selects the operating channel or adjusts the squelch level. B Adjusts the audio level. • The function B is available when “dial” is assigned with [VOL] in INITIAL SET MO[...]

Access to secondary function Select the call channel. (p. 19) Selects a memory mode. (p. 19) Selects VFO mode, aborts direct frequency input, or cancels scanning, etc. (pgs. 16, 31) Input digit “1” during frequency input, memory chan- nel selection, etc. (pgs. 16, 19) Input digit “2” during frequency input, memory chan- nel selection, etc. [...]

4 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION No function. No function. Entering into memory programming/editing mode. (p. 25) Programs/transfers VFO/memory or call channel contents into memory channel/VFO when pushed for 1 sec. (pgs. 25, 26) No function. Selects the subaudible tone function. (pgs. 21, 35) T urn the pocket beep function ON and OFF . (p. 37) Starts the to[...]

Input digit “7” during frequency input, memory chan- nel selection, etc. (pgs. 16, 19) Input digit “8” during frequency input, memory chan- nel selection, etc. (pgs. 16, 19) Input digit “9” during frequency input, memory chan- nel selection, etc. (pgs. 16, 19) Input digit “0” during frequency input, memory chan- nel selection, etc. [...]

6 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION Starts the priority watch. (p. 33) Enters into the SET MODE . (p. 46) T oggles between high and low output power . (p. 18) Enters into the DTMF memory mode. (p. 28) Selects an optional pager or code squelch operation mode. (p.39) Switches key pad lock function ON and OFF when pushed for 1 sec. Lock all keys, except [POWER], [[...]

P ANEL DESCRIPTION 1 7 ‘ ‘ Function display q FUNCTION INDICA TOR Appears while a secondary function is being accessed. w SKIP CHANNEL INDICA TOR Appears when the selected memory channel is set as a “skip channel.” (p. 32) e DUPLEX INDICA TOR Either “–” or “+” appears during repeater operation (p. 21). r TONE ENCODER INDICA T OR A[...]

8 1 P ANEL DESCRIPTION o SIGNAL INDICA TOR Appears when the channel is busy and shows receiving signal strength as below . Weak ⇐ RX Signal level ⇒ Strong !0 LOW POWER INDICA TOR Appears when low output power is selected. (p. 18) !1 KEY LOCK INDICA TOR (p. 19) Appears when the key lock function is ON. !2 FREQUENCY READOUT Shows operating freque[...]

9 2 ACCESSORIES ‘ ‘ Accessory attachment D Antenna Attach the antenna to the transceiver as il- lustrated at right. Keep the jack cover attached when jacks are not in use to avoid bad contacts. D Belt clip Attach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated below . To attach the belt-clip To release the belt-clip[...]

10 3 BA TTER Y P ACKS ‘ ‘ Battery pack replacement Before replacing the battery pack, push [POWER] for 1 sec. to turn the power OFF . • Push the battery release forward, then pull the battery pack upward with the transceiver fac- ing you. D D BA TTER Y P ACKS * 1 Operating periods are calculated under the following conditions; Tx : Rx : stand[...]

11 3 BA TTERY P ACKS ‘ ‘ Battery caution • CAUTION! NEVER short the terminals of the battery pack (or charging terminals of the transceiver). Also, current may flow into nearby metal objects such as a necklace, so be careful when plac- ing battery packs (or the transceiver) in handbags, etc. Simply carrying with or placing near metal objects[...]

‘ ‘ Battery charging D Regular charging with the BC-146 The optional BC-146 provides regular charging of an optional battery pack with/without transceiver . The following is additionally required: • An optional AC adaptor . (An AD-99 is supplied with BC-146.) D About AD-99 Attach the spacer (Spacer B/C) to the adaptor (Spacer A) with orientat[...]

13 3 BA TTERY P ACKS D Rapid charging with the BC-144 The optional BC-144provides rapid charging of optional bat- tery packs. The following are additionally required: • An AC adaptor (may be sup- plied with the BC-144 depend- ing on version). D Rapid charging with the BC-121+AD-94 (#1 1) The optional BC-121 allows up to 6 battery packs to be char[...]

14 3 BA TTERY P ACKS ‘ ‘ Charging NOTE Prior to using the transceiver for the first time, the battery pack must be fully charged for optimum life and operation. • Recommended temperature range for charging: +10°C to +40°C (50°F to 140°F). • Use the supplied charger or optional charger (BC-144/BC-121 for rapid charging, BC-146 for regul[...]

15 3 BA TTERY P ACKS ‘ ‘ Battery case (optional for some versions) When using a BP-208 BA TTERY CASE attached to the transceiver , install 6 AA (R6) size alkaline batteries as illustrated below . D D CAUTIONS • Use ALKALINE batteries only . • Make sure all battery cells are the same brand, type and ca- pacity . • Never mix old and new bat[...]

■ Power ON Push [POWER] for 1sec. to turn power ON . ■ Setting a frequency D Via the keypad q Push [D. CLR ] to select VFO mode, if necessary . w Enter 6 digit, starting from the 100 MHz digit, to enter the de- sired frequency . • When [#• ENT ] is pushed after three or more digits are entered, the frequency is also set. • When a digit is[...]

17 4 BASIC OPERA TION D By other methods Via the [ Y Y ]/[ Z Z ] keys Each push increases/decreases the frequency by the selected tun- ing step . Using the [VOL] Rotate the [VOL] to increases/decreases the frequency with the se- lected tuning step. • This function is available when “dial” is assigned with [VOL] in INITIAL SET MODE (p. 51). ?[...]

18 4 BASIC OPERA TION ■ Receive and transmit q Push [POWER] for 1 sec. to turn the power ON . w Adjust volume to the desired level. e Set a frequency . When a signal is received: • Squelch opens and audio is emitted from the speaker . • Signal indicator shows the relative signal strength level. r Push [9• H / L ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] [...]

■ Selecting a memory channel q Push [C• MR ] to select memory mode. •“ X ” appears. w Enter 2 digits to select the desired memory channel (or push the [ Y ]/[ Z ] keys). • When “dial” is assigned [VOL], rotate [VOL] to select the memory channel. (p. 51) • The memory channels 0–9 are pro- ceeded by a “0.” ■ Selecting call c[...]

20 4 BASIC OPERA TION ■ Display type The transceiver has 3 display types to match your operating style. The display type is selected in the INITIAL SET MODE (p. 51). “Frequency Indication” type is used for basic amateur radio operation. “Channel Indication” type is used to sim- plify operation. In this mode only pre- programmed memory cha[...]

21 5 REPEA TER OPERA TION ■ General When using a repeater , the transmit frequency is shifted from the receive frequency by the offset frequency . It is convenient to pro- gram repeater information into memory channels. q Set the receive frequency (repeater output frequency). w Push [4• DUP ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] several times to select ?[...]

22 5 REPEA TER OPERA TION ■ Offset frequency When communicating through a repeater , the transmit frequency is shifted from the receive frequency by an amount determined by the offset frequency . q Push [8• SET ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] to enter SET MODE . w Push [ Y ]/[ Z ] several times until “± ” and offset frequency appear . e Rotat[...]

23 5 REPEA TER OPERA TION ✔ Convenient T one scan function: When you don’t know the subaudible tone used for a repeater , the tone scan is convenient for detecting the tone frequency . Push [3• T . SCAN ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] to start the tone scan. • Push [D• CLR ] to cancel the scan. • When the required tone frequency is detecte[...]

24 5 REPEA TER OPERA TION ■ Auto repeater function (USA version only) The USA version automatically activates the repeater settings (du- plex, ON/OFF , duplex direction, tone encoder ON/OFF) when the operating frequency falls within or outside of the general repeater output frequency range. The of fset and repeater tone frequencies are not change[...]

25 6 MEMOR Y PROGRAMMING ■ General The transceiver has 100 memory channels (plus 3 pairs of scan edges and 1 call channel) for storage of often-used frequencies. D Memory channel contents The following information can be programmed into the memory: • Operating frequency • Duplex direction (+ or –) with an offset frequency (pgs. 21, 22) • [...]

26 6 MEMORY PROGRAMMING ■ Channel name programming q Select a “Channel Name Indication” type in INITIAL SET MODE (pgs. 20, 51). w Push [C• MR ] to select memory mode, if necessary . e Push [8• SET ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] to enter into the channel name programming mode. • The character to be edited flashes. r Rotate [VOL] to select[...]

27 6 MEMORY PROGRAMMING D Memory/call ➾ call/memory q Select the memory (call) channel to be transferred: Push [C• MR ] ([ B• CALL ]) to select the memory (call) mode. Push [ Y ]/[ Z ] to select the memory channel. • When “dial” is assigned [VOL], rotate [VOL] to select the memory channel. (p. 51) w Push [C• MR ] momentarily after pus[...]

28 7 DTMF MEMOR Y ■ Programming a DTMF code The transceiver has 5 DTMF memory channels (d0 to d4) for storage of often-used DTMF codes of up to 24 digits. q Push [0• DTMF - M ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] to enter the DTMF memory . • One of “d0” to “d4” appears. w Rotate [VOL] to select the desired channel. e Push [0• DTMF - M ] for [...]

29 7 DTMF MEMORY ■ T ransmitting a DTMF code D Using a DTMF memory channel q Push [0• DTMF - M ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] to enter the DTMF mem- ory . w Rotate [VOL] to select the desired channel. e Push [SQL] or [PTT] to exit the DTMF memory mode. r While pushing [PTT], push [SQL] to transmit the selected DTMF memory . • After the DTMF cod[...]

30 8 SCAN OPERA TION PROGRAMMED SCAN MEMORY (SKIP) SCAN Mch 0 Mch 6 Mch 1 Mch 3 Mch 2 Mch 4 Mch 5 Mch 7 Mch 99 Mch 10 Mch 9 Mch 8 Scan Scan edges PRIORITY WATCH Mch 3 Priority memory channel scan Priority channel 50 msec. VFO frequency 145.20 MHz 5 sec. Mch 3 Mch 5 Mch 1 Mch 2 Mch 4 Mch 6 SKIP Mch 99 50 msec. Memory scan Priority channel Priority m[...]

31 8 SCAN OPERA TION ■ Programmed scan Programmed scan repeatedly scans between two user pro- grammed frequencies (memory channels “1A–3A” and “1b–3b”) or scans between upper and lower band edges. This scan is useful for checking for signals within a specific frequency range such as repeater output frequencies, etc. q Push [D• CLR [...]

32 8 SCAN OPERA TION ■ Memory (skip) scan Memory scan repeatedly scans all programmed memory chan- nels, except those set as skip channels. q Push [C• MR ] to select memory mode, if necessary . •“ X ” appears. w Push [5• SCAN ] after pushing [A• FUNC ] to start the scan. • T o change the scan direction, push [ Y ] or [ Z ]. • When[...]

33 8 SCAN OPERA TION ■ Priority watch Priority watch checks for signals on “priority channels” while oper- ating on a VFO frequency . D Memory or call channel watch While operating on a VFO frequency , memory or call channel watch monitors for signals in the selected memory or call channel every 5 sec. q Select the desired memory channel or t[...]

34 8 SCAN OPERA TION ■ Scan resume condition When a signal is received during scanning, the scan resume condi- tion determines what action the transceiver takes. The transceiver has 2 scan resume conditions avail- able as illustrated at right. Use SET MODE to select the one which best suits your needs. q Push [8• SET ] after pushing [A• FUNC [...]

35 SUBAUDIBLE T ONES 9 ‘ ‘ T one squelch D Operation The tone squelch opens only when receiving a signal containing a matching subaudible tone. Y ou can silently wait for calls from group members using the same tone. q Set the operating frequency . • Set the AF and squelch to the desired level as the normal operation. w Set the desired subaud[...]

36 9 SUBAUDIBLE TONES D Setting subaudible tones for tone squelch operation Separate tone frequencies can be set for tone squelch operation rather than repeater operation (the same range of tones is avail- able— see below). Like the repeater tones, these are set in set mode. q Select VFO or memory channel. w Push [A• FUNC ] + [8• SET ] to ent[...]

SUBAUDIBLE TONES 9 37 ‘ ‘ Pocket beep operation This function uses subaudible tones for calling and can be used as a “common pager” to inform you that someone has called when you were away from the transceiver . D W aiting for a call from a speci fi c station q Set the operating frequency . w Set the desired CTCSS tone frequency or DTCS co[...]

38 9 SUBAUDIBLE TONES ‘ ‘ T one scan By monitoring a signal that is being operated with repeater , pocket beep or tone squelch function, you can determine the tone fre- quency necessary to access a repeater or open a squelch. q Set the frequency to be checked for a tone frequency or code. w Push [1• TONE ] after [A• FUNC ] is pushed. • Re[...]

39 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH ‘ ‘ Pager function This function uses DTMF codes for paging and can be used as a “message pager” to confirm you of a caller ’s identification even when you leave the transceiver temporarily unattended. Optional UT -108 required Pager selective code (push [PTT]) Beep B eep Beep Answer back (manual) Beep Beep Beep [...]

40 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH ‘ ‘ Code programming D D Before programming The pager and code squelch functions require ID codes and a group code. These codes are 3-digit DTMF codes and must written into the code channels before operation. q Decide the ID code of each transceiver and a group code for your group. w Decide whether you want to return t[...]

41 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH D D Code programming An ID code MUST be programmed into code channel C0. Up to 6 transmit codes are programmable into code channels, C1 to C6, if required. q Push [ ✱ • OPTION ] after [A• FUNC ] is pushed. • Pager mode is selected. • 100 MHz digit shows “P .” w Push [8• SET ] after [A• FUNC ] is pushed. ?[...]

42 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH • Receive accept/receive inhibit ➥ “Receive accept” (“SKIP” indicator does not appear) accepts pager calls when the transceiver receives a signal with a code the same as that in the code channel. ➥ “Receive inhibit” (“SKIP” indicator appears) rejects calls even when the transceiver receives a code the[...]

43 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH ‘ ‘ Pager operation D Calling a speci fi c station q Program the desired code channel in advance (p. 41). w Set the operating frequency . • Set the AF and squelch to the desired level as in normal operation. e Push [ ✱ • OPTION ] after [A• FUNC ] is pushed. • Pager mode is selected. • 100 MHz digit shows ?[...]

44 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH D W aiting for call from a speci fi c station q Set the operating frequency . w Push [ ✱ • OPTION ] after [A• FUNC ] is pushed. • 100 MHz digit shows “P .” e W ait for a call. • When receiving a call, the caller ’s ID or group code appears as shown below . • DO NOT push any digit keys while code channels[...]

45 10 P AGER/CODE SQUELCH ‘ ‘ Code squelch Code squelch provides communications with quiet standby since you will only receive calls from stations which know your ID or group code. Each push of [PTT] sends a 3-digit code in order to open the receiving station’s code squelch prior to voice transmis- sion. q Set the operating frequency . • Se[...]

46 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS ‘ ‘ Set mode D D Entering set mode q Push [8• SET ] after [A• FUNC ] is pushed. w Push [ ∫ ] or [ √ ] to select the desired item. e Rotate [VOL] to select the condition/value. • T o exit set mode, push [#• ENT ]. D D Repeater tone frequency Selects tone encoder frequency for accessing a repeater , etc. from one[...]

47 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS D D T uning step Selects tuning step from 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25 , 30 and 50 kHz. D D Scan pause timer Selects the scan pause time from SCt.5, SCt.10, SCt.15 and SCP . 2. When receiving signals, the scan pauses according to the scan pause time. • SCt. 5/10/15 : Scan pauses for 5/10/15 sec. (default: SCt.15) • SCP . 2 : Sc[...]

48 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS D D T ransmission permission T urns transmission permission ON and OFF . This function can be set for each memory and call channel, independently . • tX .ON : T ransmission is permitted. (default) • tX .OF : T ransmission is inhibited. D D Pager/Code squelch channel Programs 3-digit ID code in channel “C0” and individu[...]

49 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS ‘ ‘ Initial set mode The initial set mode is accessed at power on and allows you to set seldom-changed settings. In this way , you can “customize” trans- ceiver operations to suit your preference and operating style. D D Entering initial set mode q T urn power on while [ ∫ ] and [ √ ] are pushed. w Push [ ∫ ] or [...]

50 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS D D Auto repeater The auto repeater function automatically turns ON or OFF the duplex operation with a speci- fied shift direction and tone encoder , when the operating frequency falls within or outside of 145.200–145.495, 146.610–146.995 and 147.000–147.395 MHz range. The offset and repeater tone frequencies are not ch[...]

51 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS D D Squelch delay Selects squelch delay from short and long to prevent repeated opening and closing of the squelch during reception of the same signal. • Sqt . S : The squelch closes in short delay . (default) • Sqt. L: The squelch closes in long delay . D D DTMF speed The rate at which DTMF memories send indi- vidual DTMF[...]

52 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS D D LCD contrast Selects LCD contrast from auto and low . • LCd.A T : Automatic (default) • LCd.LO : Low contrast D D Power save Selects duty cycle for power save function from auto, 1:32, 1:16, 1:8, 1:2 and OFF . • P–S.At : Duty cycle changes automatically . (default) • P–S.32 : 1:32 duty cycle • P–S.16 : 1:16[...]

53 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS D D Mic simple mode This item turns the microphone simple mode ON and OFF . Microphone simple mode is used to change the function assignments for keys in the optional HM-75A REMOTE CONTROL SPEAKER - MICROPHONE as below . This assign- ment is convenient for 3-channel use of sim- ple operation. • mIC.N1 : Normal 1 (default) ?[...]

54 11 OTHER FUNCTIONS ‘ ‘ CPU reset The function display may occasionally display erroneous informa- tion (e.g. when first applying power). This may be caused by exter- nally by static electricity or other factors. If this problem occurs, turn power OFF . After waiting a few seconds, turn power ON again. If the problem persists, perform CPU re[...]

55 12 CLONING Cloning allows you to quickly and easily transfer the programmed contents from one transceiver to another transceiver; or , data from a PC to a transceiver using the optional CS-V8 CLONING SOFTWARE . D T ransceiver-to-transceiver cloning q Connect the OPC-474 CLONING CABLE with adaptor plugs to the [SP] jack of the master and sub-tran[...]

56 13 OPTIONAL UNIT D Optional UT -108 installation q Remove the optional connecter access cover (named 2251 OPT sheet). • Insert a screwdriver into the hollow of the chassis, then lift and take away the cover . (The cover cannot be used again.) W ARNING! NEVER attempt to remove the optional connector cover using your finger nails, this may resu[...]

57 14 SPECIFICA TIONS D D General • Frequency range : USA 144–148 MHz (Tx), 136–174 MHz* (Rx) General (LM) 136–174 MHz* (Tx/Rx) *Guaranteed 144–148 MHz range only . • Operating temp. range : –10˚C to +60˚C; +14˚F to +140˚F • Frequency stability : ± 10 ppm (–10˚C to +60˚C) • Antenna connector : BNC (50 Ω ) • Power supp[...]

58 15 OPTIONS D D BA TTERY P ACKS * 1 Operating periods are calculated under the following conditions: Tx:Rx:standby=5:5:90, power save function: auto setting, is activated * 2 Operation with the LOW output power selection is recommended. D D CHARGER • BC-144 (#1 1) DESKTOP CHARGER + BC-145 AC ADAPTER For rapid charging. Charging time: 1.5 to 2 h[...]

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