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The Icom IC-R8500-32K government receiver produces performance, coverage and sophistication rarely seen in other models. Covering 100 kHz to 1999.99 MHz, this receiver does cover it all; and more importantly; it does it well throughout this extraordinary range. Most wideband receivers tend to perform only modestly below 30 MHz. The R8500 (and R9500) are clear exceptions to this rule, combining the performance of the popular HFIC-R75 and venerable VHF/UHFIC-R7100. Reception modes include: AM, LSB, USB, CW, FM-N and FM-W. This receiver is equipped with IF Shift and Auto Peak Filter functions ... a first for receivers in this class. The IF shift effectively rejects nearby signals in the SSB modes. The APF can select between two bandwidths and serves as a tone control in the FM mode and can also selectively boost signals in the CW mode.

Since I have no ICOM radios, and only very recently acquired a PC (which is not what I'm. Does KA9Q use a serial port for his printer or is this his technique to. Jan 09, 2015  If the first digit of the country/region prefix in the serial number is 1, the IC-7700 is unequivocally a Rev. 12 is the US/Canada version with S/N of the form 12XXXXX. Other prefixes are 11 for Japan (domestic) and 13 for EU. IC R8500 Serial Numbers Hi, I wonder if anyone knows how to decipher the serial numbers on these receivers to get an approximate year of manufacture. I've just bough a very nice used one here in the UK with a number close to.

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Triple conversion and advanced RF circuits achieve an improved dynamic range of 107 dB and an intercept point of 27.5 dBm. Separate band pass filters minimize cross modulation and provide high sensitivity in the 0.1 to 30 MHz range. The R8500 employs a PLL circuit which provides tuning and readout resolution to an amazing 10 Hz. A host of tuning steps are featured: 10, 50, 100 Hz, 1, 2.5, 5, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 100 kHz and 1 MHz. In addition you can program your own tuning step (0.5-199.5 kHz). Direct keypad frequency entry is available. And what a memory system! 1000 channels are available organized in 20 banks of 40 channels, plus 100 skip channels and 100 Auto Write Memories. Other refinements include: Noise Blanker, S and Center Tune Meter, RF Attenuator, LCD Dimmer, Clock-Timer, Record Jack and Recorder Activation Jack, Selectable AGC [Fast/Slow] and Main Dial Tension adjustment. Attenuation may be set for 0, 10, 20 or 30 dB. The LCD display is large and crisp. The rear panel features three separate antenna inputs (covering two ranges: 0.1-30 MHz SO239/RCA and 30-2000 MHz N). Other rear panel jacks include: IF Output (10.7 MHz), Remote Jack, AGC Out Jack, External Speaker and RS-232C (DB25) Jack. The R8500 is supplied with an AD-55 AC adapter or may be run from 12 VDC with the supplied OPC-023C DC cord.
The IC-R8500 was reviewed in the April 1997 issue of QST magazine.
The Icom IC-R8500-32K could be purchased by the Federalgovernment or for export only.

The IC-R8500-02 model is the same as above, but with the 824-849 / 869-894 MHz cellular bands blocked. This blocked, consumer version was discontinued by Icom.

Facts About the Icom R8500 You Need to Know

The Icom R8500 communications receiver from Japanese radio transmitting and receiving equipment manufacturer Icom is another testament behind its dominance in the industry. The communications receiver available on eBay featured the most advanced radio transmitting and receiving technologies upon its release including a wide frequency coverage, high receiver sensitivity over its range, and ample memory for channels.

The capability to cover a wide range of frequency, the ability to receive signals in a variety of modes, and its higher performance capabilities are what make the Icom R8500 stand out. Its long list of features is made more attractive given the fact that the equipment was specially designed and manufactured for use of the U.S. government. The IC-R8500 communications receiver was manufactured with several features, including those listed here:

• 100 kHz - 2000 MHz range
• 10, 50,100 Hz; 1, 2.5, 5, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 100 kHz; 1 MHz or programmable (0.5 - 199.5 kHz/0.5 kHz steps)
• Voice squelch control (VSC)
• Autostore of up to 100 channels
• Tape recorder control and computer control

The Icom IC R8500 can be connected to a computer either by a serial cable or a USB cable. Through the use of the computer, a ham can manage, edit, and print radio data he receives from his radio equipment. There are proprietary and opensourced software available to control the communications receiver from a laptop or a desktop computer. The Ham Radio Deluxe is a freeware for swl and ham radio operators programs. Commander is another free software capable of controlling up to four transceivers and includes a bandspread and transverter support. For those who want a paid software, the Ergo is capable of controlling most of shortwave receivers as well as providing integrated support for the radio listening.

Yes, every ham device used in amateur radio always comes with a wide range of accessories to expand its capabilities. The communications receiver works for the IC-R8500, and the following accessories can be found on eBay:

• USB programming cable - This enables quick and easy programming for your Icom IC-R8500 through the use of a computer. This accessory can also help in managing, printing, and editing radio data on a computer.
• OPC-770 for ICOM RS-R8500 and IC-R8500 ICR8500 - This is a serial cable used to connect the communications receiver with a computer via a RS232 socket.
• Icom R8500 software - It is a computer software that comes with virtual front panel, band scope, and scan controller. It can be installed on a Windows XP operating system and above.