The Icom IC-R8600 (Image source: Icom)
This morning, while browsing the latest ARRL QST magazine, I noticed an advertisement for the new Icom IC-R8600 wideband receiver. If you recall, last August, Icom made the announcement that it was introducing two new receivers: The IC-R8600 and the IC-R30 handheld.
The IC-R30 is the successor to the IC-R20 compact handheld receiver, but will have advanced receiving capabilities and be able to decode D-STAR, P25, NXDN and dPMR digital (conventional) modes.
Icom IC-R8600 back panel (Image source: Icom)
The IC-R8600, on the other hand, is more akin to the IC-7300 transceiver in terms of design, but has much more functionality than the IC-7300 and covers a wide range of frequencies (10kHz-3GHz).
The Icom IC-R8600 is essentially a tabletop SDR receiver.
Here are a few features mentioned on the IC-R8600 pre-release brochure:
- Ultra-wide frequency coverage with RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) function
- Fast moving, real-time spectrum scope and waterfall functions
- Decodes multiple digital protocols, including D-STAR, NXDNTM, dPMRTM and APCO P25
- Large 4.3 inch TFT color touch screen display
- Clear audio quality using FPGA/DSP base architecture with superheterodyne circuitry
- Optional RS-R8600 PC remote control software allows control of all receiver functions
- I/Q signal output for use with third-party SDR software and/or external decoding
- The SD card slot for received log, decode log and voice recording
- Optional SP-39AD external speaker with integrated power supply
The back panel connections are pretty comprehensive (click to enlarge):
I will plan to review the IC-R8600 once it has become available. I have no clue yet what pricing will be.
I will post all IC-R8600 updates with the tag: IC-R8600