Icom IC-208H User manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
i208H
VHF/UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is sub-
ject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
i
FOREWORD
Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-208H
VHF
/
UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
is designed and built with Icom’s state
of the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care, this
product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.
We want to take a couple of moments of your time to thank
you for making your IC-208H your radio of choice, and hope
you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology first.” Many
hours of research and development went into the design of
your IC-208H.
DD
FEATURES
❍Switchable VHF and UHF transceiver
❍Selectable backlit color from amber, green
and yellow
❍Detachable controller for flexible installation
❍55 W* of high transmit output power
*VHF band; 50 W for UHF and Korean version, 25 W for
Taiwan version
❍Remote control microphone standard
❍New DMS (Dynamic Memory Scan) system
IMPORTANT
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely
before using the transceiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL— This in-
struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-208H.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
WORD DEFINITION
RWARNING!
CAUTION
NOTE
Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.
Equipment damage may occur.
Recommended for optimum use. No risk of
personal injury, fire or electric shock.
Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom
Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ger-
many, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.
RWARNING RF EXPOSURE! This device emits Radio
Frequency (RF) energy. Extreme caution should be observed when
operating this device. If you have any questions regarding RF expo-
sure and safety standards please refer to the Federal Communica-
tions Commission Office of Engineering and Technology’s report on
Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Radio fre-
quency Electromagnetic Fields (OET Bulletin 65).
RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC out-
let. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock.
RWARNING! NEVER operate the transceiver while driving a
vehicle. Safe driving requires your full attention—anything less may
result in an accident.
NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source of more than
16 V DC. This will damage the transceiver.
NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source using reverse
polarity. This will damage the transceiver.
NEVER cut the DC power cable between the DC plug and fuse
holder. If an incorrect connection is made after cutting, the transceiver
may be damaged.
NEVER expose the transceiver to rain, snow or any liquids. The
transceiver may be damaged.
NEVER operate or touch the transceiver with wet hands. This may
result in an electric shock or damage the transceiver.
NEVER place the transceiver where normal operation of the vehi-
cle may be hindered or where it could cause bodily injury.
NEVER let objects impede the operation of the cooling fan on the
rear panel.
DO NOT push the PTT when not actually desiring to transmit.
DO NOT allow children to play with any radio equipment contain-
ing a transmitter.
During mobile operation, DO NOT operate the transceiver with-
out running the vehicle’s engine. When the transceiver’s power is ON
and your vehicle’s engine is OFF, the vehicle’s battery will soon be-
come exhausted.
AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in
areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +60°C
(+140°F).
BE CAREFUL! The transceiver will become hot when operat-
ing it continuously for long periods.
AVOID setting the transceiver in a place without adequate venti-
lation. Heat dissipation may be affected, and the transceiver may be
damaged.
AVOID the use of chemical agents such as benzine or alcohol
when cleaning, as they can damage the transceiver’s surfaces.
USE Icom microphones only (supplied or optional). Other manu-
facturer’s microphones have different pin assignments and may dam-
age the transceiver if attached.
For U.S.A. only
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not ex-
pressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.
ii
PRECAUTION
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTSSUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
qDC power cable (3 m) ………………………………………1
wMobile mounting bracket …………………………………1
eMicrophone (HM-133)* ……………………………………1
rFuse (20 A) …………………………………………………1
tMounting screws, nuts and washers …………………1 set
yMicrophone hanger …………………………………………1
uSeparation cable†(3.5 m; 11.5 ft) …………………………1
*HM-118N
HAND MICROPHONE
or HM-118TN/TAN
DTMF MICROPHONE
supplied versions are also available.
†A ferrite core is adapted for the USA version.
q
w
e
r
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FOREWORD ........................................................................................... i
IMPORTANT ............................................................................................ i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ......................................................................... i
PRECAUTION ........................................................................................ ii
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES .................................................................. iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................... iii
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ............................................................. I–X
■Installation ....................................................................................... I
■Your first contact .......................................................................... VII
■Repeater operation ....................................................................... IX
■Programming memory channels..................................................... X
1 PANEL DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 1–10
■Front panel— controller ................................................................. 1
■Function display ............................................................................. 3
■Rear panel ..................................................................................... 5
■Microphone (HM-133) .................................................................... 7
■Microphone keypad ........................................................................ 8
■Optional microphones (HM-118N/TN/TAN)................................... 10
2 SETTING A FREQUENCY ........................................................ 11–14
■Preparation ................................................................................... 11
■Using the tuning dial .................................................................... 12
■Using the [Y]/[Z] keys ................................................................. 12
■Using the keypad ......................................................................... 12
■Tuning step selection ................................................................... 13
■Lock functions .............................................................................. 14
3 BASIC OPERATION ................................................................. 15–18
■Receiving ..................................................................................... 15
■Monitor function ........................................................................... 15
■Squelch attenuator ....................................................................... 16
■Transmitting ................................................................................. 17
■Selecting output power ................................................................ 17
iv
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
■One-touch PTT function ............................................................... 18
■Audio mute function ..................................................................... 18
4 REPEATER OPERATION ......................................................... 19–25
■General ........................................................................................ 19
■Accessing a repeater ................................................................... 20
■Subaudible tones ......................................................................... 22
■Offset frequency .......................................................................... 24
■Auto repeater (USA version only) ................................................ 25
5 MEMORY OPERATION ............................................................ 26–37
■General description ...................................................................... 26
■Memory channel selection ........................................................... 26
■Programming a memory channel ................................................. 27
■Copying memory contents ........................................................... 29
■Programming channel names ..................................................... 31
■Memory clearing .......................................................................... 34
■Memory bank selection ................................................................ 35
■Memory bank setting .................................................................... 36
■Transferring bank contents .......................................................... 37
6 CALL CHANNEL OPERATION ................................................ 38–39
■Call channel selection .................................................................. 38
■Call channel transferring .............................................................. 38
■Programming a call channel ........................................................ 39
7 SCAN OPERATION .................................................................. 40–45
■Scan types ................................................................................... 40
■Scan start/stop ............................................................................. 41
■Scan edges programming ............................................................ 42
■Skip channel setting ..................................................................... 44
■Scan resume condition ................................................................ 45
8 PRIORITY WATCH .................................................................... 46–47
■Priority watch types ...................................................................... 46
■Priority watch operation ............................................................... 47
9 DTMF MEMORY ENCODER ..................................................... 48–51
■Programming a DTMF code ......................................................... 48
■Transmitting a DTMF code .......................................................... 50
■DTMF speed ................................................................................ 51
10 POCKET BEEP AND TONE SQUELCH ................................... 52–55
■Pocket beep operation ................................................................. 52
■Tone/DTCS squelch operation ..................................................... 54
■Tone scan ..................................................................................... 55
11 OTHER FUNCTIONS ................................................................ 56–74
■Set mode ...................................................................................... 56
■Initial set mode ............................................................................. 61
■AM/FM narrow mode ................................................................... 65
■Weather channel operation (USA version only) ........................... 66
■Microphone keys .......................................................................... 67
■Partial reset .................................................................................. 68
■All reset ........................................................................................ 68
■Data cloning ................................................................................. 69
■Packet operation .......................................................................... 71
12 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................ 75–76
■Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 75
■Fuse replacement ........................................................................ 76
13 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ........................................... 77–78
■Specifications ............................................................................... 77
■Options ......................................................................................... 78
14 MODE ARRANGEMENT ........................................................... 79–80
I
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
■Installation
DInstallation methods
• Single body installation
• The supplied mounting bracket (or optional MB-17A) can be
used for the main unit installation.
• Remote installation
• The supplied OPC-600/R
SEPARATION CABLE
can be used for
remote installation.
• Optional OPC-601/R
SEPARATION CABLE
(7 m; 23 ft) is avail-
able for extend installation.
• Optional MB-58
REMOTE CONTROLLER BRACKET
and MB-65
MOUNTING BASE
are available for increasing front panel
mounting possibilities.
• Optional OPC-440
MICROPHONE CABLE
(5.0 m; 16.4 ft) and
OPC-647 (2.5 m; 8.2 ft) are available to extend the micro-
phone cable.
• Optional OPC-441
SPEAKER CABLE
(5.0 m; 16.4 ft) is avail-
able to extend the speaker cable.
Main unit
Front panel
Transceiver
II
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
DLocation
Select a location which can support the weight of the trans-
ceiver and does not interfere with driving. We recommend the
locations shown in the diagram below.
NEVER place the transceiver or remote controller where nor-
mal operation of the vehicle may be hindered or where it
could cause bodily injury.
NEVER place the transceiver or remote controller where air
bag deployment may be obstructed.
DO NOT place the transceiver or remote controller where hot
or cold air blows directly onto it.
AVOID placing the transceiver or remote controller in direct
sunlight.
DUsing the mounting bracket
qDrill 4 holes where the mounting bracket is to be installed.
• Approx. 5.5–6 mm (1⁄4″) when using nuts; approx. 2–3 mm (1⁄8″)
when using self-tapping screws.
wInsert the supplied screws, nuts and washers through the
mounting bracket and tighten.
eAdjust the angle for your suitable position.
25˚
Nut
Spring washer
When using
self-tapping
screws
Flat washer
Mounting nut
Mounting
bracket
;;@@ÀÀ
;;QQ¢¢
;@À
;Q¢
;@À
;Q¢
;@À
;Q¢
Controller
Main unit
Main unit
Main unit
Quick reference guide
III
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
DMicrophone connection
Connect the supplied microphone as illustrated below.
DSeparation cable connection
Using the supplied separation cable (3.5 m; 11.5 ft) or the op-
tional separation cable (7 m; 23 ft) the controller can be sep-
arated from the main unit, doubling as a remote controller.
qDetach the controller as below.
wConnect a separation cable between the controller and
main unit using the supplied screws as illustrated below.
A ferrite core is adapted for the USA version.
CAUTION!
NEVER short the terminals of the separation connector.
The 13.8 V power line is available in the connector, so the
transceiver may damage when short circuited.
NEVER short the terminals
•Controller’s rear panel •Main unit
OPC-600/R or OPC-601/R
q
w
e
Release latch
IV
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
DOptional MB-58 installation
The optional MB-58
REMOTE CONTROLLER BRACKET
is avail-
able for separate installation.
qDrill 2 or 4 holes where the bracket is to be installed.
• Approx. 4 mm (1⁄8″) when using nuts; approx. 1–2 mm (1⁄16″)
when using self-tapping screws.
wInsert the supplied screws, bolts and washers through the
mounting base and tighten.
eAdjust the angle for the clearest view of the function dis-
play and tighten 2 screws when the mounting base is used.
rAttach the supplied Velcro pads (large) to the remote con-
troller and bracket.
tAttach the supplied Velcro pads (small) or rubber pad to
the bracket as shown below; then attach the remote con-
troller.
•When using the optional MB-65
MB-58
MB-65
Adjust the viewing
angle for maximum
visibility of the
function display.
MB-58 IC-208H remote controller
Bracket
When using self-
tapping screws.
Mounting
base
Mounting
bolt
Quick reference guide
V
DBattery connection
☞RWARNING NEVER remove the fuse holders from the
DC power cable.
☞NEVER connect the transceiver directly to a 24 V battery.
☞DO NOT use the cigarette lighter socket for power con-
nections. (See p. 5 for details)
Attach a rubber grommet when passing the DC power cable
through a metal plate to prevent a short circuit.
•CONNECTING TO A DC POWER SOURCE
DDC power supply connection
Use a 13.8 V DC power supply with at least 15 A capacity.
Make sure the ground terminal of the DC power supply is
grounded.
•CONNECTING TO A DC POWER SUPPLY
See p. 76 for fuse replacement.
DC power
supply 13.8 V
to an
AC
outlet
Fuses
20 A
black
red⊕
−
⊕
−
IC-208H
IC-208H
Fuses
20 A
black
red⊕−
12 V
Grommet
NOTE:
Use terminals for the
cable connections.
WARNING!
NEVER
remove the
fuse holders.
Crimp Solder
12 V
battery Supplied
DC power cable
+red
_black
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
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