IC-R6

ICOM
IC-R6

Specifications

Prices

Pocket-size scanner, receiving frequency range 0.1-1310 MHz in AM and FM mode. CTCSS/DTCS, build-in battery charger. Ideated in Japan, year of introduction 2010.

Reference market : amateur-radio

IC-R6 specifications

General

Frequency coverage [1] [2]
0.1000 ~ 1309.9950 MHz
Mode
AM / FM / WFM
Tuning step
5 / 6.25 / 8.333 / 9 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 / 50 / 100 / 200 KHz

Receiver

Sensitivity
AM	1.3 uV (0.495~5 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.89 uV (5~30 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.63 uV (118~136 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.63 uV (222~247 MHz, 10dB S/N) 0.79 uV (247~330 MHz, 10dB S/N)
FM	0.32 uV (1.625~5 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.25 uV (5~30 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.18 uV (30~470 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.32 uV (470~833 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.28 uV (833~1030 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 0.35 uV (1030~1310 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
WFM	1.1 uV (76~108 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 1.1 uV (175~222 MHz, 12dB SINAD) 1.8 uV (470~770 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
Selectivity
AM	> 15 KHz (-6dB) < 30 KHz (-60dB)
FM	> 15 KHz (-6dB) < 30 KHz (-60dB)
WFM	> 150 KHz (-6dB)
RF attenuator
10 dB
Frequency stability
± 1ppm
IF (Intermediate Frequency)
1°	266.7 MHz
2°	19.65 MHz (AM / FM) 19.95 MHz (WFM)
3°	450 KHz (AM / FM) 750 KHz (WFM)

Features

Memory
1300 regular memories in 22 banks 200 for auto-memory write scan 50 for programmed scan limits 1 priority channel
Display
1 KHz frequency resolution
Antenna
SMA 50Ω
Power supply
2.4 ~ 3V batteries (2 x AA) 4.5 ~ 6.3 VDC external, 4.5V nominal
Power consumption
130 mA typ 65 mA squelch ON, battery save function OFF 30 mA squelch ON, battery save function ON
Audio power
150 mW on 16Ω 80 mW on 8Ω external speaker
Audio output
Jack 3.5 mm

Mechanical and environmental data

Operating temperature
from -10°C to +60°C
Dimensions
58 (W) x 86 (H) x 29.8 (D) mm, without antenna
Weight
200g

0.495 ~ 1310 MHz specifications guaranteed.
Cellular blocked in the USA.

IC-R6 description :

The ICOM IC-R6 is a compact, triple conversion, scanner for listening in AM and FM modes only with a high search speed of up to 100 channels / second. It has 1300 memory locations that can be divided into 22 banks, there can be up to 100 locations per bank with the number that can be set according to the user's choices. Each memory, bank or scan limit can be identified with up to 6 alphanumeric characters. In addition, 200 locations are dedicated to the automatic recording function, during a search the active channels are recorded to keep track of the frequencies in use. Multiple search options: between band limits, within memories, on priority channel, based on subaudio tones, with auto-memory write. The recognition of the CTCSS and DTCS tones allows a stand-by reception while waiting for a signal with the correct tone. This simplifies the monitoring of, for example, a particular repeater or station. The tone-scan function instead reveals the frequency of the tone used on a specific channel. With the pocket-beep option you are warned with an acoustic signal when a transmission uses the chosen tone. The VSC function is included to unlock the squelch in the presence of a modulated carrier. Besides the flexible antenna, a ferrite antenna is incorporated to improve the reception of the medium waves, as an auxiliary antenna for the aeronautical band and broadcasting of 87.5~136 MHz it is also possible to use the cable of an optional headset.

The receiver with the supplied Ni-MH rechargeable batteries can provide approximately 15 hours of continuous reception. The charger is contained. The power-save function or the automatic shut-off with an adjustable timer from 30 minutes to 2 hours can also be activated to protect the batteries. Other features: priority channel control with audible warning, automatic squelch and squelch monitor, RF attenuator, fast tuning, automatic LCD display illumination for night operations. The receiver allows control from a PC via the optional CI-V interface, the CS-R6 software allows the cloning of the contents of the memories (frequency, name, category, group name, settings) from computers with Windows 2000 / XP / Vista or Win7 operating system.

IC-R6 performance and practical notes :

Undoubtedly, the IC-R6 meets the requirements of those looking for a versatile but essential scanner, aimed at listening to broadcasters and PMR. The availability of only a few buttons for the commands in practice does not determine difficulties in use, but this depends on the individual user and the typical methods of listening. In general, if you want to make repeated movements in frequency and / or settings, the keyboard shows some limits. This is not a defect, since it is a project choice with a natural purpose to create a compact receiver.

The sensitivity on some frequency bands is really excellent, certainly at the top levels in this class of portable devices, but it is not maintained in any way constant on these values within the tuning range where the receiver is mainly used. Useful is the availability of 8.333 KHz step, a requirement that will become increasingly important for an accurate tuning on the VHF aeronautical service transmissions. In this regard, the use of the headset cable as an antenna aid proves positive - already for reasons related to the discretion in using the receiver - but does not increase performance significantly. Finally, a note for the power-save function intended to save batteries, it is a primary utility in the prolonged use of the receiver, although its efficiency is lower than the equivalent option offered by other equipment.

IC-R6 price

We have collected for your convenience the ICOM IC-R6 sale price (US Dollar) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
USD 207.00	2021-oct	Second Hand All accessories are also included
USD 199.00	2018-oct	Brand-new
USD 189.95	2018-oct	Brand-new Sport-Black version. Without batteries.

IC-R6 review

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