Item Details:
Icom IC-R8600 Scanner Base Station Receiver
The IC-R8600 receiver is small in size, but a giant in performance.
The Icom IC-R8600 is a versatile wideband receiver that spans an impressive frequency range from 10 kHz to 3 GHz, excluding restricted US cellular bands. For signals between 10 kHz and 30 MHz, it employs direct sampling for software-defined radio (SDR) processing, delivering high-fidelity performance. Above 30 MHz, it utilizes a robust double or triple superheterodyne architecture, with the signal undergoing two or three frequency conversions. To ensure clean reception and minimize interference, the receiver incorporates 11 RF band-pass filters (BPFs) for HF bands and 13 for VHF/UHF bands, effectively reducing spurious responses.
Audio output is highly flexible, supporting direct playback through a built-in speaker, external speakers, headphones, or a constant-level line output. Additionally, digital audio can be streamed to a computer or other device via USB or Ethernet, making it ideal for advanced applications. The IC-R8600 also features a vibrant display for viewing decoded digital mode text, such as FSK (RTTY), and supports outputting this data to external devices through a USB COM port. Users can record up to 32 GB of audio, video screenshots, or decoded data onto an SD card for later analysis or playback.
The IC-R8600 natively decodes digital modes like FSK (RTTY) and D-STAR, the latter being especially popular among amateur radio operators. It also supports professional modes such as P25, NXDN, dPMR, and DCR, widely used in public safety and commercial radio services. However, it does not natively support digital voice modes like DMR or C4FM (Yaesu System Fusion), nor data modes like PSK31.
It offers extensive memory channels to store settings like frequency, mode, and antenna configuration, simplifying operation. The IC-R8600’s intuitive interface, high-resolution spectrum scope, and waterfall display make it a strong choice for both hobbyists and professionals in spectrum monitoring or signal intelligence, known for its reliability and advanced capabilities.
Available as:
R8600 12 USA |
Wideband desktop receiver, blocked version (R8600 02) |
R8600 14 USA |
Wideband desktop receiver, unblocked version (R8600 04) |
Additional Features:
- SD card slot for received log, decode log and voice recording
- Screen capture function saves a screen shot in PNG or BMP format
- I/Q signal output for use with future firmware upgrade and third-party SDR software and/or external decoding
- Remote control function through IP network or USB cable
- Scans up to 100 channels per second in memory scan mode
- Program scan/fine program scan
- Priority scan
- Memory scan
- Selected memory scan
- Selected mode memory scan
- Auto memory write scan
- Three antenna connectors: SO-239, phono (RCA), type-N
Basic Associated Accessories:
Below are some of the accessories that can be used with the Icom R8600 14 USA model.Click the Accessory Catalog Button for complete and updated information (cost, availability, and more).
SP-23 | 2W External Noise-Reducing Speaker |
SP-39AD | 4W @ 8 Ohm External Speaker |
MB-123 | Carrying Handle |
AD-55NS | 100-240V AC Power Supply with US Plug |
AH-710 | Preassembled HF Multi-band, Folded Dipole, 1.9 - 30 MHz, 80.4 feet (24.5 m), 50 Ohm |
AH-8000 | Super Wideband Discone Antenna (100 - 3300 MHz) |
CS-R8600 | Programming Software |
RS-R8600 | Remote Control Software |