IC-R8600

Specifications    Prices

Wide-band receiver with SDR technology, frequency range 0.01-3000 MHz all-mode including digital voice standards. Touch screen display with fast moving, real-time spectrum scope and waterfall functions. SD card slot for log and voice recording. Ideated in Japan, year of introduction 2016.

Reference market : amateur-radio

IC-R8600 specifications

General
Frequency coverage [1] [2]
0.0100 ~ 3000.0000 MHz
Mode
CW / LSB / USB / FSK / AM / AM-S / FM / WFM / D-STAR / P25 / NXDN / dPMR / DCR
Tuning step
1 / 100 Hz / 1 / 2.5 / 3.125 / 5 / 6.25 / 8.333 / 9 / 10 / 12.5 / 20 / 25 / 100 KHz / 1 MHz
User-defined 0.1~999.9 KHz with 0.1 KHz resolution
Receiver
Sensitivity
CW [3]-6 dBuV (0.1~1.8 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-14 dBuV (1.8~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-10 dBuV (30~1100 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-10 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-8 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 10dB S/N)
SSB / FSK [4]-6 dBuV (0.1~1.8 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-14 dBuV (1.8~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-10 dBuV (30~1100 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-10 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 10dB S/N)
-8 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 10dB S/N)
AM [5]16 dBuV (0.1~1.8 MHz, 10dB S/N)
8 dBuV (1.8~30 MHz, 10dB S/N)
15 dBuV (30~1100 MHz, 10dB S/N)
15 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 10dB S/N)
15 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 10dB S/N)
FM-N [6]-6 dBuV (28~30 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
-6 dBuV (30~1100 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
-6 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
-4 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
WFM [7]3 dBuV (30~1100 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
3 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
5 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 12dB SINAD)
D-STAR / NXDN / dPMR / DCR [8]-2 dBuV (28~1100 MHz, 1% BER)
-2 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 1% BER)
0 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 1% BER)
P25 [8]-5 dBuV (28~1100 MHz, 5% BER)
-5 dBuV (1100~2000 MHz, 5% BER)
-3 dBuV (2000~3000 MHz, 5% BER)
Selectivity [9]
CW> 0.5 KHz (-3dB)
< 0.7 KHz (-60dB)
SSB / FSK> 2.4 KHz (-3dB)
< 3.6 KHz (-60dB)
AM> 6.0 KHz (-3dB)
< 15.0 KHz (-60dB)
FM-N> 12.0 KHz (-6dB)
< 25.0 KHz (-60dB)
WFM> 180 KHz (-6dB)
IF filter ultimate attenuation [10]
105 dB
ADC (Analog to Digital Conversion)
Sample rate122.88 Msps
RF attenuator
10 / 20 / 30 dB
DR (Dynamic Range) [2]
98 dB (20 KHz spaced signals)
78 dB (2 KHz spaced signals)
Blocking [10]
125 dB (100 KHz spaced signal, HF)
Image rejection
> 70dB (0.1~30 MHz)
> 50dB (30~1100 MHz)
> 40dB (1100~3000 MHz)
PBT (Passband Tuning)
50 Hz steps (SSB, CW, FSK)
200 Hz steps (AM)
AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
Fast, mid, slow
Frequency stability
± 0.5ppm with temperature from -10°C to +60°C
IF (Intermediate Frequency)
778.7 MHz (30~500 MHz)
278.7 MHz (500~1100 MHz)
500~900 MHz (1100~1500 MHz)
500~1000 MHz (1500~3000 MHz)
46.35 MHz (30~1100 MHz)
278.7 MHz (1100~3000 MHz)
46.35 MHz (1100~3000 MHz)
Features
Memory
2000 regular memories in 100 banks
200 for auto-memory write scan
100 for memory skip scan
100 for programmed scan limits
10 priority channels
Display
TFT touch screen, 11cm
1 Hz frequency resolution
52-segments signal meter bar
Antenna
SO239 50Ω (0.01~30 MHz)
N 50Ω (0.01~3000 MHz)
RCA 500Ω (0.01~30 MHz)
Power supply
13.8 VDC external
Power consumption
2000 mA typ
1800 mA squelch ON
Audio power
2 W on 8Ω
Audio output
Jack 3.5 mm headphone
Jack 3.5 mm external speaker
Jack 3.5 mm line
Connections
Jack (CI-V, PC remote control)
USB (PC)
LAN Ethernet (PC)
Jack (aux, no internal connection)
Jack (mute or BER)
Jack (audio or IF 12 KHz)
Jack (RSSI, S-meter output)
BNC (10 MHz reference in/output)
BNC (10.7 MHz IF output)
USB (I/Q output)
Mechanical and environmental data
Operating temperature
from -10°C to +60°C
Dimensions
220 (W) x 90 (H) x 230 (D) mm
Weight
4.3kg

  1. Specifications on some frequency ranges are not guaranteed.
  2. Cellular blocked (822~851, 867~896 MHz) in the USA, only amateur band on France version to satisfy local legislation.
  3. 500 Hz bandwidth, preamplifier ON.
  4. 2400 Hz bandwidth, preamplifier ON.
  5. 6000 Hz bandwidth, preamplifier ON.
  6. 15 KHz bandwidth, preamplifier ON.
  7. 180 KHz bandwidth, preamplifier ON.
  8. Preamplifier ON.
  9. Selectable IF bandwidth on CW / SSB / FSK / AM / FN-N mode.
  10. This parameter, not in official data, was obtained with direct tests.
Aeronautical Radio List UK - N. IRELAND 2024
Download Now the eBook, with All the Frequencies 108-137 MHz

Updated | Complete | UK - NORTHERN IRELAND
378 pages | 300+ Airports and Airfields
Voice com. | ACC | FIC | VOLMET | ACARS | VDL | ILS | VOR | DME

IC-R8600 description :

The ICOM IC-R8600 is a receiver designed for monitoring emissions with analog and digital modes within the wide frequency coverage that extends from VLF to all UHF. The internal configuration is of hybrid type, between 0.01~30 MHz in fact adopts a direct sampling through ADC operating at 122.88 Ms/second while between 30~3000 MHz there are two or three frequency conversions before the signal is digitized. It is therefore a SDR (Software Defined Radio) that uses different technologies depending on the band where it operates. Having at the end always a conversion in numerical format in addition to the common CW / SSB / AM / FM modes the digital protocols used in amateur-radio and, above all, PMR are also supported with added decryption functions when they can be implemented. Further versatility is guaranteed by the available output of the I/Q components (inphase and quadrature) of the signal to carry out further analysis and decoding by third-party software, again by computer it is possible to remotely control the receiver in each its function. A slot on the front panel can house SD-cards with a capacity of up to 2 GB (32 GB with SDHC-card) to save data such as usage parameters, memories, audio recordings, logs, captured screen images. The display, a central element of the user interface, offers the touch screen function for direct receiver control interactivity.

ICOM IC-R8600 touch screen display

Among the many information displayed there is: FFT spectrum analyzer operating in real time with waterfall function to observe the trend of the signals in the frequency domain as much as the time domain. FFT can be set to predefined limits or wide ± 2.5, 5.0, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 kHz, 1, 2.5 MHz. 52-segments signal meter bar with S / dBuV / dBuV EMF / dBm indication. Graphical representation of the IF bandwidth and its shift. Fine tuning indicator for FM, WFM or Digital modes. Active tuning step. Antenna input in use. Buttons for rapid access to available functions.

Other features: variegated memory structure and advanced search functions including Delta-scan (around a central frequency) and the innovative Fine-programmed-scan (with slowing down and not stopping when the squelch opens). RF-gain, IP-Plus function to optimize the ADC dynamic range, manual and automatic notch filter, double PBT (Passband Tuning) for SSB / CW / FSK / AM, adjustable noise blanker (NB), digital noise reduction (NR) adjustable on 15 levels, squelch and noise squelch for the FM / AM / S-AM / Digital modes, tone and code squelch (CTSS, DTCS, CSQL), squelch level shown in the S-meter bar, automatic stronger signal search within the spectrum analyzer window, selection between different antenna connectors. IF output at 10.7 MHz, auxiliary IF output at 12 KHz for acquisition via the PC audio line, voltage output proportional to the level of the S-meter (RSSI). Settings to follow duplex communications. AFC (Automatic Frequency Control) for FM / Digital modes. Decoding of FSK signals (RTTY) with selection of Mark and Space frequencies. Choice of shape for IF filters (Sharp or Soft) for the best listening sensation, bandwidth of the same filters selectable among several values as table.

CW Mode / Selectivity range -3dB (in steps of)
FIL 11.2 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~3.6 KHz (100 Hz)
FIL 20.5 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~3.6 KHz (100 Hz)
FIL 30.25 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~3.6 KHz (100 Hz)
FSK Mode / Selectivity range -3dB (in steps of)
FIL 12.4 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~2.7 KHz (100 Hz)
FIL 20.5 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~2.7 KHz (100 Hz)
FIL 30.25 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~2.7 KHz (100 Hz)
SSB Mode / Selectivity range -3dB (in steps of)
FIL 13.0 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~3.6 KHz (100 Hz)
FIL 22.4 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~3.6 KHz (100 Hz)
FIL 31.8 kHz Default
0.05~0.5 KHz (50 Hz)
0.6~3.6 KHz (100 Hz)
AM - AM-S Mode / Selectivity range -3dB (in steps of)
FIL 19.0 kHz Default
0.2~10 kHz (200 Hz)
FIL 26.0 kHz Default
0.2~10 kHz (200 Hz)
FIL 33.0 kHz Default
0.2~10 kHz (200 Hz)
FM-N Mode / Selectivity -3dB
FIL 150 kHz Fixed
FIL 215 kHz Fixed
FIL 37 kHz Fixed
WFM Mode / Selectivity -3dB
FIL 1200 kHz Fixed
D-STAR - P25 - NXDN-n Mode / Selectivity -3dB
FIL 115 kHz Fixed
FIL 210 kHz Fixed
FIL 37 kHz Fixed
dPMR - NXDN-vn - DCR Mode / Selectivity -3dB
FIL 110 kHz Fixed
FIL 27 kHz Fixed
FIL 35 kHz Fixed

AGC with time constant selectable as shown in the table:

SSB Mode / Time constant
FAST0.3s Default
OFF, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 seconds
MID2.0s Default
OFF, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 seconds
SLOW6.0s Default
OFF, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 seconds
CW - FSK Mode / Time constant
FAST0.1s Default
OFF, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 seconds
MID0.5s Default
OFF, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 seconds
SLOW1.2s Default
OFF, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 seconds
AM Mode / Time constant
FAST3.0s Default
OFF, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 seconds
MID5.0s Default
OFF, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 seconds
SLOW7.0s Default
OFF, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 seconds
FM - WFM - Digital Mode / Time constant
FAST0.1s Fixed

The ICR 8600 offers extensive interfacing possibilities, both for the control of the receiver via LAN port and for use in synergy with external accessories, highlighted by an entire set of connectors on the back of the device. An auxiliary jack is not missing, without internal connections, for user definable uses. This last common to other ICOM models.

ICOM ICR8600 rear panel

IC-R8600 performance and practical notes :

The ICR 8600 has been a long-awaited receiver that fills a gap in the ICOM catalog. It undoubtedly shows considerable flexibility, making it suitable for both HF and V/UHF, notoriously bands that require distinct performance for dynamics and selectivity as well as for specific signal's functions. The receiver is compact, smaller than the previous IC-R8500 that is called to replace, while the user interface that rests on few push-buttons and knobs by giving many controls to touch-screen can certainly confuse at first approach but after taking confidence with the system ergonomics is not affected even with some exceptions. The front end behavior is characterized by a good intermodulation resistance and this, combined with the remarkable 3/60 dB selectivity values in the CW / SSB / FSK modes, makes profitable its use in monitoring below 30 MHz. The selectivity in AM / FM is not completely up to expectations, details that some users might remark. For bands above 30 MHz the general operation thanks to the many functions is definitely noteworthy but with two significant negative aspects: the first concerns the relative poor image rejection especially above 1100 MHz, the second is related to the lack of support for the digital modes C4FM (amateur radio) and DRM (PMR). Perhaps the latter highlights the Achille's heel of the apparatus that even covering the entire spectrum up to 3 GHz is not able to demodulate emissions that today for role and diffusion requires full compatibility in a first-class monitoring receiver.

IC-R8600 price

We have collected for your convenience the ICOM IC-R8600 sale price (UK Pounds) 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
GBP 2549.99 2023-mar Brand-new
GBP 2250.00
(2619EUR)
2021-jun Brand-new
GBP 2499.00 2018-oct Brand-new
GBP 1375.00
(1849USD)
2018-sep Second-hand

Good condition overall. With AC power supply and manual. Boxed.

IC-R8600 review

Sensitivity
Selectivity
Dynamic range
Spurious response
Audio
Signal functions
Control functions
User friendly
Stars: 1=insufficient | 2=just sufficient | 3=mediocre | 4=good | 5=excellent


Your opinion on merits, defects, experiences, with this radio set is welcome. Write your review, after a technical evaluation by our staff if found suitable will be published on this page. We thank you for your precious contribution.

Newsletter RadioMasterList.com

Thank you

Good, old times:
Grundig, the flagship receiver
Satellit 3400
FM, LW, MW, 1.6-30 MHz

Recent YAESU direct-sampling transceiver
FT-710
HF/50/70 MHz, 102dB IMDR, 100 Watt

Aeronautical HF Frequency List 2023
New eBook
All the frequencies, all the Countries

Most view radios
RadioMasterList.com

Most view radios
RadioMasterList.com

Top