Wide Frequency coverage.
The IC-R8500 covers a wide frequency range continuously from 0.1
to 2000 MHz,* with 10 Hz resolution, while
maintaining a high receive sensitivity. You can be sure that if
there are any communications or broadcasts out there, you'll be
able to hear them with minimum interference from other signals.
*Some versions have restricted
coverage. Refer to the specifications for details.
All mode capability
Radio signals are transmitted in a variety of modes. The
IC-R8500's all mode capability allows you to receive signals in
many different modes, from the world over. SSB (USB, LSB), CW,
AM, FM and WFM are included, and, several 'specialty' modes, CW
narrow,* AM wide, AM narrow
and FM narrow are available to receive a variety of signals that
require a matched pass band width.
The optional TV-R7100 TV/F, adapter allows you to view TV
broadcasts (when connected to a CRT monitor) and listen to FM
broadcasts.
*Optional FL-52A is required.
Superior receive characteristics
The IC-R8500 has a superb high receive sensitivity over its
entire range, and the built-in, high quality crystal (TCXO)
provides good frequency stability of less than ±100 Hz below 30
MHz; less than ±3 ppm above 30 MHz. The crystal is the reference
for the PLL and DDS circuits to achieve these specifications.
Convenient features for receive
IF shift and APF (audio peak filter) functions are built-in–a
first for a receiver in this class. IF shift is used to reduce
interference from nearby signals. It does so by adjusting the
center frequency of the IF filter. APF is used to reduce
interference from signals superimposed over a designed signal by
adjusting the center frequency of the audio filter. The APF is
especially useful when receiving CW, but is also useful in other
modes as a tone control.
In addition, a noise blanker, RF attenuator and selectable AGC
functions, clarify desired signals when experiencing various
forms of interference. A digital AFC function tunes the receiver
to the center of FM or WFM signals.
Ample memory channels
The IC-R8500 has 1000 memory channels providing versatile
operating possibilities. Each memory channel can store a
frequency, mode (including passband width) and tuning step, etc.
To facilitate efficient use of memory channels, they are divided
into 20 banks of 40 channels each plus an auto memory write area
of 100 channels. Alphanumeric names can be assigned to the
channels (up to 8 characters) and banks (up to 5 characters) for
easy recognition.
In addition there are 20 scan edge memory channels to store 10
sets of frequencies for programmed scan plus 1 priority channel
of priority scan. And, the number of channels in each bank is
user assignable.
Memory editing capabilities include memory copy and paste
function for easy transferring of data from channel to channel.
RS-232C interface
An RS-232C serial port is located on the rear panel of the
receiver for direct connection to a personal computer. Icom's
CI-V data communications format allows you to control and
monitor many receiver functions from your PC, as well as to read
data or levels in the receiver, such as AF gain, squelch level,
received signal strength, as well as receive frequency, channel
names and many others.
Versatile scanning functions
For basic scanning, memory, priority and program scans are
available. And, for more advanced needs, select, skip, auto
write and mode select scans can be selected.
The IC-R8500 scans very quickly and the speed is continuously
adjustable up to 40 channels per second (in both memory and
programmed scans) with a continuously adjustable delay time.
Also, VSC (voice scan control) provides efficient scanning by
skipping unmodulated signals. Customize the scan behavior to
suit your needs.
Various tuning steps
Two methods of frequency entry are available: using the tuning
dial or direct frequency entry from the keypad. Use the method
that best suits the situation. Numerous tuning steps are
available for operating a wide variety of stations. They are 10,
50, 100 Hz, 1, 2.5, 5, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 100 kHz and 1 MHz.
In addition, a programmable tuning step is available. The
programmable tuning step can be set (independently for each
memory channel) to a value between 0.5 to 199.5 kHz, in 0.5kHz
steps.
Additional outstanding features
- 3 antenna connectors are provided: an SO-239 type and a
phono (RCA) connector for below 30 MHz; a type-N connector for
above 30 MHz
- S-meter squelch allows you to receive only those signals
stronger than a pre-set level
- Easy to read analog S-meter and center frequency indicator
- Voice synthesizer (optional UT-102 required) announces the
frequency setting
- Sleep timer (30, 60, 90, 120 min. selectable)
- REC and REC remote terminals are provided for tape recorder
control and for received signals (received frequencies can also
be recorded when the optional UT-102 is installed)
Sale of “FCC-excepted unblocked” products is limited to the following
customers: (1) U.S. Government agencies; (2) cellular communications carriers; and (3) persons
or commercial entities that are under a specific contract with such a Federal Government agency
or cellular carrier, but only upon the specific written certification by such agency or carrier
that the “FCC-excepted unblocked” product is required in connection with such contract.