Note
The Icom IC-R2500 is a "DC to daylight" communications receiver that features dualwatch and diversity reception capabilities. It is designed with a separate main unit and a remote-control head, allowing for flexible installation in both desktop and mobile environments.
It was introduced as a significant evolution in Icom’s receiver line, moving toward a "black box" design that could be controlled either by a dedicated remote-control head or via a PC. It was eventually succeeded by the IC-R8600, which transitioned the platform toward a standalone SDR architecture.
Features
– Dualwatch & Diversity Reception: The receiver features two independent circuits, allowing for the simultaneous monitoring of two different frequencies (dualwatch). In diversity mode, it compares signal strengths from two antennas and automatically selects the strongest one to improve stability, particularly for mobile operations.
– Wide Frequency Coverage: Provides wide-band reception across all modes.
– Operating Modes: Supports analog modes including SSB (LSB/USB), CW, AM, and FM (including Wide FM).
– Digital Mode Support: Optional units enable DV (Digital Voice) via the UT-118 and P25 digital modes via the UT-122.
Memory Management:
– 1000 Regular Channels: Memory channels 0 to 999 can be assigned to one of 21 banks (A–R, T, U, W, Y) for easy organization.
– Alphanumeric Naming: Each channel can be programmed with a name up to 6 characters long.
– Bank Linking: Allows for continuous scanning across multiple selected banks.
– IF Shift & Filter Selection: Features an IF shift function to reduce interference and selectable IF filter passband widths (3, 6, 15, 50, and 230 kHz).
– Noise Management: Includes an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) function, a Noise Blanker (NB), and an Attenuator (ATT).
– Voice Squelch Control (VSC): Detects and opens only for voice signals.
– DSP Capabilities: When the optional UT-106 DSP unit is installed, the receiver gains advanced Noise Reduction (NR) and an Automatic Notch Filter (ANF).
Specifications
– Frequency Range:
Main Receiver: 0.010 – 3299.999 MHz
Modes Supported: AM, FM, WFM, SSB, CW, DV, P25
Note: While the main receiver is all-mode, SSB, and CW are only supported up to 1300 MHz
Sub-Receiver: 50.000 – 1300.000 MHz
Modes Supported: AM, FM, WFM
– Selectable IF Filters: Available passband widths of 3, 6, 15, 50, and 230 kHz, depending on the selected mode.
– IF Shift: Adjustable up to ±25 steps (50 Hz per step) in SSB and CW modes.
– Attenuator (ATT): Helps manage strong interfering signals.
– Noise Blanker (NB): Reduces pulse-type noise.
– Automatic Gain Control (AGC): Selectable time constants.
– Voice Squelch Control (VSC): Opens squelch only when a voice signal is detected.
– Digital Signal Processing (DSP): (Requires optional UT-106)
– Noise Reduction (NR): 15 adjustable levels to enhance signal readability.
– Automatic Notch Filter (ANF): Automatically attenuates up to 3 beat tones.
_– Diversity Reception: Available from 50 MHz to 1300 MHz in FM, P25, and DV modes.
– Antenna Impedance: Supports 50 Ω antennas through two connectors (ANT1 and ANT2), which are required for dualwatch or diversity operation.
Scanning & Watch Capabilities
Scan Types: 5 scan types and 4 resume conditions.
Priority Watch: Checks a specific frequency every 5 seconds while operating on VFO or during a scan.
