General

Handheld Radios

Base Radios

Mobile Radios
Linear Amplifiers

A: The Icom programming software is not freeware, and is not available for download on our Web site, or anywhere else on the Internet. It must be purchased either from an authorized Icom America dealer, or direct from Icom. RT Systems also develops programming software for Icom radios.

Q: Can you tell me how to expand the transmit coverage of my Icom radio, or how to enable reception on the cell phone band frequencies?

A: No. This would violate FCC regulations. The only exception to this rule are MARS and CAP radio services. (See the following Q/A.)

Q: I'm a licensed MARS or CAP radio operator. How do I obtain the information on modifying my Icom radio to operate on MARS or CAP frequencies?

A: You have to provide Icom America with a copy of your current MARS or CAP operator's license in order to obtain radio modification instructions. You can mail your modification request along with a self addressed stamped envelope and a copy of your MARS/CAP license to:

Icom America Inc.
attn: Tech Support
2380 116th Ave. NE
Bellevue, WA, 98004

Or, you can fax your request and your MARS/CAP license to:
(425) 637-8417

Expanded frequency modification requests which do not include a copy of the appropriate license will not be honored.

A: These radios have a real time clock feature which requires their internal CPUs to run even when the radio is turned off. The internal lithium battery is actually a RECHARGEABLE type being charged by a very small current from the main battery pack, or external DC supply. This internal lithium battery can hold a charge for approximately 3 to 4 weeks. So, the CPU will stop running, and it will require a RESTART, if the radio is left without a power source longer than 3 to 4 weeks.

Q: So, how do I perform this CPU restart?

A: For IC-W21AT, IC-V21AT, IC-2iA, IC-4iA or IC-Delta1A:
To perform a CPU restart, remove the battery pack from the radio, push and hold the function button (usually labeled F) and then slide the battery pack back on the radio while still holding down the function button. Release the function button and turn on the radio by pushing the Power button.

A: For IC-2SAT, IC-3SAT, IC-4SAT, IC-P2AT, IC-P3AT, IC-P4AT or IC-R1:
To perform a CPU restart, attach a good, charged battery pack to the radio, push and hold the function button (usually labeled F) and then turn the power knob while still holding down the function button.

In most cases, the memory channels will remain intact after this procedure.

Q: The keypad on my Icom handheld radio is not responding, but the radio is receiving and transmitting fine. I'm getting beeps from the speaker when I try to use the keypad. There is also an "L" symbol, or a key symbol on the display.

A: You've inadvertently activated the key lock function. It is used to lock the radio and prevent unwanted input from the keypad. Look for a "lock" function on the front panel and select it again to clear key lock. Lock is usually a secondary function of the button, requiring the F key to be pressed along with the button. The newer radios without F (or function) button require the Lock to be pushed and held for approximately 1-2 seconds. The exception to this rule is IC-T7A/H with its keypad lock thumb switch located to the left of the LCD display.

Q: My Icom IC-2SRA, IC-4SRA or IC-W2A handheld radios won't transmit. I get beeps from the speaker when I key the PTT, and there is a "PL" symbol on the LCD display.

A: PL actually stands for PTT Lock. These Icom handheld radios have the ability to lock the PTT key to prevent unauthorized or inadvertent transmissions. Select PL function again on the radio's keypad to clear PTT lock.

Q: I know that my Icom dual band handheld, or a mobile radio can do crossband repeat. Can I use them as a repeater with both receive and transmit frequencies on the same band?

A: No. The repeater operation on the same band requires heavy shielding between a receiver and a transmitter, as well as tight band pass filters. Besides, most dual band mobiles and handhelds cannot receive and transmit on the same band at the same time.

Q: I have one of the newer Icom handheld radios with a built in battery voltage readout. The readout is incorrect!

A: The built-in voltmeter has a resolution of 0.5 Volts and accuracy of about +- 15% (unofficial).  It is meant to be used only as a relative measure of remaining battery power, and it does that very well. Built-in voltage readout is not a substitute for a test voltmeter.

Q: I have one of the newer Icom handheld radios with a built-in battery voltage readout. My battery is a 9.6 V NiCd cell. The voltage indicator is showing 9V, and yet the radio complains about low voltage and shuts off! What is wrong?

A: This behavior is normal. Even a completely discharged battery pack will still have almost full voltage when the battery IS NOT loaded. But, it will no longer have the ability to deliver enough current to operate the radio. The voltage drops below required minimum voltage as soon as the radio is turned on. Try attaching the voltmeter to a discharged battery while the battery is mounted on the radio which is turned off. You will measure almost full battery voltage. Then, turn the radio on and watch the battery voltage drop rapidly until the radio shuts off. The battery voltage will then go back up as it is no longer being loaded. Also, see the above Q/A.

Q: My Icom IC-W32A or IC-T7A handheld radio receives just fine with the supplied "rubber duck" antenna. But, the receive seems to go down when I connect my handheld to an external high-gain antenna (yagi, etc.) Why?

A: These particular Icom radios have been optimized for best performance while used with the supplied portable antennas. External high gain antenna will overload HTs front end resulting in poor reception.

Q: Some of the newer Icom Amateur handhelds have two CTCSS (subaudible tones) tone frequencies in the set mode menu. Why, and how do I use them?

A: Newer Icom handhelds, such as IC-T8A, IC-T81A, IC-W32A, IC-T7A, IC-T7H, IC-Q7A can be set up with separate receive CTCSS tone for tone squelch feature (known as decoding), and transmit CTCSS tone for repeater access (encoding). Transmit CTCSS tone for repeater access is labeled RT (for Repeater Tone) in radio's set mode. The receive CTCSS tone frequency used for tone squelch is labeled CT. You need to set the RT value to the desired CTCSS frequency if you are trying to access repeaters. Keep in mind that these handhelds cannot actually have separate CTCSS tones for encoding and decoding in the same memory channel, or the VFO. When the repeater tone is activated (symbol T on the display), CTCSS tone labeled RT is used for encoding. When the tone squelch is activated (symbol T-SQL on the display), set mode CTCSS tone labeled CT will be used for encode (repeater access, etc.) and decode (tone squelch).

Q: My IC-T8A, IC-T81A, IC-W32A, IC-T7A, IC-T7H or IC-Q7A are transmitting the wrong CTCSS tone! It isn't the one I selected!

A: There are two CTCSS tone frequencies in the set mode menu. One for repeater access (labeled RT) and the other one for tone squelch (labeled CT). If you don't need separate CTCSS tones, simply set both numbers to the same CTCSS frequency to avoid confusion. Keep in mind that these handhelds cannot actually have separate CTCSS tones for encoding and decoding in the same memory channel, or the VFO. When the repeater tone is activated (symbol T on the display), CTCSS tone labeled RT (in the set mode) is used for encoding. When the tone squelch is activated (symbol T-SQL on the display), set mode CTCSS tone labeled CT will be used for encode (repeater access, etc.) and decode (tone squelch). See the previous Q/A for more details.

Q: The internal speaker receive audio of my Icom handheld radio is distorted, muffled or scratchy. The external speaker audio, or speaker-mic audio is fine.

You've probably placed your handheld on a work bench covered with fine metal shavings, or other similar tiny bits of metal. Speakers contain magnets, and magnets will collect the metal shavings straight onto the speaker cone. Icom handhelds have a shield in front of the speaker cone designed to prevent such occurrences, but prolonged exposure to pressure caused by metal bits trying to get to the magnet may result in the distorted audio symptoms once the shavings make it to the speaker cone. Be careful when operating your handheld inside work shops!

Q: I own an IC-T8A 6m/2m/440 handheld, or an IC-T81A 6m/2m/440/1.2 GHz handheld, and I have had it modified for extended transmit coverage. Radio can now transmit full power (4-5 W) on 220 MHz band. I can even access my local 220 MHz repeaters. Nice!

A: Not really. Those two radios were not designed for 220 MHz operation, and cannot be operated at all on 220 MHz band in out-of-box condition (non-Icom approved mod is required). Those 5 watts of RF energy as measured by the power meter, are not actually on 220 MHz. In fact, only a small amount of full transmitted power is emitting on the 220 MHz band, and the rest belongs to a 5 Watt strong spurious signal stretching from the 6m band all the way to UHF. Repeated usage of the IC-T8A on 220 MHz band can even cause the radio to fail. Such failure is not covered under the factory warranty.

A: Actually, this is a very common complaint, and it is caused by RF feedback due to poor grounding, proximity of the radio to the antenna, bad feedline (poorly shielded coax) or loose antenna connectors. It can also occur while using poorly shielded 3rd party SWR meters, or poorly shielded 3rd party indoor antenna tuners. In general, the RF feedback problems are caused by presence of strong RF fields at the operating location. The RF may even interfere with some 3rd party power supplies causing the supply voltage to vary during transmit. To alleviate RF problems, make sure your radio and power supply are well grounded, and that the antenna is located safely away from the operating location. Also, use good quality coax, tighten all antenna connections, and only run power supplies designed for use with high power HF radios.

Q: I'm running an external antenna tuner, or a linear amplifier with a built-in antenna tuner, and now I'm having problems using the internal tuner built into my Icom HF radio. What is wrong?

A: If you are using any sort of external antenna tuner, or a linear amplifier, the internal tuner in your Icom HF rig should be turned off. If you are running a linear amplifier with a built-in tuner, you have to use it's tuner to match the antenna system. If you are running a linear amplifier without a built-in tuner, and your antenna system has unacceptably high SWR, you have to install a separate external antenna tuner in-line with the feed line AFTER the linear amplifier. In other words, the antenna tuner must be installed and operated in-line with the coax feed line between the antenna system and the external linear amplifier. In fact, the antenna tuner should be the last in-line device, unless you are running a separate in-line SWR meter, or a band pass filter. Keep in mind that if you are using an external linear amplifier, the internal SWR meter built into your HF rig will not display accurate readings. It will be measuring the impedance match between the transceiver and the amplifier, and not the actual SWR of the antenna system. Impedance match between the rig and the amp should always be perfect 50 ohms (SWR readout 1:1), unless there is a problem with the linear amplifier.

Q: I can't tune in on the USB or LSB voice signals! The voices of all other operators on the bands are high pitched. AM and FM modes are OK.

A: Make sure that the IF shift control and/or passband tuning controls are centered while searching for signals.

Q: The s-meter on my Icom all mode radio is stuck at some arbitrary level, and my receiver sensitivity is down. I can't hear anything!

A: The RF gain control has been turned down. Turn the RF gain control fully clockwise to obtain maximum receiver sensitivity. Similarly, make sure that the squelch control knob is at the desired level, for example fully counter-clockwise if you wish to open the squelch for SSB/CW work. Note: some radios have integrated squelch and RF gain controls in one knob, notably the IC-706 series, the IC-746 and the IC-756/PRO. They can be configured to operate independently, or both controls at the same time. If set to both controls, the normal operating position of such knob is center.

Q: My Icom HF rig won't transmit in CW mode. I get the side tone when I key, but there is no output power.  All other modes are OK.

A: Make sure that the break-in control is set to semi break-in or full break-in. The radio will not transmit in CW mode when the break-in is set to off. You will only hear the side tone coming from the speaker.

Q: Can you tell me how to expand transmit coverage of my Icom radio, or how to enable reception on the cell phone band frequencies?

A: No. This would violate FCC regulations.

Q: My IC-736 or IC-738 HF base radio is about 800 Hz - 900 Hz off frequency.

A. Reset the CPU (Hold [CLR] & [ENT] buttons and turn the radio on).

Q: The receive preamp built into my IC-820H, IC-970A/H or IC-821H all mode VHF/UHF satellite radio doesn't make any difference when I turn it on!

Those three radios don't have switchable receive preamps. The preamp button on the front panel is used to turn an external mast mounted preamps on and off by sending a 12 Volt DC supply through the antenna coax. The preamp switch should always be off if you don't have an external receive preamp installed.

Q: My IC-970A/H has lost sub band receive audio! I can see the s-meter moving, but there is no audio coming from the internal speaker. Transmit is O.K.

A: Switch off the SP separate button on the front panel. Sp separate is used to route the sub band receive audio to the external speaker jack, thus separating the receive audio of the two bands between the internal and the external speakers. As a result, there will be no sub band audio coming from the internal speaker.

A: These newer Icom mobile FM transceivers have a receive attenuator function tied in with the squelch knob. This feature is useful in high RF environments as it helps in eliminating unwanted signals. The squelch knob operates normally until it reaches the 12 o'clock position. The level of attenuation is gradually increasing from the 12 o'clock knob position to full clockwise position. Operate the squelch knob in the 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock positions If you need maximum receiver sensitivity at all times.

Q: My old IC-229A/H mobile has suddenly developed a low receiver sensitivity problem. Why?

A: Actually, the IC-229A/H has a receive attenuator function which you may have inadvertently activated. Attenuator on/off control is located in transceiver's set mode menu. Push Set to enter the set mode, and keep pushing set until you see ATT ON. Rotate the main tuning dial to change ATT ON into ATT OFF, and the attenuator will turn off.

Q: My IC-281H VHF FM mobile transceiver has lost all transmit audio! There is a DATA symbol on the display.

A: When DATA mode is activated for 9600 bps packet, the microphone audio is turned off. Push and hold the DATA button for 1-2 seconds to leave DATA mode and return to normal operation.

Q: Can I power my Icom FM mobile transceiver from the cigarette lighter plug?

A: NO! Modern FM mobile transceivers with 50 W of output power draw 10-12 Amps of current at 12 Volts. Cigarette lighter plugs cannot handle such high currents. Operating a 50 W mobile transceiver from the cigarette lighter plug may cause permanent damage to vehicle's electrical system, and it is also a fire hazard. You can safely operate a 5 W handheld transceiver from the cigarette lighter plug, but not something more powerful. Refer to your transceiver's operating manual for more information on proper mobile installation. Also, read the following Q/A.

Q: My high power FM mobile transceiver seems to have a problem. The display lights dim when I transmit. The radio even shuts down by itself sometimes. I'm not getting full TX output power either.

A: This behavior is caused by insufficient power supply, or bad electrical connection somewhere between the vehicle battery (or a power supply) and the transceiver. Check your electrical connections, power supply or car battery. Pay special attention to the in-line fuse holders and power cord terminals on the vehicle battery side. Also, see above Q/A.

Q: I own one of the newer Icom mobile 2m/440MHz dualband radios with separate external speaker jacks for each band.  Only one of the two bands is sending the receive audio to the speaker when I use an external speaker connected to the speaker jack. Why?

A: Move your external speaker to the other jack. The external speaker jacks are configured to offer combined VHF and UHF audio on one jack, and a single band audio on the other external speaker jack. This is normal, and it allows for using two speakers to separate the receive audio of the two bands, as well as for using only one external speaker for both bands.

A: The IC-PW1 with a serial number above 1165 allow pass-through operation. Units with serial numbers below 1165 do not allow for pass-through operation.