I installed ICOM’s extra cost 500 Hz CW filter, which is engaged in the CW Narrow position. There is only one bandwidth for SSB, 2.2 kHz, and the same bandwidth is used for CW.
Satel- lite fans wish for a 40 kHz FM bandwidth, miss- ing from the IC-R8500 and other receivers. The narrow 5.5 kHz FM bandwidth provides extra selectivity and audio recovery for narrow band signals, including the new 7.5 kHz VHF-high band channels and Family Radio Service. The widest FM mode is used to receive broad- cast stations and the other FM modes are ap- propriate for land mobile communications. There are three bandwidths available for FM detection: 150, 12, and 5.5 kHz. Modes and Selectivity The IC-R8500 provides more modes and bandwidths than ordinary scanners or dedicated shortwave receivers. Several step increments from 10 Hz through 1 MHz are provided as standard and there is one programmable step of 0.5 - 199.5 kHz in 100 Hz graduations. Wide Frequency Coverage The IC-R8500 tunes 100 kHz up to 2000 MHz, but the USA consumer version skips the cellular phone ranges. The IC-R8500 and AR-5000 I tested are two exceptions. Most ra- dios which try to serve as both a shortwave receiver and VHF/UHF scanner are disappoint- ing performers at one of the tasks.
What struck me most about the IC-R8500 was its intermod immunity and build quality. I have reviewed other wide band, table top receivers, including AOR’s AR-5000, AR8600, AR8600Mk2, and Yaesu’s VR-5000.
It also interfaces nicely with accessory equipment. The reasons I prize the IC-R8500 include its wide frequency coverage, strong front end performance, variety of modes and bandwidths, and ease of computer control. 78 MONITORING TIMES August 2004 S CANNER EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR MONITORING POST Bob Parnass, AJ9S and have been using one ever since.
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