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Icom iC- r8500 Instruction Manual

Summary of iC- r8500

  • Page 1

    Ic-r8500 communications receiver instruction manual.

  • Page 2

    I versions of the ic-r8500 which display the “ce” symbol on the serial number label, comply with the essential requirements of the european radio and telecommunication terminal directive 1999/5/ ec, and that any applicable essential test suite measure- ments have been performed. Unpacking precaution...

  • Page 3

    Ii table of contents important ............................................................ I explicit definitions ......................................... I precautions ....................................................... I unpacking ............................................................ ...

  • Page 4: Panel Description

    1 1 panel description 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 qui...

  • Page 5

    2 1 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....

  • Page 6

    @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 ( m appears), and the sec- ond push is used to paste ( m disappears). • frequency, mode, tuning step, memory name, etc. Can be programmed into a tempora...

  • Page 7

    4 1 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...

  • Page 8: Rear Panel

    5 1 panel description ■ rear panel q rs-232c connector (p. 10) connects an rs-232c cable. An rs-232c cable can be used to connect the ic-r8500 to a pc. In this way commands can be sent to the receiver via the pc. W ci-v remote control jack (p. 10) allows connection to an icom ci-v system trans- ceiv...

  • Page 9: Function Display

    6 1 panel description ■ function display q remote indicator (p. 35) appears when a level control command is received from a pc via ci-v data. • when this indicator appears, the control knob’s setting is ignored. • this indicator will disappear when the control knob is rotated. W mode indicators (p. ...

  • Page 10: Connections

    7 2 connections ■ mounting installation d location select a location for the receiver that allows adequate air circulation and access to the front and rear panels. Do not place in areas subject to extreme heat, cold, or vibrations, or near tv sets, radios and electromag- netic sources. Be careful of...

  • Page 11: Required Connections

    8 2 connections ■ required connections ic-r8500 supplied dc power cable unplug the jumper plug from the [dc13.8v] jack. Ac adapter ad-55/a/s/v* connect either power source ground connection (p. 9) hf antenna long wire antenna vhf/uhf wide band antenna computer control (p. 10) external speaker (p. 43...

  • Page 12: Antenna Connection

    9 2 connections ■ antenna connection antennas play a very important role in receiver operation. Connecting a poor quality antenna to the ic-r8500 will result in less than optimum performance. The ic-r8500 requires at least 2 antennas for full frequency coverage: one for 0.1 to 30 mhz and one for 30 ...

  • Page 13: Tape Recorder Connections

    10 2 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 chang...

  • Page 14: Frequency Setting

    11 3 frequency setting ■ read me first the ic-r8500 uses memory channels for storage of frequencies (as well as mode, tuning steps, etc.). When turning power off or changing memory chan- nels, the previously displayed frequency cannot be recalled unless it has been stored into a memory channel. Ther...

  • Page 15: Using The Main Dial

    12 3 frequency setting ■ using the main dial rotate the main dial to change the frequency. • the frequency changes in increments determined by the selected tuning step (see below). • when the lock function is activated (“lock” appears) the frequency cannot be changed. D selecting a tuning step 13 pr...

  • Page 16: Receive Functions

    13 4 receive functions ■ initial settings ■ mode selection push one of the mode keys one or more times to select the desired mode. Consult the table below for basic characteristics of each mode. The indications in the table appear in the bank name area for 1 sec. After an operating mode is selected....

  • Page 17: Squelch Function

    The ic-r8500 has 2 types of squelch, noise squelch and s-meter squelch. Noise squelch: only acts on noise; has good sen- sitivity. It can be adjusted for reception of weak sig- nals. Strong signals exceeding a certain level will always cause the squelch to open. S-meter squelch: s-meter squelch does...

  • Page 18

    15 4 receive functions the noise blanker reduces pulse-type noise such as that generated by automobile ignition systems. This function is not effective for fm and wfm mode or for non pulse-type noise and wide width pulses. Push [nb] to toggle the noise blanker on and off. • “nb” appears when the noi...

  • Page 19: Data Communications

    Tu or tnc af in squelch in to [rec out] to [rec remote] scan set 2-conductor 3.5(d) plugs personal computer 16 4 receive functions ■ data communications d connections d receiving method • to use the [agc] socket for af output change the internal jumper plug as illustrated at right. • the output is o...

  • Page 20: Memory Channels

    17 5 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...

  • Page 21: Channel Selection

    18 5 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 chan- nels can be selected from within the current bank only; or from any bank. Push [b...

  • Page 22: Programming

    19 5 memory channels ■ programming this is the method most often used to program memory channels. Q select the desired memory channel. W set the desired frequency. • when the memory channel already contains information, change the frequency using the main dial or the keypad. • when the memory channe...

  • Page 23: Channel/bank Names

    20 5 memory channels ■ channel/bank names channel names of up to 8 characters and bank names of up to 5 characters can be programmed for convenience. Programmed names can be easily cop- ied to other channels using the copy/paste function. Q select the desired memory channel. W set the frequency (and...

  • Page 24: Assigning Channel Numbers

    21 5 memory channels ■ assigning channel numbers the ic-r8500 has 20 banks in which memory chan- nels can be programmed and arranged. By default, each bank contains 40 memory channels, however, channels can be deleted from or added (inserted) to banks to suit your preferences and operating style. De...

  • Page 25

    22 5 memory channels q select the bank you wish to add memory channel(s) to. W push [bank] for 1 sec. • one of “ins. 1ch,” “del. 1ch,” “add.10ch,” or “add. 1ch,”appears and flashes. • push [bank] momentarily to exit the condition and return to the previous display, if desired. E rotate [m-ch] to sel...

  • Page 26: Operation

    ■ operation d memory scan d memory select scan 23 6 scans all memory channels (except skip channels) in the selected bank are scanned at up to 40 ch/sec. 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...

  • Page 27: D Programmed Scan

    24 6 scans d programmed scan d auto memory write scan programmed scan (and auto memory write scan) searches for signals within a specified frequency range, using the selected tuning step increments. The result is like an ‘automatic’ rotating of the main dial. Preparation—setting the scan range: push...

  • Page 28: D Priority Scan

    25 6 scans d priority scan priority scan monitors a specified frequency (the pri- ority channel) once every 1–16 sec. (programmable) during any operation, such as receiving, scanning other channels, etc. Preparation—priority channel programming: q push [prio] for 1 sec. • “*set*” appears in the bank...

  • Page 29

    26 6 scans ■ automatic bank limit/skip functions when starting a scan, the following functions are automatically turned on by default; and the [skip] and [bank] switches are deactivated during scan. • the bank limit function (for memory scan and se- lect memory scan)—the memory scan operates within ...

  • Page 30: Scan Speed/delay Functions

    27 6 scans ■ programming scan edge frequencies a set of scan edge frequencies must be pro- grammed 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...

  • Page 31: D Scan Delay

    28 6 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 fi...

  • Page 32: D Operation

    The ic-r8500 has a sleep timer function to automati- cally turn the power off after a specified period. D operation q push [sleep/ ] momentarily, several times, to activate the sleep timer and set the power off period. • when the sleep timer is activated, “ ” appears in the display. • 5 settings are...

  • Page 33: Set Mode

    30 8 set mode ■ general set mode is used for programming infrequently changed values or conditions of functions. The ic-r8500 has 2 separate set modes: quick set mode and initial set mode. D selecting quick set mode q push [sleep/ ] for 1 sec. • quick set mode is selected and one of its items appear...

  • Page 34: Quick Set Mode Items

    31 8 set mode ■ quick set mode items ■ initial set mode items dimmer this item toggles the intensity of the display back- lighting between high or low. Bright backlighting (default). High dark backlighting. Low beep a beep sounds each time a switch is pushed for confirmation. This function can be tu...

  • Page 35

    32 8 set mode spch lan when the optional ut-102 voice synthesizer unit is installed, you can select between english and japanese as the language. Voice synthesizer functions in english (default). Eng voice synthesizer functions in japanese. Jpn spch spd when the optional ut-102 voice synthesizer uni...

  • Page 36: Connector Information

    33 9 connector information d rs-232c socket d remote jack d if out jack d agc out jack d external speaker pin port name description 1 gnd grounded. 2 rxd input port for ci-v format data; +12v/–12v. 3 txd output port for ci-v format data; +12v/–12v. 4 5 rts cts shorten these ports inside. Can be conn...

  • Page 37

    34 9 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 4 1 pin port name description inner dc in accepts connection to the ad-55/a/s/v only outer gnd grounded. Pin port name...

  • Page 38: Control Commands

    Control commands 10 35 the ic-r8500 can be connected to a pc via the pc’s rs-232c port. This allows you to control the receiver from the pc and/or transfer data from the receiver to the pc. Operation cn sc remark reading freq. Edges reading operating freq. Reading operating mode 02 03 04 — — — readi...

  • Page 39

    36 10 command list • ‘ok’ message from ic-r8500 to pc • ‘ng’ message from ic-r8500 to pc • memory channel contents set & write (1a 00) the above data packet is an example of program- ming the following into memory channel 123 of bank number 19: • frequency: 1,234,567,890 hz • mode: fm • tuning step:...

  • Page 40: Disassembly

    ■ disassembly ■ fuse replacement if a fuse blows or the receiver stops functioning, try to find the source of the problem, and replace the dam- aged fuse with a new, rated fuse. ■ level adjustments 3 a fgb • for dc cable fuse • for internal fuse 37 11 maintenance ■ memory backup all of the cpu’s mem...

  • Page 41: Optional Installations

    38 12 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 opp...

  • Page 42: Cr-293

    39 12 optional installations ■ cr-293 high stability crystal unit a temperature-compensating crystal with a stability of ± 3 ppm is built-in to the receiver. For more demand- ing operation, the cr-293 high stability crystal unit is available. It has a stability of ± 0.5 ppm. Q remove the bottom cove...

  • Page 43: Troubleshooting

    13 troubleshooting 40 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. Po w...

  • Page 44

    13 troubleshooting 41 memo r y channels • the bank limit function is activated and “bank” is indicated. • push [bank] to turn off the bank limit function or use [bank] or [bank] to se- lect the bank. P. 18 memory channels in another bank cannot be selected. Scan • [squelch] is open and [∞] is select...

  • Page 45: Specifications

    ■ general • frequency coverage : * specifications guaranteed 0.1–1000 mhz and 1240–1300 mhz • 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) • ant...

  • Page 46: Options

    43 15 options ah-7000 super wideband omnidirectional antenna ad-55/a/s/v ac adapter provides ac operation. (ad-55 or ad-55s eur version only) cr-293 high stability crystal unit provides improved frequency stability. • frequency stability: ± 5 ppm (0°c to +60°c; 32°f to +140°f) fl-52a cw narrow filte...

  • Page 47: Doc

    44 16 doc declaration of conformity we icom inc. Japan 1-1-32, kamiminami, hirano-ku osaka 547-0003, japan kind of equipment: type-designation: signature authorized representative name place and date of issue version (where applicable): this compliance is based on conformity with the following harmo...

  • Page 48

    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 #33 eur a-5395h-1ex-t printed in japan © 1996–2010 icom inc. Printed on recycled paper with soy ink..