IC R8500 ICOM User Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER

iC- r8500

IMPORTANT

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAREFULLY before attempting to operate the
receiver.

WORD

DEFINITION
Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
RWARNING shock may occur.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This

CAUTION

instruction manual contains important safety and operating instructions for the IC-R8500.

NOTE

Equipment damage may occur.
If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk
of personal injury, fire or electric shock.

The IC-R8500 complies with essential requirements of the 89/336/EEC directive for
Electromagnetic Compatibility. This compliance is
based on conformity with the ETSI specification prETS300
684 (EMC product standard for Commercially Available
Amateur Radio Equipment).

PRECAUTIONS
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.

receiver. This will cause electric shock.
AVOID using or placing the receiver in areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +50°C
(+122°F).
AVOID placing the receiver in excessively dusty environments 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 overheard but not intended for you cannot lawfully be used
in any way.

NEVER let metal, wire or other objects touch any
internal part or connectors on the rear panel of the

UNPACKING
Accessories included with the IC-R8500:
➀

Qty.
➁

➂

➃

➄

➅

➆

➇

➀ AC adapter (AD-55A)* ........................................... 1
➁ DC power cable (OPC-023C) ................................ 1
➂ Mini plug (2-conductor, 3.5d) .................................. 1
➃ Phono (RCA) plugs ................................................ 2
➄ Fuse (FGMB 125 V 3 A; internal use) ................... 1
➅ Fuses (FGB 3 A; for DC cable) ............................. 2
➆ Screws (M4 × 12 for optional MB-23) ..................... 2
➇ Screws (C0 3 × 8 for optional MB-23 feet) ............. 4
➈ Allen bolts (M5 × 8 for optional IC-MB12) .............. 4
*Some versions are not supplied with an AC adapter.

➈

TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT .............................................................
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ..........................................
PRECAUTIONS ........................................................
UNPACKING .............................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................

i
i
i
i
ii

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

8 SET MODE .......................................................... 30
■ General ...................................................................... 30
■ Quick set mode items ................................................ 31
■ Initial set mode items ................................................. 31

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

■ Front panel ................................................................... 1
■ Rear panel ................................................................... 5
■ Function display ........................................................... 6

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

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

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

■ 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

■ Command table ......................................................... 35
■ Data format ................................................................ 35

■ Disassembly .............................................................. 37
■ Fuse replacement ...................................................... 37
■ Level adjustments ...................................................... 37
■ Memory backup ......................................................... 37
■ CPU resetting ............................................................ 37
■ Cleaning ..................................................................... 37

12 OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS ..................... 38– 40
■ UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT ................................ 38
■ FL-52A CW NARROW FILTER ........................................ 38
■ CR-293 HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT ......................... 39
■ TV-R7100 TV RECEIVE ADAPTER ................................... 40

13 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................. 41–42
14 SPECIFICATIONS ............................................. 43
15 OPTIONS ........................................................... 44

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

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Front panel

POWER

1 3 5 7 9 +20dB +60dB
SLEEP
LOCK

SIGNAL

SLEEP/ SET

NB AFC AGC-F APF-N
10-ATT-20
RECV

iC- r8500
COMMUNICATION RECEIVER

REC
REMOTE

BANK

ICOM

MODE

WFM

NB/AFC

AGC

SSB/CW

REC OUT

AF GAIN

10dB

20dB
APF

SQUELCH

IF SHIFT

APF

Turns power ON and OFF.

➋ SLEEP/SET SWITCH [SLEEP/SET]
➥ Push momentarily to set the sleep timer (p. 29).
• Selectable times are 30, 60, 90, 120 min. or OFF.
• “ SLEEP ” 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.

➌ RECORDER REMOTE JACK [REC REMOTE] (p. 10)
Controls the running of a tape recorder for recording. Connects to the REMOTE jack on a tape
recorder.

➍ RECORDER JACK [REC OUT] (p. 10)
Outputs an audio signal. Connect to the AUX or
LINE IN jack on a tape recorder.

➎ 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.

➏ 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).
1

SPCH
LOCK

PHONES

➊ POWER SWITCH [POWER]

!2 !3 !4

➐ NOISE BLANKER/AFC SWITCH [NB]/[AFC]
Activates the noise blanker function or automatic frequency 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 frequency automatically when an off-center frequency is received. It activates when FM or WFM is selected (p. 14).

➑ AUDIO FREQUENCY GAIN CONTROL
[AF GAIN] (p. 13)
Rotate clockwise to increase the audio output; rotate
counterclockwise to decrease the audio output.

➒ AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL [AGC] (p. 15)
Toggles the time constant of the AGC circuit between “slow” and “fast.”
• When “fast” is selected, “AGC-F” appears.
• Cannot be used in FM or WFM modes.

➓ SQUELCH CONTROL [SQUELCH] (p. 14)
Varies the squelch threshold level (to mute noise
when receiving no signal).
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.

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

Shifts the center frequency of the receiver’s IF passband to reject interfering signals.
• Cannot be used in FM, WFM and AM modes.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1
OFF DLY

SEL-CH

SKIP-CH

IC-R8500

∞

2 ABC

3 DEF

.;,

M-CH

JKL

6 MNO

BANK

7 PRS

8 TUV

9 WXY

BANK

GHI

kHz

ENT
ENT

NAME

MEMO

PROG

AUTO

PRIO

SCAN/ SCAN SET

SEL

SKIP

M-SET

BANK

M-CL

VSC
M-CH

DLY D/S

DELAY/SPEED

!5 !6 !7 !8

Center frequency
is shifted down.

Center frequency
is shifted up.

• Automatic announcement at signal detection during
scan is available. Refer to the “REC SPCH” item on
p. 31 for details.

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

!2 AUDIO PEAK FILTER CONTROL [APF] (p. 15)

Adjusts the audio peak filter setting to pick up a desired audio frequency. Only valid when the [APF]
switch is ON.
• Clockwise rotation adjusts the filter setting higher; counterclockwise rotation adjusts the filter setting lower.
!3 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.
!5 SPEECH/LOCK SWITCH [SPCH/LOCK]

➥ Push momentarily to activate the voice synthesizer function and have the displayed frequency
announced.
• An optional UT-102 SPEECH SYNTHESIZER UNIT is necessary to activate the voice synthesizer function (p. 38).

• 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.
!6 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].
!7 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.
2

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1 3 5 7 9 +20dB +60dB

POWER

SLEEP
LOCK

SIGNAL

NB AFC AGC-F APF-N
10-ATT-20
RECV

iC- r8500
COMMUNICATION RECEIVER

SLEEP/ SET

REC
REMOTE

BANK

ICOM

MODE
WFM

SSB/CW

NB/AFC

AGC

10dB

20dB

REC OUT

AF GAIN

SQUELCH

APC

IF SHIFT

TS
SPCH
LOCK

PHONES

APF

@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 second push is used to paste ( M disappears).
• Frequency, mode, tuning step, memory name, etc. can
be programmed into a temporary memory.
@2 MEMORY CLEAR SWITCH [M-CL] (p. 19)

Push and hold to clear the contents of the displayed
memory.
• Bank names cannot be cleared.
@3 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 function ON and OFF (p 18).

D/S

] switch setting.

@7 SCAN SWITCHES [SCAN

SCAN SET ]
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 memory 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.

• While “BANK” appears, only memory channels within
the selected bank can be selected via the [M-CH] selector.

• The bank limit function and/or memory skip functions
are activated automatically when “AUTO” is selected
and scan is started.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to increase/decrease the number of
memory channels in the selected bank (p. 21).

[SEL] (p. 23)
➥ Push momentarily to start/stop memory select
scan.
➥ Push for 1 sec. to set the memory channel as a
select channel.

@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 depend3

ing on the [DLY

• 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.

[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-

PANEL DESCRIPTION

OFF DLY

∞

SKIP-CH

IC-R8500

.;,

3 DEF

M-CH

4
SEL-CH

2 ABC
JKL

6 MNO

BANK

7 PRS

8 TUV

9 WXY

BANK

GHI

kHz

ENT
ENT

NAME

MEMO

PROG

AUTO

PRIO

SCAN/ SCAN SET

SEL

SKIP

M-SET

BANK

M-CL

@1 @2

VSC
M-CH

@3 @4

DLY D/S

DELAY/SPEED

grammed scan.
[SKIP] (p. 25)
➥ Push momentarily to toggle the skip function ON
and OFF for any scan.
• Automatic skip activation is available with the [MEMO]
switch.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to set the memory channel as a skip
channel.
[AUTO] (p. 24)
➥ Push momentarily to start/stop auto write scan.
➥ Push for 1 sec. to select the written memories
condition for the auto write scan.
• Two conditions are available, clear auto-written memories before scan starts; and, keep auto written memories 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 signal 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.

[DELAY/SPEED] control setting. When a signal disappears, 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 selected.
@8 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 select memory scan.
• Keypad then [PROG] or [AUTO]
— Specify scan edge group, then start programmed
scan or auto write scan.

• Priority scan can be used in combination with other
scans.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the priority channel programming condition.
[DLY D/S ] (p. 27)
➥ Push momentarily to select a scan resume condition.
➧ “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
4

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Rear panel
q

q RS-232C CONNECTOR (p. 10)

Connects an RS-232C cable. An RS-232C cable
can be used to connect the IC-R8500 to a PC. In this
way commands can be sent to the receiver via the
PC.
w CI-V REMOTE CONTROL JACK (p. 10)

Allows connection to an Icom CI-V system transceiver or another receiver for the transceive function.
Also connects to a PC with several receivers for
command control via an optional CT-17 CI-V LEVEL
CONVERTER.
e IF OUT JACK (p. 40)

Outputs a 10.7 MHz IF signal with 9 V DC for an optional TV-R7100 TV RECEIVE ADAPTER.
r AGC JACK (pgs. 16, 40)

This jack has functions which are selectable through
internal receiver settings.
• Outputs an AGC signal for an optional TV-R7100 TV RECEIVE ADAPTER (default).
• 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 connector 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.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Function display
q

e r

REMOTE WFM AMUSBLSBCW
@4

SLEEP

@3
@2

LOCK

NAR

SKIP VSC

y
OFF DLY

∞
P

NB AFC AGC-F APF-N
10-ATT-20
RECV
@0

WIDE

@0 !8

BANK

SEL-CH

MHz kHz

SKIP-CH

M
!5

q REMOTE INDICATOR (p. 35)
Appears when a level control command is received from a
PC via CI-V data.
• When this indicator appears, the control knob’s setting is
ignored.
• This indicator will disappear when the control knob is rotated.
w MODE INDICATORS (p. 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 activated by the auto skip function.
t VSC INDICATOR (p. 26)

Appears when the voice scan control function is
activated.
y SCAN RESUME CONDITION INDICATORS (p. 27)

Show the selected scan resume condition.
u TUNING STEP INDICATORS (p. 12)

Show the selected tuning step.
• “ P ” 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 pasted 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.

!4 !3

!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 filter 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 indication 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.
6

CONNECTIONS

■ Mounting installation
D Location
Select a location for the receiver that allows adequate
air circulation and access to the front and rear panels.
Do not place in areas subject to extreme heat, cold, or
vibrations, or near TV sets, radios and electromagnetic
sources.
Be careful of the internal temperature of the receiver.
Installation into a rack or other enclosed area may increase the internal temperature over the useable temperature range. 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 depending 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.

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.
7

• Carrying handle
An optional handle allows you to easily carry and
transport the receiver.

CONNECTIONS

■ Required connections
Supplied DC power cable

External speaker
(p. 44)
IC-R8500
Connect
either power
source

Unplug the jumper plug
from the [DC13.8V] jack.

AC adapter AD-55/A/V

Computer control
(p. 10)

The jumper plug must be
connected to the [DC 13.8V]
jack.

TV adapter or high
speed data connection
(pgs. 16, 40)

Ground connection (p. 9)

VHF/UHF wide band
antenna

Long wire antenna

HF antenna

30 MHz –2 GHz coverage

0.1–30 MHz 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 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 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:

■ Grounding
RWARNING: NEVER use a gas pipe or electrical conduit pipe for grounding.
To prevent accidents involving electricity and interference 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.

,,,,
,,,,
,,,,
,,,,

➀ Push [SLEEP/ SET ] for 1 sec. to enter quick set
mode.

➁ Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the “HF ANT”
item.

➂ Rotate the main dial to select the antenna connector.
➃ Push [SLEEP/ SET ] momentarily to exit quick set
mode.
500

HF ANT

TYPE-N CONNECTOR INSTALLATION EXAMPLE

➀

Nut

Rubber gasket
15 mm

Clamp
Washer

➁

3 mm 6 mm

Slide the nut, washer,
rubber gasket and
clamp
over
the
coaxial cable, then
cut the end of the
cable evenly.

➂

Solder hole

No space

➃

Carefully slide the plug
body into place aligning
the center conductor pin
on the cable. Tighten the
nut onto the plug body.

Plug body

Strip the cable and
fold the braid back
over the clamp.

Center conductor

(10 mm ≈

Soft solder the center
conductor. Install the
center conductor pin and
solder it.

• Be
sure
the
center
conductor is the same
height as the plug body.

3⁄8 in)

PL-259 CONNECTOR INSTALLATION EXAMPLE

➀

30 mm

Coupling ring

➁

➂

solder solder

Slide the connector
body on and solder it.

10 mm (soft solder)

10 mm

Soft
solder

1–2 mm

(10 mm ≈ 3⁄8 in)

Slide the coupling ring
down. Strip the cable
jacket and soft solder.

Strip the cable as
shown at left. Soft
solder the center conductor.

➃

Screw the coupling ring
onto the connector
body.

CONNECTIONS

■ Tape recorder connections
The [REC OUT] jack has 350 mV rms/4.7 kΩ output
for connection to other audio equipment.

IC-R8500
[REC
REMOTE]
SCAN SET

[AUX IN] or
[LIVE IN] jack
[REC REMOTE] jack: Grounds when a signal is
received and squelch opens. If a tape recorder has
a control terminal, this jack can be used for recording control. (2 A/DC max.)

[REC OUT]
350 mVrms
4.7 kΩ

✔ Convenient:
When an optional UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT is
installed, detected frequencies during scanning can
be recorded. See pgs. 31, 32 for settings.

■ Transceive function
Icom CI-V transceivers or receivers can be connected 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 connected transceivers or receivers, the connected radio’s
frequency/mode does not change.

Connect to [REMOTE] jack

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

■ Connecting to a PC
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.

IC-R8500
RS-232C
cable

3.TXD (data output)
2.RXD (data input)
1

8
13

Personal computer

A DB9/DB25 adapter may be
required depending on the PC’s
connector.

■ Data demodulation terminal
See p. 16 for details regarding connection and operation.
10

FREQUENCY SETTING

■ Read me first
The IC-R8500 uses memory channels for storage of
frequencies (as well as mode, tuning steps, etc.).
When turning power OFF or changing memory channels, the previously displayed frequency cannot be
recalled unless it has been stored into a memory
channel. Therefore, when you want to keep a displayed frequency for later recall, you must program it
into a memory channel by pushing [MW] for 1 sec.
Push [MW] for 1 sec. after tuning.
OFF DLY

∞

✔ Convenient:
Use [M-SET] to program a displayed frequency (and
its mode, etc.) without overwriting the currently selected memory. See p. 19.

kHz

USR-A

BLANK

“BLANK” appears in the memory name area until
[MW] is pushed for 1 sec.

■ Using the keypad
➀ Push the numeral keys on the keypad to enter the

➂ Push the numeral keys to enter the frequency digits

MHz digits for the desired frequency.

below 1 MHz.

• If a key is mistakenly pushed, push [CE s] and start
again from the beginning.
• When entering the same MHz digits as the displayed
frequency, this step can be skipped.

• If a key is mistakenly pushed, push [CE s] and start
again from the beginning.

➃ Push [ENT] to set the input frequency.
• When pushing [ENT] after entering the MHz digits, zeros
are automatically entered for the kHz digits.

➁ Push [ • t].

[EXAMPLE]: SETTING THE FREQUENCY USING THE KEYPAD
• To set to 145.00 MHz

• To set to 1296.040 MHz

• To set to 850 kHz
(0.85 MHz)

• To change from 1296.040
•
to 1296.850 MHz

ENT

•

ENT

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 programmable tuning step (see below). The preset tuning steps are:
10 50 100 Hz
1
2.5 5
9
1 MHz

12.5

100 kHz

[TSY]
[TSZ]

SCAN SET

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

P
Tuning step
indicators

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.

➀ Push the numeral keys on the keypad that corre-

appears when the programmable tuning step
is selected.

MHz

spond to the tuning step you wish to program.
➁ Push [TSY] or [TSZ] to set the programmable tuning step to the selected value.

MHz kHz

kHz

appears to indicate the units of
the selected tuning step.

• The programmable tuning step is automatically selected
as the active tuning step.

[EXAMPLE]: Setting the programmable tuning step to 50 kHz.
5

(or TS )
P

kHz

■ Lock function

function is activated.

The lock function electronically locks the indicated frequency from accidentally being changed.
[SPCH LOCK

Push
] for 1 sec. to toggle the lock function ON and OFF.
• “LOCK” appears in the function display while the lock
FM

OFF DLY

LOCK

∞
kHz

*ICOM

kHz

IC-R8500

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.
➀ Push [SLEEP SET ] for 1 sec. to enter quick set
mode.
➁ Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the “LOCK”
indication.
➂ Rotate the main dial to set the lock function coverage to “DIAL” or “PANEL.”
➃ Push [SLEEP SET ] momentarily to exit quick set
mode. FM
OFF DLY ∞
kHz

LOCK

DIAL

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

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

SCAN SET

[AF GAIN]: 10 o’clock

[APF]: center

[SQUELCH]: max. CCW

[IF SHIFT]: center

After turning power ON,
check the display for indications below and remove as follows:
Push [SLEEP]
Push and hold
[SPCH • LOCK]

OFF DLY

∞

SLEEP
LOCK

NB AFC AGC-F APF-N
10-ATT-20
RECV

kHz

BANK

*ICOM

IC-R8500

Push [NB/AFC]
Push [AGC]

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

■ 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.
MODE
normal

BANDWIDTH
12 kHz/–6 dB

FM
narrow 5.5 kHz/–6 dB

INDICATION

The indications in the table appear in the bank name
area for 1 sec. after an operating mode is selected.

DESCRIPTION
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.

medium 5.5 kHz/–6 dB

wide

12 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.

narrow 2.2 kHz/–6 dB
USB

SSB

2.2 kHz/–6 dB
LSB
normal 2.2 kHz/–6 dB

WFM
13

narrow
500 Hz/–6 dB
(option)
150 kHz/–6 dB

Shortwave broadcasting, amateur bands, etc. Use USB for normal
SSB reception; LSB is not normally used.

Morse code communications. Use this mode to receive radio-teletype, etc. by shifting the receive frequency.
TV broadcasting, FM broadcasting, etc. TV and FM broadcasting
cannot be accessed in FM mode because their signals are too wide.

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

■ Squelch function
The IC-R8500 has 2 types of squelch, noise squelch
and S-meter squelch.

Noise squelch: Only acts on noise; has good sensitivity. It can be adjusted for reception of weak signals.
Strong signals exceeding a certain level will always
cause the squelch to open.
S-meter squelch: S-meter squelch does not open for
weak signals but can be adjusted to open for signals
over a wide range of strengths. 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).

S-meter squelch
threshold
• Signals below the
S-meter level
are muted.

Noise squelch
threshold (not
available in SSB,
CW, WFM and
AM narrow modes)

When [SQUELCH] is
rotated past center,
the S-meter shows
the signal strength
needed to open the
squelch.

1 3 5 7 9 +20dB +60dB

SIGNAL

■ Functions for FM
D Center indicator
FM signals have a wide bandwidth which makes them
easy to receive. However, you may be tuned off-center resulting in audio distortion. The IC-R8500’s offcenter indicators appear in such cases, making it
easy to fine tune to the center of the frequency.

RECV
One of these indicators appears when the received
signal is off-center.

D AFC
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 automatically—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.

AFC
RECV
When one of these indicators appears, the
displayed frequency is automatically moved to the
center frequency.

■ Functions for SSB/CW
D IF shift
The IF shift function electronically changes the center of the IF (intermediate frequency) passband frequency to reject interference. The IF shift is not available in FM and AM modes.

APF

IF SHIFT

APF

IF SHIFT

APF

IF SHIFT

➀ Adjust the [SHIFT] control for a minimum interference signal level.
• The audio tone may be changed while the IF shift is in
use.

➁ Set the shift control to its center position when

Shifts low

Center

Shifts high

there is no interference.
14

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

D Noise blanker
The noise blanker reduces pulse-type noise such as
that generated by automobile ignition systems. This
function is not effective for FM and WFM mode or for
non pulse-type noise and wide width pulses.

SCAN SET

[NB/AFC]
switch

Push [NB] to toggle the noise blanker ON and OFF.
• “NB” appears when the noise blanker is activated.

NOTE: When a strong signal is received while the
noise blanker is ON, the output audio may be distorted. In such cases, the noise blanker should be
turned OFF.

NB OFF

NB ON

D Audio peak filter
The APF (audio peak filter) adjusts the peak frequency 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.

➀ Push the [APF] switch.
➁ Rotate the [APF] control to adjust the peak frequency.

➂ To change the filter width*, push [APF] for 1 sec.
*Available for SSB, CW and AM only.

[APF]
switch
[APF] control

SCAN SET

APF is selected

[dB]

APF-N is selected

[dB]

–10

–20

–30

–40

–40
500

[Hz]

500

[Hz]

D BFO adjustment
BFO stands for beat frequency oscillator. This function is useful in conjunction with the IF shift function.
When eliminating interference with the IF shift function, 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.

BFO

[SSB/CW]
switch

➀ Push [SSB/CW] to select SSB or CW mode.
➁ Push [SSB/CW] for 1 sec. to activate the function.
• BFO appears.

➂ Rotate [M-CH] to adjust the BFO.
• –1.2 kHz to +1.2 kHz are selectable.

0.00kHz

SCAN SET

BFO shift can be set for USB,
LSB and CW separately.

[M-CH]
selector

D AGC function
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 indicator appears when AGC slow is selected.

AGC-F
RECV

[AGC]
switch

ICOM-

SCAN SET

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS

■ Data communications
D Connections
• For high speed data (9600 bps) reception in FM mode

[Audio IN] or
[Detector IN]
Rear
panel

to [AGC]
RCA plug

TU or TNC
Personal computer

• To use the [AGC] socket for AF output
Change the internal jumper plug as illustrated at
right.

AGC output
(default)

• The output is obtained for FM mode only.
• Usable for 9600 bps only.
• Refer to p. 37 for a description of opening the case.

AF direct detector
output
200 mVrms/4.7 kΩ

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

SCAN SET

AF IN
to [REC OUT]

2-conductor 3.5(d) plugs
to [REC REMOTE]
SQUELCH IN

TU or TNC
Personal computer

D Receiving method
➀ Connect a terminal unit as above.
➁ Select FM mode (or USB, CW modes for HF band
data communications).

➂ Set the receiver to the desired frequency as below.
➃ Set the connected terminal unit to the appropriate
settings.
• Refer to the terminal unit’s instructions.

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.]

MEMORY CHANNELS

■ General
The IC-R8500 has 1000 regular memory channels,
plus 20 programmable scan edge channels and 1 priority channel. 8-digit memory names are programmed
into all 1000 channels and 5-digit bank names are
programmed into 20 user banks for convenient recall
and organisation of frequencies. Moreover, memory
channels can store mode information, a tuning step,
and ATT (attenuation) information.

BANK

INITIAL CONTENTS

NOTE: When memory channels without information (blank channels) are selected, the frequency
is not displayed. Only the memory channel number appears.
The table below gives a general overview of the
IC-R8500’s memory channels.

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.

SKIP

100 memories

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

FREE

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.

PROG

Memorize scan edge frequencies. 10 pairs of scan edges (0P1 to 9P2) are pro20 memories (fixed) grammable (upper and lower scan edges). Mode and tuning step are automatically equalised to the last programmed channel in a pair.

AUTO

■ Bank selection
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.

BANK

USR-A

.;,

BANK

USR-B

BLANK

M-CH
BANK

BANK

NOTE: The FREE bank is initially blank and therefore cannot be selected. In order to select it at least
1 channel must be programmed into the FREE
bank. See p. 21.

BLANK

USR-T

BLANK
BANK

BANK

FREE

BLANK

ENT
ENT

✔ Convenient: Bank names
The default names of “USR-A” to “USR-T” can be set
to your own preference. Refer to p. 20 for programming.

BANK

AUTO
BANK

BLANK

SKIP

BLANK

PROG

*NONAME*

To select the programmed scan edge:
Push [PROG] for 1 sec.
• PROG and channel number (0P1 to 9P2) appear.

MEMORY CHANNELS

■ Channel selection
D Using the [M-CH] selector
➀ Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK▲] or
[BANK ]

[ENT • BANK▼].

➁ Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the desired

[BANK ]

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.

BANK

[M-CH] selector

✔ Convenient: Automatic bank limit
When starting memory scan, the bank limit function
is activated automatically. This automatic selection
can be deactivated. See p. 26.

BANK

USR-A

SR-

BANK
USR-A

SR-

BANK doesn't
appear
• Bank limit OFF
All memory channels can be
selected via the [M-CH]
selector. [BANK▲]/[BANK▼]
can be used.

BANK appears
• Bank limit ON
Only memory channels in
the current bank can be selected. Banks can be selected with the
[BANK▲]/[BANK▼] keys
only.

D Using the keypad
Memory channels in the current bank can only be
selected via the keypad.

➀ Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK▲] or
[ENT • BANK▼].

➁ Push keys corresponding to the desired channel.
➂ Push the [M-CH] key to set the selected memory
channel.
• Input for memory channels not available is cancelled.

[M-CH] key

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

M-CH

3 DEF

USR-A

9 WXY

ABCD

BANK

USR-A

ABCD

USR-A

EFGH

USR-D

MNOP

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

.;,

M-CH
BANK

USR-A

EFGH

M-CH

(3 times)

USR-D

IJKL

2 ABC

BANK

MEMORY CHANNELS

■ Programming
This is the method most often used to program memory channels.

➀ Select the desired memory channel.
➁ Set the desired frequency.
• When the memory channel already contains information,
change the frequency using the main dial or the keypad.
• When the memory channel is blank, use keypad entry
only to set the frequency.

➂ Set operating mode (p. 13) and tuning steps (p. 12).
➃ Push and hold [MW] until the receiver emits 3

[MW] key
FM

OFF DLY

∞

beeps.
• The information is stored in the memory channel.

kHz

USR-A

NOTE: When changing the memory channel
before pushing [MW], the set frequency (and
mode/tuning steps) is erased.

BLANK
MW

Push for 1 sec.
FM

OFF DLY

∞
kHz

USR-A

■ Copy and paste (memory editing)
When the frequency (and mode/tuning steps) is set
for a channel; or, when you want to change a frequency using the contents of another memory channel, the copy/paste function is helpful to keep (or confirm) the previously programmed contents.

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.

➀ Push [M-SET] to temporarily store the displayed
frequency, mode, etc.
• “ M ” appears.
• Only 1 channel can be stored in the temporary space.

➁ Select the memory channel you wish to program
the frequency into.

➂ Push [M-SET] again to paste the stored contents.
• “ M ” disappears.

[M-SET] key

■ Clearing
Information programmed into a memory channel can
be cleared (erased).

➀ Select the memory channel to be cleared.
➁ 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 contents) from a particular memory bank and placed
temporarily in the ‘free’ bank. See p. 21.

[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 convenience. Programmed names can be easily copied to
other channels using the copy/paste function.

[CEs• NAME] key

D Channel name programming
➀ Select the desired memory channel.
➁ 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.
➂ Push [CEs • NAME].
• A cursor appears at the first character space of the
name area.

USR-A
CE
NAME

USR-A

➃ Enter the desired name via the keypad.
• Push the appropriate keys to input the desired characters.
• To erase a character, overwrite with a ‘space’ using the
[M-CH •
] key.
• To move the cursor forwards or backwards, use the
[•t] or [CEs] key.

9 WXY
USR-A

MEMONAME
BANK

➄ Push [ENT] to input the set name.

ENT
ENT

USR-A

MEMONAME

USR-A

MEMONAME

D Bank name programming
➀ Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK▲] or
[ENT • BANK▼].

➁ Push [CEs • 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.

CE
NAME

USR-A

MEMONAME

➂ Push [•t] to move the cursor to the bank name

area.

5 times

➃ Enter the desired name via the keypad.
• Use the same method as for channel names (see
above).

➄ Push [ENT] to input the set name.
NOTE: When using [CEs] 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.

USR-A

MEMONAME

9 WXY
BANKN

MEMONAME
BANK

ENT
ENT

BANKN

MEMONAME
20

MEMORY CHANNELS

■ Assigning channel numbers
The IC-R8500 has 20 banks in which memory channels can be programmed and arranged. By default,
each bank contains 40 memory channels, however,
channels can be deleted from or added (inserted) to
banks to suit your preferences and operating style.
Deleted channels are stored temporarily in the
“FREE” bank.
NOTE: When shipped from the factory or after
resetting the receiver’s CPU, the “FREE” bank has
no memory channels and cannot be selected.

To rearrange bank channel assignments:
➀ Delete memory channels from banks that have
more memory channels than you need.
• Deleted channels are assigned to the ‘free’ bank automatically.

➁ 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.

[BANK] switch
[M-CH] control

D Deleting memory channels
➀ Select the bank and memory channel you wish to
delete.

➁ Push [BANK] for 1 sec.
• One of “INS. 1CH,” “DEL. 1CH,” “ADD.10CH,” or
“ADD. 1CH,”appears and flashes.
• Push [BANK] momentarily to exit the condition and
return to the previous display, if desired.

➂ Rotate [M-CH] until “DEL. 1CH” appears in the
display.
➃ 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.

BANK

USR-T

BANK

USR-T

BLANK

BANK

(for 1 sec.)

INS. 1CH
M-CH

BANK

USR-T

BANK

USR-T

DEL. 1CH

BANK

(for 1 sec.)

BLANK

The number of channels in this bank is
decreased.

MEMORY CHANNELS

D Adding/inserting memory channels
➀ Select the bank you wish to add memory channel(s) to.

BANK

USR-T

BANK

BLANK

(for 1 sec.)

➂ Rotate [M-CH] to select the following:
INDICATION

INS. 1CH

DESCRIPTION
1 channel will be inserted ‘in front’ of
the selected channel.

BANK

Insert 1 channel

• Programmed contents after the inserted
channel are shifted accordingly.

1 channel will be added ‘at the end’ of
ADD. 1CH the selected bank.
10 channels will be added ‘at the end’
ADD.10CH of the selected bank.

M-CH

INS. 1CH

USR-T

BANK

ADD. 1CH

USR-T

Add 1 channel
BANK

ADD.10CH

USR-T

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

Add 10 channels

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.

BANK

USR-T

DEL. 1CH
Delete channel
(see opposite page)

BANK

(for 1 sec.)
BANK

USR-T

BLANK

SCANS

■ Operation
D Memory scan
Select

All memory channels (except skip channels) in the
selected bank are scanned at up to 40 ch/sec.

Mch 3

Mch 2

Mch 4

➀ Push [M-CH • BANK▲] or [ENT • BANK▼] to select
the desired bank.

Mch 1

• Direct selection is also available as below.

Select

➁ Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point.
➂ Push [MEMO] to start the scan.
• “MEMO” appears in the bank name area.

Skip

Mch 39
Mch 7

Select

Mch 5

Mch 6

Select

➃ 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].

Push [MEMO]
FM

OFF DLY

Bank limit and skip scan release—When starting
memory scan, the bank limit and channel skip functions
are activated automatically. Refer to p. 26.

∞
kHz

MEMO
MEMO appears

D Memory select scan
Memory select scan allows you to increase scan efficiency by searching for specified channels only,
thereby increasing the rate at which the scan cycles
through the memory channels. Set high priority channels 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.

Select
Mch 3

Mch 2
Mch 1

Mch 4

Select

Mch 39
Select

Skip

Mch 7

Mch 5

Mch 6

Select

Start/stop:
➀ Select the desired bank using [M-CH • BANK▲] or
[ENT • BANK▼].
➁ Set the squelch control to the threshold point.
➂ Push [SEL] momentarily to start scan.
• “SEL” appears in the bank name area.

➃ 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.

Push [SEL]
FM

OFF DLY

∞
kHz

✔ Convenient:
The same convenient functions are available as described above.
23

SEL
SEL appears

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.

Programmed edges

Preparation—setting the scan range:
Push and hold [PROG] to enter the ‘prog’ bank, then
input the desired edge frequencies, mode and tuning
steps. Refer to p. 27 for details.
Start/stop:
➀ Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point.
➁ Push [PROG] to start the scan.
• “PROG” (and scan range number) appears in the bank
name area.

➂ 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.

Push [PROG]
FM

OFF DLY

∞
kHz

Skip scan release—Programmed scan skips all frequencies specified as skip channels in all 1000 channels.

PROG0

*NONAME*

PROG appears

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.

AUTO bank
0
1
2
3
4

Preparation—written memories condition:
Push and hold [AUTO] to enter the written memory
setting condition, then rotate the main dial to select
the condition.
AUTO
START : Previously written memories
in the ‘Auto’ bank are saved, then frequencies are
written into the next available channels.
AUTO
CL&START : Previously written memories in the ‘Auto’ bank are cleared, then frequencies
are written into channels, starting from channel 0.

•
•
•

1234.567.00
1235.678.00
1235.890.00
1240.050.00
---------------

98
99 ---------------

Start/stop:
➀ Set the [SQUELCH] control to the threshold point.
➁ 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.

➂ Push [AUTO] again to stop the scan.
✔ Convenient:
The same convenient functions are available as described above.

Push [AUTO]
FM

OFF DLY

∞
kHz

AUTO0

*NONAME*

AUTO appears

SCANS

D Priority scan
Priority scan monitors a specified frequency (the priority channel) once every 1–16 sec. (programmable)
during any operation, such as receiving, scanning
other channels, etc.

Start/stop:
Push [PRIO] to start/stop the scan.
• Priority scan can be used in combination with other scan
types: start another scan type during priority scan; or,
push [PRIO] while operating another scan.

Preparation—priority channel programming:
➀ 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.

➁ Set the desired frequency, mode and memory
name.

Priority scan

➂ Push [MW] for 1 sec. to write the contents into the
priority channel.

Programmed scan with priority scan

➃ Push [PRIO] again to return to the previous channel.

■ Mode select function
To operate memory scan or memory select scan in a
specific mode (ignoring other modes), the mode
select function is available.

➀ Push [MEMO] or [SEL] to start memory scan or
memory select scan, respectively.
➁ Select the desired mode to operate the scan in via
the mode switches.

Select

WFM
FM

Skip

Mch 3

Mch 2

Mch 4

USB

Mch 1
Select

USB
Mch 39

• The mode select function is applied to memory or memory select scan.

Select

USB

Mch 6

Mch 7

Select

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

Mch 5

USB

■ Specifying skip channel and frequency
• Specifying skip channels

➀ Select the memory channel to be specified as a
skip channel.
➁ Push [SKIP] for 1 sec. to toggle the setting ON and
OFF.

ICOM

SKIP-CH

IC-R8500

The channel is specified as a ‘skip’ channel.

• SKIP-CH appears when ‘skip’ is set.

• Programming skip frequencies
(for programmed scan)

SKIP

➀ Start programmed scan.
➁ 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 programmed and auto memory write scans.

OFF DLY

∞
kHz

RECV

PROG0

IC-R8500

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

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.

• The skip function (for any scan except priority
scan)—memory channels specified as skip channels are not checked during memory scan and
select memory scan; the frequencies which are programmed into memory channels as skip channels
(not only in the skip bank but any memory channels) during programmed scan and auto memory
write scan.

• Turning OFF the automatic function
➀ Push [MEMO] for 1 sec.
• A display as at right appears.

SKIP

AUTO

The skip function is turned ON automatically at scan start.
[SKIP] does not function during scan.

SKIP

MANUAL

The scan skip function is turned ON and
OFF by [SKIP] regardless of scan start.

BANK

AUTO

The bank limit function is turned ON automatically at scan start.
[BANK] does not function during scan.

BANK

MANUAL

The bank limit function is turned ON and
OFF by [BANK] regardless of scan start.

➁ Rotate the [M-CH] selector to
select the item, SKIP or
BANK.
➂ Rotate the main dial to select
the function AUTO or MANUAL.
➃ Push [MEMO] to return to the
previous display.

■ Voice scan control function
This function is useful when you don’t want unmodulated signals pausing or cancelling a scan. When
activated, the receiver checks received signals for
voice components.

VSC appears
VSC

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.

• The VSC function activates for any scan.
• The VSC function resumes the scan on unmodulated signals even when the resume condition is
set to “OFF” or “ ”.

∞

kHz

ICOM-

Unmodulated
signal

To toggle the function ON and OFF, push [VSC].
• “VSC” appears while it is activated.

OFF DLY

IC-R8500

Modulated
signal
Scan edge 2

Scan edge 1

Scan
Skip

Scan pauses or is
cancelled.

SCANS

■ Programming scan edge frequencies
A set of scan edge frequencies must be programmed
before starting the programmed or auto memory
write scans. 10 pairs of scan edges are available:
0P1 to 9P2.

[PROG]
switch

➀ Push [PROG] for 1 sec.
• “*SET*” appears in the bank name area, then
changes to a flashing “PROG.”
[MW] switch

➁ Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the lower scan

[M-CH] selector

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

• The keypad can also be used for selection.

OFF DLY

∞

➂ Set the frequency, mode, tuning step and memory
name then push [MW] for 1 sec. to program one of
the scan edges.
➃ Rotate the [M-CH] selector to select the other edge
in the pair e.g. 0P2.
➄ Set the frequency then push [MW] for 1 sec. to program.

BANK

PROG

kHz

*NONAME*

OFF DLY

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

BANK

➅ Push [PROG] momentarily to return to the previous

PROG

∞
kHz

*NONAME*

channel; or repeat ➁ to ➅ for other scan edges.

■ Scan speed/delay functions
D Scan resume condition
Scan pauses when finding a signal, and then resumes
or is cancelled depending on the selected scan
resume condition. There are 3 resume conditions.

OFF DLY

∞

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

• Scan resume OFF
Scan pauses until signal disappears, then resumes 3 sec. after
that.

OFF DLY

∞

[DLY D/S ]
switch

Signal

no signal

receiving a signal

scanning

pausing

no signal

Scan
scanning
3 sec.

∞

• Scan resume ON with adjusted
OFF DLY
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.

OFF DLY

∞

Signal

no signal

Scan

no signal

pausing
scanning

scanning
delay time

Signal

no signal

Scan

receiving a signal

scan is cancelled
scanning

receiving a signal

no signal

SCANS

D Assigning a function to the [DELAY/SPEED] control
The function of the [DELAY/SPEED] control is selectable, as shown below, to suit your operating style.

➀ Push [DLY

D/S

] for 1 sec. to enter the setting condition.
➁ Rotate the main dial to select the function for the
[DELAY/SPEED] control.
➂ 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.

➃ Push [DLY

D/S

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

VR:SPD

DLY= 3S

Toggle via the
main dial

VR:DLY

Adjustable
via the [M-CH]
selector

SPD=MAX

] to return to the previous display.
Scan delay is assigned to the [DELAY/SPEED] control

D Scan speed
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.

DELAY/SPEED

SPEED
Lowest scan speed: 1 ch/sec.

When scan delay time is assigned to the
[DELAY/SPEED] control, the scan speed is fixed
at the maximum of 40 ch/sec.

DELAY/SPEED

SPEED
Highest scan speed: 40 ch/sec.

D Scan delay
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 D/S ] switch.
When scan speed is assigned to the
[DELAY/SPEED] control, the scan delay is determined by the set value of 3 to 18 sec.

DELAY/SPEED

DELAY
Shortest delay time: 3 sec.
DELAY/SPEED

DELAY
Longest delay time: 18 sec.

SLEEP TIMER

The IC-R8500 has a sleep timer function to automatically turn the power OFF after a specified period.

[SLEEP/ SET ] switch

D Operation
SLEEP

➀ Push [SLEEP/

SET

] momentarily, several times, to
activate the sleep timer and set the power OFF period.

• When the sleep timer is activated, “ SLEEP ” appears in
the display.
• 5 settings are available: 120, 90, 60, 30 min. and sleep
OFF.

Minutes
SLEEP

Each push of
SLEEP/ SET

Minutes

after 2 sec.

➁ 2 sec. after performing step ➀ above, the receiver
returns to the previous display.

SLEEP

kHz

ICOM

IC-R8500

Previous display

➂ To confirm the set sleep period, push [SLEEP/ SET

Push SLEEP/ SET once

] momentarily, one time.
• Be careful not to push the switch more than once, otherwise the sleep period may be changed.

SLEEP

Minutes
Set time

➃ To turn ON the receiver after the sleep timer has
turned power OFF, push [POWER] OFF then ON
again.
• The sleep timer is cancelled.

SET MODE
■ General
Set mode is used for programming infrequently
changed values or conditions of functions. The
IC-R8500 has 2 separate set modes: quick set mode
and initial set mode.

D Selecting quick set mode
➀ Push [SLEEP/ SET ] for 1 sec.

Main dial (for contents)

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

➁ Rotate the [M-CH] control to select the desired item.
➂ Rotate the main dial to set the values or conditions
for the selected item.

➃ Repeat steps ➁ and ➂ to set other items.
➄ To exit quick set mode, push [SLEEP/ SET ] again.

SCAN SET

• Pushing any other switch will also exit quick set mode.
[SLEEP/ SET ]
(push for 1 sec.)

[M-CH]
(for items)

[DISPLAY EXAMPLE: QUICK SET MODE]
WFM

OFF DLY

∞
kHz

D Selecting initial set mode
➀ Push [POWER] to turn power OFF.
➁ While pushing [SLEEP/ SET ] push [POWER] to turn

HIGH

DIMMER

Value or
condition

Item

[POWER]

Item number

Main dial (for contents)

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

➂ Rotate the [M-CH] control to select the desired item.
➃ Rotate the main dial to set the values or conditions

SCAN SET

for the selected item.

➄ Repeat steps ➂ and ➃ to set other items.
➅ To exit initial set mode, push [POWER] to turn
power OFF.

[SLEEP/ SET ] at power ON

[M-CH]
(for items)

➆ Push [POWER] to turn power ON again.
• The conditions selected in initial set mode are now effective.

[DISPLAY EXAMPLE: INITIAL SET MODE]

REC REMO

Value or
condition

Item
Item number

SET MODE

■ Quick set mode items

■ Initial set mode items

DIMMER
This item toggles the intensity of the display backlighting between high or low.

HIGH

LOW

Bright backlighting
(default).

Dark backlighting.

OFF

Confirmation beeps
ON (default).

Confirmation beeps
OFF.

DIAL

PANEL

Only the main dial
can be locked (default).

Both the main dial and panel
switches can be locked.

OFF

The auto tuning speed
function is ON (default).

The auto tuning speed
function is OFF.

500

BEEP
A beep sounds each time a switch is pushed for confirmation. This function can be turned OFF for silent
operation.

LOCK
This item sets the lock function to electronically lock
the main dial only or both the main dial and the panel
switches.

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.

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 conThe RCA (phono) connector
nector is activated (default). is activated.

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.

OFF

The REC REMOTE jack
can be used (default).

The REC REMOTE jack has
no function and no relay
switching sound is heard.

OFF

The detected frequency is
announced when scan
pauses (default).

The optional voice synthesizer activates via the
[SPCH] switch only.

REC SPCH
When the optional UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER is
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.

SET MODE

SPCH LAN
When the optional UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT is
installed, you can select between English and
Japanese as the language.

ENG

JPN

Voice synthesizer functions
in English (default).

Voice synthesizer functions
in Japanese.

FAST

SLOW

Voice synthesizer output
is faster (default).

Voice synthesizer output
is slower.

4AH

01H

Address set to 4AH
(default).

Address set to 01H.

SPCH SPD
When the optional UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT is
installed, you can select between faster or slower
synthesizer output.

CIV ADDR
To
distinguish
equipment,
each
CI-V
transceiver/receiver has its own Icom standard
address in hexadecimal code. The IC-R8500’s
address is 4AH.

R8500 in the range 01H to 7FH.

When 2 or more IC-R8500’s are connected to an
optional CT-17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER, rotate the
main dial to select a different address for each IC-

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

19200

Auto baud rate
(default).

19200 bps

OFF

Transceive ON
(default).

Transceive OFF.

OFF

Frequency data set to
5 bytes (default).

Frequency data set to
4 bytes.

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.

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 transceive with the IC-735.

CONNECTOR INFORMATION

D RS-232C socket
13

D Remote jack
Outer

Port name

Description

GND

Grounded.

RXD

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

TXD

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

4
5

RTS
CTS

Shorten these ports inside.
Can be connected to pin 8 (DCD) via the internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

DSR

NC; can be connected to pin 20 (DTR) via the
internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

GND

Grounded.

DCD

NC; can be connected to pins 4 and 5 (RTS/CTS)
via the internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).

9–19

DTR

21–25

Port name

Description

Inner

REMOTE

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

Outer

GND

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

Port name

No connection.
NC; can be connected to pin 6 (DSR) via the
internal circuit board (‘coffee beans’).
No connection.

Grounded.

Inner
3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

D IF OUT jack

Inner
Outer

Grounded.

RCA (phono) jack

D AGC OUT jack

AGC out
Inner
Inner*
Outer
RCA (phono) jack

Outer

Description
Output voltage: 1 to –2.4 V DC
(signal strength weak to strong)
Output impedance: 2.2 MΩ

Output level: 200 mV rms (at Mod.=1 kHz, Dev.=3.5 kHz)
Output impedance: 4.7 kΩ
Audio detect
• Before the frequency de-emphasis stage.
• Usable for FM only (not including WFM).
GND

Grounded.

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

D External speaker

Port name

Outer

Inner

AF out

Inner

Outer

GND

3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor
33

Description
Output level: More than 2 W
Output impedance: 4–8 Ω
Grounded.

CONNECTOR INFORMATION

D DC 13.8 V and DC IN sockets

• DC IN
DC IN

DC 13.8 V
1

Inner
Outer
[POWER]
switch

Receiver
circuit

Port name

Description

Inner

DC IN

Accepts connection to the AD-55A/V only

Outer

GND

Grounded.

• DC 13.8 V
Pin

Port name

13.8 IN

12.5 OUT

GND

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

—

Port name

Outer

Inner

DET

• Output detected audio output.
• 100–300 mV rms/4.7 kΩ

Inner

Outer

GND

Grounded.

Port name

Inner,
Middle

Audio

• Outputs audio.
• Output impedance: 4–16 Ω

Outer

GND

Grounded.

Internal
regulator
circuit

D REC REMOTE jack
Outer
Inner
3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

D REC OUT jack

Description
13.8 V DC input; current consumption 2 A
12.5 V DC output when connecting AD-55/A/V
to [DC IN] socket. Max. 2 A
—
Grounded.

Description

3.5 mm (diam.) 2-conductor

D PHONES jack
Outer
Inner
Middle

Description

6 mm (diam.) 3-conductor

CONTROL COMMANDS

The IC-R8500 can be connected to a PC via the PC’s
RS-232C port. This allows you to control the receiver

from the PC and/or transfer data from the receiver to
the PC.

■ Command table
Operation
Reading freq. edges
Reading operating freq.
Reading operating mode
Reading M-ch contents package
Reading bank name
Reading squelch condition
Reading S-meter level
Reading model ID
Set frequency
LSB
USB
AM
AM narrow
AM wide
Set operating
mode
CW
CW narrow
FM
FM narrow
WFM
Memory channel selection
Bank selection
Memory write
Set M-ch contents & write package
Set bank name
Memory clear
Stop scan
Programmed scan start
Auto memory write scan start
Memory scan start
Select memory scan start
Mode select scan start
Priority scan
SEL-CH release
SEL-CH tag
VSC deactivation
VSC activation

Cn
02
03
04
1A
1A
15

Sc
—
—
—
01
03
01
02
00

19
05

Operation
10 Hz
50 Hz
100 Hz
1 kHz
2.5 kHz
5 kHz
9 kHz

Remark

add bn+mc*
add bn*

Tuning step

10 kHz
12.5 kHz
20 kHz
25 kHz
100 kHz

add fd*
0001
0101
0202
0201
0203
0301
0302
0501
0502
0601
—
mc*
A0
bn*
—
00 add dt*
02 add bn+nd*
—
00
02
note 1
04
note 1
22
note 2
23
note 2
24
note 2
42
B0
B1
C0
C1

08
08
09
1A
1A
0B

Scan resume selection “∞”
Scan resume selection “OFF”
Scan resume selection “DLY”

Attenuator

Sc
00
01
02
03
04
05
06

07
08
09
10
11

1 MHz
programmable

12
13

OFF
10 dB
20 dB
30 dB

00
10
20
30

Voice
frequency
synthesizer
AF gain setting
Squelch level setting
IF shift setting
APF control setting
AGC OFF
AGC ON
NB OFF
Memory clear
NB ON
APF OFF
APF ON
Power OFF (activating sleep)
Power ON (from sleep active)

01
03
04
05
10
11
20
21
30
31
00
01

Remark

add
add
add
add

Note 1: Only scan group 0 is usable.
Note 2: Use these commands after sending a bank or mode
command.

D0
D1
D3

■ Data format
• Answer from IC-R8500 to PC

End of message code

BCD code area

Sub command number

Command number

(selectable in set mode)

IC-R8500’s address

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

PC’s address

End of message code

(‘REMARK’ in table)

BCD code area

(see table)

Sub command number

(see table)

PC’s address
Command number

(selectable in set mode)

IC-R8500’s address

Preamble code (fixed)

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

Preamble code (fixed)

• Basic format from PC to IC-R8500

gd*
gd*
gd*
gd*

COMMAND LIST

• ‘OK’ message from IC-R8500 to PC

• ‘NG’ message from IC-R8500 to PC

End of message code

NG code

PC’s address

Preamble code

IC-R8500’s address

FE FE E0 4A FA FD

End of message code

OK code

IC-R8500’s address

PC’s address

FE FE E0 4A FB FD

Preamble code

• Memory channel contents set & write (1A 00)

The above data packet is an example of programming
the following into memory channel 123 of bank number 19:
• Frequency: 1,234,567,890 Hz
• Mode: FM
• Tuning step: 199.5 kHz (programmable step)
• Attenuator: 10 dB
• Scan select: specified
• Scan skip: specified
• Memory name: IC-R8500
• Clearing the specified channel data
(Memory channel contents set & write)

End of message code

Blank data

Memory channel
number

Bank number

IC-R8500’s command

Command number

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

End of message code

ASCII code

(only needed when ‘13’
is selected)

1 GHz

BCD code area

Scan skip and select channels
Comment
number

Scan select

OFF

Specified

OFF

Specified

Scan skip

• Special bank number and channels (bn)

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

Preamble code

100 MHz

1 MHz

10 MHz

10 kHz

100 kHz

1 kHz

100 Hz

10 Hz

1 Hz

I C - R 8 5 0 0

Sub command
(IC-R8500’s command)

Command number

PC’s address

IC-R8500’s address

Preamble code

Bank CH no.
Memory name
Frequency
Mode(Sc) Tuning step ATT SCN
FE FE 4A E0 1A 00 1 9 0 1 2 3 9 0 7 8 5 6 3 4 1 2 0 5 0 1 1 3 9 5 1 9 1 0 0 3 4 9 4 3 2 0 5 2 3 8 3 5 3 0 3 0 FD

Special bank

Bank number

Remarks

FREE

AUTO

SKIP

PROG

PRIO

• For programmed
scan, channel numbers 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 priority bank.

• Gain and level data (gd; BCD data)
AF GAIN
SQUELCH

IF SHIFT
APF control

Max.
counterclockwise
0000
center
Max.
counterclockwise
0128
0000

Max.
clockwise
0255

Max.
clockwise
0255
36

MAINTENANCE

■ Disassembly
For internal maintenance and optional installations,
disassemble the receiver.

CAUTION: DISCONNECT the DC power cable
or AC adapter before performing any work on the
receiver.

➀ Remove 6 screws from the top of the receiver and
4 screws from its sides.

➁ Carefully lift up the top cover while disconnecting
the plug from the speaker cable.

➂ Turn the receiver upside down.
➃ Remove 6 screws from the bottom cover, then lift

Speaker
cable

up the bottom cover.

■ Fuse replacement

■ Memory backup

If a fuse blows or the receiver stops functioning, try to
find the source of the problem, and replace the damaged fuse with a new, rated fuse.

All of the CPU’s memory is backed up by an EEPROM (Electronically-Erasable Programmable ReadOnly Memory). All data you set, such as memory contents, set mode contents, etc. is stored in this EEPROM. There is no internal lithium battery.

• For DC cable fuse

• For internal fuse

■ CPU resetting
Fuse

MAIN unit

(FGMB 125 V 3 A)

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.

■ Level adjustments
R254
R252

• The CPU is reset.

NOTE: Resetting the CPU clears all memory contents and returns internal settings to their factory
defaults.

■ Cleaning
If the receiver becomes dusty or dirty, wipe it clean
with a dry, soft cloth.

R252 adjusts the beep level
R254 adjusts the UT-102 output level

AVOID the use of strong chemical solvents such as
thinner, benzine or alcohol to clean the
receiver. These may damage the receiver’s
surfaces.

OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS
■ UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT

The UT-102 announces the accessed frequency in a
clear, electronically generated voice, in English (or
Japanese) when pushing [SPCH] or when a signal is
detected during scan (see p. 31, 32 for settings).

Under the top cover

➀ Remove the top cover as shown opposite.
➁ Remove the protected paper attached to the bot-

UT-102

tom of the UT-102 to expose the adhesive strip.
➂ Connect the UT-102 as shown in the diagram at
right.
➃ Replace the top cover.

■ FL-52A

J12

CW NARROW FILTER

The IC-R8500 has a CW narrow mode which provides better S/N (signal-to-noise) and also rejects
nearby interference. The CW narrow filter is helpful
when receiving CW and radio-teletype signals.

➀ Remove the top cover as shown opposite.
➁ 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.

➂ Replace the top cover.

Under the top cover
FL-52A

12 OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS

■ CR-293

HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL UNIT

A temperature-compensating crystal with a stability of
± 3 ppm is built-in to the receiver. For more demanding operation, the CR-293 HIGH STABILITY CRYSTAL
UNIT is available. It has a stability of ± 0.5 ppm.

➀ Remove the bottom cover as shown on p. 37.
➁ Remove 6 screws from the metal plate, then

Metal plate

remove the metal plate and shield cover.

Shield
cover

PLL unit

CR-293

➂ Remove 10 screws from the PLL unit, then open

Internal
crystal
unit

the unit to expose the bottom.

➃ Unsolder the feet of the internal crystal unit, then
remove it.

➄ Place the CR-293 in the space available as shown
in the diagram, then solder its feet into place (6
points).
➅ Adjust the reference frequency using a frequency
counter.
PLL unit

➆ Replace the ground spring to its original position.
➇ 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.

Ground
spring

OPTIONAL INSTALLATIONS

■ TV-R7100

TV RECEIVE ADAPTER

D Connections
yellow
white*
red

Antenna

Red to right*
White to left
Yellow to video

TV-R7100
[IF OUT]

*When the TV set
has only one audio
jack, connect the
white cable only.
Red to right
White to left
Yellow: no connection

[AGC]

red from
[IF IN]
black from
[TV CONTROL]

D Operation

➀ Turn on the TV-R7100, IC-R8500 and all connected
equipment.
➁ Select WFM mode.
➂ ➥ Push OUT [FM/TV] on the TV-R7100 to select
“TV” when receiving TV broadcasts or ATV.
➥ Push IN [FM/TV] on the TV-R7100 to select “FM”
when receiving FM broadcasts in stereo.
➃ Set the frequency of the audio center frequency of
the desired TV or FM signals by the main dial or direct keypad entry.
• The FM center indicator on the IC-R8500’s function display is useful for tuning.
• Pictures appear on your TV screen and sound is emitted.

stereo
headphones

D TV-R7100 specifications
General
• Power supply requirement: 9 V negative ground
(supplied from the ICR8500)
• Current drain: Approx. 100 mA (when receiving no signal)

• Dimensions: 110(W) × 35(H) × 200(D) mm;
4.3(W) × 1.4(H) × 7.9(D) in
(projections not included)

• Weight: 750 g; 1.7 lb
• Headphone jack impedance: 32 Ω (approx.)
TV receiver
• Video carrier input frequency: 15.2 MHz (U.S.A. version)

16.2 MHz (Europe version)

• Audio carrier input frequency: 10.7 MHz
• Audio intermediate frequency: 4.5 MHz (U.S.A. version)
5.5 MHz (Europe version)
• Video output level: 1 V p-p (75 Ω)
• Audio output level: 300 mVrms/47 kΩ load (U.S.A. version)
400 mVrms/47 kΩ load (Europe version)
FM receiver
• Intermediate frequency: 10.7 MHz
• Selectivity: 230 kHz/–6 dB
• Audio output level: 300 mV/47 kΩ
• Stereo separation: More than 30 dB (1 kHz)

TROUBLESHOOTING

The following chart is designed to help you correct
problems which are not equipment malfunctions. If
you are unable to locate the cause of a problem or

PROBLEM

POWER

Power does not turn
ON when [POWER] is
pushed in.

solve it through the use of this chart, contact your
nearest Icom Dealer or Service Center.

POSSIBLE CAUSE
• DC power cable is improperly connected.
• A fuse is blown.

• Reconnect the DC power cable securely.
• Check for the cause, then replace the
fuse with a spare one.
• During AC adapter operation, the • Connect the jumper connector to the
jumper connector is not in use.
[DC13.8V] jack on the receiver’s rear panel.
• External 12 V DC is connected to the • Connect the external power source to
[DC IN] jack.
the [DC13.8V] jack. The [DC IN] jack accepts an AC adapter (AD-55/A/V) only.

RECEIVE FUNCTIONS
FRONT PANEL CONTROL

REF.
p. 8
p. 37
p. 8
p. 8

Receiver turns OFF by • The sleep timer has been activated.
itself.

• Turn power back ON, then push p. 29
[SLEEP] one or more times to turn the
sleep timer function OFF, if desired.

No sound comes from • Volume level is too low.
the speaker.
• The squelch is closed.

• Rotate [AF GAIN] clockwise to obtain a
—
suitable listening level.
• Rotate [SQUELCH] counterclockwise to p. 14
open the squelch.
• Disconnect the external speaker or
—
headphones.
• Select another mode or install the op- pgs.
tional CW narrow filter.
13, 38

• An external speaker or headphones are
connected.
• CW narrow mode is selected when no
optional filter is installed.

SOLUTION

Sensitivity is low.

• 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.
p. 8
• Connect an antenna matched to the re- p. 8
ceiving frequency.
• Check the antenna connection.
p. 8
• Select the proper antenna connector: p. 31
SO-239 or phono (RCA).
• Push [ATT 10 dB] or [ATT 20 dB] to can—
cel the function.

Receive signal is unclear or distorted.

• [IF SHIFT] is rotated too far CCW or • Set [IF SHIFT] to the center position.
p. 14
CW.
• [APF] is rotated too far CCW or CW.
• Set the [APF] control to the center position p. 15
or push the [APF] switch to turn it OFF.
• The wrong mode switch is pushed.
p. 13
• Push the correct mode switch.

WFM mode cannot be
set.

• The operating frequency is lower than • Set the frequency above 30 MHz when p. 13
30 MHz. (WFM mode cannot be sein WFM mode.
lected below 30 MHz.)

Main dial does not function.

• The lock function is activated.

• Push [LOCK] for 1 sec. to deactivate.

[LOCK] does not lock
the keypad, function
switches, etc.

• DIAL LOCK is selected in quick set
mode.

• Select PANEL
mode.

The selected frequency
is erased.

• The memory channel was changed be- • Push [MW] for 1 sec. to write into a p. 19
fore writing into memory.
memory before changing channels.

The frequency is not
announced when pushing [SPCH].

• An optional UT-102
UNIT is not installed.

VOICE SYNTHESIZER

• Install the UT-102.

p. 12

LOCK in quick set p. 31

p. 38

TROUBLESHOOTING

POSSIBLE CAUSE

SOLUTION

REF.

Memory channels in
another bank cannot be
selected.

• The bank limit function is activated and • Push [BANK] to turn OFF the bank limit p. 18
“BANK” is indicated.
function or use [BANK] or [BANK] to select the bank.

Memory channels in the
‘AUTO’ bank are
cleared.

• Written memories condition is set as • Change the setting to START.
CL&START.

p. 24

Bank name is erased
after setting.

• [CEs] is pushed on the final name • Push [ENT] after setting the name.
character.

p. 20

Memory name cannot
be written.

• A frequency has not yet been pro- • Push [MW] for 1 sec. in advance.
grammed into the memory channel.
• [MW] key is used for name programming. • Push [ENT] after setting the name.

p. 19

No scan will function.

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

p. 14

Programmed scan and
auto memory write scan
does not function.

• The same frequencies are programmed
into the selected scanning group.

Memory scan does not
function.

• All channels are specified as “SKIP” • Turn OFF the automatic skip function or pgs.
channels in the selected bank.
release the “SKIP” setting for 2 or more 25, 26
channels in the selected bank.
• No memory channels have yet been • Program 2 or more channels in the se- p. 19
programmed in the selected bank.
lected bank.

Select memory scan
does not function.

• Two or more “SEL-CH” are not specified • Set 2 or more channels as “SEL-CH” in p. 23
in the selected bank.
the selected bank.

Auto memory write
scan does not function.

• All channels in the auto memory bank • Erase some or all of the channels in the p. 24
have been programmed.
auto write bank.

Scan starts automatically.

• The AFC function is activated and an • Push [AFC] to turn the AFC function p. 14
off-center signal is received in FM or
OFF or wait until the center frequency is
WFM mode.
selected.

SCAN

MEMORY CHANNELS

PROBLEM

p. 20

• Reprogram different frequencies into p. 27
scan edge channels or select a different
programmed scan group.

SPECIFICATIONS

■ General
• Frequency coverage

: Version

• Mode

: FM (normal/narrow), AM (wide/normal/narrow), SSB (USB/LSB) CW (normal/narrow*), WFM
*Optional FL-52A is required.
: 1000 (plus 20 scan edges and 1 priority channel)
: Below 30 MHz
SO-239 (50 Ω)/Phono (500 Ω)
Above 30 MHz
Type-N (50 Ω)
: –10°C to +50°C (+14°F to +122°F)
: Below 30 MHz
±100 Hz (±20 Hz*)
Above 30 MHz
± 0.0003 % (±0.00006%*)

• Number of memory channels
• Antenna connector
• Usable temperature range
• Frequency stability

Frequency Coverage (MHz)
0.10000 – 823.99999
U.S.A.
849.00001– 868.99999
894.00001– 1999.99999*
Europe
0.10000– 1999.99999*
France
0.10000–
87.50000
108.00000– 1999.99999*
*Specifications guaranteed 0.1–1000 MHz and 1240–1300 MHz

*When an optional CR-293 is installed.

• Power supply requirement

• Current drain (at 13.8 V DC)
• Dimensions (projections not included)
• Weight
• Intermediate frequencies

: 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)
: Standby 1.8 A
Max. audio 2.0 A
: 287(W) × 112(H) × 309(D) mm; 115⁄16(W) × 413⁄32(H) × 123⁄16(D) in
: 7.0 kg (15.4 lb)
:
Unit: MHz
Frequency band
1st
2nd
3rd*
0.1–
29.99999
30.0– 499.99999
500.0– 1024.99999
1025.0– 1999.99999

48.8
10.7
0.455
778.7
10.7
0.455
266.7
10.7
0.455
Utilizes converter method:
Local freq.: 500, 1000 or 1010 MHz

*Except WFM.

■ Receiver
• Receive system
• Sensitivity

• Squelch sensitivity

: Superheterodyne
: Frequency band (MHz)

SSB/CW

AM-N

AM-W

WFM

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

: Frequency band SSB/CW/AM-N
(MHz)

threshold

tight

AM/AM-W
threshold

1.8–29.99999
10 µV 320 mV 0.5 µV
30–1000
4.5 µV 320 mV 0.4 µV
1240–1300
*FM mode can only be used above 28 MHz.

tight

320 mV

: WFM
FM/AM-W
FM-N/AM
AM-N/SSB/CW
CW narrow*

More than 150 kHz/–6 dB
More than 12 kHz/–6 dB
More than 5.5 kHz/–6 dB
More than 2.2 kHz/–6 dB
More than 500 Hz/–6 dB

• Spurious and image rejection ratio

: Below 30 MHz
More than 60 dB
30–1000 MHz
50 dB (typical)
1240–1300 MHz
: More than 2.0 W at 10% distortion with an 8 Ω load
: More than ±1.2 kHz
: 2-conductor 3.5 mm (1⁄8")/4–8 Ω

*Optional FL-52A is required.

All specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

WFM
tight

320 mV 0.5 µV* 320 mV*

• Selectivity

• Audio output power
• IF shift variable range
• External speaker connector

FM
threshold

0.4 µV

320 mV

threshold

tight

—

4.5 µV

320 mV

OPTIONS
AH-7000
SUPER WIDEBAND OMNIDIRECTIONAL ANTENNA

SP-7 EXTERNAL SPEAKER

Frequency coverage:
Receive
25–1300 MHz
Transmit 50, 144, 430, 900,
1200 MHz bands
Type of antenna: Discone
Weight: 1 kg

TV-R7100 TV RECEIVE ADAPTER

Suitable for base station
operation.
Input impedance: 8 Ω
Max. input power: 5 W

SP-21 EXTERNAL SPEAKER

Designed for base station
operation.
Input impedance: 8 Ω
Max. input power: 5 W

Provides TV broadcast reception and use of your TV set
and video recorder. Also provides FM stereo broadcast
reception. Does not comply with EMC directive.

MB-23 CARRYING HANDLE

IC-MB12 MOBILE MOUNTING BRACKET

Carrying handle, convenient for portable operation. Use
the screws supplied with the IC-R8500; DO NOT use the
screws supplied with the MB-23.

Receiver mounting bracket for mobile operation.

CT-17 CI-V LEVEL CONVERTER

AD-55/A/V AC ADAPTER

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.

Provides AC operation.
(AD-55 Europe version only)

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

Count on us!

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

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