10 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

Cn

Sc

Remark

Reading freq. edges

02

 

Reading operating freq.

03

 

Reading operating mode

04

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading M-ch contents package

1A

01

add bn+mc*

Reading bank name

1A

03

add bn*

 

 

 

 

 

Reading squelch condition

15

01

 

Reading S-meter level

 

02

 

Reading model ID

 

19

00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set frequency

 

05

 

add fd*

 

 

 

 

 

 

LSB

 

0001

 

 

USB

 

0101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AM

 

0202

 

 

AM narrow

 

0201

 

Set operating

AM wide

06

0203

 

mode

CW

0301

 

 

 

 

CW narrow

 

0302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FM

 

0501

 

 

FM narrow

 

0502

 

 

WFM

 

0601

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memory channel selection

08

mc*

Bank selection

 

08

A0

bn*

Memory write

 

09

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set M-ch contents & write package

1A

00

add dt*

Set bank name

 

1A

02

add bn+nd*

Memory clear

 

0B

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop scan

 

 

00

 

 

 

 

 

 

Programmed scan start

 

02

note 1

Auto memory write scan start

 

04

note 1

 

 

 

 

 

Memory scan start

 

 

22

note 2

Select memory scan start

 

23

note 2

Mode select scan start

 

24

note 2

 

 

 

 

 

Priority scan

 

0E

42

 

 

 

 

 

SEL-CH release

 

B0

 

 

 

 

SEL-CH tag

 

 

B1

 

 

 

 

 

 

VSC deactivation

 

 

C0

 

VSC activation

 

 

C1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scan resume selection “

 

D0

 

Scan resume selection “OFF”

 

D1

 

Scan resume selection “DLY”

 

D3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Data format

• Basic format from PC to IC-R8500

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

Operation

Cn

Sc

Remark

 

10 Hz

 

00

 

 

50 Hz

 

01

 

 

100 Hz

 

02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 kHz

 

03

 

 

2.5 kHz

 

04

 

 

5 kHz

 

05

 

Tuning step

9 kHz

10

06

 

 

 

 

10 kHz

07

 

 

 

 

 

12.5 kHz

 

08

 

 

20 kHz

 

09

 

 

25 kHz

 

10

 

 

100 kHz

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 MHz

 

12

 

 

programmable

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFF

 

00

 

Attenuator

10 dB

11

10

 

20 dB

20

 

 

 

 

 

30 dB

 

30

 

Voice

frequency

13

00

 

synthesizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AF gain setting

 

 

01

add gd*

Squelch level setting

14

03

add gd*

IF shift setting

 

04

add gd*

 

 

APF control setting

 

05

add gd*

 

 

 

 

 

 

AGC OFF

 

10

 

 

AGC ON

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memory clear

NB OFF

16

20

 

NB ON

21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

APF OFF

 

30

 

 

APF ON

 

31

 

 

 

 

 

 

Power OFF (activating sleep)

18

00

 

Power ON (from sleep active)

01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 1: Only scan group 0 is usable.

Note 2: Use these commands after sending a bank or mode command.

• Answer from IC-R8500 to PC

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preamble code (fixed)

IC-R8500’s address (selectable in set mode)

 

 

Command number

PC’s address

(see table) Sub command number (see table)

BCD code area

 

 

 

 

 

(‘REMARK’ in table)

End of message code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub command number

 

 

 

 

Preamble code (fixed)

 

 

IC-R8500’s address (selectable in set mode)

 

 

 

 

End of message code

 

 

Command number

 

 

 

 

BCD code area

PC’s address

35

Page 38
Image 38
Icom Control Commands, Command table, Data format, Basic format from PC to IC-R8500, Answer from IC-R8500 to PC

IC-R8500 specifications

The Icom IC-R8500 is a highly regarded general-purpose receiver that has made its mark among amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals alike. This versatile communication receiver is known for its wide frequency coverage, advanced features, and robust design, making it a valuable tool for various applications, including shortwave listening, public safety communication, and aircraft monitoring.

One of the standout features of the IC-R8500 is its extensive frequency coverage. It spans a range from 0.1 MHz to 3 GHz, allowing users to access a wide spectrum of signals. The receiver includes coverage of HF, VHF, UHF, and even microwave bands, making it suitable for listening to everything from amateur radio transmissions to satellite communications.

The receiver employs a high-performance double-conversion superheterodyne architecture, which contributes to its excellent sensitivity and selectivity. The advanced RF circuitry minimizes interference and enhances the clarity of received signals. Users can expect outstanding audio quality and a wide dynamic range, even in challenging reception conditions.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is another key technology incorporated into the IC-R8500. The DSP capabilities allow users to apply noise reduction and filtering techniques to improve the quality of the received audio. Features such as automatic notch filtering and IF filtering help eliminate unwanted noise, enhancing the listening experience.

The IC-R8500 is equipped with a large, easy-to-read LCD display that provides information on frequency, mode, signal strength, and other essential parameters. The user-friendly interface simplifies operation, allowing quick access to various settings and functions. Additionally, the receiver supports various modulation modes, including AM, FM, SSB, and CW, catering to different listening preferences.

For those seeking enhanced connectivity, the IC-R8500 offers multiple options, including an audio output jack, and external speaker connections. It also has a built-in memory function, allowing users to store and recall favorite frequencies easily. The receiver can be controlled via a computer interface, offering versatility for advanced users and programmers.

In summary, the Icom IC-R8500 stands out for its wide frequency range, superior sensitivity, and advanced features powered by DSP technology. Its robust construction and user-friendly design make it a favorite among communications enthusiasts seeking a reliable and versatile receiver for various applications. Whether for hobbyist listening or professional use, the IC-R8500 remains a top choice in the world of radio receivers.