Icom Launch Innovative IC-R8600 Wideband Communication Receiver

The IC-R8600 is a new, advanced communication receiver with the capability of covering a huge range of radio spectrum from 10kHz to 3GHz as well as having the ability to decode selected digital signals. The IC-R8600 incorporates the latest software demodulation technology incorporated on Icom’s latest HF Amateur radios, providing superior performance and intuitive operation. This advanced technology makes it an ideal tool for communication professionals and organisations that monitor radio stations as well as serious scanning enthusiasts.

The IC-R8600 is able to provide super wideband coverage from 10kHz to 3GHz. It is also able to decode selected digital signals including, D-STAR, NXDN, dPMR and P25. The advanced FPGA processing technology provides clarity and accuracy of received signals. With the optional RS-R8600 remote control software for a Windows PC, received audio and spectrum scope data can be transferred through an IP network for monitoring from remote locations.

The IC-R8600 features a large 4.3-inch colour touch screen display which makes the receiver extremely straightforward to operate. An industry first for desktop wideband receivers, the IC-R8600 provides a high-resolution, real-time spectrum scope with a waterfall screen. The waterfall screen displays weak signals by showing the spectrum change over time. To efficiently acquire intended signals, the IC-R8600 user interface provides quick and accurate operation.

Other features include:

• SD card slot for received log, decode log and voice recording
• Scanning capacity of up to 100 channels per second in memory scan mode
• Screen capture function allows you to save screenshot images in PNG or BMP format
• I/Q signal output for use with future firmware upgrade and third-party SDR software and/or external decoding.

The IC-R8600 Communications receiver is now available from authorised Icom Amateur Radio dealers. This new receiver has a suggested retail price of £2499.99 inc.VAT.

Wideband Communications SDR Receiver

The IC-R8600 is a super wideband communication receiver that covers the radio spectrum from 10 kHz to 3 GHz. It also has the capability to decode selected digital communication signals including, D-STAR, NXDN, dPMR and P25. The IC-R8600 incorporates the latest software demodulation technology incorporated on Icom’s latest HF Amateur radios, providing superior performance and intuitive operation. With the optional remote control software for a Windows PC, received audio and spectrum scope data can be transferred through an IP network for monitoring from remote locations.

10 kHz to 3 GHz Super Wideband Coverage
The IC-R8600 decodes various digital signals including P25 (Phase 1), NXDN, dPMR, D-STAR, Japanese DCR (Digital Convenience Radio) as well as receives conventional analogue signals such as USB, LSB, FSK, CW, AM, S-AM (Synchronous-AM), FM and WFM modes, covering 10 kHz to 3 GHz wideband in 1 Hz steps.

Absolute Value of RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)
The IC-R8600 shows S-meter, dBμ, dBμ (emf) and dBm meter types in the RSSI. The dBμ, dBμ (emf) and dBm meter has a high ±3 dB accuracy* (between 0.5–1100 MHz) that can be used for measuring signal strength level.
* Less than ±6 dB between 1100–3000 MHz.

Software Demodulation in FPGA Processing
The IC-R8600 utilizes FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and DSP units for demodulation, decoding and most of signal processing. Direct HF signals and intermediate frequency signals, which are converted from VHF/UHF signals, are digitized in a 14-bit A/D converter and transferred to the FPGA and DSP for optimal processing. The high-rate 122.88 MHz sampling frequency used for the A/D converter results in superior aliasing and image reception reduction.

Superb Receiver Performance
The IC-R8600 has 11 discrete RF bandpass filters in the HF bands and 13 bandpass filters in the VHF/UHF bands. To prevent overflow, only the intended signal is passed, while any out of range strong interference signals are rejected. The IC-R8600 provides +30 dBm IP3 and 105 dB dynamic range at 14.1 MHz. IP3 performance is +10 dBm at 144 MHz and 0 dBm at 440 MHz.

Ample Memory Channels
The IC-R8600 has up to 2000 regular memory channels assignable to 100 groups. In addition to the regular memory channels, up to 100 scan skip channels and 50 pairs of program scan edges can be set. The auto memory write scan automatically stores busy frequencies in the auto memory write channels (up to 200 channels). These memory channels and various settings can be edited with the optional CS-R8600 programming software on a Windows® PC.

Variety of Scan Functions
A variety of scan functions effectively and thoroughly search for desired stations. The IC-R8600 scans up to 100 channels per second in the memory scan mode.

• Program scan/Fine program scan
• Δf scan/Δf fine scan
• Priority scan
• Memory scan
• Selected memory scan
• Selected mode memory scan
• Auto memory write scan

Real-time Spectrum Scope with Waterfall Function
The high-resolution real-time spectrum scope provides class-leading performance in resolution, maximum 30 frames per second* fast sweep speed, ±2.5 MHz wide scope span (display range) and 110 dB of dynamic range (at ±2.5 kHz span). The waterfall screen allows you to find weak signals by showing the spectrum change over time. When tapping the spectrum scope or waterfall screen, the tapped area can be selected as the operating frequency. The peak search function finds several peak frequencies within the scope range, and helps you to select these. (* Approximate)

Quick, Smooth and Intuitive Operation
To efficiently acquire intended signals, the IC-R8600 user interface provides quick and accurate operation. The large 4.3-inch colour display, with touch screen function, is configured to collect operating information. By tapping indications and icons on the screen, the setting menu will pop up and parameters can easily be adjusted. When either the DIAL A, B or C multi-function control knobs is pushed, various functions, such as scan speed, RF gain, audio tone, display backlight or other menus will pop up on the display.

SD Card Slot for Receiver Recorder
The recorder function can record received audio onto an SD card in WAVE format. The recorded voice audio can be played back on the receiver or a PC. When a 32 GB SD card is used, up to 270 hours of recording is possible. In addition, the screen capture function saves a snap shot of the screen in PNG or BMP format on the SD card.
* An SD card is required separately

Remote Control Function through IP Network or USB Cable
The optional RS-R8600 PC remote control software allows you to listen to received audio and control most of the receiver functions, including the spectrum scope, through an IP network or USB cable.

I/Q Signal Output
The I/Q signal output function* allows you to derive digital IF signals from the I/Q output jack. It can be used for analyzing spectrum or decoding signals.
* This function will be provided with future firmware update. Third-party software may be required separately.

Other Features
• 3 antenna connectors: an SO-239 type and a phono (RCA) connector for HF and a type-N connector
• Clock and NTP function
• Centre tuning meter and digital auto frequency control (AFC) for FM, WFM and digital modes
• Voice synthesizer function
• Audio tone functions: HPF/LPF, bass, treble and de-emphasis
• Decode multiple digital code used in digital mode
• IP+ function improves 3rd order intercept point performance
• Main dial friction adjustment • Dial lock and panel lock
• CI-V remote control commands