How to Use the Icom IC-8500 with an External SDR Receiver

The Icom IC-8500 is a powerful handheld transceiver that offers excellent reception quality and ease of use. One of its main advantages is its ability to be paired with an external Software Defined Radio (SDR) receiver, which can significantly enhance its capabilities. In this article, we will explore how to use the Icom IC-8500 with an external SDR receiver.

To get started, you will need a few pieces of equipment. First, you will need the WCS-R8500 programming software specifically designed for the Icom IC-8500. You will also need a USB-RTS01 cable and an RSP1 from SDRplay or any other compatible SDR receiver. The CAT interface is managed through the OmniRig software.

The first step is to configure the HDSDR program on your computer. This program allows you to control the Icom IC-8500 and receive signals from the external SDR receiver. You can also use the WCS-R8500 programming software to customize the settings of your radio.

One of the main benefits of using an external SDR receiver with the Icom IC-8500 is its ability to provide a powerful second receiver that can be controlled remotely through the CAT port. This allows you to match what you see on the screen with what you are receiving from the radio, providing a perfect match.

The signal from the SDR receiver can be sent to an external receiver, typically an SDR, through a common 50 Ohm line. You will also need to install drivers for your A/D converter for RF signals and demodulation software.

In this configuration, you sample the signal after the first IF mixer but before the bandpass filter, known as the 'roofing filter', and send it to your IFace interface. This is a broadband buffer that allows you to replicate the signal without overloading the mixer circuits.

The Icom IC-8500 can be used with any SDR receiver, not just the RSP1 from SDRplay. The IFace interface is used to add an SDR panadapter to any radio, present or future.

By using an external SDR receiver with your Icom IC-8500, you can unlock its full potential and enjoy enhanced reception quality and control. Whether you are a ham operator or simply interested in exploring the world of SDR receivers, this setup is definitely worth considering.

Ic 8500