Manual Icom IC-R8500 (page 32 of 48) (English)

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iC- r8500

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Versions of the IC-R8500 which display the “CE”

symbol on the serial number seal, comply with

the essential requirements of the European

Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Directive

1999/5/EC, and that any applicable Essential Test Suite

measurements have been performed.

UNPACKING

PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL

CAREFULLY before attempting to operate the

receiver.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This

instruction manual contains important safety and oper-

ating instructions for the IC-R8500.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

RINDOOR USE ONLY! NEVER expose the

IC-R8500 or AC adapter to rain, snow or any liquids.

RNEVER connect the receiver to an AC outlet

directly. This may pose a ﬁre hazard or result in an

electric shock. Always use the supplied AC adapter or

connect to a 13.8 V DC power source.

RNEVER connect to an AC outlet that exceeds the

suggested voltage for each AC adapter version. This

could cause a ﬁre or ruin the AC adapter and/or

receiver.

RNEVER use non-rated fuses. Non-rated fuses

could cause a ﬁre or ruin the receiver.

NEVER let metal, wire or other objects touch any

internal part or connectors on the rear panel of the

receiver. This will cause electric shock.

AVOID using or placing the receiver in areas with tem-

peratures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +50°C

(+122°F).

AVOID placing the receiver in excessively dusty envi-

ronments or in direct sunlight.

AVOID placing the receiver against walls or putting

anything on top of the receiver. This will obstruct heat

dissipation.

RESPECT other people’s privacy. Information over-

heard but not intended for you cannot lawfully be used

in any way.

Accessories included with the IC-R8500:

Qty.

q AC adapter (AD-55A)*........................................... 1

w DC power cable (OPC-023C) ................................ 1

e Mini plug (2-conductor, 3.5d) ................................. 1

r Phono (RCA) plugs ...............................................2

t Fuse (FGMB 125 V 3 A; internal use) ................... 1

y Fuses (FGB 3 A; for DC cable) .............................2

u Screws (M4 × 12 for optional MB-23) ..................... 2

i Screws (C0 3 × 8 for optional MB-23 feet) ............. 4

o Allen bolts (M5 × 8 for optional IC-MB12) ..............4

*Some versions are not supplied with an AC adapter.

rt y u i

WORD DEFINITION

RWARNING

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric

shock may occur.

CAUTION

Equipment damage may occur.

NOTE

If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk

of personal injury, ﬁre or electric shock.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

IMPORTANT ............................................................. i

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS .......................................... i

PRECAUTIONS ........................................................ i

UNPACKING............................................................. i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................ ii

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION .....................................1–6

■ Front panel ................................................................... 1

■ Rear panel ...................................................................5

■ Function display ...........................................................6

2 CONNECTIONS ..............................................7–10

■ Mounting installation ....................................................7

■ Required connections ..................................................8

■ Antenna connection .....................................................9

■ Grounding ....................................................................9

■ Tape recorder connections ........................................ 10

■ Transceive function .................................................... 10

■ Connecting to a PC ................................................... 10

■ Data demodulation terminal ....................................... 10

3 FREQUENCY SETTING ................................ 11–12

■ Read me ﬁrst .............................................................. 11

■ Using the keypad ....................................................... 11

■ Using the main dial ....................................................12

■ Lock function .............................................................. 12

4 RECEIVE FUNCTIONS ................................. 13–16

■ Initial settings .............................................................13

■ Mode selection ........................................................... 13

■ Squelch function ........................................................ 14

■ Functions for FM ........................................................ 14

■ Functions for SSB/CW ............................................... 14

■ Data communications .................................................16

5 MEMORY CHANNELS ..................................17–22

■ General ......................................................................17

■ Bank selection ........................................................... 17

■ Channel selection ...................................................... 18

■ Programming .............................................................19

■ Copy and paste (memory editing) .............................. 19

■ Clearing ..................................................................... 19

■ Channel/bank names ................................................. 20

■ Assigning channels numbers .....................................21

6 SCANS ..........................................................23–28

■ Operation ...................................................................23

■ Mode select function .................................................. 25

■ Specifying skip channel and frequency ..................... 25

■ Automatic bank limit/skip functions ............................ 26

■ Voice scan control function ........................................ 26

■ Programming scan edge frequencies ........................ 27

■ Scan speed/delay functions ....................................... 27

7 SLEEP TIMER .....................................................29

8 SET MODE ..........................................................30

■ General ......................................................................30

■ Quick set mode items ................................................ 31

■ Initial set mode items ................................................. 31

9 CONNECTOR INFORMATION ...................... 33– 34

10 CONTROL COMMANDS ............................ 35–36

■ Command table ......................................................... 35

■ Data format ................................................................35

11 MAINTENANCE ................................................. 37

■ Disassembly .............................................................. 37

■ Fuse replacement ......................................................37

■ Level adjustments ...................................................... 37

■ Memory backup ......................................................... 37

■ CPU resetting ............................................................ 37

■ Cleaning ..................................................................... 37

12 OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS ..................... 38– 39

■ UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT

................................ 38

■ FL-52A

CW NARROW FILTER

........................................ 38

■ CR-293

HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT

......................... 39

13 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................. 40–41

14 SPECIFICATIONS .............................................42

15 OPTIONS ........................................................... 43

16 DOC ...................................................................44

q POWER SWITCH [POWER]

Turns power ON and OFF.

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.

•“ ” 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 main dial to select items

and contents, respectively.

RECORDER REMOTE JACK [REC REMOTE] (p. 10)

Controls the running of a tape recorder for record-

ing. Connects to the REMOTE jack on a tape

recorder.

r RECORDER JACK [REC OUT] (p. 10)

Outputs an audio signal. Connect to the AUX or

LINE IN jack on a tape recorder.

t HEADPHONE JACK [PHONES]

Accepts headphones with 4–16 Ω impedance.

• When headphones are connected, no receive audio comes

from the speaker.

• Stereo headphones can be connected, however, output

is monaural.

y MODE SWITCHES [WFM]/[FM]/[AM]/[SSB/CW]

(p. 13)

➥ Push to select an operating mode.

• The following keys toggle between several modes:

[FM] .................FM, FM narrow

[AM] .................AM, AM narrow, AM wide

[SSB/CW] ........USB, LSB, CW, optional CW narrow

➥ When SSB/CW mode is selected, push [SSB/CW]

for 1 sec. to adjust the BFO frequency. (p. 15).

u NOISE BLANKER/AFC SWITCH [NB]/[AFC]

Activates the noise blanker function or automatic fre-

quency control function.

• The noise blanker is used for removing pulse-type noise

when SSB, CW or AM mode is selected (p. 15).

• The automatic frequency control tunes the displayed fre-

quency automatically when an off-center frequency is re-

ceived. It activates when FM or WFM is selected (p. 14).

i AUDIO FREQUENCY GAIN CONTROL

[AF GAIN] (p. 13)

Rotate clockwise to increase the audio output; rotate

counterclockwise to decrease the audio output.

o AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL [AGC] (p. 15)

Toggles the time constant of the AGC circuit be-

tween “slow” and “fast.”

• When “fast” is selected, “AGC-F” appears.

• Cannot be used in FM or WFM modes.

!0 SQUELCH CONTROL [SQUELCH] (p. 14)

Varies the squelch threshold level (to mute noise

when receiving no signal).

!1 IF SHIFT CONTROL [IF SHIFT] (p. 14)

Shifts the center frequency of the receiver’s IF pass-

band to reject interfering signals.

• Cannot be used in FM, WFM and AM modes.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

MODE

WFM

NB/AFC AGC 10dB 20dB

FM AM

APF

SPCH

SSB/CW

AF GAIN SQUELCH

PHONES

REC OUT

SLEEP/

REC

REMOTE

IF SHIFTAPF

SET

LOCK

COMMUNICATION RECEIVER

iC- r8500

POWER

SIGNAL

13579

20dB

60dB

yio!0 !1 !2 !3 !4u

RECV

BANK

10-ATT-20

APF-NAGC-FAFCNB

SLEEP

LOCK

ICOM

S-meter squelch

threshold

Noise squelch

threshold (not

available in SSB,

CW, WFM and

AM narrow modes)

• Signals below the

S-meter level

are muted.

■ Front panel

PANEL DESCRIPTION

!2 AUDIO PEAK FILTER 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.

ATTENUATOR SWITCHES [10dB]/[20dB]

Push to activate one of the attenuators.

➧ Push [10dB] to activate the 10 dB attenuator.

➧ Push [20dB] to activate the 20 dB attenuator.

➧ Push [10dB] + [20dB] to activate the 30 dB attenuator.

• 10 dB and 30 dB attenuator cannot be used below 500 kHz.

!4 AUDIO PEAK FILTER SWITCH [APF] (p. 15)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the audio peak ﬁlter

circuit ON and OFF.

• Use the [APF] control to adjust the center of the audio

peak passband.

➥ When the audio peak ﬁlter circuit is ON, push for

1 sec. to toggle the ﬁlter setting between normal

and narrow.

•‘Narrow’ is available for SSB, CW and AM only.

SPEECH/LOCK SWITCH [SPCH/LOCK]

➥ Push momentarily to activate the voice synthesiz-

er function and have the displayed frequency

announced.

• An optional UT-102

SPEECH SYNTHESIZER UNIT

is nec-

essary to activate the voice synthesizer function (p.38).

• Automatic announcement at signal detection during

scan is available. Refer to the “REC SPCH” item on

p. 31 for details.

➥

Push for 1 sec. to activate the lock function (p. 12).

• Push for 1 sec. again to cancel the lock function.

• The lock function action can be selected in set mode

to cover the main dial only, or to cover both the main

dial and front panel switches.

TUNING STEP SWITCHES [TS▲]/[TS▼] (p. 12)

Select the tuning step for the main dial. Push [TS▲]

to select a larger tuning step; push [TS▼] to select

a smaller tuning step.

• 10 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 2.5 kHz, 5 kHz, 9 kHz, 10

kHz, 12.5 kHz, 20 kHz, 25 kHz, 100 kHz and 1 MHz are

selectable.

• Programmable tuning steps can be set between 0.5 and

199.5 kHz.

➠ To set programmable tuning steps, enter the desired

steps via the keypad, then push [TSY]or [TSZ].

MAIN DIAL

Changes the operating frequency, set mode contents,

etc.

!8 BRAKE ADJUSTMENT SCREW

Adjusts the main dial tension.

!9 FUNCTION DISPLAY (p. 6)

Shows the selected frequency, mode, memory

name, etc.

@0 S-METER

➥ Shows the strength of the received signal.

➥ Shows the squelch threshold level when the

[SQUELCH] is rotated past the center position.

MEMO

SEL SKIP VSC

DLY

SCAN/

NAME

SCAN SET

PROG AUTO PRIO

M-SET BANK

M-CL MW

DELAY/SPEEDM-CH

D/S

1 QZ

GHI

PRS TUV WXY

ENT

BANK

JKL MNO

ABC DEF

;

0CE

ENT

M-CH

SEL-CH SKIP-CH

OFF

kHz

DLY

IC-R8500

Center frequency

is shifted up.

Center frequency

is shifted down.

@1 MEMORY 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.

MEMORY CLEAR SWITCH [M-CL] (p. 19)

Push and hold to clear the contents of the displayed

memory.

• Bank names cannot be cleared.

MEMORY WRITE SWITCH [MW] (p. 19)

Push and hold to store the displayed frequency,

mode, tuning step, etc. into the selected memory

channel.

@4 BANK SWITCH [BANK] (p. 17)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the bank limit func-

tion ON and OFF (p. 18).

• While “BANK” appears, only memory channels within

the selected bank can be selected via the [M-CH] se-

lector.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to increase/decrease the number of

memory channels in the selected bank (p. 21).

@5 MEMORY CHANNEL SELECTOR [M-CH] (p. 18)

➥ Selects a memory channel in normal use.

• Clockwise rotation selects higher memory channel

numbers; counterclockwise rotation selects lower

memory channel numbers.

➥ Selects a set mode item when quick set mode or

initial set mode is selected (p. 30).

@6 DELAY/SPEED CONTROL [DELAY/SPEED] (p. 28)

Adjusts the scan delay time or scan speed depend-

ing on the [DLY ] switch setting.

• When scan delay time is assigned, this control adjusts

the scan delay time (scan pausing interval) during signal

reception. This setting is effective when “” is

selected for the scan resume condition.

• When scan speed is assigned, this control adjusts the

scan speed. In this case, scan delay time is determined

while setting.

SCAN SWITCHES [SCAN ]

All of these switches are related to the scan function

in some way as follows:

[MEMO] (p. 23)

➥ Push momentarily to start/stop memory scan.

➥ Push numeral keys, then this key to start memo-

ry scan in the speciﬁed bank.

➥ Push this key, then a mode switch to activate

mode select scan function.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to set automatic bank and skip

functions.

• The bank limit function and/or memory skip functions

are activated automatically when “AUTO” is selected

and scan is started.

[SEL] (p. 23)

➥ Push momentarily to start/stop memory select

scan.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to set the memory channel as a

select channel.

[PROG] (p. 24)

➥

Push momentarily to start/stop programmed scan.

➥ Push numeral keys, before or after pushing this

key to start programmed scan using the speciﬁed

scan edge group.

• 10 scan edge groups are available.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to program scan edges for pro-

grammed scan.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

MODE

WFM

NB/AFC AGC 10dB 20dB

FM AM

APF

SPCH

SSB/CW

AF GAIN SQUELCH

PHONES

REC OUT

SLEEP/

REC

REMOTE

IF SHIFTAPC

SET

LOCK

COMMUNICATION RECEIVER

iC- r8500

POWER

SIGNAL

13579

20dB

60dB

RECV

BANK

10-ATT-20

APF-NAGC-FAFCNB

SLEEP

LOCK

ICOM

PANEL DESCRIPTION

[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 select the written memories

condition for the auto write scan.

• Two conditions are available, clear auto-written mem-

ories before scan starts; and, keep auto written mem-

ories before scan start.

[VSC] (p. 26)

Push to toggle the voice scan control function ON

and OFF.

• The VSC function resumes the scan when a detected sig-

nal does not contain voice components.

•“VSC” appears while the voice scan control function is

activated.

[PRIO] (p. 25)

➥ Push momentarily to start/stop priority scan.

• Priority scan can be used in combination with other

scans.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the priority channel pro-

gramming condition.

[DLY ] (p. 27)

➥ Push momentarily to select a scan resume condi-

tion.

➧ “OFF” is underscored: scan pauses on a signal until it

disappears, then resumes 3 sec. after that.

➧ “DLY” is underscored: scan resumes according to the

[DELAY/SPEED] control setting. When a signal dis-

appears, scan resumes 3 sec. later.

➧ “

∞

” is underscored: scan is cancelled when receiving

a signal.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the delay time/scan speed

setting condition.

• The function of the [DELAY/SPEED] control can be se-

lected.

KEYPAD

The keypad can be used for several functions as below:

• Keypad then [ENT] (then [MW])

— Direct frequency input.

• Keypad then [M-CH]

— Memory channel selection.

• [CE •

NAME] then keypad

— Alphanumeric input for memory, bank names, etc.

• Keypad then [TSY] or [TSZ]

— Arbitrary tuning step setting.

• Keypad then [MEMO] or [SEL]

— Specify memory bank then start memory scan or se-

lect memory scan.

• Keypad then [PROG] or [AUTO]

— Specify scan edge group, then start programmed

scan or auto write scan.

MEMO

SEL SKIP VSC

DLY

SCAN/

NAME

SCAN SET

PROG AUTO PRIO

M-SET BANK

M-CL MW

DELAY/SPEEDM-CH

D/S

1 QZ

GHI

PRS TUV WXY

ENT

BANK

JKL MNO

ABC DEF

;

0CE

ENT

M-CH

@2 @3@1 @4 @5 @6

SEL-CH SKIP-CH

OFF

kHz

DLY

IC-R8500

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Rear panel

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 function.

Also connects to a PC with several receivers for

command control via an optional CT-17

V LEVEL

CONVERTER

e IF OUT JACK

Outputs a 10.7 MHz IF signal with 9 V DC for an ex-

ternal equipment.

r AGC JACK (p. 16)

This jack has functions which are selectable through

internal receiver settings.

• Outputs an AGC signal for an external equipment (de-

fault).

• Outputs audio detected signal without de-emphasis for

9600 bps data detection (FM mode only).

t DC 13.8 V JACK (p. 8)

➥ Plug in the jumper connector here when using the

supplied* AC adapter.

➥ Connects to a 13.8 V DC power source using the

supplied DC cable when the AC adapter is not

connected.

*Not supplied with some versions.

y EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK

Connects an 8 Ω external speaker.

• When an external speaker is connected, the internal

speaker does not function.

u DC IN JACK (p. 8)

Connects the supplied* AC adapter.

• A regulator circuit has been designed between this con-

nector and the DC 13.8 V jack.

• Be sure the jumper connector is connected to the DC

13.8 V jack.

*Not supplied with some versions.

i HF 50 Ω ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 8)

Connects an antenna to cover the frequency range

below 30 MHz.

• Use a coaxial cable and a PL-259 connector.

• Be sure this connector is selected in quick set mode

(p. 31).

o GROUND TERMINAL (p. 9)

Connect this terminal to a ground.

!0 HF 500 Ω ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 8)

When a 500 Ω long wire antenna is used for HF band

receiving, this connector is used instead of the 50 Ω

antenna connector.

• Set the “HF ANT” item to 500 to use this connector

(p. 31).

!1 VHF/UHF ANTENNA CONNECTOR (p. 8)

Connects an antenna to cover the frequency range

over 30 MHz.

• Use a coaxial cable and type-N connector.

q w e r y u

!0!1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Function display

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. 13)

Show the operating mode.

e FREQUENCY READOUT

Shows the operating frequency.

r SKIP INDICATOR (p. 25)

➥ Appears when the skip function is activated.

➥ Flashes during scan when the skip function is ac-

tivated by the auto skip function.

t VSC INDICATOR (p. 26)

Appears when the voice scan control function is

activated.

SCAN RESUME CONDITION INDICATORS (p. 27)

Show the selected scan resume condition.

u TUNING STEP INDICATORS (p. 12)

Show the selected tuning step.

•

“” appears when a programmable tuning step is selected.

i TEMPORARY MEMORY INDICATOR (p. 19)

➥ Appears when [M-SET] is pushed to indicate that

a frequency is being temporarily saved.

➥ Disappears when the temporary memory is past-

ed into another memory channel.

o MEMORY CHANNEL READOUT (p. 17)

Shows the selected memory channel number.

!0 SKIP CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 25)

Appears when the selected memory channel is set

as a skip channel.

!1 MEMORY NAME INDICATORS (p. 20)

Display names programmed into a memory, or scan

group.

!2 SELECT CHANNEL INDICATOR (p. 23)

Appears when the selected memory channel is set

as a select channel.

!3 BANK NUMBER INDICATOR (p. 17)

Shows the selected memory bank number.

!4 BANK INDICATOR (p. 18)

➥ Appears when the bank limit function is activated.

➥ Flashes during scan when the bank limit function

is activated by the auto bank function.

!5 BANK NAME INDICATOR (p. 20)

Displays names programmed into a bank.

!6 AUDIO PEAK FILTER INDICATOR (p. 15)

“APF” or “APF-N” appears when the audio peak ﬁl-

ter function is activated.

!7 ATTENUATOR INDICATORS

Appear when the RF attenuator is activated.

!8 AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL INDICATOR (p. 15)

AGC-F appears when AGC fast is selected; no indi-

cation appears when AGC slow is selected.

!9 RECEIVE INDICATOR

Appears while receiving.

@0 FM CENTER INDICATORS (p. 14)

Appear when the received signal is not tuned to its

center frequency.

@1 NOISE BLANKER INDICATOR (p. 15)

Appears when the noise blanker circuit is activated.

@2 AFC INDICATOR (p. 14)

Appears when the automatic frequency control

function is activated in either FM or WFM modes.

@3 LOCK INDICATOR (p. 12)

Appears when the main dial or front panel switches

are locked.

@4 SLEEP INDICATOR (p. 29)

Appears when the sleep timer is set.

REMOTE

WFM

RECV

AMUSBLSBCW

BANK

10-ATT-20

APF-NAGC-FAFCNB

SEL-CH SKIP-CH

WIDE NAR

SKIP VSC

OFF

MHz kHz

DLY

SLEEP

LOCK

qwerty

io!0!1!2!3!4!5!6!7!8!9@0 @0

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 in-

crease the internal temperature over the useable tem-

perature range. Specifications are not guaranteed

under such conditions.

D Receiver stand

The base of the IC-R8500 has an adjustable stand for

desktop use. Set the stand to one of two angles de-

pending on your operating conditions.

D Optional bracket and carrying handle

• Mounting bracket

An optional mounting bracket is available to install the

radio under a table, on a wall, in a vehicle, etc.

Select an area to mount the receiver keeping in mind

that the weight of the IC-R8500 is approx. 7 kg.

• Carrying handle

An optional handle allows you to easily carry and

transport the receiver.

Attach the MB-23

CARRYING HANDLE

with the supplied

rubber feet as shown.

CAUTION: The screws supplied with the MB-23

cannot be used with the IC-R8500. Use the screws

supplied with the IC-R8500 when attaching the

MB-23.

Flat washer

Spring

washer

Allen bolt

supplied with

the IC-R8500.

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 antennaLong wire antennaVHF/UHF wide band

antenna

Computer control

(p. 10)

External speaker

(p. 43)

High speed data

connection (p. 16)

0.1–30 MHz coverage0.1–30 MHz coverage30 MHz –2 GHz coverage

The optional AH-7000 is

available for 25 MHz to 1.3

GHz coverage.

Select the active antenna connector in quick set mode (p. 31)

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 performance.

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 for HF bands

The IC-R8500 has a 500 Ω phono (RCA) antenna

connector for the HF bands. When using a long wire

antenna, instead of a 50 Ω matched antenna, use one

as long as possible (at least 10 m, 33 ft) and select the

active connector as follows:

q Push [SLEEP/ ] for 1 sec. to enter quick set

mode.

w Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the “HF ANT”

item.

Rotate the main dial to select the antenna connector.

r Push [SLEEP/ ] momentarily to exit quick set

mode.

■ Grounding

To prevent accidents involving electricity and interfer-

ence from transceivers, ground the receiver through

the [GND] terminal on the rear panel.

For best results, connect a heavy gauge cable to a

water pipe or long, earth-sunk copper rod. Make the

distance between the [GND] terminal and ground as

short as possible.

RWARNING: NEVER use a gas pipe or electri-

cal conduit pipe for grounding.

30 mm

10 mm (soft solder)

10 mm

1–2 mm

solder solder

Soft

solder

Coupling ring

PL-259 CONNECTOR INSTALLATION EXAMPLE

Slide the coupling ring

down. Strip the cable

jacket and soft solder.

Slide the connector

body on and solder it.

Screw the coupling ring

onto the connector

body.

Strip the cable as

shown at left. Soft

solder the center con-

ductor.

(10 mm ≈

⁄8 in)

15 mm

Clamp

3 mm 6 mm

Center conductor

Washer

Nut Rubber gasket

TYPE-N CONNECTOR INSTALLATION EXAMPLE

Slide the nut, washer,

rubber gasket and

clamp over the

coaxial cable, then

cut the end of the

cable evenly.

Soft solder the center

conductor. Install the

center conductor pin and

solder it.

Carefully slide the plug

body into place aligning

the center conductor pin

on the cable. Tighten the

nut onto the plug body.

• Be sure the center

conductor is the same

height as the plug body.

Strip the cable and

fold the braid back

over the clamp.

(10 mm ≈

⁄8 in)

Plug body

No space

Solder hole

500 HF ANT

CONNECTIONS

■ Tape recorder connections

The [REC OUT] jack has 350 mV rms/4.7 kΩ output

for connection to other audio equipment.

■ Transceive 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-range for one of the con-

nected transceivers or receivers, the connected radio’s

frequency/mode does not change.

■ Connecting to a PC

■ Data demodulation terminal

See p. 16 for details regarding connection and opera-

tion.

The IC-R8500 can connect directly to a personal

computer providing control of multiple functions such

as instant frequency/name programming using

appropriate software. See pgs. 35, 36 for the control

command table.

Personal computer

IC-R8500

RS-232C

cable

25 14

2.RXD (data input)

3.TXD (data output)

20 6

IC-R8500

SCAN SET

[REC

REMOTE]

[REC OUT]

350 mVrms

4.7 kΩ

[AUX IN] or

[LIVE IN] jack

✔ Convenient:

When an optional UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT

installed, detected frequencies during scanning can

be recorded. See pgs. 31, 32 for settings.

[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 record-

ing control. (2 A/DC max.)

Connect to [REMOTE] jack

• Be sure the “CIV TRAN” item is turned ON in initial set mode (p. 32).

A DB9/DB25 adapter may be

required depending on the PC’s

connector.

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 frequency for later recall, you must program it

into a memory channel by pushing [MW] for 1 sec.

✔ Convenient:

Use [M-SET] to program a displayed frequency (and

its mode, etc.) without overwriting the currently select-

ed memory. See p. 19.

■ Using the keypad

q Push the numeral keys on the keypad to enter the

MHz digits for the desired frequency.

• If a key is mistakenly pushed, push [CE

≈

] and start

again from the beginning.

• When entering the same MHz digits as the displayed

frequency, this step can be skipped.

w Push [

•

Ω

e Push the numeral keys to enter the frequency digits

below 1 MHz.

• If a key is mistakenly pushed, push [CE

≈

] and start

again from the beginning.

r Push [ENT] to set the input frequency.

• When pushing [ENT] after entering the MHz digits, zeros

are automatically entered for the kHz digits.

[EXAMPLE]: SETTING THE FREQUENCY USING THE KEYPAD

• To set to 145.00 MHz

ENT

• To set to 1296.040 MHz

29 6

•

ENT

• To set to 850 kHz

(0.85 MHz)

•

ENT

• To change from 1296.040

to 1296.850 MHz

•

ENT

Push [MW] for 1 sec. after tuning.

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

USR-A BLANK

“BLANK” appears in the memory name area until

[MW] is pushed for 1 sec.

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 programma-

ble tuning step (see below). The preset tuning steps are:

10 50 100 Hz

1 2.5 5 9 10 12.5 20 25 100 kHz

1 MHz

Push [TSY] or [TSZ] to change the selected tuning

step.

D Setting the programmable tuning step

The programmable tuning step can be set between the

range of 0.5–199.5 kHz (in 0.5 kHz steps) for each

memory independently.

q Push the numeral keys on the keypad that corre-

spond to the tuning step you wish to program.

w Push [TSY] or [TSZ] to set the programmable tun-

ing step to the selected value.

• The programmable tuning step is automatically selected

as the active tuning step.

■ Lock function

The lock function electronically locks the indicated fre-

quency from accidentally being changed.

Push [

SPCH ] for 1 sec. to toggle the lock func-

tion ON and OFF.

•“LOCK” appears in the function display while the lock

function is activated.

D Setting the lock function coverage

The lock function can be set to lock the main dial only

or, the main dial and most of the front panel switches.

q Push [SLEEP ] for 1 sec. to enter quick set

mode.

w Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the “LOCK”

indication.

e Rotate the main dial to set the lock function cover-

age to “DIAL” or “PANEL.”

r Push [SLEEP ] momentarily to exit quick set

mode.

SCAN SET

[TSY]

[TSZ]

MHz kHz

Tuning step

indicators

MHz kHz

appears when the programmable tuning step

is selected.

or appears to indicate the units of

the selected tuning step.

[EXAMPLE]: Setting the programmable tuning step to 50 kHz.

(or )

kHz

kHzkHz

kHz

LOCK

*ICOM

IC-R8500

OFF DLY

∞

LOCK

DIAL

kHz

OFF DLY

∞

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

RECV

BANK

10-ATT-20

APF-NAGC-FAFCNB

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

SLEEP

LOCK

*ICOM IC-R8500

[AF GAIN]: 10 o’clock

[APF]: center

[IF SHIFT]: center

Push [SLEEP]

Push [NB/AFC]

Push [AGC] Push [10dB] and/or [20 dB]

Push and hold

[

SPCH • LOCK]

Before turning power ON, set controls and switches as indicated below:

After turning power ON,

check the display for indications below and remove as follows:

[SQUELCH]: max. CCW

MODE

BANDWIDTH

INDICATION

DESCRIPTION

12 kHz/–6 dB

Amateur bands, citizens band, utility communications, marine bands,

etc. FM-narrow can only receive narrow FM signals; normal FM can

receive both normal and narrow FM signals.

5.5 kHz/–6 dB

Broadcasting, amateur bands, citizens band, air band, etc. AM-wide

mode is used for clear audio reception. Signals however, may be

received with interference.

SSB

2.2 kHz/–6 dB

Shortwave broadcasting, amateur bands, etc. Use USB for normal

SSB reception; LSB is not normally used.

2.2 kHz/–6 dB

Morse code communications. Use this mode to receive radio-tele-

type, etc. by shifting the receive frequency.

WFM

150 kHz/–6 dB

TV broadcasting, FM broadcasting, etc. TV and FM broadcasting

cannot be accessed in FM mode because their signals are too wide.

5.5 kHz/–6 dB

normal

narrow

2.2 kHz/–6 dB

medium

narrow

12 kHz/–6 dB

wide

USB

LSB

normal

500 Hz/–6 dB

narrow

(option)

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 open for signals

over a wide range of strengths. Once you have

selected a threshold point in a range, the IC-R8500

will open for all signals above this point.

To adjust the squelch, rotate [SQUELCH].

• Clockwise rotation closes the squelch (sets the threshold

point higher); counterclockwise rotation opens the

squelch (for reception of weak signals).

FM signals have a wide bandwidth which makes them

easy to receive. However, you may be tuned off-cen-

ter resulting in audio distortion. The IC-R8500’s off-

center indicators appear in such cases, making it

easy to ﬁne tune to the center of the frequency.

AFC stands for automatic frequency control. The AFC

circuit automatically compensates the tuning when a

receive frequency drifts or goes off frequency.

When one of the off-center indicators appears, the

IC-R8500 can adjust the receive frequency automat-

ically—when the AFC function is turned ON and an

off-center frequency is received, the frequency in the

display automatically changes to reﬂect the center of

the signal.

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

■ Squelch function

■ Functions for FM

D Center indicator

S-meter squelch

threshold

Noise squelch

threshold (not

available in SSB,

CW, WFM and

AM narrow modes)

• Signals below the

S-meter level

are muted.

When [SQUELCH] is

rotated past center,

the S-meter shows

the signal strength

needed to open the

squelch.

SIGNAL

13579

20dB

60dB

RECV

One of these indicators appears when the received

signal is off-center.

RECV

When one of these indicators appears, the

displayed frequency is automatically moved to the

center frequency.

AFC

D AFC

The IF shift function electronically changes the cen-

ter of the IF (intermediate frequency) passband fre-

quency to reject interference. The IF shift is not avail-

able in FM and AM modes.

q Adjust the [SHIFT] control for a minimum interfer-

ence signal level.

• The audio tone may be changed while the IF shift is in

use.

w Set the shift control to its center position when

there is no interference.

■ Functions for SSB/CW

D IF shift

Shifts low Center Shifts high

IF SHIFTAPFIF SHIFTAPF IF SHIFTAPF

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 strong signal is received while the

noise blanker is ON, the output audio may be dis-

torted. In such cases, the noise blanker should be

turned OFF.

The APF (audio peak ﬁlter) adjusts the peak fre-

quency of the received audio. The APF can be used

for adjusting the audio response. The IC-R8500 has

two selectable width ﬁlters.* Use the appropriate ﬁlter

width for optimum receiving.

q Push the [APF] switch.

w Rotate the [APF] control to adjust the peak fre-

quency.

e To change the ﬁlter width*, push [APF] for 1 sec.

*Available for SSB, CW and AM only.

BFO stands for beat frequency oscillator. This func-

tion is useful in conjunction with the IF shift function.

When eliminating interference with the IF shift func-

tion, the audio characteristics of the received signal

are often changed. Use the BFO adjustment function

to adjust the audio quality of the received signal to

that desired.

q Push [SSB/CW] to select SSB or CW mode.

w Push [SSB/CW] for 1 sec. to activate the function.

• BFO appears.

e Rotate [M-CH] to adjust the BFO.

•–1.2 kHz to +1.2 kHz are selectable.

AGC stands for automatic gain control. This function

controls receiver gain to produce a constant audio

output level even when the received signal strength

is varied by fading, etc. Use AGC slow for normal

phone operation; AGC fast for receiving data and

searching for signals. AGC time constant cannot be

changed in FM and WFM modes.

Push [AGC] to toggle between AGC fast and slow.

• AGC-F appears when AGC fast is selected; no indi-

cator appears when AGC slow is selected.

D Noise blanker

D Audio peak ﬁlter

D BFO adjustment

D AGC function

BFO

0.00kHz

ICOM-

RECV

AGC-F

NB OFF NB ON

500 1k 2k 5k [Hz]

–40

–30

–20

–10

[dB]

500 1k 2k 5k [Hz]

–40

–30

–20

–10

[dB]

APF is selected APF-N is selected

[NB/AFC]

switch

SCAN SET

[APF] control

[APF]

switch

SCAN SET

[SSB/CW]

switch

SCAN SET

[M-CH]

selector

[AGC]

switch

SCAN SET

BFO shift can be set for USB,

LSB and CW separately.

TU or TNC

AF IN

SQUELCH IN

to [REC OUT]

to [REC REMOTE]

SCAN SET

2-conductor 3.5(d) plugs

Personal computer

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

■ Data communications

D Connections

D Receiving method

• To 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 9600 bps only.

• Refer to p. 37 for a description of opening the case.

q Connect a terminal unit as above.

w Select FM mode (or USB, CW modes for HF band

data communications).

e Set the receiver to the desired frequency as below.

r Set the connected terminal unit to the appropriate

settings.

• Refer to the terminal unit’s instructions.

Rear

panel

TU or TNC

to [AGC]

RCA plug

Personal computer

[Audio IN] or

[Detector IN]

• For high speed data (9600 bps) reception in FM mode

• For regular speed data (1200 bps or lower) reception in any mode

Frequency settings depend on the mode used.

FM mode: [Setting frequency(displayed freq.)]=[Desired freq.]

USB mode: [Setting frequency(displayed freq.)]=[Desired freq.]–[Center of Mark and Space freq.]

CW narrow mode: [Setting frequency(displayed freq.)]=[Desired freq.]–[Center of Mark and Space freq.]+[600 Hz]

LSB mode (for amateur RTTY): [Setting frequency(displayed freq.)]=[Desired freq.]+ [Mark freq.]

AGC output

(default)

AF direct detector

output

200 mVrms/4.7 kΩ

MEMORY CHANNELS

To 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 FREE bank is initially blank and there-

fore cannot be selected. In order to select it at least

1 channel must be programmed into the FREE

bank. See p. 21.

✔ Convenient: Bank names

The default names of “USR-A” to “USR-T” can be set

to your own preference. Refer to p. 20 for program-

ming.

To select the programmed scan edge:

Push [PROG] for 1 sec.

• PROG and channel number (0P1 to 9P2) appear.

■ Bank selection

The IC-R8500 has 1000 regular memory channels,

plus 20 programmable scan edge channels and 1 pri-

ority 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.

NOTE: When memory channels without informa-

tion (blank channels) are selected, the frequency

is not displayed. Only the memory channel num-

ber appears.

The table below gives a general overview of the

IC-R8500’s memory channels.

BANK

INITIAL CONTENTS

USAGE

40 memories ×

20 banks

For normal use. Frequency, mode, tuning step, name and ATT information can

be programmed. The number of channels in each bank is user-assignable.

Banks cannot be deleted (they must contain at least 1 channel).

100 memories

Frequencies detected during auto memory write scan are memorised into this

bank in sequence. Mode and tuning step are written at the same time. Note that

when the written memories condition is set as CL&START and auto write scan

is started, all memories in this bank are cleared.

100 memories

Undesired signals such as from beacons, control-coded signals, etc., can be pro-

grammed to be skipped during programmed scan and auto memory write scan.

When [MW] is pushed for 1 sec. while scan is paused, the displayed frequency

is programmed into this bank regardless of the selected bank.

Blank

For temporary storage when assigning channels to banks. Deleted channels

(contents have been cleared) are stored in this bank until being assigned to

another bank. This bank does not appear when no channel are assigned.

20 memories (ﬁxed)

Memorize scan edge frequencies. 10 pairs of scan edges (0P1 to 9P2) are pro-

grammable (upper and lower scan edges). Mode and tuning step are automati-

cally equalised to the last programmed channel in a pair.

■ General

ENT

BANK

;

ENT

M-CH

BANK

USR-A BLANK

BLANK

USR-B

BANK

BLANK

USR-T

AUTO

BANK

BLANK

FREE

SKIP

*NONAME*

PROG

AUTO

SKIP

FREE

PROG

MEMORY CHANNELS

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.

✔ Convenient: Automatic bank limit

When starting memory scan, the bank limit function

is activated automatically. This automatic selection

can be deactivated. See p. 26.

Memory channels in the current bank can only be

selected via the keypad.

q Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK

▲

] or

[ENT

• BANK

▼

w Push keys corresponding to the desired channel.

e Push the [M-CH] key to set the selected memory

channel.

• Input for memory channels not available is cancelled.

■ Channel selection

D Using the [M-CH] selector

D Using the keypad

[M-CH] selector

[BANK ]

[M-CH] key

[EXAMPLE]: Selecting channel 39 from within the currently selected bank

BANK

USR-A

BANK appearsBANK doesn't

appear

BANK

USR-A

BANK

SR-

• Bank limit OFF

All memory channels can be

selected via the [M-CH]

selector. [BANK

▲

]

/[BANK

▼

]

can be used.

• Bank limit ON

Only memory channels in

the current bank can be se-

lected. Banks can be se-

lected with the

[BANK

▲

]/[BANK

▼

] keys

only.

USR-A ABCD USR-A ABCD USR-A EFGH

WXY

BANK

DEF

;

M-CH

[EXAMPLE]: Selecting channel 12 from a different bank (bank 3)

USR-A EFGH USR-D IJKL USR-D MNOP

BANK

;

M-CH

BANK

;

M-CH

1 QZ ABC2

(3 times)

MEMORY CHANNELS

■ Programming

This is the method most often used to program mem-

ory 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.

Set operating mode (p. 13) and tuning steps (p. 12).

r Push and hold [MW] until the receiver emits 3

beeps.

• The information is stored in the memory channel.

NOTE: When changing the memory channel

before pushing [MW], the set frequency (and

mode/tuning steps) is erased.

■ Copy and paste (memory editing)

When the frequency (and mode/tuning steps) is set

for a channel; or, when you want to change a fre-

quency using the contents of another memory chan-

nel, the copy/paste function is helpful to keep (or con-

ﬁrm) the previously programmed contents.

q Push [M-SET] to temporarily store the displayed

frequency, mode, etc.

•“M” appears.

• Only 1 channel can be stored in the temporary space.

w Select the memory channel you wish to program

the frequency into.

e Push [M-SET] again to paste the stored contents.

•“M” disappears.

NOTE: Remember that pushing [MW] is always

necessary to program contents into a memory

channel. Pasted contents will be cleared if the

[MW] key is not pushed for 1 sec.

■ Clearing

Information programmed into a memory channel can

be cleared (erased).

q Select the memory channel to be cleared.

w Push and hold [M-CL] until the receiver emits 3

beeps.

✔ Convenient: Bank assign function

Using the bank assign function, memory channels

can be removed (along with their programmed con-

tents) from a particular memory bank and placed

temporarily in the ‘free’ bank. See p. 21.

[MW] key

Push for 1 sec.

USR-A

BLANK

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

[M-SET] key

[M-CL] key

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.

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].

• A cursor appears at the ﬁrst character space of the

name area.

r Enter the desired name via the keypad.

• Push the appropriate keys to input the desired charac-

ters.

• To erase a character, overwrite with a ‘space’ using the

[

M-CH

• ] key.

• To move the cursor forwards or backwards, use the [•

Ω

]

or [CE

≈

] key.

t Push [ENT] to input the set name.

q Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK

▲

] or

[ENT • BANK

▼

w Push [CE

≈

• NAME].

• A cursor appears at the ﬁrst character space of the

name area.

• When no data is programmed, (“BLANK” appears) the

cursor does not appear. Program a frequency or

change the channel in such cases.

e Push [•

Ω

] to move the cursor to the bank name

area.

r Enter the desired name via the keypad.

• Use the same method as for channel names (see

above).

t Push [ENT] to input the set name.

NOTE: When using [CE

≈

] on the last digit of the

bank name, the current name is cleared and the

previous one is substituted. DO NOT forget to

push [ENT] after the bank name is set.

[CE

• NAME] key

1 QZ

ENT

BANK

ENT

WXY

NAME

USR-A

USR-A MEMONAME

D Channel name programming

D Bank name programming

USR-A

USR-A MEMONAME

MEMONAME

BANKN MEMONAME

ENT

BANK

ENT

NAME

5 times

1 QZ

WXY

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

“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.

To rearrange bank channel assignments:

q Delete memory channels from banks that have

more memory channels than you need.

• Deleted channels are assigned to the ‘free’ bank auto-

matically.

w Add (or insert) memory channels to banks in which

you want to add channels.

• Channels added to a bank are deleted from the ‘free’

bank.

q Select the bank and memory channel you wish to

delete.

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.

e Rotate [M-CH] until “DEL. 1CH” appears in the

display.

r Push [BANK] for 1 sec. to delete the selected

channel.

• The memory channel (but not its contents) is moved to

the “FREE” bank.

Memory channels can only be deleted one at a

time to prevent accidental deletion of multiple

channels; when you want to delete more than

one channel from a bank, repeat the above

steps as many times as necessary.

NOTE1: Deleted channels are moved to the

‘free’ bank, however, the programmed contents

are erased.

NOTE2: The number of banks cannot be

decreased. This means that if there is only one

channel in a bank, it cannot be moved to the

‘free’ bank.

D Deleting memory channels

[BANK] switch

[

M-CH] control

USR-T DEL. 1CH

BLANK

USR-T

BANK

(for 1 sec.)

The number of channels in this bank is

decreased.

USR-T BLANK

INS. 1CH

USR-T

BANK

M-CH

(for 1 sec.)

MEMORY CHANNELS

q Select the bank you wish to add memory chan-

nel(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.

e Rotate [M-CH] to select the following:

r Push [BANK] for 1 sec. to perform the selected

operation.

• The memory channel(s) are deleted from the “FREE”

bank and added/inserted to the selected bank.

• Memory channels cannot be added/inserted into a

memory bank when the “FREE” bank is empty.

D Adding/inserting memory channels

USR-T BLANK

USR-T

BANK

INS. 1CH

USR-T

BANK

BLANK

Insert 1 channel

USR-T

BANK

ADD. 1CH

Add 1 channel

USR-T

BANK

ADD.10CH

Add 10 channels

USR-T

BANK

DEL. 1CH

Delete channel

(see opposite page)

BANK

M-CH

(for 1 sec.)

BANK

(for 1 sec.)

INDICATION DESCRIPTION

INS. 1CH

1 channel will be inserted ‘in front’ of

the selected channel.

• Programmed contents after the inserted

channel are shifted accordingly.

ADD. 1CH

1 channel will be added ‘at the end’ of

the selected bank.

ADD.10CH

10 channels will be added ‘at the end’

of the selected bank.

■ Operation

D Memory scan

D Memory select scan

SCANS

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.

• Direct selection is also available as below.

w Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point.

e Push [MEMO] to start the scan.

•“MEMO” appears in the bank name area.

r Push [MEMO] again to stop the scan.

✔ Convenient:

Direct bank selection—Memory scan can be started

in a speciﬁc bank without using [BANK

▲

▼

➪ Enter one or two digits for the bank number, then

push [MEMO].

Bank selection during memory scan—The selected

bank can be changed without stopping the scan:

➪ Enter one or two digits for the bank number, then

push [ENT].

Bank limit and skip scan release—When starting

memory scan, the bank limit and channel skip functions

are activated automatically. Refer to p. 26.

Memory select scan allows you to increase scan efﬁ-

ciency by searching for speciﬁed channels only,

thereby increasing the rate at which the scan cycles

through the memory channels. Set high priority chan-

nels as ‘select’ channels (memory select scan

searches for signals on these channels) while leaving

out lower priority channels.

Preparation—specifying select channels:

Select the channel you want to specify as a ‘select’

channel, then push [SEL] for 1 sec.

Start/stop:

q Select the desired bank using [

M-CH •BANK

▲

] or

[

ENT • BANK

▼

w Set the squelch control to the threshold point.

e Push [SEL] momentarily to start scan.

•“SEL” appears in the bank name area.

r Push [SEL] again to stop the scan.

NOTE: Memory select scan does not start unless

2 or more channels in the bank are speciﬁed as

select channels.

✔ Convenient:

The same convenient functions are available as de-

scribed above.

Mch 1

Mch 2

Mch 3

Mch 4

Mch 5

Mch 6

Mch 7

Mch 39

Skip

Select

Push [MEMO]

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

MEMO

MEMO appears

Push [SEL]

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

SEL

SEL appears

Mch 1

Mch 2

Mch 3

Mch 4

Mch 5

Mch 6

Mch 7

Mch 39

Skip

Select

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’ 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.

w Push [PROG] to start the scan.

•“PROG” (and scan range number) appears in the bank

name area.

e Push [PROG] again to stop the scan.

✔ Convenient:

Direct range selection—The desired programmed

scan range can be selected using the keypad.

➪ Push a numeral key before or after pushing the

[PROG] key.

Skip scan release—Programmed scan skips all fre-

quencies speciﬁed as skip channels in all 1000 chan-

nels.

Auto memory write scan operates in the same way

as programmed scan. However, when a signal is

received, the received frequency is automatically

written into a memory channel in the auto write bank.

Preparation—written memories condition:

Push and hold [AUTO] to enter the written memory

setting condition, then rotate the main dial to select

the condition.

: Previously written memories

in the ‘Auto’ bank are saved, then frequencies are

written into the next available channels.

: Previously written mem-

ories in the ‘Auto’ bank are cleared, then frequencies

are written into channels, starting from channel 0.

Start/stop:

q Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point.

w Push [AUTO] momentarily or for 1 sec. to start the

scan.

• CAUTION: Be sure the written memories condition is set

as desired, otherwise previously written memories are

cleared.

•“AUTO” (and scan range number) appear in the bank

name area.

e Push [AUTO] again to stop the scan.

✔ Convenient:

The same convenient functions are available as de-

scribed above.

Programmed edges

Push [PROG]

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

PROG0 *NONAME*

PROG appears

AUTO bank

•

1234.567.00

1235.678.00

1235.890.00

1240.050.00

---------------

Push [AUTO]

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

AUTO0 *NONAME*

AUTO appears

AUTO START

AUTO CL&START

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:

q Push [PRIO] for 1 sec.

•“*SET*” appears in the bank name area, then

changes to a ﬂashing “PRIO.”

• Using this method, the priority channel can be called up

at any time with one push.

Set the desired frequency, mode and memory

name.

e Push [MW] for 1 sec. to write the contents into the

priority channel.

r Push [PRIO] again to return to the previous chan-

nel.

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.

To operate memory scan or memory select scan in a

speciﬁc mode (ignoring other modes), the mode

select function is available.

q Push [MEMO] or [SEL] to start memory scan or

memory select scan, respectively.

w Select the desired mode to operate the scan in via

the mode switches.

• The mode select function is applied to memory or mem-

ory select scan.

e Push [MEMO] or [SEL] again to stop the scan.

Priority scan

Programmed scan with priority scan

■ Mode select function

• Specifying skip channels

q Select the memory channel to be speciﬁed as a

skip channel.

w Push [SKIP] for 1 sec. to toggle the setting ON and

OFF.

• SKIP-CH appears when ‘skip’ is set.

• Programming skip frequencies

(for programmed scan)

q Start programmed scan.

w When the scan pauses on an undesired signal,

push [MW] for 1 sec.

• The frequency is memorised into the skip bank as a

skip frequency.

• The specified channel is skipped during memory and

memory select scans.

• The programmed frequency is skipped during pro-

grammed and auto memory write scans.

■ Specifying skip channel and frequency

ICOM IC-R8500

SKIP-CH

SKIP

kHz

The channel is specified as a ‘skip’ channel.

Push [MW] for 1 sec. while programmed scan pauses.

PROG0 IC-R8500

RECV

OFF DLY

∞

Mch 1

Mch 2

Mch 3

Mch 4

Mch 5

Mch 6

Mch 7

Mch 39

Skip

Select

WFM

USB

Select

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.

• Turning OFF the automatic function

q Push [MEMO] for 1 sec.

• A display as at right appears.

w Rotate the [M-CH] selector to

select the item, SKIP or

BANK.

e Rotate the main dial to select

the function AUTO or MANU-

AL.

r Push [MEMO] to return to the

previous display.

SKIP AUTO

SKIP MANUAL

BANK AUTO

BANK MANUAL

The skip function is turned ON automatical-

ly at scan start.

[SKIP] does not function during scan.

The bank limit function is turned ON au-

tomatically at scan start.

[BANK] does not function during scan.

The scan skip function is turned ON and

OFF by [SKIP] regardless of scan start.

The bank limit function is turned ON and

OFF by [BANK] regardless of scan start.

■ Voice scan control function

This function is useful when you don’t want unmodu-

lated signals pausing or cancelling a scan. When

activated, the receiver checks received signals for

voice components.

If a receiver signal includes voice components, and

the tone of the voice components changes within 1

sec., scan pauses (or stops). If the received signal

includes no voice components or the tone of the

voice components does not change within 1 sec.,

scan resumes.

To toggle the function ON and OFF, push [VSC].

•“VSC” appears while it is activated.

• The VSC function activates for any scan.

• The VSC function resumes the scan on unmod-

ulated signals even when the resume condition is

set to “OFF” or “

∞

”.

Scan edge 1

Scan

Skip

Scan pauses or is

cancelled.

Unmodulated

signal

Modulated

signal

Scan edge 2

FM VSC

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

ICOM- IC-R8500

VSC appears

• The skip function (for any scan except priority

scan)—memory channels speciﬁed as skip chan-

nels are not checked during memory scan and

select memory scan; the frequencies which are pro-

grammed into memory channels as skip channels

(not only in the skip bank but any memory chan-

nels) during programmed scan and auto memory

write scan.

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.

q Push [PROG] for 1 sec.

•“*SET*” appears in the bank name area, then

changes to a ﬂashing “PROG.”

w Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the lower

scan edge in a pair e.g. 0P1.

• The keypad can also be used for selection.

e Set the frequency, mode, tuning step and memory

name then push [MW] for 1 sec. to program one of

the scan edges.

r Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the other

edge in the pair e.g. 0P2.

Set the frequency then push [MW] for 1 sec. to program.

•

Mode, tuning step and name are common to both scan edges.

Push [PROG] momentarily to return to the previous

channel; or repeat w to y for other scan edges.

Scan pauses when ﬁnding a signal, and then resumes

or is cancelled depending on the selected scan

resume condition. There are 3 resume conditions.

Push [DLY] one or more times to select a resume

condition.

• Scan resume OFF

Scan pauses until signal disap-

pears, then resumes 3 sec. after

that.

• Scan resume ON with adjusted

delay period

Scan pauses for the adjusted

delay period after receiving a signal, then resumes.

When the received signal disappears, scan resumes

approx. 3 sec. after that.

• Scan cancel

Scan is cancelled when a signal

is found during scan.

■ Scan speed/delay functions

D Scan resume condition

Signal

no signal

scanning scanningpausing

3 sec.

receiving a signal no signal

Scan

[ ]

switch

OFF DLY

∞

DLY

D/S

OFF DLY

∞

Signal

no signal

scanning scanning

pausing

delay time

receiving a signal no signal

Scan

OFF DLY

∞

Signal

no signal

scanning

scan is cancelled

receiving a signal no signal

Scan

OFF DLY

∞

[ ]

switch

PROG

[MW] switch [M-CH] selector

BANK

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

PROG

*NONAME*

BANK

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

PROG

*NONAME*

SCANS

When scan speed is assigned to the [DELAY/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

[DELAY/SPEED] control, the scan speed is ﬁxed

at the maximum of 40 ch/sec.

Highest scan speed: 40 ch/sec.

Lowest scan speed: 1 ch/sec.

SPEED

DELAY/SPEED

The [DELAY/SPEED] control adjusts the scan delay

period (scan resume period) when:

• The scan delay function is assigned to the

[DELAY/SPEED] control (see above).

•“DLY” is selected for the scan resume condition with

the [DLY ] switch.

When scan speed is assigned to the

[DELAY/SPEED] control, the scan delay is deter-

mined by the set value of 3 to 18 sec.

D Scan delay

Longest delay time: 18 sec.

Shortest delay time: 3 sec.

DELAY

DELAY/SPEED

The function of the [DELAY/SPEED] control is selec-

table, as shown below, to suit your operating style.

q Push [DLY ] for 1 sec. to enter the setting con-

dition.

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.

r Push [DLY ] to return to the previous display.

D Assigning a function to the [DELAY/SPEED] control

Scan speed is assigned to the [DELAY/SPEED] control

Toggle via the

main dial

Adjustable

via the [M-CH]

selector

Scan delay is assigned to the [DELAY/SPEED] control

VR:SPD

DLY= 3S

VR:DLY

SPD=MAX

D Scan speed

The IC-R8500 has a sleep timer function to automati-

cally turn the power OFF after a speciﬁed period.

D Operation

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.

w 2 sec. after performing step q above, the receiver

returns to the previous display.

e To conﬁrm the set sleep period, push

[SLEEP/

]

momentarily, one time.

• Be careful not to push the switch more than once, other-

wise the sleep period may be changed.

r To turn ON the receiver after the sleep timer has

turned power OFF, push [POWER] OFF then ON

again.

• The sleep timer is cancelled.

SLEEP TIMER

[SLEEP/ ] switch

SET

SLEEP

IC-R8500ICOM

SLEEP

Minutes

Each push of

SLEEP/

SET

SLEEP/

SET

after 2 sec.

Previous display

Set time

Push once

kHz

SLEEP

Minutes

SLEEP

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/

] 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.

t To exit quick set mode, push

[SLEEP/

] again.

• Pushing any other switch will also exit quick set mode.

D Selecting initial set mode

q Push [POWER] to turn power OFF.

w While pushing

[SLEEP/

] push [POWER] to turn

power ON.

• Initial set mode is selected and one of its items appears.

e Rotate the [M-CH] control to select the desired item.

r Rotate the main dial to set the values or conditions

for the selected item.

t Repeat steps e and r to set other items.

y To exit initial set mode, push [POWER] to turn

power OFF.

u Push [POWER] to turn power ON again.

• The conditions selected in initial set mode are now effec-

tive.

SCAN SET

Main dial (for contents)

[SLEEP/ ]

(push for 1 sec.)

[M-CH]

(for items)

SET

SCAN SET

[POWER] Main dial (for contents)

[SLEEP/ ] at power ON [M-CH]

(for items)

SET

WFM

OFF

kHz

DLY

∞

HIGH

DIMMER

Item number

Item

Value or

condition

[DISPLAY EXAMPLE: QUICK SET MODE]

REC REMO

Item number

Item

Value or

condition

[DISPLAY EXAMPLE: INITIAL SET MODE]

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.

Confirmation beeps

ON (default).

Confirmation beeps

OFF.

OFF

LOCK

This item sets the lock function to electronically lock

the main dial only or both the main dial and the panel

switches.

Only the main dial

can be locked (default).

DIAL

Both the main dial and panel

switches can be locked.

PANEL

AUTO TS

This item sets the auto tuning speed. The main dial

normally changes the frequency [400] × [tuning step]/

revolution. When auto tuning speed is turned on this

increases to [2000] × [tuning step]/revolution during

quick rotation of the dial.

The auto tuning speed

function is ON (default).

The auto tuning speed

function is OFF.

OFF

HF ANT

This item sets the active HF antenna connector on

the rear panel. Either the 50 Ω (SO-239 coaxial) or

500 Ω (phono RCA connector) can be activated.

The SO-239 antenna con-

nector is activated (default).

The RCA (phono) connector

is activated.

500

REC REMO

This item activates/deactivates the REC REMOTE

jack on the front panel. When ON is selected, the

[REC REMOTE] jack is at a “low” level when the

squelch opens via the internal relay.

The REC REMOTE jack

can be used (default).

The REC REMOTE jack has

no function and no relay

switching sound is heard.

OFF

REC SPCH

When the optional UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER

installed and scan is in use, the detected frequency

is announced each time scan pauses, regardless of

the [SPCH/LOCK] switch. This announcement can

be turned ON and OFF.

The detected frequency is

announced when scan

pauses (default).

The optional voice synthe-

sizer activates via the

[SPCH] switch only.

OFF

SET MODE

SPCH LAN

When the optional UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT

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

installed, you can select between faster or slower

synthesizer output.

Voice synthesizer output

is faster (default).

FAST

Voice synthesizer output

is slower.

SLOW

CIV ADDR

To distinguish equipment, each CI-V transceiver/receiv-

er has its own Icom standard address in hexadecimal

code. The IC-R8500’s address is 4AH.

When 2 or more IC-R8500’s are connected to an

optional CT-17

V LEVEL CONVERTER

, rotate the

main dial to select a different address for each IC-

R8500 in the range 01H to 7FH.

Address set to 4AH

(default).

4AH

Address set to 01H.

01H

CIV BAUD

This item sets the data transfer rate. When “AUTO”

is selected, baud rate is automatically set according

to the connected controller or other Icom CI-V radio.

Auto baud rate

(default).

AUTO

19200 bps

19200

CIV TRAN

Transceive operation is possible with the IC-R8500

connected to an Icom CI-V radio. When “ON” is

selected, changing the frequency, operating mode,

etc. on the IC-R8500 automatically changes those of

connected radios and vice versa.

Transceive ON

(default).

Transceive OFF.

OFF

CIV 731

When connecting the IC-R8500 to the IC-735 for

transceive operation, you must change the operating

frequency data length to 4 bytes.

• This item must be set to “ON” only when operating trans-

ceive with the IC-735.

Frequency data set to

5 bytes (default).

OFF

Frequency data set to

4 bytes.

CONNECTOR INFORMATION

D RS-232C socket

D Remote jack

D IF OUT jack

D AGC OUT jack

D External speaker

Pin Port name Description

GND Grounded.

2 RXD Input port for CI-V format data; +12V/–12V.

3 TXD Output port for CI-V format data; +12V/–12V.

RTS

CTS

Shorten these ports inside.

Can be connected to pin 8 (DCD) via the inter-

nal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

6 DSR

NC; can be connected to pin 20 (DTR) via the

internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

7 GND Grounded.

8 DCD

NC; can be connected to pins 4 and 5 (RTS/CTS)

via the internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

9–19 NC No connection.

20 DTR

NC; can be connected to pin 6 (DSR) via the

internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

21–25 NC No connection.

13 1

25 14

Pin Port name Description

Inner REMOTE Input/output port for CI-V format data; +5 V/0 V.

Outer GND Grounded.

Pin Port name Description

Inner IF OUT

Frequency: 10.7 MHz

Output level: –60 dBm (with –50 dBm input from

an antenna connector in WFM mode)

Outer GND Grounded.

*Output is selectable with an internal jumper pin (p. 16).

Port name Description

Inner*

AGC out

Output voltage: 1 to –2.4 V DC

(signal strength weak to strong)

Output impedance: 2.2 MΩ

Audio detect

Output level: 200 mV rms

(at Mod.=1 kHz, Dev.=3.5 kHz)

Output impedance: 4.7 kΩ

• Before the frequency de-emphasis stage.

• Usable for FM only (not including WFM).

Outer GND Grounded.

Pin Port name Description

Inner AF out

Output level: More than 2 W

Output impedance: 4–8 Ω

Outer GND Grounded.

3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

Outer

Inner

RCA (phono) jack

Inner

Outer

RCA (phono) jack

Inner

Outer

3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

Outer

Inner

CONNECTOR INFORMATION

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

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 consumption 2 A

2 12.5 OUT

12.5 V DC output when connecting AD-55/A/V

to [DC IN] socket. Max. 2 A

3 NC —

4 GND Grounded.

Pin Port name Description

Inner SQL

• Grounded when squelch opens.

• Can be deactivated via initial set mode. (p. 31)

• Max. current: 1 A/12 V DC

Outer GND —

Pin Port name Description

Inner DET

• Output detected audio output.

• 100–300 mV rms/4.7 kΩ

Outer GND Grounded.

Pin Port name Description

Inner,

Middle

Audio

• Outputs audio.

• Output impedance: 4–16 Ω

Outer GND Grounded.

3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

Outer

Inner

D REC OUT jack

3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

Outer

Inner

D PHONES jack

6 mm (diam.) 3-conductor

Middle

Inner

Outer

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.

Operation Cn Sc Remark

Reading freq. edges

Reading operating freq.

Reading operating mode

—

Reading M-ch contents package

Reading bank name

add bn+mc*

add bn*

Reading squelch condition

Reading S-meter level

Reading model ID

05 add fd*

Set operating

mode

0001

0101

0202

0201

0203

0301

0302

0501

0502

0601

Memory channel selection

Bank selection

Memory write

—

mc*

bn*

Set M-ch contents & write package

Set bank name

Memory clear

—

add dt*

add bn+nd*

Stop scan

Programmed scan start

Auto memory write scan start

note 1

Memory scan start

Select memory scan start

Mode select scan start

note 2

Priority scan 42

SEL-CH release

SEL-CH tag

VSC deactivation

VSC activation

Scan resume selection “

∞

”

Scan resume selection “OFF”

Scan resume selection “DLY”

LSB

USB

AM narrow

AM wide

CW narrow

FM narrow

WFM

Operation Cn Sc Remark

Tuning step 10

13 00

add gd*

Memory clear 16

Power OFF (activating sleep)

Power ON (from sleep active)

1 MHz

programmable

OFF

10 dB

20 dB

30 dB

frequency

10 Hz

50 Hz

100 Hz

1 kHz

2.5 kHz

5 kHz

9 kHz

10 kHz

12.5 kHz

20 kHz

25 kHz

100 kHz

Voice

synthesizer

Attenuator

AF gain setting

Squelch level setting

IF shift setting

APF control setting

AGC OFF

AGC ON

APF OFF

APF ON

NB OFF

NB ON

Note 1: Only scan group 0 is usable.

Note 2: Use these commands after sending a bank or mode

command.

Set frequency

■ Command table

FE FE 4A E0 Cn Sc Data area (e.g. fd) FD

Preamble code (fixed)

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

(selectable in set mode)

Command number

(see table)

Sub command number

(see table)

BCD code area

(‘REMARK’ in table)

End of message code

FE FE E0 4A Cn Sc Data area (e.g. fd) FD

Preamble code (fixed)

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

(selectable in set mode)

Command number

Sub command number

BCD code area

End of message code

■ Data format

• Basic format from PC to IC-R8500 • Answer from IC-R8500 to PC

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 step)

• Attenuator: 10 dB

• Scan select: speciﬁed

• Scan skip: speciﬁed

• Memory name: IC-R8500

Scan skip and select channels

FE FE E0 4A FB FD

Preamble code

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

OK code

End of message code

FE FE 4A E0 1A 00 1901239078563412050113951910034943205238353030 FD

Memory name

Tuning step

Mode(Sc)

FrequencyCH no.

Bank

SCN

ATT

Preamble code

IC-R8500’s address

PC’s address

Command number

Sub command

(IC-R8500’s command)

10 Hz

1 Hz

1 kHz

100 Hz

100 kHz

10 kHz

10 MHz

1 MHz

1 GHz

100 MHz

End of message code

ASCII code

BCD code area

(only needed when ‘13’

is selected)

IC-R8500

FE FE E0 4A FA FD

Preamble code

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

NG code

End of message code

Comment

number

Scan select Scan skip

00 OFF OFF

01 OFF Speciﬁed

02 Speciﬁed OFF

03 Speciﬁed Speciﬁed

• Clearing the speciﬁed channel data

(Memory channel contents set & write)

• Special bank number and channels (bn)

FE FE 4A E0 1A 00 19 0 1 2 3 FF FD

Preamble code

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

Command number

End of message code

Blank data

Memory channel

number

IC-R8500’s command

Bank number

Special bank Bank number

FREE

AUTO

SKIP

PROG

PRIO

Remarks

• For programmed

scan, channel num-

bers are as follows:

0P1=00, 0P2=01,

1P1=02, 1P2=03,

etc., up to 9P1=18

and 9P2=19.

• There is only one

channel in the prior-

ity bank.

• Gain and level data (gd; BCD data)

AF GAIN

SQUELCH

Max.

counterclockwise

0000

Max.

clockwise

0255

IF SHIFT

APF control

Max.

counterclockwise

0000

Max.

clockwise

0255

center

0128

■ 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

MAINTENANCE

■ Memory backup

All of the CPU’s memory is backed up by an EEP-

ROM (Electronically-Erasable Programmable Read-

Only Memory). All data you set, such as memory con-

tents, set mode contents, etc. is stored in this EEP-

ROM. There is no internal lithium battery.

■ CPU resetting

If the IC-R8500 is behaving erratically, this may be an

indication of a CPU malfunction. In such cases, reset

the CPU.

While pushing [MW], push [POWER] in to turn on the

receiver power.

• The CPU is reset.

NOTE: Resetting the CPU clears all memory con-

tents and returns internal settings to their factory

defaults.

■ Cleaning

If the receiver becomes dusty or dirty, wipe it clean

with a dry, soft cloth.

AVOID the use of strong chemical solvents such as

thinner, benzine or alcohol to clean the

receiver. These may damage the receiver’s

surfaces.

For internal maintenance and optional installations,

disassemble 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.

Speaker

cable

MAIN unit

Fuse

(FGMB 125 V 3 A)

CAUTION: DISCONNECT the DC power cable

or AC adapter before performing any work on the

receiver.

R254

R252

R252 adjusts the beep level

R254 adjusts the UT-102 output level

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).

q Remove the top cover as shown opposite.

w Remove the protected paper attached to the bot-

tom 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.

J12

UT-102

■ FL-52A

CW NARROW FILTER

The IC-R8500 has a CW narrow mode which pro-

vides better S/N (signal-to-noise) and also rejects

nearby interference. The CW narrow ﬁlter is helpful

when receiving CW and radio-teletype signals.

q Remove the top cover as shown opposite.

w Connect the FL-52A as shown in the diagram at

right.

• Make sure it is connected in the proper orientation.

• Attached nuts on the FL-52A are not necessary. If you

want to install the ﬁlter more securely, open the MAIN

unit, then use the nuts on the bottom of the MAIN unit.

e Replace the top cover.

FL-52A

Under the top cover

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 demand-

ing 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.

e Remove 10 screws from the PLL unit, then open

the unit to expose the bottom.

r Unsolder the feet of the internal crystal unit, then

remove it.

t Place the CR-293 in the space available as shown

in the diagram, then solder its feet into place (6

points).

y Adjust the reference frequency using a frequency

counter.

u Replace the ground spring to its original position.

i Return the shield cover, metal plate and bottom

cover to their original positions.

NOTE: The CR-293 is an oven-type crystal unit,

and the speciﬁed frequency stability described

above is guaranteed 1 min. after power ON.

Shield

cover

PLL unit

Ground

spring

PLL unit

CR-293

Internal

crystal

unit

Metal plate

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.

• A fuse is blown.

• During AC adapter operation, the

jumper connector is not in use.

• External 12 V DC is connected to the

[DC IN] jack.

• Reconnect the DC power cable se-

curely.

• Check for the cause, then replace the

fuse with a spare one.

•

Connect the jumper connector to the

[DC13.8V] jack on the receiver’s rear panel.

• Connect the external power source to

the [DC13.8V] jack. The [DC IN] jack ac-

cepts an AC adapter (AD-55/A/V) only.

p. 8

p. 37

p. 8

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

• Volume level is too low.

• The squelch is closed.

• An external speaker or headphones are

connected.

• CW narrow mode is selected when no

optional ﬁlter is installed.

• Rotate [AF GAIN] clockwise to obtain a

suitable listening level.

• Rotate [SQUELCH] counterclockwise to

open the squelch.

• Disconnect the external speaker or

headphones.

• Select another mode or install the op-

tional CW narrow ﬁlter.

—

p. 14

—

pgs.

13, 38

• The coaxial cable is cut.

• No antenna is connected.

• The connected antenna is not matched

to the receive frequency.

• Wrong antenna connector is used for

V/UHF and HF antenna.

• Wrong antenna connector is selected in

set mode for HF antenna.

• An RF attenuator is activated.

• Fix the coaxial cable.

• Connect an antenna.

• Connect an antenna matched to the re-

ceiving frequency.

• Check the antenna connection.

• Select the proper antenna connector:

SO-239 or phono (RCA).

• Push [ATT 10 dB] or [ATT 20 dB] to can-

cel the function.

—

p. 8

p. 31

—

• [IF SHIFT] is rotated too far CCW or

CW.

• [APF] is rotated too far CCW or CW.

• The wrong mode switch is pushed.

• Set [IF SHIFT] to the center position.

•

Set the [APF] control to the center position

or push the [APF] switch to turn it OFF.

• Push the correct mode switch.

p. 14

p. 15

p. 13

• The operating frequency is lower than

30 MHz. (WFM mode cannot be se-

lected below 30 MHz.)

• Set the frequency above 30 MHz when

in WFM mode.

p. 13

FRONT PANEL CONTROL

• The lock function is activated. • Push [LOCK] for 1 sec. to deactivate. p. 12

• DIAL LOCK is selected in quick set

mode.

• Select PANEL LOCK in quick set

mode.

p. 31

PROBLEM

Power does not turn

ON when [POWER] is

pushed in.

No sound comes from

the speaker.

Sensitivity is low.

Receive signal is un-

clear or distorted.

WFM mode cannot be

set.

Main dial does not func-

tion.

[LOCK] does not lock

the keypad, function

switches, etc.

• The memory channel was changed be-

fore writing into memory.

• Push [MW] for 1 sec. to write into a

memory before changing channels.

p. 19The selected frequency

is erased.

• An optional UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER

UNIT

is not installed.

• Install the UT-102. p. 38The frequency is not

announced when push-

ing [SPCH].

• The sleep timer has been activated. • Turn power back ON, then push

[SLEEP] one or more times to turn the

sleep timer function OFF, if desired.

p. 29Receiver turns OFF by

itself.

TROUBLESHOOTING

MEMORY 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. 18Memory channels in

another bank cannot be

selected.

SCAN

• [SQUELCH] is open and [∞] is selected. • Turn [SQUELCH] CW until noise disap-

pears.

p. 14No scan will function.

• The same frequencies are programmed

into the selected scanning group.

• Reprogram different frequencies into

scan edge channels or select a different

programmed scan group.

p. 27Programmed scan and

auto memory write scan

does not function.

• All channels are specified as “SKIP”

channels in the selected bank.

• No memory channels have yet been

programmed in the selected bank.

• Turn OFF the automatic skip function or

release the “SKIP” setting for 2 or more

channels in the selected bank.

• Program 2 or more channels in the se-

lected bank.

pgs.

25, 26

p. 19

Memory scan does not

function.

• Two or more “SEL-CH” are not speciﬁed

in the selected bank.

• Set 2 or more channels as “SEL-CH” in

the selected bank.

p. 23Select memory scan

does not function.

• All channels in the auto memory bank

have been programmed.

• Erase some or all of the channels in the

auto write bank.

p. 24Auto memory write

scan does not function.

• The AFC function is activated and an

off-center signal is received in FM or

WFM mode.

• Push [AFC] to turn the AFC function

OFF or wait until the center frequency is

selected.

p. 14Scan starts automati-

cally.

• Written memories condition is set as

CL&START.

• Change the setting to START.

p. 24Memory channels in the

‘AUTO’ bank are

cleared.

• [CE

] is pushed on the final name

character.

• Push [ENT] after setting the name. p. 20Bank name is erased

after setting.

• A frequency has not yet been pro-

grammed into the memory channel.

• [MW] key is used for name programming.

• Push [MW] for 1 sec. in advance.

• Push [ENT] after setting the name.

p. 19

p. 20

Memory name cannot

be written.

POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF.PROBLEM

SPECIFICATIONS

■ 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 Type-N (50 Ω)

• Usable temperature range : –10°C to +50°C (+14°F to +122°F)

• Frequency stability : Below 30 MHz ±100 Hz (±20 Hz*)

Above 30 MHz ± 0.0003 % (±0.00006%*)

*When an optional CR-293 is installed.

• Power supply requirement : 13.8 V DC ±15% (negative ground)

117 V AC (U.S.A. version with supplied AD-55A)

230 or 240 V AC (other versions with the optional AD-55/V)

• Current drain (at 13.8 V DC) : Standby 1.8 A Max. audio 2.0 A

• Dimensions

(projections not included) :287(W)× 112(H)× 309(D) mm; 11

⁄16(W) × 4

⁄32(H) × 12

⁄16(D) in

• Weight : 7.0 kg (15.4 lb)

• Intermediate frequencies :

■ Receiver

• Receive system : Superheterodyne

• Sensitivity :

• Squelch sensitivity :

• Selectivity : WFM More than 150 kHz/–6 dB

FM/AM-W More than 12 kHz/–6 dB

FM-N/AM More than 5.5 kHz/–6 dB

AM-N/SSB/CW More than 2.2 kHz/–6 dB

CW narrow* More than 500 Hz/–6 dB

*Optional FL-52A is required.

• Spurious and image rejection ratio : Below 30 MHz More than 60 dB

30–1000 MHz 50 dB (typical)

1240–1300 MHz

• Audio output power : More than 2.0 W

at 10% distortion with an 8 Ω load

• IF shift variable range : More than ±1.2 kHz

• External speaker connector : 2-conductor 3.5 mm (

⁄8")/4–8 Ω

All speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Version Frequency Coverage (MHz)

U.S.A.

0.10000 – 823.99999

849.00001– 868.99999 894.00001– 1999.99999*

Europe 0.10000– 1999.99999*

France 0.10000– 87.50000 108.00000– 1999.99999*

Frequency band 1st 2nd 3rd*

0.1– 29.99999 48.8 10.7 0.455

30.0– 499.99999 778.7 10.7 0.455

500.0– 1024.99999 266.7 10.7 0.455

Frequency band (MHz)

SSB/CW

0.1–0.49999 1.0 µV 6.3 µV — — — —

0.5–1.79999 2.0 µV 13.0 µV — — — —

1.8–1.99999 0.25 µV 3.2 µV 2.5 µV — — —

2.0–27.99999 0.2 µV 2.5 µV 2.0 µV — — —

28.0–29.99999 0.2 µV 2.5 µV 2.0 µV — 0.5 µV —

30.0–999.99999 0.32 µV 2.5 µV 2.0 µV 3.2 µV 0.5 µV 1.4 µV

1240.0–1300.00000 0.32 µV 2.5 µV 2.0 µV 3.2 µV 0.5 µV 2.0 µV

*Speciﬁcations guaranteed 0.1–1000 MHz and 1240–1300 MHz

1025.0– 1999.99999

Utilizes converter method:

Local freq.: 500, 1000 or 1010 MHz

Frequency band

(MHz)

SSB/CW/AM-N

threshold tight threshold tight threshold tight

1.8–29.99999 10 µV 320 mV 0.5 µV 320 mV 0.5 µV* 320 mV*

30–1000

1240–1300

4.5 µV 320 mV 0.4 µV 320 mV 0.4 µV 320 mV

FMAM/AM-W WFM

threshold tight

— —

4.5 µV 320 mV

WFMFMAM-WAM-NAM

*FM mode can only be used above 28 MHz.

Unit: MHz

*Except WFM.

OPTIONS

AH-7000

SUPER WIDEBAND

OMNIDIRECTIONAL

ANTENNA

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 STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT

Provides improved frequency stability.

• Frequency stability: ± 5 ppm (0°C–+60°C; 32°F–+140°F)

FL-52A CW NARROW FILTER

(455 kHz; 500Hz/–6 dB)

UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT

Frequency coverage:

Receive 25–1300 MHz

Transmit 50, 144, 430, 900,

1200 MHz bands

Type of antenna: Discone

Weight: 1 kg

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. You can

set memory contents, including names, as well as read

data from the receivers.

Designed for base station

operation.

Input impedance: 8 Ω

Max. input power: 5 W

Receiver mounting bracket for mobile operation.

Not available in European countries due to local regulations.

Provides AC operation.

(AD-55 Europe version only)

DOC

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

Version (where applicable):

This compliance is based on conformity with the following harmonised

standards, speciﬁcations or documents:

i) Article 3.1a EN 60950-1: 2001

ii) Article 3.1b EN 301489-1 and EN 301489-15

iii) Article 3.2 EN 301 783-2

iv)

Düsseldorf 4th Aug. 2006

Place and date of issue

Icom (Europe) GmbH

Himmelgeister straße 100

D-40225 Düsseldorf

Authorized representative name

H. Ikegami

General Manager

Signature

A-5395H-1EX-e

Printed in Japan

1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan

■ GER ■■ FRA ■ ESP ■ SWE

■ AUT ■ NED ■ POR ■ DEN

■ GBR ■ BEL ■ ITA ■ FIN

■ IRL ■ LUX ■ GRE ■ SUI

■ NOR

#23 EUR

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