Copyright: Copyright 1997 Icom Inc. (A-5488I-2EX)


Contents

Getting started

Launching the RS-R8500 program

Turning the RS-R8500 program on and off

Selecting sub screens

Basic operation

General functions and terminology

Memory functions

Cloning functions

Reading the memory channel list from the IC-R8500

Writing the memory channel list to the IC-R8500

Scan functions

Band scope functions

Convenient functions

Menu commands

Software update information

Software update information will be available at the Icom America home page:

http://www.icomamerica.com/


Menu command
Menu commands

File (F)

View (V)

Clone (C)

Option (O)

Help (H)


Saving memory channel contents or quitting the program.


Selecting the sub screens.

Memory channel list, scan controller screen, program scan list, band scope screen and radio player screen are available.


Reading or writing the memory channel data to the IC-R8500.


Setting the COM port and frequency up/down speed, etc.


Displaying this help file and version information.


Basic operation

Changing the volume

Setting a threshold receive signal level for volume

Setting the noise squelch

Setting the S-meter squelch

Auto squelch function

Selecting a receive mode

Setting a receive frequency

Using the numeral buttons

Using the main dial

Selecting the tuning speed

Changing the tuning step


Memory functions

Calling up a memory channel

Using the numeral buttons
Using the memory channel indicator
Using the memory channel selector
Memory bank selection using the memory channel lists
Memory bank selection using the memory bank buttons

Writing to a memory channel

Memory channel lists

Calling up a memory bank using a memory bank name

About the programmable tuning step

Inserting and deleting channels

Receiving a specified channel

Saving a memory channel list

Opening a file

Creating a new file

Reading the memory channel list from the IC-R8500

Writing the memory channel list to the IC-R8500


Scan functions

Before using the scan functions

Scanning for signals within a specified frequency range

Editing programmed channels

Scanning frequencies in memory channels

Changing the scan direction during scanning

Memory scan options


Band scope functions

Using the band scope function

Selecting the frequency span

About pick up signals


Convenient functions
Convenient functions for receive

Temporarily muting receive audio

When vehicle ignition noise causes interference

When the receive signal strength fluctuates

When strong signals cause interference

When nearby signals cause interference

Setting the IF filter

IF shift

Confirming the RS-232C port

Changing the RS-232C port


Getting started

The RS-R8500 is remote control software for the IC-R8500 for use with a personal computer. Frequencies in the range 0.1 to 1999.99999 MHz (some ranges may be restricted) can be received, allowing you to listen to a wide variety of stations including amateur radio and broadcast stations.

Launching the RS-R8500 software

When using Windows 95

1)	Before launching the program make sure the IC-R8500 power is turned on.

2)	Click the [Start] button and point to [Programs].

3)	Point to the RS-R8500 folder.

4)	Click the RS-R8500 program.

When using Windows 3.1

1)	Before launching the program make sure the IC-R8500 power is turned on.

2)	Select the program manager.

3)	If the RS-R8500 icon does not appear, open the RS-R8500 program group.

4)	Double click the RS-R8500 icon.

Pausing the RS-R8500 program

Push [POWER] on the front panel screen to toggle the IC-R8500 power and the program between pause and active.

<<Note>>

-	If the "Communication failed" dialog box appears, while the program is paused and the IC-R8500 power is on, activate the program again.

-	If the problem persists, check the connections between the computer and IC-R8500 as well as the RS-232C port.

Related items	Confirming the RS-232C port
Changing the RS-232C port

Quitting the RS-R8500 program

Select [Exit] in the [File] menu or click the [Close] button in the tool bar.

The Readme file contains information about the receiver.

Contents


Launching the RS-R8500 program

When using Windows 95

1)	Before launching the program make sure the IC-R8500 power is turned on.

2)	Click the [Start] button and point to [Programs].

3)	Point to the RS-R8500 folder.

4)	Click the RS-R8500 program.

When using Windows 3.1

1)	Before launching the program make sure the IC-R8500 power is turned on.

2)	Select the program manager.

3)	If the RS-R8500 icon does not appear, open the RS-R8500 program group.

4)	Double click the RS-R8500 icon.


Each click of the [POWER] button toggles the IC-R8500 power and the program between pause and active.


Changing sub screens
Selecting sub screens

Select a sub screen by clicking a sub screen button or from the [View] menu corresponding to the sub screen you want to use.

-	For the memory channel list, click the [M-LIST] button or select [Memory Channel List] in the [View] menu.

-	For the scan controller screen, click the [SCAN] button or select [Scan Controller] in the [View] menu.

-	For the program scan list, click the [SET] button in the scan controller screen or select [Program Scan List] in the [View] menu.

-	For the band scope screen, click the [SCOPE] button or select [Band Scope] in the [View] menu.

-	For the radio player screen, click the [PHONES] jack or select [Radio Player] in the [View] menu.


Changing the volume

Adjusting the volume to an optimum level.

1)	When in the communications receiver screen, right-click on the [AF] knob to increase the volume, left-click to decrease the volume.

2)	When in the radio player screen, drag the [AF] slider to the right to increase the volume and to the left to decrease the volume.

Related item	Muting the receive volume


Setting a squelch level
Setting a threshold receive signal level for volume (SQUELCH)

The squelch function sets a minimum receive signal level below which no audio is emitted from the speaker. This conveniently prevents noise and static from being emitted when receiving weak signals or no signals at all. Three squelch methods are available as listed below.

1)	Setting a threshold for signals to be emitted
» Noise squelch

2)	Setting a threshold for weak signals
» S-meter squelch

3)	Setting a threshold automatically
» Auto squelch function


Setting the noise squelch

In AM, AM-W, FM and FM-N modes, non-signal noise is muted.

1)	When using the communications receiver screen, right- or left-click the [SQL] knob so that the RECV indicator just goes out, to mute the noise.

2)	When using the radio player screen, drag the [SQL] slider to the right or left so that the RECV indicator just goes out, to mute the noise.


Setting the S-meter squelch

Set the S-meter squelch so that signals below the specified level are not received.

1)	When using the communications receiver screen, right- or left-click the [SQL] knob to set the desired S-meter level.

2)	When using the radio player screen, drag the [SQL] slider to the right or left to set the desired S-meter level.


Auto squelch function

The squelch level can be set to the threshold level automatically.

1)	When using the communications receiver screen, click "SQL" to set the squelch level automatically.

2)	When using the radio player screen, click the [AUTO] button to set the squelch level automatically.


Selecting a receive mode

Available receive modes are SSB (LSB/USB), CW (medium, optional narrow), AM (medium, wide, narrow), FM (medium, narrow) and WFM. The selected receive mode (signal type) is displayed above the frequency indication.

Click the [WFM], [FM], [AM] or [SSB CW] button one or more times corresponding to the desired mode to select that mode.

<<Note>>

-	When an incorrect receive mode for a frequency is selected, distorted audio or no audio at all may result.


Setting a receive frequency

Depending on the situation, the receive frequency can be set using the methods below.

1)	When you know the broadcast or communication frequency
» Input the frequency directly with the numeral buttons.

2)	When you don't know the frequency or when you want to fine tune the frequency after entering it directly
» Use the main dial to select a frequency.

Related item	Pick up signals


Inputting a frequency with the numeral buttons

Frequencies can be input from 0.10000 to 1999.99999 MHz. Frequencies can only be set when using the communications receiver screen and specified to the 10 Hz digit.

Click the desired numeral buttons, then click the [ENT] button to set the frequency.

<<Example 1>>

Setting 0.81000 MHz

Click [0] [.] [8] [1] [ENT].

<<Example 2>>

Setting 7.10000 MHz

Click [7] [.] [1] [ENT].

<<Example 3>>

Setting 145.00000 MHz

Click [1] [4] [5] [ENT].

<<Example 4>>

Setting 1296.45000 MHz

Click [1] [2] [9] [6] [.] [4] [5] [ENT].

<<Example 5>>

Setting 1296.78000 MHz from 1296.45000 MHz (when the MHz setting remains the same)

Click [.] [7] [8] [ENT].

<<Note>>

-	When using the communications receiver screen and inputting a frequency directly from the keyboard, click in the communications receiver screen first, then begin inputting from the keyboard.

-	When inputting a frequency outside of the allowed receive frequency range, the previously selected frequency is automatically selected after clicking [ENT].

-	When making a mistake while inputting a frequency, click the [CE] button to clear the input and return to the previous frequency.

-	When you want to change the 100 kHz digit and below, click the [.] button first, then the numeral buttons and then the [ENT] button.

-	When you want to set the 100 kHz digit and below to 0, input the MHz digits and then click the [ENT] button.


Setting a frequency with the main dial

Select the communications receiver screen then right-click to increase the frequency according to the set tuning step; left-click to decrease the frequency according to the set tuning step.

When clicking and holding either button the frequency scrolls up or down.


Changing the tuning speed

Tuning speed can be selected from fast or slow.

When using the option screen

1)	Click [Setting] in the [Option] menu to bring up the RS-R8500 option screen.

2)	Click Select the tuning speed

When using tuning speed adjustment

Click the tuning speed adjustment [ [image]] to toggle the tuning speed.


Changing the tuning step

When using the [Main dial] to change the frequency, or when a scan function is activated, the frequency changes in increments determined by the set tuning step. This can be changed if desired.

Click the [TS [image]] or [TS [image]] button to select a tuning step.

Selectable tuning steps:

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, 1 MHz and programmable tuning step (default setting 50 kHz)

The programmable tuning step can be selected from the range 0.5 kHz to 199.5 kHz in 0.5 kHz steps.


Programmable tuning step
About the programmable tuning step

In addition to thirteen separate tuning steps, a programmable tuning step (in the range 0.5 kHz to 199.5 kHz in 0.5 kHz steps) can be set and programmed into the memory channel list.

The default programmable tuning step is 50 kHz.

1)	While editing the memory channel list (after setting a receive frequency), click the [TS] column with the mouse.

2)	Use the keyboard to change the tuning step. Enter the required digits using kHz units and "k" (for kHz input), then push the [Enter] key.

<<Note>>

-	When entering a non-preset tuning step or a tuning step outside of the allowed range, the default programmable tuning step (50 kHz) is automatically selected.


Memory channel


Memory channel
Calling up a memory channel

The RS-R8500 has 1000 memory channels which are divided into 22 groups for ease of use.

These groups are called memory banks. 20 memory banks (0 to 19) consist of 40 memory channels each. Auto memory write scan bank and skip memory bank consist of 100 memory channels each.

Memory channel selection:

1)	When using the communications receiver screen
» use the numeral buttons to select a memory channel directly
» use the memory channel indicator

2)	When using the radio player screen
» use the memory channel selector

Memory bank selection:

1)	When using the communications receiver screen
» use the memory bank up/down buttons

2)	When using the radio player screen
» use the memory bank selector

3)	When using the memory channel list
» use the memory channel list screen


Selecting a memory channel with the numeral buttons

Click the numeral button corresponding to the memory channel number to be called up, then click the [Mch] button to set the memory. Selectable memory channels are 00 to 49.

<<Example 1>>

Setting memory channel 02

Click [0] [2] [Mch] or [2] [Mch].

<<Example 2>>

Setting memory channel 49

Click [4] [9] [Mch].

<<Note>>

-	When entering a memory channel number outside of the allowed range and clicking [Mch], the previously selected memory channel is automatically selected.

-	While entering a memory channel number, clicking [CE] cancels the operation and returns the setting to the previously selected memory channel.


Selecting a memory channel with the memory channel indicator

Right-click the memory channel indicator to increase the channel; left-click the memory channel indicator to decrease the channel.


Selecting a memory channel with the memory channel selector

Right-click the memory channel selector to increase the channel; left-click the memory channel selector to decrease the channel.


Selecting a memory bank in the communications receiver screen
Selecting a memory bank with the memory bank up/down buttons

Click the [BANK [image] /M-CH] or [BANK [image] /ENT] button to select the memory bank.


Selecting a memory bank in the radio player screen
Selecting a memory bank with the memory bank buttons

Click the [ [image]] or [ [image]] button, located above the memory channel selector, to select the memory bank.


Selecting a memory bank with the memory channel list

1)	Push [M-LIST] to display the memory channel list.

2)	Click the bank [ [image]] or [ [image]] button to select the memory bank. Or, click the [ [image]] button at the right of the bank name column to bring up the list box and click the bank name you want to call up.

3)	The selected memory bank appears.


Writing to a memory channel

Each memory bank (00 to 19) holds 40 memory channels. The contents listed below can be written into each memory.

-	Bank name, memory name, receive frequency, receive mode, attenuator selection, tuning step, select settings for select memory scan and skip settings for memory skip scan

1)	Call up the memory bank and channel you wish to write to.

2)	After setting the receive frequency and receive mode, etc., click the [MW] button.

Related items	Backing up a memory channel list
Creating a new file


Editing the memory channel list

General characteristics of the memory channel list are as follows.

1)	Click the [M-LIST] button to display the memory channel list.

2)	Click the bank [ [image]] or [ [image]] button to select the memory bank to be added/edited.
To add/edit a bank name, click inside the bank name column and input the name from the keyboard.
- Memory bank 20 is used for auto memory write scan.
- Memory bank 21 is used for skip memory scan.

3)	Double click anywhere in the memory channel row of the memory channel to be added/edited, to enter the data input condition.

4)	From the keyboard, input the receive frequency into the [Frequency] column, then push [Enter].
- This column must be input in order for other columns to be used.

5)	When adding/editing a memory name, proceed in the same manner as for bank names.
When adding/editing other columns, click in the column and then choose from the list.

6)	Click the [M-LIST] button to close the memory channel list.


Calling up a memory bank using a bank name

1)	Click the [M-LIST] button to show the memory channel list.

2)	Click the [ [image]] button at the right of the bank name column to bring up the list box.

3)	Click the bank name you want to call up.
- The selected memory bank appears.


Inserting and deleting channels

New channels can be inserted into the channel list and channels no longer needed can be deleted from the channel list.

1)	Click the [M-LIST] button to show the memory channel list.

2)	Click the position where you want to insert/delete a channel, then click [Insert CH] or [Delete CH].

3)	Continued clicks of the [Insert CH] or [Delete CH] button will insert or delete additional channels in the selected positions.


Receiving a specified memory channel
Receiving a specified channel

While the memory channel list is displayed, select the memory channel data you want to receive, then click [RX Entry] to receive the channel.


Saving a memory channel list

Select [Save] or [Save As] in the [File] menu to back up memory channel list data.

1)	Save (overwrite) menu
» Saves the data in the current file

2)	Save As (rename and save) menu
» Saves the data in a separate file from the original


Creating a new file

Select [New] in the [File] menu to create a new file — a blank memory channel list appears.


Selecting [Save] in the [File] menu saves the currently open file name, location and file type.


1)	Select [Save As] in the [File] menu to bring up the [Save As] dialog box.

2)	To save the file in different location, click another drive or folder (directory).

3)	Input a file name into the [File name] box, then click [OK].


Opening a file

1)	Select [Open] in the [File] menu to bring up the [Open] dialog box.

2)	Click the [Drives] box corresponding to the drive the file is saved on.

3)	A hierarchal list of folders (directories) appears in the [Folders (Directories)] box — double click the name of the folder (directory) in which the file is stored in.

4)	Click the name of the file you want to open in the [File name] box, then click [OK].


Reading the memory channel list from the IC-R8500

The memory contents in the IC-R8500 can be imported into the memory channel list for editing, backup, etc.

1)	Select [Read memory from receiver] in the [Clone] menu to read the memory channel list from the IC-R8500.

2)	To cancel the operation, click the [Cancel] button.


Writing the memory channel list into the IC-R8500

1)	Select [Write memory into receiver] in the [Clone] menu to write the current memory channel list into the IC-R8500.

2)	To cancel the operation, click the [Cancel] button.


Scan function


Using the scan functions

Scan functions automatically search through a range of frequencies or a list of channels for signals. Two basic scan types are available, program scan and memory scan.

1)	To automatically scan a specified range of frequencies for signals
» program scan

2)	To automatically scan frequencies in memory
» memory scan


Before using the scan functions

Before activating a scan function, the operations listed below must be performed in order for the scan to operate normally. Also, scan may appear to start normally but fail to pause when a signal is received.

1)	Setting the squelch

2)	Setting the scan speed

3)	Setting the scan resume delay period


Setting the scan speed

Scanning speed can be selected in the scan controller screen. 8 speeds are available.

1)	Click the [SCAN] button to bring up the scan controller screen.

2)	Click the [ [image]] / [ [image]] button in the SPEED section to set the scan speed.

<<Note>>

-	The overall scan speed depends on the computer performance. Select the CI-V baud rate and scan speed to stop on a busy frequency.


Setting the scan resume condition
Setting the scan resume delay period

When receiving a signal, scan automatically pauses on that signal. The scan resume delay period sets the time that the scan pauses before resuming or whether scan stops instead of pausing.

1)	Click the [SCAN] button to bring up the scan controller screen.

2)	Click the [ [image]] / [ [image]] button in the DELAY section to set the resume delay period.

(a)	OFF	: Scan resumes immediately after the signal disappears

(b)	2 sec	: Scan resumes 2 sec. after the signal disappears

(c)	5 sec	: Scan resumes 5 sec. after the signal disappears

(d)	10 sec	: Scan resumes 10 sec. after the signal disappears

(e)	15 sec	: Scan resumes 15 sec. after the signal disappears

(f)	30 sec	: Scan resumes 30 sec. after the signal disappears

(g)	: Scan stops.


Scanning for signals within a specified frequency range
Scanning for signals within a specified frequency range (Program scan)

Program scan automatically searches for signals within a specified frequency range.

1)	Click the [SCAN] button to bring up the scan controller screen.

2)	Click the desired [ [image] (START)] button in the PROGRAM section to start the programmed scan.

-	The [ [image] (START)] button flashes while scanning.

3)	Click the [ [image] (START)] button to stop the scan.

-	Repeat this to restart the scan.


Editing programmed channels

Programmed scan settings made in advance such as frequency range, receive mode, tuning step, etc. can be added to, changed or deleted. Up to 10 settings can be programmed.

1)	Click the [SCAN] button to bring up the scan controller screen.

2)	Click the [SET] button to bring up the program scan list.

3)	Double click anywhere in the table you want to edit to select the data input condition.

4)	Input the start frequency into the [START] column from the keyboard, then push [Enter].

5)	Input data into other columns as desired, then click the [SET] button in the scan controller screen to close the program list.


Searching memory frequencies (memory scan)

This function searches all memory channels in a selected bank or all memory banks.

1)	Click the [SCAN] button to bring up the scan controller screen.

2)	Click the [ [image] (START)] button in the MEMORY section to start the memory scan.

-	The [ [image] (START)] button flashes while scanning.

3)	Click the [ALL BANK] button to start the all bank memory scan.

-	The [ALL BANK] lights.

4)	Click the [ [image] (START)] button to stop the scan.


Changing the scan direction
Changing the scan direction during scanning

To change the scan in the direction of higher frequencies, right-click on the [Main Dial]; to change the scan in the direction of lower frequencies, left-click on the [Main Dial].

In the case of memory scans, scan changes in the direction of higher channel numbers and lower channel numbers, respectively.


Memory scan options

Using the [SEL] or [SKIP] column in the memory channel list screen you can set conditions specific only to memory channels during memory scan.

1)	When selecting the [SEL] box (select memory scan)

-	only memory channels specified as SEL (select) are searched

2)	When selecting the [SKIP] box (memory skip scan)

-	memory channels specified as SKIP channels are not searched

<<Note>>

-	SEL and SKIP are set in the memory channel list.

-	At least 2 memory channels must be programmed with the desired condition for scan to proceed.

-	Memory channels can be set with all the optional functions.


Other functions


Temporarily muting receive audio

1)	Each click of "AF" in the communications receiver screen toggles the mute function on and off.

-	The reading of the [AF] knob blinks when the mute function is in use.

2)	Each click of the [MUTE] button in the radio player screen toggles the mute function on and off.

-	The [MUTE] button lights when the mute function is in use.

<<Note>>

-	Be careful that you don't leave the mute function on when not wanted as no receive audio is emitted even when receiving signals.

-	While monitoring the band scope, receive audio is muted. Push the [ [image] (START/STOP)] button to receive the audio.


Noise Blanker
Ignition noise (NB: Noise Blanker)

While receiving in LSB, USB, CW or AM modes, automobile ignition systems may cause pulse type noise. The noise blanker eliminates such pulse-type noise.

While using the communications receiver screen, click the [NB] button to toggle the noise blanker function on and off.


Automatic Gain control
Poor audio due to signal strength fluctuations (AGC: Automatic Gain control)

The automatic gain control helps regulate fluctuating audio output when receiving in SSB, CW and AM modes. AGC is generally used as follows.

1)	FAST (AGC-F indicator appears)
While receiving in CW mode or while tuning.

2)	SLOW (AGC-F indicator disappears)
While receiving in SSB (LSB/USB) or AM modes.


Attenuator
Interference from strong signals (ATT: Attenuator)

Strong signals (such as from broadcast stations, pagers, nearby amateur radio stations, etc.) can cause distortion of receive signals. The attenuator function can reduce signal strength of interfering signals by 10 dB, 20 dB or 30 dB.

While using the communications receiver screen, click the [10dB] and/or [20dB] button to activate the 10 dB, 20 dB or 30 dB attenuator function.

<<Note>>

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


Interference from nearby signals

Interference caused by nearby signals can be eliminated in the following ways.

1)	IF filter
» Changes the passband width of an incoming signal

2)	IF shift
» Shifts the passband width of the interfering signal up or down


IF filter
Eliminating interference using IF filters

Increasing or decreasing the width of incoming signals can help eliminate interference. Available filters vary according to the receive mode. See the table below.

FILTER	SSB(USB/LSB)	CW	AM	FM	WFM
150 kHz	−	−	−	−
12 kHz	−	−			−
5.5 kHz	−	−			−
2.2 kHz				−	−
500 Hz*	−		−	−	−
• : Factory setting; · : Selectable; −: Not selectable

* Optional FL-52A CW NARROW FILTER is required.

While using the communications receiver screen, click the [FM], [AM] or [SSB CW] button to toggle between filter widths.


IF shift
Eliminating interference using IF shift

IF shift allows you to move the upper or lower edge of a signals passband to eliminate interference caused to "one" side of the signal. This function is not available when using the radio player screen.

1)	While using the communications receiver screen, move the mouse over the [SHIFT] knob and left-click to shift the passband width to the lower end of the receive signal; right-click to shift the passband width to the higher end of the receive signal.

2)	Set the [SHIFT] knob to a position where the interfering signal is eliminated the greatest.

3)	Clicking "SHIFT" returns the IF shift to the center.


Confirming the RS-232C port

1)	While using the communications receiver screen, select [Setting] in the [Option] menu to bring up the [RS-R8500 Option] dialog box.

2)	Confirm that the port number, baud rate and CI-V address are correct then click the [OK] button.

3)	When you want to change the port number, refer to "Changing the RS-232C port."


Changing the RS-232C port

1)	Click the [POWER] button on the communications receiver screen to temporarily pause the program.

2)	Select [Setting] in the [Option] menu to bring up the [RS-R8500 Option] dialog box.

3)	Select the desired COM port number and baud rate.

4)	Set the IC-R8500 CI-V address.

5)	Click the [OK] button.


Band scope


Using the band scope function

The band scope function allows you to visually check a specified frequency range. You can observe adjacent receive conditions.

Receive audio is muted while monitoring the band scope. Push the [ [image] (START/STOP)] button to receive the audio.

1)	Click the [SCOPE] button to bring up the band scope screen.

-	Conditions over the entire set frequency span can be observed around the center frequency of the currently received frequency.

2)	Click the [ [image] (START/STOP)] button to cancel a sweep.

Related items	Pick up signal

<<Note>>

-	You can select a displayed signal frequency by clicking the waveform. The selected frequency is displayed at center.


Selecting the frequency span

The number of kHz that the band scope indicates above and below the center of the receive frequency can be changed. Click the [SPAN [image]] or [SPAN [image]] button to select through SPAN1 (±5 tuning steps) to SPAN5 (±50 tuning steps). Choose [SPAN1] when band conditions are crowded (many signals are present); choose [SPAN5] when few signals are present.


Pick up signals
About pick up signals

When you find a signal you want to listen to when using the band scope function, move the mouse over the signal location in the band scope display and click. The receive and center frequency moves to that frequency.

While pausing the band scope, you can also select the displayed signal frequency by clicking the waveform. In this case, the previously received frequency is displayed at center.


General functions and terminology

Communications receiver screen

Radio player screen

Band scope screen


Communications receiver screen

For a description of labels and functions or when you want to learn more in general about this screen, click a button or indicator in the diagram below.


Radio player screen

For a description of labels and functions or when you want to learn more in general about this screen, click a button or indicator in the diagram below.


Band scope screen

For a description of labels and functions or when you want to learn more in general about this screen, click a button or indicator in the diagram below.


Screens


Indicates the software version, etc.


Power button

Toggles the IC-R8500 power and the RS-R8500 program between pause and active.


Recorder remote jack

Reads the memory channel list contents from the IC-R8500.


Recorder jack

Writes the memory channel list contents to the IC-R8500.


Headphone jack

Shows/hides the radio player screen.


S (Signal) indicator

Indicates the receive signal strength. Also indicates the S-meter squelch receive level set with the [SQL] knob.


Signal meter indication

Indicates the receive signal strength. 3 indication types are available. Also indicates the S-meter squelch receive level set with the [SQL] slider.

When a memory channel is selected, the receive frequency is displayed for a moment.


Signal meter selector

Selects 1 of 3 S-meter indication types.


Frequency indication

Indicates the receive frequency and data as it is being input such as memory channel numbers, etc.


Receive mode indicators

Indicate the current receive mode and IF filter settings (medium, wide or narrow).

- Usable IF filter varies according to receive mode.


Tuning step indicator

This is the frequency increment used when selecting a frequency using the [Main dial] and when searching for signals using a scan function. "P" appears when the programmable tuning step is selected.


Input indicator

Appears while inputting a frequency or memory channel number.


NB (Noise blanker) button

Turns the noise blanker function on and off. The noise blanker is used to reduce pulse type noise.


NB (Noise Blanker) indicator

Appears when the noise blanker function is on.


Receive indicator

Appears when receiving a signal or when signal noise opens the squelch.


AGC (Automatic Gain Control) button

Toggles between AGC fast and slow.


AGC (Automatic Gain Control) fast indicator

Appears when AGC fast is selected.


APF (Audio Peak Filter) indicator

Appears when the audio peak filter is activated.


ATT (Attenuator) buttons

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] and [20dB] to activate the 30 dB attenuator.

<<Note>>

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


ATT (Attenuator) indicators

Appear when the attenuator is activated.


WFM button

Selects WFM mode.


FM button

Toggles between FM and FM narrow modes.


AM button

Toggles between AM, AM narrow and AM wide modes.


SSB/CW button

Toggles between USB, LSB, CW and optional CW narrow modes.


AF (Audio Frequency) gain knob

Adjusts the audio output.

Right-click to increase the volume; left-click to decrease the volume.

The reading blinks when the mute function is in use.


AF (Audio Frequency) gain slider

Adjusts the audio output.

Drag the slider to the right to increase the volume and to the left to decrease the volume.


SQL (Squelch) knob

Adjusts the squelch level.

Right-click to increase the squelch level; left-click to decrease the squelch level.


SQL (Squelch) slider

Adjusts the squelch level.

Drag the slider to the right to increase the squelch level and to the left to decrease the squelch level.


APF (Audio Peak Filter)/IF shift knob

When the APF function is activated, adjusts the audio peak filter setting when clicking the inner knob. Adjusts the IF shift setting when clicking the outer knob.

Right-click to increase the frequency; left-click to decrease the frequency.


TS (Tuning step) [image] / [image] buttons

Used to change the tuning step.


SPCH (Speech) button

Announces the selected frequency when an optional UT-102 is installed.


APF (Audio Peak Filter) button

Turns the APF function on and off.


Main dial

Used to select a receive frequency.

Right-click to increase the frequency; left-click to decrease the frequency.


Tuning speed adjustment

Selects the tuning speed when tuning continuously.


Numeral buttons

[0] to [9] are used to input a receive frequency or memory channel directly.

[•] (Decimal) button is used to set the MHz digit when inputting a frequency.

[CE] (Clear) button is used to clear mistakes while inputting a receive frequency or memory channel.


M-CH (Memory channel)/BANK (Memory bank) [image] button

Selects the memory bank when pushed.

After inputting a memory channel number, select the memory channel directory.


ENT (Enter)/BANK (Memory bank) [image] button

Selects the memory bank when pushed.

After inputting a frequency, input the frequency directory.


Memory bank buttons

Select the memory bank.


Memory channel selector

Right-click to increase the channel; left-click to decrease the channel.


BANK (Memory bank) indicator

Indicates the memory bank (and its name if it has one) being received.


MW (Memory write) button

Writes the current receive frequency into the selected channel.


CH (Memory channel) indicator

Indicates the memory channel (and name if it has one) being received.

Right-click to increase the channel; left-click to decrease the channel.


CH (Memory channel) indicator

Indicates the memory channel (and name if it has one) being received.


M-LIST (Memory channel list) button

Shows/hides the memory channel list screen.


SCAN button

Shows/hides the scan controller screen.


SCOPE button

Shows/hides the band scope screen.


MUTE button "AF"

Turns the mute function on and off. Used to temporarily mute audio output.

The reading of the [AF] knob blinks when the mute function is in use.


MUTE button

Turns the mute function on and off. Used to temporarily mute audio output.

The button lights when the mute function is in use.


AUTO squelch button "SQL"

Sets the squelch level automatically.


AUTO squelch button

Sets the squelch level automatically.


APF reset button "APF"

Sets the [APF] knob to center position.


IF shift reset button "SHIFT"

Sets the [SHIFT] knob to center position.


Scope start/stop button

Pauses/resumes the band scope sweep function for observing nearby signal conditions.

The indicator flashes while sweeping.


Scope indicator

Flashes while the band scope is sweeping.


Scope span selectors

Select one of five levels for the band scope frequency span.

SPAN1 (±5 tuning steps) to SPAN5 (±50 tuning steps) are available.


Frequency span indication

Indicates the scope span selected with the scope span selectors.


Frequency span edge indication

Indicates the upper or lower observable frequency limit around a receive frequency.

The frequency limit depends on the selected tuning steps.


Center frequency indication

Indicates the center frequency of the frequency span; this is for the currently received frequency.


User-selected frequency indication

Indicates the frequency pointed to with the mouse.

Click to select the frequency for receiving.