RS-R8600 Software update from ICOM

[SouthOrRadio]

I received an email reply today from the ICOM Customer Service Manager in Kirkland, WA.

I had requested any update on the remote control software for the ICOM IC-R8600. I asked about the

availability or release date.

She replied "We hope to have more information on the software later in September".


I also contacted Tech Support at Ham Radio Deluxe and requested support for the R8600.

He replied in an email, "That looks like a really nice receiver. You're the first to inquire about it. I'm going to

take your request and add it to a separate system where we track such things for developers.


I ordered the CS-R8600 programming software from Universal Radio and should be here towards the

end of the week. Their price was better than HRO.

 

[Air490]

The RS-R8600 software has now appeared on the Icom Japan site as a new product

 

[SouthOrRadio]

The manual for the RS-R8600 software can be found here...

http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/pdf/RS-R8600_ENG_IM_0.pdf

 

[SouthOrRadio]

The RS-R8600 software is showing on the Universal Radio website today.

The cost is $159.95 plus shipping.......ouch.

ICOM has released the software but Universal Radio does not have it yet.

 

[escortz28]

Universal Radio standard m.o.is to show a product available for ordering prior to having stock. When I queried them regarding this practice, the sales representative stated they do to gage customer interest and sometimes modify their initial order quantity with the manufacturer based on interest. I find disappointing though as my expectations are established when I see a price and the order button. There is no indication via their website that it is not available (at least through the third screen, name and address). Furthermore, I'm only 35 minutes away from their store (non-rush hour) though I've learned to call first. Universal Radio is now 0-3 with me (i.e. Diamond D3000N, CS-R8600, and now RS-R8600) and Ham Radio Outlet is 3-0 (4-0 if you consider my R8600 receiver purchase).

The RS-R8600 does seem high priced compared to the remote control software for past ICOM receivers as well current ICOM transceivers. Universal Radio's ICOM software prices have always been competitive and reasonable so I say ouch to the $159.95 (and if you desire the RC-28 Remote Encoder Unit another $260). I still will be purchasing the RS-R8600 package when it becomes available.

 

[SouthOrRadio]

HRO is now showing the RS-R8600 software on their website.

https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-015920.

The price.......HRO Discount Price: $179.95......OUCH-OUCH.

$20 more than Universal Radio.

But the software is not showing availability as of this date.

 

[prcguy]

Here is a question, not that I would ever do this, but can similar Icom software be installed on more than one computer without it flagging something? How about making a "backup" copy for archive purposes?
prcguy

HRO is now showing the RS-R8600 software on their website.

https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-015920.

The price.......HRO Discount Price: $179.95......OUCH-OUCH.

$20 more than Universal Radio.

But the software is not showing availability as of this date.

 

[SouthOrRadio]

Here is a question, not that I would ever do this, but can similar Icom software be installed on more than one computer without it flagging something? How about making a "backup" copy for archive purposes?
prcguy

The Icom software I've used, comes with a CD serial number. I would think that the software could be installed on another computer with the correct SN.

I do not know if Icom software "calls home" to check on pirated software.

I have always been a believer in making an archive copy on purchased software.

 

[escortz28]

Available from Ham Radio Outlet, limited stock from Atlanta store. Received my shipment confirmation this afternoon.

 

[iMONITOR]

You would think for what the R8600 cost, the software would come with it for free. But then again, for what people are willing to pay for the R8600, you wouldn't think the cost of the software would hardly be noticed. :wink:

I'm always surprised why receivers cost what they do, when a transceiver cost so much less. I know the R8600 is wide band, and most transceivers are not. But just looking at HF rigs, some of the transceivers have as good if not better receivers, and they cost half as much.