Icom Ic_r20 Communications Reciever Instruction Manual

							INSTRUCTION MANUAL
iR20COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is sub-
ject 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.
WARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CEL-
LULAR RADIO TELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED
UNDER FCC RULES AND FEDERAL LAW.  
						

							i
FOREWORDThank you for purchasing this Icom product. The IC-R20 
COM
-
MUNICATIONS RECEIVER
is designed and built with Icom’s supe-
rior 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-R20 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-R20.D D
FEATURES
❍Covers 0.150–3304.999 MHz* wide 
frequency range
*Some frequency bands are inhibited according to version
❍External power supply operation
❍1250 memory channels* with 26 banks
available
*200 auto write and 50 scan edge channels are included.
❍Built-in bar-antenna 
❍
Dualwatch operation
IMPORTANTREAD ALL INSTRUCTIONS
carefully and completely
before using the receiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—
This in-
struction manual contains important operating instructions for
the IC-R20.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS
Versions of the IC-R20 which display the “CE” symbol on the
serial number seal, comply with the essential requirements
of the European Radio and Telecommunication Terminal Di-
rective 1999/5/EC, and that any applicable Essential Test
Suite measurements have been performed.
WORD DEFINITION
RWARNING!
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, Ger-
many, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries. 
						

							RWARNING! NEVER
operate the receiver with an
earphone, headphones or other audio accessories at high
volume levels. Hearing experts advise against continuous
high volume operation. If you experience a ringing in your
ears, reduce the volume level or discontinue use.
RWARNING! NEVER
connect the receiver directly to
an AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an elec-
tric shock.
RWARNING! NEVER
operate the receiver while dri-
ving a vehicle. Safety driving requires your full attention—any-
thing less may result in an accident.
RWARNING! NEVER
throw a battery cell or battery
pack into a fire since as internal battery gas can cause an ex-
plosion.
RWARNING! NEVER
disassemble the battery pack.
If the battery cell’s internal material (electrolyte liquid) gets
into your eyes, wash your eyes with water and obtain treat-
ment from an eye doctor immediately.
NEVER
connect the receiver directly to a power source of
more than 6 V DC. This will damage the receiver.
NEVER
connect the receiver to a power source using re-
verse polarity. This will damage the receiver.
NEVER
expose the receiver to rain, snow or any liquids.
The receiver may be damaged.
NEVER
operate or touch the receiver with wet hands. This
may result in an electric shock or damage the receiver.
NEVER
solder the battery cell. This may damage the bat-
tery.
AVOID
using or placing the receiver in direct sunlight or in
areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14˚F) or above
+60°C (+140˚F).
AVOID
the use of chemical agents such as benzine or al-
cohol in cleaning, as they can damage the receiver’s sur-
faces.
Even when the receiver power is OFF, a slight current still
flows in the circuits. Remove the battery pack or batteries
from the receiver while not using it for a long time. Otherwise,
the installed battery pack or batteries will become exhausted,
and will need to be recharged.
RESPECT
other people’s privacy. Information overheard
but not intended for you cannot lawfully be used in any way.
For U.S.A. only
CAUTION:
Changes or modifications to this device, not
expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to
operate this device under FCC regulations.
ii
PRECAUTION 
						

							iii
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIESqAntenna ………………………………………………………1
wBelt clip (MB-98) …………………………………………1 set
eBattery spacer ………………………………………………1
rHand strap  …………………………………………………1
tBattery pack* (BP-206) ……………………………………1
yAC adaptor*(BC-149A/D)  …………………………………1(The shape of the BC-149A and BC-149D are different.)
*Not supplied with some versions.
OPERATING THEORYElectromagnetic radiation which has frequencies of
20,000 Hz (20 kHz*) and above is called radio frequency (RF)
energy because it is useful in radio transmissions. The IC-
R20 receives RF energy from 0.150 MHz* to 3304.999 MHz
and converts it into audio frequency (AF) energy which in turn
actuates a loudspeaker to create sound waves. AF energy is
in the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz.*kHz is an abbreviation of kilohertz or 1000 hertz, MHz is abbreviation
of megahertz or 1,000,000 hertz, where hertz is a unit of frequency.OPERATING NOTESThe IC-R20 may receive its own oscillated frequency, result-
ing in no reception or only noise reception, on some frequen-
cies.
The IC-R20 may receive interference from extremely strong
signals on different frequencies or when using an external
high-gain antenna.
qw e
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t 
						

							iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
123456789101112131415
FOREWORD ................................................... i
IMPORTANT ................................................... i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................ i
PRECAUTION ................................................ ii
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES .......................... iii
OPERATING THEORY .................................. iii
OPERATING NOTES .................................... iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................ iv
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ................. I–VIII ■Preparations ............................................ I
■ Your  first scanning experience .............. IV
■ Memory programming ........................... VI
■ Programmed scan operation................ VII
1P ANEL DESCRIPTION ......................... 1–7
■ Front, top and side panels ..................... 1
■ Function display ..................................... 6
2BATTERY INSTALLATION/CHARGING
... 8–10
■ Battery installation .................................. 8
■ Caution ................................................... 9
■ Battery charging ..................................... 9
3 FREQUENCY AND CHANNEL SETTING
.......................................................... 11–16
■ Mode selection...................................... 11
■ Operating band selection ..................... 12
■ Setting a tuning step............................. 14
■ Setting a frequency .............................. 14
■ Receive mode selection ....................... 16
■ Lock function ........................................ 16
4 BASIC OPERATION ......................... 17–23
■Receiving.............................................. 17
■ Setting audio volume ............................ 17
■ Squelch level setting ............................ 18
■ Monitor function .................................... 18
■ Attenuator function ............................... 19 ■
RF gain ................................................. 19
■ Duplex operation .................................. 20
■ AFC function......................................... 21
■ NB/ANL functions ................................. 21
■ Band scope .......................................... 22
■ [DIAL] function assignment .................. 23
5 DUALWATCH OPERATION ............. 24–25
■Main band selection ............................. 24
■ Band exchange .................................... 24
■ Setting audio volume ............................ 25
■ Squelch level setting ............................ 25
6 MEMORY CHANNELS ...................... 26–33
■General description .............................. 26
■ Memory channel programming............. 26
■ Memory bank setting ............................ 27
■ Memory bank selection ........................ 28
■ Programming memory/bank name ....... 29
■
Selecting memory/bank name indication.....
30
■ Copying memory contents.................... 31
■ Memory clearing ................................... 32
■ Erasing/transferring bank contents....... 33
7 SCAN OPERATION  .......................... 34–41
■Scan types............................................ 34
■ Full/band/programmed scan................. 35
■ Scan edges programming .................... 36
■ Memory/bank/all bank scan.................. 37
■ Auto-memory write scan....................... 38
■ Skip channel/frequency setting ............ 39
■ Scan resume condition ......................... 40
8 PRIORITY WATCH ........................... 42–44
■Priority watch types .............................. 42
■ Priority watch operation ........................ 43
9 COMFORTABLE RECEIVING........... 45–48
■ Tone/DTCS squelch operation ............. 45 ■
Tone squelch frequency/DTCS code set-
ting........................................................ 46
■ DTCS polarity setting ........................... 47
■ Tone scan ............................................. 48
10 SET MODE  ....................................... 49–59 ■General................................................. 49
■ Set mode items .................................... 50
11 OTHER FUNCTIONS ........................ 60–67
■Antenna selection ................................. 60
■ Weather channel operation .................. 61
■ Data cloning ......................................... 62
■ Auto power-off function......................... 63
■ IC recorder ........................................... 64
■ Partial reset .......................................... 67
■ All reset ................................................ 68
12 CONTROL COMMAND .................... 68–69 ■General................................................. 68
■ Data format........................................... 68
■ Command table .................................... 68
13 FREQUENCY TABLE ....................... 70–77 ■TV channels ......................................... 70
■ VHF marine channels ........................... 73
■ Weather channels................................. 73
■ Other communications in the USA ....... 74
■
Other communications—other countries
.... 76
14 MAINTENANCE ...................................... 78 ■Troubleshooting .................................... 78
15 SPECIFICATIONS .................................. 79
16 OPTIONS ................................................ 80
17 DRIVER INSTALLATION ........................ 81
18 POCKET GUIDE  ..................................... 92
19 CE ........................................................... 94
16171819 
						

							I
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
■PreparationsDBatteries installationqRemove the battery cover from the receiver.
wFor alkaline battery use, attach the supplied battery spacer.
eInstall 3 R6 (AA) size alkaline batteries.•Be sure to observe the correct polarity.Keep the battery contacts clean to avoid rust or poor contact.
It’s a good idea to clean the battery terminals once a week.
D D
Battery pack installationqRemove the battery cover from the receiver.
wRemove the supplied battery spacer for R6 (AA) size bat-
tery use.
eInstall the Li-Ion battery pack (BP-206).
•Be sure to observe the correct direction.
•Charge Li-Ion battery pack (BP-206) before use. (Refer to p. IV
for charging instructions.)
DHandstrapSlide the handstrap through the loop on the top of the rear
panel as illustrated at below. Facilitates carrying.•Battery pack installation
•Battery pack removal
qw
e 
						

							II
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
DBelt clip
Conveniently attaches to your belt.
Attach the belt clip with the supplied screws using a phillips
screwdriver.DSwivel belt clip (Option)The optional swivel belt clip (MB-86) is useful for easy
attaching/detaching the receiver to/from the belt.
qAttach the stopper with the supplied screws using a phillips
screwdriver.wClip the belt clip to your belt.
eInsert the receiver into the end of
the clip as shown at right.
•Once the receiver is locked in
place, it will swivel 360 degrees.
Quick reference guide 
						

							III
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
To remove:rTurn the receiver upside down, and then lift to release the
receiver from the belt clip as shown at upper right.
D D
AntennaInsert the supplied antenna into
the antenna connector and
screw down the antenna as
shown at right.
NEVERhold the antenna when
carrying the receiver.
✔For your information
Third-party antennas may in-
crease receiver performance. 
						

							IV
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
DCharging the battery
qInstall the battery pack (BP-206).
wPlug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.
eTurn OFF the receiver, then insert the adaptor plug into the
[DC] jack of the receiver.
R R
WARNING!:
NEVERattempt to charge any other batteries. Because
the IC-R20 can charge the BP-206 only.
Keepthe jack cover attached when jack is not in use to pro-
tect the connectors from dust and moisture.
■Your first scanning
experienceNow that you have your IC-R20 ready, you are probably ex-
cited to start listening. We would like to take you through a
few basic operation steps to make your first “Scanning Expe-
rience” enjoyable.DAbout default settingThe frequency control ([R-DIAL]) function can be traded with
volume control ([L-DIAL]and [Y Y
]/[Z Z
]keys) function by push-
ing for 1 sec. [1 DIAL.SEL]. However, in this QUICK REF-
ERENCE GUIDE, the factory default setting ([R-DIAL]sets
operating frequency) is used for simple instruction.
123
4560
789BANDDUALWATCH
MAIN/SUB
POWER
VFO
MHzMODE
SCANMR
S.MW
SCOPE
LOCK
RECAFC
SQL
To p
Left
Front
IC-R20
to [DC]
jack
Optional CP-18A/E
Cigarette lighter cable 
with DC-DC converter
AC adaptor
BC-149A/Dto cigarette 
lighter socket
to AC outlet
Charging periods: 8 hours (w/BP-206)
Turn power 
OFF.
Quick reference guide 
						

							V
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
DBasic operation1. Turning ON the receiver➥Push [POWER]for 1 sec. to
turn the power ON.2. Adjusting audio level➥Rotate [L-DIAL](or push [Y Y
]/
[Z Z
]) to set the desired audio
level.3. Adjusting squelch level➥While pushing [SQL], rotate [R-
DIAL]to set the squelch level.
4. Tune the desired frequencyThe tuning dial will allow you to dial in the frequency you want
to operate. Pages 9 and 15 will instruct you on how to set the
tuning speed.
[Using the tuning dial]
qPush [BAND]several times
to select the desired fre-
quency band.•While pushing [BAND], rotate
[R-DIAL]also select frequency
band.wRotate [R-DIAL]to set the
desired receive frequency.•Push [VFO MHz]for 1 sec. then
rotate [R-DIAL]to change the
frequency in 1 MHz steps, or
push for 1 sec. again then rotate
[R-DIAL]to change the fre-
quency in 10 MHz steps. (Each
push for 1 sec. toggles 1 MHz or
10 MHz tuning steps.)
123
4560
789BANDDUALWATCH
MAIN/SUB
POWER
VFO
MHzMODE
SCANMR
S.MW
SCOPE
LOCK
RECAFC
VFO
MHz
To p
Front
123
4560
789BANDDUALWATCH
MAIN/SUB
POWER
VFO
MHzMODE
SCANMR
S.MW
SCOPE
LOCK
RECAFC
BAND
To p
Front
SQUELCH:LEVEL9√MODE
ANLAFC TSQL
FM
146010
PSKIP
-DUP
SQLLeftTo p
√VOL
To p
Left
√MODE
ANLAFC TSQL
FM
146010
PSKIP
-DUP
123
4560
789BANDDUALWATCH
MAIN/SUB
POWER
POWER
VFO
MHzMODE
SCANMR
S.MW
SCOPE
LOCK
RECAFC
Front