Icom IC-208H User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

i208H

VHF/UHF FM TRANSCEIVER

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is sub­ject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

i

FOREWORD

Thank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-208H

VHF/UHF FM TRANSCEIVER

is designed and built with Icom’s state
of the art technology and craftsmanship. With proper care, this
product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.

We want to take a couple of moments of your time to thank
you for making your IC-208H your radio of choice, and hope
you agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology first.” Many
hours of research and development went into the design of
your IC-208H.

DD

FEATURES

❍ Switchable VHF and UHF transceiver
❍ Selectable backlit color from amber, green

and yellow

❍ Detachable controller for flexible installation
❍ 55 W* of high transmit output power

*VHF band; 50 W for UHF and Korean version, 25 W for

Taiwan version

❍ Remote control microphone standard
❍ New DMS (Dynamic Memory Scan) system

IMPORTANT

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely

before using the transceiver.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL— This in-

struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-208H.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

WORD DEFINITION

R WARNING!

CAUTION

NOTE

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock
may occur.

Equipment damage may occur.

Recommended for optimum use. No risk of
personal injury, fire or electric shock.

Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom
Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ger­many, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.

RWARNING RF EXPOSURE! This device emits Radio

Frequency (RF) energy. Extreme caution should be observed when
operating this device. If you have any questions regarding RF expo­sure and safety standards please refer to the Federal Communica­tions Commission Office of Engineering and Technology’s report on
Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Radio fre­quency Electromagnetic Fields (OET Bulletin 65).

RWARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC out-

let. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock.

RWARNING! NEVER operate the transceiver while driving a

vehicle. Safe driving requires your full attention—anything less may
result in an accident.

NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source of more than

16 V DC. This will damage the transceiver.

NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source using reverse

polarity. This will damage the transceiver.

NEVER cut the DC power cable between the DC plug and fuse

holder. If an incorrect connection is made after cutting, the transceiver
may be damaged.

NEVER expose the transceiver to rain, snow or any liquids. The

transceiver may be damaged.

NEVER operate or touch the transceiver with wet hands. This may

result in an electric shock or damage the transceiver.

NEVER place the transceiver where normal operation of the vehi-

cle may be hindered or where it could cause bodily injury.

NEVER let objects impede the operation of the cooling fan on the

rear panel.

DO NOT push the PTT when not actually desiring to transmit.
DO NOT allow children to play with any radio equipment contain-

ing a transmitter.
During mobile operation, DO NOT operate the transceiver with-

out running the vehicle’s engine. When the transceiver’s power is ON
and your vehicle’s engine is OFF, the vehicle’s battery will soon be­come exhausted.

AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in

areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +60°C
(+140°F).

BE CAREFUL! The transceiver will become hot when operat-

ing it continuously for long periods.

AVOID setting the transceiver in a place without adequate venti-

lation. Heat dissipation may be affected, and the transceiver may be
damaged.

AVOID the use of chemical agents such as benzine or alcohol

when cleaning, as they can damage the transceiver’s surfaces.

USE Icom microphones only (supplied or optional). Other manu-

facturer’s microphones have different pin assignments and may dam­age the transceiver if attached.

For U.S.A. only

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device, not ex-

pressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.

ii

PRECAUTION

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTSSUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

q DC power cable (3 m) ………………………………………1
w Mobile mounting bracket …………………………………1
e Microphone (HM-133)* ……………………………………1
r Fuse (20 A) …………………………………………………1
t Mounting screws, nuts and washers …………………1 set
y Microphone hanger …………………………………………1
u Separation cable

†

(3.5 m; 11.5 ft) …………………………1

*HM-118N

HAND MICROPHONE

or HM-118TN/TAN

DTMF MICROPHONE

supplied versions are also available.

†

A ferrite core is adapted for the USA version.

q

w

e

r

t

y

u

FOREWORD ........................................................................................... i

IMPORTANT ............................................................................................ i

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ......................................................................... i

PRECAUTION ........................................................................................ ii

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES .................................................................. iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS ......................................................................... iii

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ............................................................. I–X

■ Installation ....................................................................................... I

■ Your first contact .......................................................................... VII

■ Repeater operation ....................................................................... IX

■ Programming memory channels..................................................... X

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION ............................................................... 1–10

■ Front panel— controller ................................................................. 1

■ Function display ............................................................................. 3

■ Rear panel ..................................................................................... 5

■ Microphone (HM-133) .................................................................... 7

■ Microphone keypad ........................................................................ 8

■ Optional microphones (HM-118N/TN/TAN)................................... 10

2 SETTING A FREQUENCY ........................................................ 11–14

■ Preparation ................................................................................... 11

■ Using the tuning dial .................................................................... 12

■ Using the [Y]/[Z] keys ................................................................. 12

■ Using the keypad ......................................................................... 12

■ Tuning step selection ................................................................... 13

■ Lock functions .............................................................................. 14

3 BASIC OPERATION ................................................................. 15–18

■ Receiving ..................................................................................... 15

■ Monitor function ........................................................................... 15

■ Squelch attenuator ....................................................................... 16

■ Transmitting ................................................................................. 17

■ Selecting output power ................................................................ 17

iv

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

■ One-touch PTT function ............................................................... 18

■ Audio mute function ..................................................................... 18

4 REPEATER OPERATION ......................................................... 19–25

■ General ........................................................................................ 19

■ Accessing a repeater ................................................................... 20

■ Subaudible tones ......................................................................... 22

■ Offset frequency .......................................................................... 24

■ Auto repeater (USA version only) ................................................ 25

5 MEMORY OPERATION ............................................................ 26–37

■ General description ...................................................................... 26

■ Memory channel selection ........................................................... 26

■ Programming a memory channel ................................................. 27

■ Copying memory contents ........................................................... 29

■ Programming channel names ..................................................... 31

■ Memory clearing .......................................................................... 34

■ Memory bank selection ................................................................ 35

■ Memory bank setting .................................................................... 36

■ Transferring bank contents .......................................................... 37

6 CALL CHANNEL OPERATION ................................................ 38–39

■ Call channel selection .................................................................. 38

■ Call channel transferring .............................................................. 38

■ Programming a call channel ........................................................ 39

7 SCAN OPERATION .................................................................. 40–45

■ Scan types ................................................................................... 40

■ Scan start/stop ............................................................................. 41

■ Scan edges programming ............................................................ 42

■ Skip channel setting ..................................................................... 44

■ Scan resume condition ................................................................ 45

8 PRIORITY WATCH .................................................................... 46–47

■ Priority watch types ...................................................................... 46

■ Priority watch operation ............................................................... 47

9 DTMF MEMORY ENCODER ..................................................... 48–51

■ Programming a DTMF code ......................................................... 48

■ Transmitting a DTMF code .......................................................... 50

■ DTMF speed ................................................................................ 51

10 POCKET BEEP AND TONE SQUELCH ................................... 52–55

■ Pocket beep operation ................................................................. 52

■ Tone/DTCS squelch operation ..................................................... 54

■ Tone scan ..................................................................................... 55

11 OTHER FUNCTIONS ................................................................ 56–74

■ Set mode ...................................................................................... 56

■ Initial set mode ............................................................................. 61

■ AM/FM narrow mode ................................................................... 65

■ Weather channel operation (USA version only) ........................... 66

■ Microphone keys .......................................................................... 67

■ Partial reset .................................................................................. 68

■ All reset ........................................................................................ 68

■ Data cloning ................................................................................. 69

■ Packet operation .......................................................................... 71

12 MAINTENANCE ........................................................................ 75–76

■ Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 75

■ Fuse replacement ........................................................................ 76

13 SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS ........................................... 77–78

■ Specifications ............................................................................... 77

■ Options ......................................................................................... 78

14 MODE ARRANGEMENT ........................................................... 79–80

I

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Installation

D Installation methods

• Single body installation

• The supplied mounting bracket (or optional MB-17A) can be

used for the main unit installation.

• Remote installation

• The supplied OPC-600/R

SEPARATION CABLE

can be used for

remote installation.

• Optional OPC-601/R

SEPARATION CABLE

(7 m; 23 ft) is avail-

able for extend installation.

• Optional MB-58

REMOTE CONTROLLER BRACKET

and MB-65

MOUNTING BASE

are available for increasing front panel

mounting possibilities.

• Optional OPC-440

MICROPHONE CABLE

(5.0 m; 16.4 ft) and
OPC-647 (2.5 m; 8.2 ft) are available to extend the micro­phone cable.

• Optional OPC-441

SPEAKER CABLE

(5.0 m; 16.4 ft) is avail-

able to extend the speaker cable.

Main unit

Front panel

Transceiver

II

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

D Location

Select a location which can support the weight of the trans­ceiver and does not interfere with driving. We recommend the
locations shown in the diagram below.

NEVER place the transceiver or remote controller where nor­mal operation of the vehicle may be hindered or where it
could cause bodily injury.

NEVER place the transceiver or remote controller where air
bag deployment may be obstructed.

DO NOT place the transceiver or remote controller where hot
or cold air blows directly onto it.

AVOID placing the transceiver or remote controller in direct
sunlight.

D Using the mounting bracket

qDrill 4 holes where the mounting bracket is to be installed.

• Approx. 5.5–6 mm (1⁄4″) when using nuts; approx. 2–3 mm (1⁄8″)
when using self-tapping screws.

wInsert the supplied screws, nuts and washers through the

mounting bracket and tighten.

eAdjust the angle for your suitable position.

25˚

Nut

Spring washer

When using
self-tapping
screws

Flat washer

Mounting nut

Mounting
bracket

Controller

Main unit

Main unit

Main unit

Quick reference guide

III

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

D Microphone connection

Connect the supplied microphone as illustrated below.

D Separation cable connection

Using the supplied separation cable (3.5 m; 11.5 ft) or the op­tional separation cable (7 m; 23 ft) the controller can be sep­arated from the main unit, doubling as a remote controller.

qDetach the controller as below.

wConnect a separation cable between the controller and

main unit using the supplied screws as illustrated below.

A ferrite core is adapted for the USA version.

CAUTION!
NEVER short the terminals of the separation connector.

The 13.8 V power line is available in the connector, so the
transceiver may damage when short circuited.

NEVER short the terminals

• Controller’s rear panel • Main unit

OPC-600/R or OPC-601/R

q

w

e

Release latch

IV

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

D Optional MB-58 installation

The optional MB-58

REMOTE CONTROLLER BRACKET

is avail-

able for separate installation.

qDrill 2 or 4 holes where the bracket is to be installed.

• Approx. 4 mm (1⁄8″) when using nuts; approx. 1–2 mm (1⁄16″)
when using self-tapping screws.

wInsert the supplied screws, bolts and washers through the

mounting base and tighten.

eAdjust the angle for the clearest view of the function dis-

play and tighten 2 screws when the mounting base is used.

rAttach the supplied Velcro pads (large) to the remote con-

troller and bracket.

tAttach the supplied Velcro pads (small) or rubber pad to

the bracket as shown below; then attach the remote con­troller.

• When using the optional MB-65

MB-58

MB-65

Adjust the viewing
angle for maximum
visibility of the
function display.

MB-58 IC-208H remote controller

Bracket

When using self­tapping screws.

Mounting
base

Mounting
bolt

Quick reference guide

V

D Battery connection

☞ RWARNING NEVER remove the fuse holders from the

DC power cable.

☞ NEVER connect the transceiver directly to a 24 V battery.
☞ DO NOT use the cigarette lighter socket for power con-

nections. (See p. 5 for details)
Attach a rubber grommet when passing the DC power cable
through a metal plate to prevent a short circuit.

• CONNECTING TO A DC POWER SOURCE

D DC power supply connection

Use a 13.8 V DC power supply with at least 15 A capacity.

Make sure the ground terminal of the DC power supply is
grounded.

• CONNECTING TO A DC POWER SUPPLY

See p. 76 for fuse replacement.

DC power
supply 13.8 V

to an
AC
outlet

Fuses
20 A

black
red⊕

−

⊕

−

IC-208H

IC-208H

Fuses
20 A

black

red⊕

−

12 V

Grommet

NOTE:

Use terminals for the
cable connections.

WARNING!

NEVER
remove the
fuse holders.

Crimp

Solder

12 V
battery

Supplied

DC power cable

+ red

_ black

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

VI

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

D Antenna installation

• Antenna location
To obtain maximum performance from the transceiver, select
a high-quality antenna and mount it in a good location. A non­radial antenna should be used when using a magnetic mount.

• Antenna connector
The antenna uses a PL-259 connector.

• PL-259 CONNECTOR

q Slide the coupling ring

down. Strip the cable
jacket and soft solder.

w Strip the cable as shown

at left. Soft solder the cen­ter conductor.

e Slide the connector body

on and solder it.

r Screw the coupling ring

onto the connector body.

(10 mm ≈3⁄8 in)

NOTE: There are many publications covering proper an­tennas and their installation. Check with your local dealer
for more information and recommendations.

30 mm

10 mm (soft solder)

10 mm

1–2 mm

solder solder

Soft
solder

Coupling ring

To antenna

Roof-mount antenna
(Drill a hole or use a magnetic mount.)

Gutter-mount antenna

Trunk-mount
antenna

Quick reference guide

VII

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Your first contact

Now that you have your IC-208H installed in your car or
shack, you are probably excited to get on the air. We would
like to take you through a few basic operation steps to make
your first “On The Air” an enjoyable experience.

1. Turning ON the transceiver

Before powering up your IC-208H, you may want to make
sure the audio volume and squelch level controls are set in
9–10 o’clock positions.

Although you have purchased a brand new transceiver, some
settings may be changed from the factory defaults because
of the QC process. Resetting the CPU is necessary to start
from factory default.

➥ While pushing both [SET•LOCK] and [S.MW•MW], push

[PWR] for 1 sec. to reset the CPU.

2. Selecting the operating frequency band

The IC-208H has 2 m and 70 cm transmittable bands.

➥ Push [BAND] to select the desired frequency band.

Using the HM-133

You can select the desired frequency band from the HM-133.

Push

Push

Push [BAND] to select the desired frequency band.

[BAND]

[PWR]

While pushing [SET•LOCK] and [S.MW•MW], turn power ON.

[SET•LOCK]

[S.MW•MW]

[VOL]

Set [VOL] and [SQL] controls to 9–10 o’clock positions.

[SQL]

VIII

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

3. Tune the frequency

The tuning dial will allow you to dial in the frequency you want
to operate. Pages 12 and 13 will instruct you on how to set
the tuning speed.

Using the HM-133

You can directly enter the frequency with the HM-133 keypad
for the main band.

[EXAMPLE]: Setting frequency to 145.3625 MHz.

Push

Push

Push

Push

Rotate [DIAL] to tune the frequency.

[DIAL]

Quick reference guide

IX

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Repeater operation

1. Setting duplex

Push [BAND] to select the frequency band.
Push [LOW•DUP] for 1 sec. once or twice to select minus du­plex or plus duplex.

• The USA version has an auto repeater function, therefore, setting

duplex is not required.

2. Repeater tone

Push [TONE•T-SCAN] several times until “T” appears, if the
repeater requires a subaudible tone to be accessed.

Using the HM-133

Plus or minus duplex selection and the repeater tone setting
can be made easily via HM-133.
Push [

DUP

– 7(TONE)] for minus duplex; [

DUP

+ 8(TSQLS)]

for plus duplex selection, push [FUNC] then [

DUP

– 7(TONE)]

to turn the repeater tone ON.

Push

Push , then

Push

[TONE•T-SCAN]

[LOW•DUP]

X

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Quick reference guide

■ Programming memory channels

The IC-208H has a total of 512 memory channels (including
10 scan edges and 2 call channels) for storing often used op­erating frequency, repeater settings, etc.

1. Setting a frequency

In VFO mode, set the desired operating frequency with re­peater, tone and tuning steps, etc.

➥ Push [V/MHz•SCAN] to select VFO.
➥

Rotate [DIAL] to set the desired frequency.

• Set other data, such as repeater tone, duplex information, tuning
step), if desired.

2. Selecting a memory channel

Push [S.MW•MW], then rotate [DIAL] to select the desired
memory channel.

•“!” indicator and memory channel number blink.

3. Writing a memory channel

Push and hold [S.MW•MW] for 1 sec. to program.

• 3 beeps sound

• Return to VFO mode automatically after the program.

• Memory channel number automatically increases when continuing
to push [S.MW•MW] after programming.

Using the HM-133

q In VFO mode, set the desired operating frequency, includ-

ing offset direction, tone settings, etc.

➥ Push [VFO/LOCK] to select VFO.
➥ Push [

ENT

C(T-OFF)] first, then enter the desired oper-

ating frequency via the keypad.

• Set other data, such as repeater tone, duplex information,
tuning step, if necessary.

w Push [FUNC] then [

CLR

A(MW)].

•“!” indicator and memory channel number blink.

e Push [Y]/[Z] to select the desired memory channel.
r Push [FUNC] then push [

CLR

A(MW)] for 1 sec. to pro-

gram.

• 3 beeps sound

• Memory channel number automatically increases when continu­ing to push [

CLR

A(MW)] after programming.

Push ,

then

[S.MW•MW]

■ Front panel— controller

qSET•LOCK SWITCH [SET•LOCK]

➥ Enters set mode when pushed. (p. 56)
➥ Switches the lock function ON and OFF when pushed

for 1 sec. (p. 14)

wTUNING DIAL [DIAL]

Selects the operating frequency (p. 12), memory channel
(p. 26), the setting of the set mode item and the scanning
direction (p. 41).

eVOLUME CONTROL [VOL] (p. 15)

Adjusts the audio level.

rPOWER SWITCH [PWR]

Turns power ON and OFF when pushed for 1 sec.

tMICROPHONE CONNECTOR

Connects the supplied or an optional microphone.

q +8 V DC output (Max. 10 mA)
w Channel up/down
e 8 V control IN
r PTT
t GND (microphone ground)
y MIC (microphone input)
u GND
i Data IN

q

i

q w Function display (p. 3) e r

t

yuio!0!1!2!3

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1

2

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1

ySQUELCH CONTROL [SQL]

Varies the squelch level. (p. 15)

• The RF attenuator activates and increases the attenuation when
rotated clockwise to the center position and further. (p. 16)

uMONITOR•DTMF SWITCH [MONI•DTMF]

➥ Push to switch the monitor function ON and OFF. (p. 15)
➥ Turns DTMF memory encoder ON and OFF when

pushed for 1 sec. (p. 48)

iOUTPUT POWER•DUPLEX SWITCH [LOW•DUP]

➥ Each push changes the output power selection. (p. 17)
➥ Push for 1 sec. to select DUP–, DUP+ and simplex op-

eration. (p. 20)

oTONE•TONE SCAN SWITCH [TONE•T-SCAN]

➥ Each push selects a tone function. (pgs. 20, 52)

• Subaudible tone encoder, pocket beep (CTCSS), tone
squelch, pocket beep (DTCS), DTCS squelch or tone func­tion OFF can be selected.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to start the tone scan. (p. 55)

!0MEMORY/CALL•PRIORITY SWITCH [M/CALL•PRIO]

➥ Push to select and toggle memory, call and weather

channel* modes. (pgs. 11, 26, 38, 66)

*Weather channels are available for USA version only.

➥ Starts priority watch when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 47)

!1VFO/MHz TUNING•SCAN SWITCH [V/MHz•SCAN]

➥ Selects and toggles VFO mode and 1 MHz (or 10 MHz

for some versions) tuning when pushed. (p. 11)

➥ Starts scan when pushed for 1 sec. (p. 41)

• Cancels a scan when pushed during scan.

!2BAND SWITCH [BAND]

➥ Push to select the operating frequency band. (p. 11)
➥ Push to select the call channel 1or 2 during call channel

operation. (p. 38)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to select the operating mode. (p. 65)

!3MEMORY WRITE SWITCH [S.MW•MW] (pgs. 27, 39, 42)

➥ Selects a memory channel for programming when

pushed.

➥ Programs the selected memory channel when pushed

for 1 sec.

!4CONTROLLER RELEASE LATCH

While pushing this latch, slide the controller to the left to
remove it.

!4

3

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Function display

qTRANSMIT INDICATOR

➥ Appears while transmitting. (p. 17)
➥ Blinks while transmitting with the one-touch PTT func-

tion. (p. 18)

wDUPLEX INDICATORS (p. 20)

“DUP” appears when plus duplex, “DUP –” appears when
minus duplex (repeater) operation is selected.

eTONE INDICATORS

➥ “T” appears while the subaudible tone encoder is in use.

(p. 20)

➥ “T SQL” appears while the tone squelch function is in

use. (p. 52)

➥ “DTCS” appears while the DTCS squelch function is in

use. (p. 52)

➥ “S” appears with the “T SQL” or “DTCS” indicator

while the pocket beep function

(with CTCSS or DTCS) is in

use. (p. 52)

q u

i

r t y

!1

w e

!0

o

!2!3!5

!6

!7

!4

4

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1

rNARROW MODE INDICATOR (p. 65)

Appears when the FM/AM narrow mode is selected.
Narrow mode is available with USA version only.

tAM INDICATOR (p. 65)

Appears when AM mode is selected.

ySQUELCH ATTENUATOR INDICATOR (p. 16)

Appears when the squelch attenuator function is activated.

• The attenuator can be switched OFF in initial set mode. (p. 63)

uAUTO POWER-OFF INDICATOR (p. 62)

Appears while the auto power OFF function is in use.

iAUDIO MUTE INDICATOR (P. 18)

Appears when the audio mute function is activated.

• The mute can only be switched ON and OFF from the HM-133
only.

oFREQUENCY READOUT

Shows the operating frequency, channel names, set mode
contents, etc.

• Frequency decimal point blinks while scanning. (p. 41)

• “d” appears in place of the 1st digit while the DTMF memory
function is in use. (p. 48)

!0WEATHER ALERT INDICATOR (p. 66)

Appears when the weather alert function is activated.

• The either alert function is available with the USA version only.

!1PRIORITY INDICATOR (p. 47)

Appears while the priority watch is activated; blinks while
the watch is paused.

!2MEMORY CHANNEL NUMBER INDICATORS

➥ Shows the selected memory channel number. (p. 26)
➥ Shows the selected bank initial. (p. 35)
➥ “C” appears when the call channel is selected. (p. 38)
➥ “L” appears when the lock function is activated. (p. 14)

!3SKIP INDICATORS (p. 44)

➥ “~”appears when the displayed memory channel is

specified as a skip channel.

➥ “P ~” appears when the displayed frequency is spec-

ified as a program skip frequency.

!4MEMORY INDICATOR (pgs. 11, 26)

Appears when memory mode is selected.

!5S/RF INDICATORS

➥ Shows the relative signal strength while receiving sig-

nals. (p. 15)

➥ Shows the output power level while transmitting. (p. 17)

!6OUTPUT POWER INDICATORS

“LOW” appears when low output power; “MID” appears
when middle output power is selected.
No indicator appears when high output power is selected.

!7BUSY INDICATOR

➥ Appears when a signal is being received or the squelch

is open. (p. 15)

➥ Blinks while the monitor function is activated. (p. 15)

5

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Rear Panel

qDATA SOCKET [DATA]

Connects a TNC (Terminal Node Controller), etc. for data
communications.

• See p. 6 for connection information.

wEXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK [SP]

Connects an 8 Ω speaker.

• Audio output power is more than 2.0 W.

eCOOLING FAN

Rotates while transmitting.
Also rotates while receiving depending on the setting in ini­tial set mode. (p. 63)

rANTENNA CONNECTOR [ANT]

Connects a 50 Ω antenna with a PL-259 connector and a
50 Ω coaxial cable.

tPOWER RECEPTACLE [DC13.8V]

Accepts 13.8 V DC ±15% with the supplied DC power
cable.

☞ NOTE: DO NOT use a cigarette lighter socket as a

power source when operating in a vehicle. The plug
may cause voltage drops and ignition noise may be su­perimposed onto transmit or receive audio.

ANTENNA INFORMATION

For radio communications, the antenna is of critical impor­tance, to maximize your output power and receiver sensi­tivity. The transceiver accepts a 50 Ω antenna and less
than 1:1.5 of Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR). High
SWR values not only may damage the transceiver but also
lead to TVI or BCI problems.

wre

q

t

6

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1

D DATA JACK PIN ASSIGNMENT

qDATA IN

Input terminal for data transmit. See p. 63 for details on
how to toggle data speed between 1200 (AFSK) and
9600 bps (G3RUH, GMSK).

wGND

Common ground for DATA IN, DATA OUT and AF OUT.

ePTT P

PTT terminal for packet operation only. Connect ground to
transmit data.

rDATA OUT

Data out terminal for 9600 bps operation only.

tAF OUT

Data out terminal for 1200 bps operation only.

yP SQL

Becomes high (+5 V) when the transceiver receives a sig­nal which opens the squelch.

• To avoid unnecessary TNC transmission, connect squelch to the
TNC to inhibit transmission when receiving signals.

• Keep audio output at a normal level, otherwise a “P SQL” signal
will not be output.

Front panel view

w

y

r

q

e

t

7

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Microphone (HM-133*)

qVFO/LOCK SWITCH [VFO/LOCK]

➥ Push to select VFO mode. (p. 11)
➥ Push for 1 sec. to switch the lock function ON and OFF.

(p. 14)

wPTT SWITCH

➥ Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.
➥ Switches between transmitting and receiving while the

one-touch PTT function is in use. (p. 18)

eUP/DOWN SWITCHES [Y]/[Z]

➥ Push either switch to change operating frequency,

memory channel, set mode setting, etc.

(pgs. 12, 26, 56)

➥ Push either switch for 1 sec. to start scanning. (p. 41)

rACTIVITY INDICATOR

➥ Lights red while any key, except [FUNC] and [DTMF-S],

is pushed, or while transmitting.

➥ Lights green while the one-touch PTT function is in use.

tKEYPAD (pgs. 8, 9)
yFUNCTION INDICATOR

➥ Lights orange while [FUNC] is activated—indicates the

secondary function of switches can be accessed.

➥ Lights green when [DTMF-S] is activated—DTMF sig-

nals can be transmitted with the keypad.

u2nd FUNCTION SWITCH [FUNC]
iDTMF SELECT SWITCH [DTMF-S] (p. 50)
oFUNCTION SWITCHES [F-1]/[F-2] (p. 67)

Program and recall your desired transceiver conditions.

!0BAND SWITCH [BAND]

➥ Push to select the frequency band. (p. 11)
➥ Push for 1 sec. to select the operating mode. (p. 65)

!1MEMORY/CALL SWITCH [MR/CALL]

➥ Push to select memory mode. (p. 11)
➥ Push for 1 sec. to select call channel. (p. 38)

Mic element

q

e

r

t

w

y

u

i

o

!0

!1

*

A different microphone
may be supplied de­pending on version.

8

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1

■ Microphone keypad

KEY FUNCTION SECONDARY FUNCTION ( +key) OTHER FUNCTIONS

Switches between opening and closing the
squelch. (p. 15)

Starts and stops scanning. (p. 41)

Starts and stops priority watch. (p. 47)

Selects high output power. (p. 17)

Selects mid. output power. (p. 17)

Selects low output power (p. 17)

Selects minus duplex operation. (p. 21)

Selects plus duplex operation. (p. 21)

Selects simplex operation. (p. 21)

Increases audio output level. (p. 15)

In memory mode enters bank selecting
condition. (p. 35)

Starts and stops tone scanning. (p. 55)

Turns the one-touch PTT function ON and
OFF. (p. 18)

Turns the DTCS squelch ON. (p. 54)

Turns the DTCS pocket beep function ON.

(p. 53)

Turns the DTMF memory encoder function
ON. (p. 50)

Turns the subaudible tone encoder ON.

(p. 21)

Turns the CTCSS pocket beep function
ON. (p. 53)

Turns the tone squelch function ON.

(p. 54)

Sends a 1750 Hz tone signal while pushing
and holding. (p. 23)

After pushing :
Transmits the appropriate
DTMF code. (pgs. 23, 50)
When the DTMF memory en­coder is activated, push [0] to
[9] to transmit the appropriate
DTMF memory contents.

(p. 50)

9

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION

➥ Cancels frequency entry. (p. 12)
➥ Cancels the scan or priority watch.

(pgs. 41, 47)

➥ Exit set mode. (p. 56)

➥ Enters set mode (p. 56)
➥ Advances the set mode selection order

after entering set mode. (p. 56)

➥ Sets the keypad for numeral input.

(p. 12)

➥ Reverses the set mode selection order

after entering set mode. (p. 56)

Adjusts the squelch level increments.

(p. 15)

Decreases audio output level. (p. 15)

Adjusts the squelch level decrement.

(p. 15)

➥ Selects a memory channel for program-

ming. (p. 28)

➥ Advances the memory channel number

when continuously pushed after pro­gramming is completed. (p. 28)

DTMF memory encoder function OFF.

(p. 50)

Turns the subaudible tone encoder, pocket
beep or CTCSS/DTCS tone squelch OFF.

(pgs. 21, 53)

Mutes the audio. (p. 18)

• Mute function is released when any oper­ation is performed.

Sends a 1750 Hz tone signal for 0.5 sec.

(p. 23)

Locks the digit keys on the keypad (includ­ing the A to D, # and M keys). (p. 14)

After pushing :
Transmits the appropriate
DTMF code. (pgs. 23, 50)

KEY FUNCTION SECONDARY FUNCTION ( +key) OTHER FUNCTIONS

10

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

1

■ Optional Microphones

(HM-118N/TN/TAN)

qPTT SWITCH

Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.

wUP/DOWN SWITCHES [UP]/[DN]

➥ Push either switch to change operating frequency,

memory channel, set mode setting, etc.

(pgs. 12, 26, 56)

➥ Push either switch for 1 sec. to start scanning. (p. 41)

eUP/DN LOCK SWITCH

Slide to toggle [UP]/[DN] switches function ON and OFF.

rKEYPAD (HM-118TN/TAN only)

While pushing [PTT], push the desired key to send the
DTMF code.

w

q

ON

OFF

e

w

r

q

ON

OFF

e

• HM-118N

• HM-118TN/TAN

(DTMF)

11

SETTING A FREQUENCY

2

■ Preparation

D Turning power ON/OFF

➥ Push [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn power ON and OFF.

D Operating frequency band selection

The IC-208H has 2 m and 70 cm bands for transmission and
reception. In addition, extra frequency bands 127, 220, 350,
500 and 900 MHz bands are available for wide-band receiver
capability (except Taiwan and Korean version).

➥ Push [BAND] to select the desired frequency band.

➥ Push [BAND] to select the desired band.

D VFO and memory modes

The transceiver has 2 basic operating modes: VFO mode and
memory mode. Select VFO mode first to set an operating fre­quency.

➥ Push [V/MHz•SCAN] to select VFO mode.

• When VFO mode is already selected, the digit below 10 MHz
(the digit below 1 MHz or 100 kHz disappear depending on ver­sions) disappear. In this case, push [V/MHz•SCAN] again (or
twice or 3 times depending on version).

➥ Push [M/CALL•PRIO] to select memory mode.

•“!” indicator appears when memory mode is selected.

➥ Push [VFO/LOCK] to select VFO mode.
➥ Push [MR/CALL] to select memory mode.

VFO/LOCK

[V/MHz•SCAN]

[M/CALL•PRIO] Appears

BAND

[BAND]

[PWR]

Note that in this manual, sections beginning with a micro­phone icon (as above), designate operation via the HM-133
microphone.

12

2

SETTING A FREQUENCY

2

■ Using the tuning dial

qRotate [DIAL] to set the frequency.

• If VFO mode is not selected, push [V/MHz•SCAN] to select VFO
mode.

• The frequency changes in the selected tuning steps. (p. 13)

w

To change the frequency in 1 MHz (10 MHz for some versions)
steps, push [V/MHz•SCAN], then rotate [DIAL].

• Pushing [V/MHz•SCAN] for 1 sec. starts scan function. If scan
starts, push [V/MHz•SCAN] again to cancel it.

■ Using the [Y]/[Z] keys

➥ Push [Y] or [Z] to select the desired frequency.

• Pushing [Y]/[Z] for 1 sec. activates a scan. If scan
starts, push [Y]/[Z] or [

CLR

A(MW)] to cancel it.

■ Using the keypad

The frequency can be directly set via numeral keys on the mi­crophone.

z Push [VFO/LOCK] to select VFO mode, if neces-

sary.

x Push [

ENT

C(T-OFF)] to activate the keypad for

digit input.

c Push 6 keys to input a frequency.

• When a digit is mistakenly input, push [

ENT

C(T-OFF)]

to clear the input, then repeat input from the 1st digit.

• Pushing [

CLR

A(MW)] clears input digits and retrieves

the frequency.

Push

Push

Push

Push

[EXAMPLE]: Setting frequency to 145.3625 MHz.

ENT

C

YZ

While 1 MHz tuning step is
selected, the digit below
100 kHz disappear.

While 10 MHz tuning step
is selected, the digit below
1 MHz disappear.

[DIAL]

[V/MHz•SCAN]

13

2 SETTING A FREQUENCY

■ Tuning step selection

[

Tuning steps are the minimum frequency change increments
when you rotate [DIAL] or push [Y]/[Z] on the microphone.
Independent tuning step for each frequency bands can be set
for individual tuning convenience. The following tuning steps
are available.

• 5 kHz • 10 kHz • 12.5 kHz • 15 kHz

• 20 kHz • 25 kHz • 30 kHz • 50 kHz

• 100 kHz • 200 kHz

☞NOTE: For convenience, select a tuning step that matches

the frequency intervals of repeaters in your area.

q Push [BAND] to select the desired frequency band.

• Push [V/MHz•SCAN] to select VFO mode, if necessary.

wPush [SET•LOCK] to enter set mode.

ePush [SET•LOCK] or [S.MW•MW] several times until “TS”

appears as shown below.

rRotate [DIAL] to select the desired tuning step.
tPush [V/MHz•SCAN] to exit set mode.

z Push [BAND] to select the desired frequency

band.

• Push [VFO/LOCK] to VFO mode, if necessary.

x Push [

SET

B(D-OFF)] to enter set mode.

c Push [

SET

B(D-OFF)] or [

ENT

C(T-OFF)] several

times until “TS” appears.

v Push [Y] or [Z] to select the desired tuning step.
b Push [

CLR

A(MW)] to exit set mode.

SET

B

[SET•LOCK]

14

2

SETTING A FREQUENCY

2

■ Lock functions

To prevent accidental frequency changes and unnecessary
function access, use the lock function. The transceiver has 2
different lock functions.

D Frequency lock

This function locks [DIAL] and switches electronically and can
be used together with the microphone lock function.

➥ Push [SET•LOCK] for 1 sec. to turn the lock function ON

and OFF.

• [PTT], [MONI•DTMF] (monitor function only), [VOL] and [SQL]
can be used while the channel lock function is in use. Also,
TONE-1, TONE-2, DTMF tones or DTMF memory contents can
be transmitted from the microphone.

➥ Push [VFO/LOCK] for 1 sec. to switch the

lock function ON and OFF.

D Microphone keypad lock

This function locks the microphone keypad.

➥ Push [FUNC] then [

SQL

Z D(16KEY-L)] to

switch the microphone keypad lock function
ON and OFF.

• [PTT], [VFO/LOCK], [MR/CALL], [BAND], [Y], [Z],

[F-1], [F-2] and [FUNC] on the microphone can be
used.

• All switches on the transceiver can be used.

• The keypad lock function is released when the
power is turned OFF then ON again.

16KEY-L

VFO/LOCK

[SET•LOCK]

“L” appears