Token
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Yes, and I use this to select a Wellbrook, with the required setting changes, below 2 MHz on Ant 3.
T!
R8600 Using the Icom R8600
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Yes, and I use this to select a Wellbrook, with the required setting changes, below 2 MHz on Ant 3.
T!
oceans777
Listener
8600 after two weeks
The 8600 is my first receiver since selling my 8500 and 5000+3 years ago. Very impressed with it and for my goal of one receiver to use on HF mainly when I don't want to use the PC, it's outstanding and delivers everything I could ask for. Haven't spent much time above 30 MHz yet but it did well on VHF air, UHF and a few APCO P25. (Diamond discone just temporarily on a ground tripod outside my office window)
HF performance with a simple Par EndFedz sloping from about 20 feet up feeding the 8600 and a new CloudIQ (you intend to buy just one radio...) through a Stridsberg MCA102M is much, much better than I expected on HF.
Not having any issues with the SP-39AD but the 8600 is powered via a Pyramid PS8KX and I didn't see a significant noise or performance change when I changed from the SP-39AD power, possibly just didn't notice it but it didn't affect my rx at all. (I can say that dimmable LED desk lights were terrible from 7 MHz up to 7.3 MHz.)
The 8600 is connected to ground (short cable to a 6ft rod) and LMR-400 coax is connected to Alpha Delta TTG-350 (N type and UHF) surge protectors on a grounding clamp on a 6 foot ground rod. That by far made the biggest difference in dropping noise on HF and I think is the best $ I spent aside from the 8600.
My only very minor annoyance is I find the 8600 touchscreen not quite as accurate as I'd like or that I am touching where I expect the input to be and after a few weeks still have to attempt it again often. I've calibrated it and using a stylus it's easier, so likely just getting used to it.
My only PC use with so far was as the external radio with my SDR-14 which was quickly not very meaningful, on the 10MHz IF just trying to recall how to use it.
Thanks to those who have shared info on this thread - helped me a lot with mine.
The 8600 is my first receiver since selling my 8500 and 5000+3 years ago. Very impressed with it and for my goal of one receiver to use on HF mainly when I don't want to use the PC, it's outstanding and delivers everything I could ask for. Haven't spent much time above 30 MHz yet but it did well on VHF air, UHF and a few APCO P25. (Diamond discone just temporarily on a ground tripod outside my office window)
HF performance with a simple Par EndFedz sloping from about 20 feet up feeding the 8600 and a new CloudIQ (you intend to buy just one radio...) through a Stridsberg MCA102M is much, much better than I expected on HF.
Not having any issues with the SP-39AD but the 8600 is powered via a Pyramid PS8KX and I didn't see a significant noise or performance change when I changed from the SP-39AD power, possibly just didn't notice it but it didn't affect my rx at all. (I can say that dimmable LED desk lights were terrible from 7 MHz up to 7.3 MHz.)
The 8600 is connected to ground (short cable to a 6ft rod) and LMR-400 coax is connected to Alpha Delta TTG-350 (N type and UHF) surge protectors on a grounding clamp on a 6 foot ground rod. That by far made the biggest difference in dropping noise on HF and I think is the best $ I spent aside from the 8600.
My only very minor annoyance is I find the 8600 touchscreen not quite as accurate as I'd like or that I am touching where I expect the input to be and after a few weeks still have to attempt it again often. I've calibrated it and using a stylus it's easier, so likely just getting used to it.
My only PC use with so far was as the external radio with my SDR-14 which was quickly not very meaningful, on the 10MHz IF just trying to recall how to use it.
Thanks to those who have shared info on this thread - helped me a lot with mine.
Last edited:
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- Dec 19, 2002
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I would suggest reading N9EWO review
N9EWO Review Icom IC-R8600 SDR Receiver
I use a loop and that cuts down on noise a lot.
I just ordered the
ICOM IC-CS-R8600
ICOM R8600 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
We will see how that goes.
Have been using multipsk with receiver , also
Ham radio deluxe dm780 portion of program for
digital modes.
N9EWO Review Icom IC-R8600 SDR Receiver
I use a loop and that cuts down on noise a lot.
I just ordered the
ICOM IC-CS-R8600
ICOM R8600 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
We will see how that goes.
Have been using multipsk with receiver , also
Ham radio deluxe dm780 portion of program for
digital modes.
oceans777
Listener
Can you share where you got the ICOM R8600 PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE? Haven't been able to find it. Thanks for the review link - great resource.
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oceans777
Listener
Ahh I see HRO has the software - missed it before.
Just received yesterday my CS-R8600 software from Ham Radio Outlet. Their individual stores appear to have very limited quantities that sell quickly (as indicated by the in-stock indicator on the product page). Universal-Radio advertises at a lower price than HRO though when I've called they haven't had in stock.
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- Dec 19, 2002
- Messages
- 1,013
I am waiting for it to arrive.
Any problems installing it or getting it to communicate with radio ?
What settings are you using on the radio ?
oceans777
Listener
Got HRD working with the 8600 using the front USB and CIV on front port set to Echo Back.
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Hello,
The multiple connections on the receiver is great. It would be better if there was a detector output.
I looked at the USB IQ USB port some more. I have done some work with the IQ port on the AOR AR-Alpha and made a ExtIO dll that worked with it. I noticed the ICOM IQ USB port has similar endpoints and I suspect ICOM is using the Cypress EZ-USB FX2LP chip as well. The EZ-USB FX2LP is designed to connect to DSP and FPGA chips and efficently do high data rate transfers. The AR-Alpha driver appears to be a rebadged Cypress EZ-USB FX2LP driver.
So it is possible for me to create a driver for the ICOM IQ using the Cypress driver. The major problem is I do not know the commands to turn on and off the ICOM IQ stream. It is done on the AR-Alpha by sending commands to a Bulk Out Endpoint. I suspect there is a CI-V command on the ICOM.
73 Eric
The multiple connections on the receiver is great. It would be better if there was a detector output.
I looked at the USB IQ USB port some more. I have done some work with the IQ port on the AOR AR-Alpha and made a ExtIO dll that worked with it. I noticed the ICOM IQ USB port has similar endpoints and I suspect ICOM is using the Cypress EZ-USB FX2LP chip as well. The EZ-USB FX2LP is designed to connect to DSP and FPGA chips and efficently do high data rate transfers. The AR-Alpha driver appears to be a rebadged Cypress EZ-USB FX2LP driver.
So it is possible for me to create a driver for the ICOM IQ using the Cypress driver. The major problem is I do not know the commands to turn on and off the ICOM IQ stream. It is done on the AR-Alpha by sending commands to a Bulk Out Endpoint. I suspect there is a CI-V command on the ICOM.
73 Eric
What other settings did you use on the 8600 and the HRD settings.
I have not had time to install and configure yet, will report back to the Forum when I do.
oceans777 - which receiver option did you select in HRD and what version of HRD are you using?
Thanks
oceans777 - which receiver option did you select in HRD and what version of HRD are you using?
Thanks
Just installed the CS-R8600, no issues.
- Installed USB drivers first; verified in Windows Device Manager after installation completed
- Installed CS-R8600 from CD ROM. You will need the S/N printed on the CD ROM (also on the bag label the CD ROM came packaged in). Ran setup.exe, followed instructions, entered Product ID, completed install.
- NOTE: If you have upgraded to R8600 receiver firmware V1.10, you will need to d/l the V1.10 update for the CS-R8600 https://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/firm/IC-R8600/cs1_10/
- Installed V1.10 update
- Followed instructions to connect USB cable between the R8600 and PC, powered on the R8600, launched CS-R8600.
- CS-R8600 found the correct CI-V com port, followed on-screen instructions for setup
- Tested/read R8600
- Installed USB drivers first; verified in Windows Device Manager after installation completed
- Installed CS-R8600 from CD ROM. You will need the S/N printed on the CD ROM (also on the bag label the CD ROM came packaged in). Ran setup.exe, followed instructions, entered Product ID, completed install.
- NOTE: If you have upgraded to R8600 receiver firmware V1.10, you will need to d/l the V1.10 update for the CS-R8600 https://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/firm/IC-R8600/cs1_10/
- Installed V1.10 update
- Followed instructions to connect USB cable between the R8600 and PC, powered on the R8600, launched CS-R8600.
- CS-R8600 found the correct CI-V com port, followed on-screen instructions for setup
- Tested/read R8600
oceans777
Listener
I'm using HRD 6.4 and selected the Icom IC-R7600 V2 and most HRD functions work such as AGC setting, filters, mode etc. The IC-R7800 works too - main thing is to set the CIV address (96H) in HRD and mine is using COM3, 38,400 in HRD. I'm pretty sure I set speed to auto in the 8600 port settings and the other setting you need is change the 8600 USB port you're going to use (I'm using front) to Echo Back On.
Not at my 8600 tonight but I think that's it - I'll check when I'm home later and see if any other settings.
I can confirm too that HRO is out of the programming software as mine is back-ordered.
Just configured for HRD
- R8600 echo back on (select for which port you are using)
- note CI-V address
- all other R8600 CI-V parameters at default
In HRD
- I selected ICOM R75 as receiver type
- entered 96 for CI-V address
- selected my com port
- checked DTR
Quick test - reads the R8600 frequency, able to change frequency. modulation mode, AGC, enable preamp (pre1, att, NB, NR, notch, ANT 1/ANT2 select from HRD
Versions
HRD 5.24.0.36
R8600 V1.10 firmware
Windows 10 Pro x64
Will spend some more time over the next day or so.
- R8600 echo back on (select for which port you are using)
- note CI-V address
- all other R8600 CI-V parameters at default
In HRD
- I selected ICOM R75 as receiver type
- entered 96 for CI-V address
- selected my com port
- checked DTR
Quick test - reads the R8600 frequency, able to change frequency. modulation mode, AGC, enable preamp (pre1, att, NB, NR, notch, ANT 1/ANT2 select from HRD
Versions
HRD 5.24.0.36
R8600 V1.10 firmware
Windows 10 Pro x64
Will spend some more time over the next day or so.
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- Dec 19, 2002
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- 1,013
oceans777
Listener
Second 8600 and Kingston 32 GB SDHC SD4
My second IC-R8600 arrived today and refuses to read or format the Kingston 32 GB SDHC SD4 card that the first accepted only after some effort.
Selecting format immediately returns to the menu with no action taken and another identical card that was previously unused, same issue.
Not a problem as I switched to SanDisk 32 GB and they work perfectly but just passing it along. May want to avoid them for firmware updates.
My second IC-R8600 arrived today and refuses to read or format the Kingston 32 GB SDHC SD4 card that the first accepted only after some effort.
Selecting format immediately returns to the menu with no action taken and another identical card that was previously unused, same issue.
Not a problem as I switched to SanDisk 32 GB and they work perfectly but just passing it along. May want to avoid them for firmware updates.
Hello,
I noticed a new firmware update (1.20) posted "tomorrow" along with a cloning software update.
Firmware Updates / Software Downloads | Support | Icom Inc
Improvements
To match the RS-R8600 Remote control software, the following items have been changed and added.
The LAN AF SQL's default setting has been changed from OFF to ON.
CI-V commands have been changed and added. A revised CI-V Reference Guide will be posted on the Icom website in the near future.
The Scan Resume function has been changed as follows.
Scan Resume ON/OFF buttons have been added.
"HOLD" has been added as a setting item for the Scan Pause time.
The Scan Resume time can be set.
German and French keyboard layouts have been added to keyboard language selection.
Fixed other minor bugs.
73 Eric
I noticed a new firmware update (1.20) posted "tomorrow" along with a cloning software update.
Firmware Updates / Software Downloads | Support | Icom Inc
Improvements
To match the RS-R8600 Remote control software, the following items have been changed and added.
The LAN AF SQL's default setting has been changed from OFF to ON.
CI-V commands have been changed and added. A revised CI-V Reference Guide will be posted on the Icom website in the near future.
The Scan Resume function has been changed as follows.
Scan Resume ON/OFF buttons have been added.
"HOLD" has been added as a setting item for the Scan Pause time.
The Scan Resume time can be set.
German and French keyboard layouts have been added to keyboard language selection.
Fixed other minor bugs.
73 Eric
Using SanDisk Ultra 32GB SDHC I Class 10, no issues. Haven't tried any other brands in the R8600.
oceans777
Listener
Hello,
I noticed a new firmware update (1.20) posted "tomorrow" along with a cloning software update.
Firmware Updates / Software Downloads | Support | Icom Inc
Improvements
To match the RS-R8600 Remote control software, the following items have been changed and added.
The LAN AF SQL's default setting has been changed from OFF to ON.
CI-V commands have been changed and added. A revised CI-V Reference Guide will be posted on the Icom website in the near future.
The Scan Resume function has been changed as follows.
Scan Resume ON/OFF buttons have been added.
"HOLD" has been added as a setting item for the Scan Pause time.
The Scan Resume time can be set.
German and French keyboard layouts have been added to keyboard language selection.
Fixed other minor bugs.
73 Eric
Hope this gives the IQ stream start/stop commands. Very nice to know new CIV reference on the way.
Hello,
One interesting feature of version 1.10 (and later) is being able to save the configuration in an earlier format using the "Save Form" menu item. Versions 1.01 and 1.02 used the same format. I assume version information is saved in the file so a radio with version 1.20 firmware can properly read the version 1.10 generated configuration file.
The "Save Form" feature is useful if you have to downgrade the radio to an earlier version of firmware. The current format should be used when upgrading the firmware.
One downside of the Icom website is their manual download pages lack version information and dates. The version is the last digits in the file name. It is currently 2 for the CI-V manual. I suspect the major change is adding support for reading and writing the new Scan Resume items and adding "Hold" to the Scan Pause time. It will be interesting to see where in the command structure they add the new commands.
73 Eric
One interesting feature of version 1.10 (and later) is being able to save the configuration in an earlier format using the "Save Form" menu item. Versions 1.01 and 1.02 used the same format. I assume version information is saved in the file so a radio with version 1.20 firmware can properly read the version 1.10 generated configuration file.
The "Save Form" feature is useful if you have to downgrade the radio to an earlier version of firmware. The current format should be used when upgrading the firmware.
One downside of the Icom website is their manual download pages lack version information and dates. The version is the last digits in the file name. It is currently 2 for the CI-V manual. I suspect the major change is adding support for reading and writing the new Scan Resume items and adding "Hold" to the Scan Pause time. It will be interesting to see where in the command structure they add the new commands.
73 Eric
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