IC-R8600

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.

AGC with time constant selectable as shown in the table:

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.