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BASIC MANUAL VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER ID-52A PLUS ID-52E PLUS This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. WARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CELLULAR RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED UNDER FCC RULES AND FEDERAL LAW.
Thank you for choosing this Icom product. This product 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. This product combines traditional analog technologies with Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio (D-STAR), for a balanced package.
■ About UKCA DOC To obtain the UKCA Declaration of Conformity, please contact Icom UK Limited by email at info@icomuk.co.uk or alternatively call + 44(0) 1227 741741.
(As of June 2024) TIP: You can download each manual and guide from the Icom website: https://www.icomjapan.com/support/ Enter “ID-52A PLUS” or “ID-52E PLUS” into the Search box on the site. Basic manual (This manual) Instructions for basic operations and precautions.
■ Important Notes D When using the GPS receiver • GPS signals cannot pass through metal objects. When using the transceiver inside a vehicle, you may not receive GPS signals. We recommend you use it near a window. • The Global Positioning System (GPS) is built and operated by the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Download and install the RS-MS3W or RS-MS3A application software from the Icom website or Google Play. • See “About the DV Gateway function” that can be downloaded from the Icom website for details. Terminal mode The Terminal mode enables you to make a direct Gateway call through the Internet using a Windows or Android device.
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Waterfall display On the single band display, you can confirm the signal strengths over time by the waterfall display. (Advanced manual) When selecting a Band Scope zone Waterfall (with a line in orange) zone Scale Scale Share Pictures function You can send a picture that is saved onto a microSD card, and view a received picture, even if you do not use the RS-MS1A or the RS-MS1I.
Technology is licensed solely for use within ® registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth this Communications Equipment. SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Icom The user of this Technology is explicitly Inc. is under license. Other trademarks and prohibited from attempting to extract, remove,...
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R WARNING! NEVER operate or touch CAUTION: DO NOT operate the the transceiver with wet hands. This could transceiver if it becomes hot after cause an electric shock or damage the continuously transmitting for long periods of transceiver. time. This may damage the transceiver. R WARNING! NEVER operate the NEVER place in an insecure place to avoid transceiver with earphones, a headset, or...
If any of these other damage, the cells inside the battery conditions occur, contact your Icom dealer may rupture or catch fire. or distributor. R DANGER! NEVER leave the battery...
CAUTION: DO NOT charge the battery pack outside of the specified temperature range: 0˚C ~ 40˚C (32˚F ~ 104˚F). Icom recommends charging the pack at 25˚C (77˚F). The pack may heat up or rupture if charged out of the specified temperature range.
■ Table of contents ■ Important ......... i BASIC OPERATION ������������������������ 11 ■ Features .......... i ■ Receiving ........11 ■ Dualwatch operation ....11 ■ Explicit definitions......i ■ Supplied accessories ......ii D Turning Dualwatch ON or OFF ..11 ■...
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RECORDING A QSO ONTO A D-STAR GUIDE microSD CARD ������������������������������� 25 INTRODUCTION ������������������������������������� 41 ■ About the microSD card ....25 ■ Unique features of D-STAR ..41 ■ Setting the Record operation ..26 ■ What is D-STAR? ......42 ■...
Hold down to transmit, release to • Lights red while transmitting. receive. • Lights green while receiving a signal, L For the ID-52E PLUS only or when the squelch is open. Push briefly and release, and then 7 RX CALL SIGN DISPLAY • D-PAD hold down to transmit a 1750 Hz (LEFT) KEY [CD]/D-pad()
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PANEL DESCRIPTION 17 RX CALL SIGN CAPTURE • D-PAD 11 ENTER KEY [ENT] (UP) KEY [RX→CS]/D-pad() Push to set the selected item or option. z In the DR screen, MENU screen, or 12 DR • D-PAD (DOWN) KEY Quick Menu window, push to move [DR]/D-pad() the value or option selector bar up.
PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Function display 1 2 6 7 8 10 11 14 16 Single band display FM RADIO window Dual band display (Tuning mode) 1 BATTERY ICON 7 FM RADIO ICON Displays the current capacity of the Displayed when the FM radio is ON. attached battery pack.
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TIP: See “About the DV Gateway selected Memory group and Memory function” that can be downloaded channel number. from the Icom website. • In the Call Channel mode, displays “144” or “430” and “C0” or “C1.” 21 FREQUENCY SELECTING MODE ICONS •...
INITIAL SETUP Before starting using the transceiver, follow these steps for the initial setup. Attaching the battery pack and charging the battery. (pp. 5, 6) STEP 1 Inserting a microSD card. (p. 7) STEP 2 Turning ON the transceiver. (p. 7) STEP 3 Adjusting the audio level.
INITIAL SETUP ■ Charging the battery pack D Capacity of the battery pack ICON BATTERY STATUS The battery has sufficient capacity. The battery is exhausted a little. The battery is nearing exhaustion. (green) The battery is almost fully exhausted. L Immediately charge the battery pack. Otherwise, the icon will soon start blinking, “LOW BATTERY”...
INITIAL SETUP ■ Inserting a microSD card See page 25 for the usable microSD card. Turn OFF the transceiver. Pull down the [microSD] slot cover on the side panel. With the terminals facing the front, insert the card into the slot until it locks in place and makes a ‘click’...
INITIAL SETUP ■ Saving the setting data onto a microSD card You can save the Memory channels, MENU screen item settings, repeater lists, and so on, onto a microSD card. Saving settings onto a card enables you to easily restore the transceiver to its previous settings, even if you perform an All Reset.
INITIAL SETUP ■ Saving the setting data onto a microSD card D Saving the setting data [MENU] > SET > SD Card > Save Setting Push [MENU]. Select “SD Card” in the “SET” menu. Select “Save Setting.” Select “<<New File>>.” •...
INITIAL SETUP ■ Confirming the GPS is receiving signals The transceiver has a built-in GPS receiver. You can check your current location, and transmit GPS data in the DV mode. See the Advanced manual for details. Confirm the GPS receiver is receiving satellite data. The GPS icon blinks when searching for satellites.
• Setting a squelch level. (p. 12) ■ Dualwatch operation The Dualwatch function simultaneously monitors 2 frequencies. The ID-52A PLUS/ID-52E PLUS has 2 independent receiver circuits, A band and B band. band You can set different frequencies or operating modes in each band.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Monitor function The Monitor function is used to listen to weak signals without changing the squelch setting. z While holding down [SQL], you can hear weak signals on the frequency. TIP: You can set the Monitor Hold function on the MENU screen.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Quick Menu window You can open the Quick Menu window by pushing [QUICK]. In the window, the selectable items may differ, depending on the operating mode or function. The items listed below are examples. VFO mode Memory mode Call CH mode Weather CH mode* DR function...
BASIC OPERATION ■ Selecting the Frequency Selecting mode D VFO mode Rotate [DIAL] to set an operating frequency. L In the VFO mode, is displayed. Memory mode Select a Memory channel where an operating frequency and other parameters are saved. L In the Memory mode, and the Memory Channel number are displayed.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Selecting the operating band Push [VFO/MHz] to select the VFO mode. Push [QUICK]. Select “Band Select.” Select the desired frequency band. • Sets the operating band, then returns to the standby screen. L Selectable frequency bands differ, depending on the transceiver version.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Setting a frequency D Selecting a tuning step When you select the frequency by rotating [DIAL] in the VFO mode, it changes in the selected tuning step. Push [QUICK]. Select “TS.” Select a tuning step. Options (kHz): 6.25 8.33* 10.0...
BASIC OPERATION ■ Scan operation Scanning is a versatile function that can automatically search for signals. A scan makes it easier to locate stations to contact or listen to, or to skip unwanted channels or frequencies. This section describes the basic scan operation. See the Advanced manual for details.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Home Channel function You can set an often-used frequency, Memory channel, or repeater as a Home Channel in VFO mode, Memory mode, and DR screen. When a Home CH is selected by rotating [DIAL], a beep sounds. You will know the Home CH selection without looking at the display.
BASIC OPERATION ■ Transmitting D Making a simplex call Select the operating mode. (p. 15) Rotate [DIAL] to set the operating frequency. (p. 16) Hold down [ ] for 1 second to select an output TX/RX indicator power. • The Select Output Power window is displayed. [DIAL] L Information •...
BASIC OPERATION ■ FM Radio operation D Turning ON the FM Radio Push [QUICK]. Select “<<FM Radio ON>>.” • Returns to the standby screen, and the FM RADIO window is displayed. • is displayed. TIP: To turn OFF the FM Radio, push [QUICK], and then select “<<FM Radio OFF>>.”...
MENU SCREEN You can open the MENU screen by pushing [MENU]. You can use the MENU screen to set infrequently changed values or function settings. See the appendix for the MENU item list. (p. 71) For details of each item, see the Advanced manual. The MENU screen TIP: The MENU screen is constructed in a tree structure.
MENU SCREEN D Selecting a Menu item Example: Set “Auto Power OFF” to “30 min.” [MENU] > SET > Time Set > Auto Power OFF Push [MENU]. Select “SET.” Select “Time Set.” Select “Auto Power OFF.” Select “30min.” • Sets the option, then goes back to a tree level. (The TIME SET screen is displayed.) L To exit the MENU screen, push [MENU].
MEMORY OPERATION ■ Entering Memory channels The transceiver has a total of 1000 Memory channels to save often-used frequencies. In the Memory mode, you can quickly select the saved memories. This section describes the basic channel content entry. Example: Entering 146.030 MHz/FM mode into Channel 11 in Group 01. Push [VFO/MHz] to enter the VFO mode.
MEMORY OPERATION ■ Selecting a Memory channel In the Memory mode, you can select the Memory channels by rotating [DIAL]. Push [MR] to enter the Memory mode. L For only the ID-52A PLUS, pushing [MR] alternately selects the Memory and Weather Channel modes.
• When reading or writing data is impossible, the card’s lifetime has ended. In this case, purchase a new one. We recommend you make a backup file of the important data onto your PC. • Icom will not be responsible for any damage caused by data corruption of a card.
RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD ■ Setting the Record operation You can select whether or not to start or stop an audio recording only on the MAIN band. [MENU] > RECORD > QSO Recorder > Recorder Set > REC Operation Push [MENU].
RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD ■ Recording a QSO audio NOTE: • Once a voice recording starts, the Recording function will be continuously turned ON until you stop recording, even if you turn OFF the transceiver. • FM Radio audio cannot be recorded. Push [QUICK].
RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD ■ Removing the microSD card D Removing while the transceiver is OFF Push in Turn OFF the transceiver. Open the [microSD] slot cover. Push in the microSD card until a ‘click’ sounds, and then carefully pull it out.
GPS OPERATION NOTE: The built-in GPS receiver cannot calculate its location if it cannot receive signals from the GPS satellites. Refer to page iv for details. ■ Checking your location You can check your current location. If you transmit while displaying the GPS POSITION screen, the screen closes. To check your current location or caller’s location while transmitting, push [QUICK], then select “GPS Position.”...
L The log files may not be compatible with all mapping software. L See “Using the GPS Logger function” that can be downloaded from the Icom website for details on copying the log files onto your PC.
Bluetooth OPERATION ® The transceiver has a built-in Bluetooth unit. You can connect Bluetooth headsets or other Bluetooth devices. When you connect a Bluetooth headset to the transceiver, you can wirelessly transmit and receive it. Refer to the Advanced manual for more details on the Bluetooth function or VS-3 operation.
Device name while connected. Headset icon (“ICOM” indicates the Icom headset.) To exit the MENU screen, push [MENU]. is displayed while L While connected to a Bluetooth device, the Bluetooth connected. icon is displayed on the Standby screen.
Bluetooth OPERATION ® ■ Disconnecting a Bluetooth device ® You can disconnect a paired Bluetooth device if it is not being used. [MENU] > SET > Bluetooth Set > Pairing/Connect Push [MENU]. Select “Bluetooth Set” in the “SET” menu. Select “Pairing/Connect.” •...
±2.5 ppm (–20°C ~ +60°C, –4°F ~ +140°F) • Power supply: 10.0 ~ 16.0 V DC for external DC power 7.4 V DC specified Icom’s battery pack 5.5 V DC specified Icom’s battery case • Current drain (at 7.4 V DC): Transmit (at 5 W) 2.5 A or less...
L Maximum headsets or data devices are 4 devices each, and the maximum combination is 5 devices in total. Maximum Bluetooth Low Energy devices are 2 devices. • Device Name: ICOM BT(ID-52) (at default) • Passkey: 0000 (four zeros) Fuse Coding explanation...
MAINTENANCE ■ Resetting Occasionally, erroneous information is displayed when, for example, first applying power. This may be caused externally by static electricity or by other factors. If this problem occurs, perform a Partial reset or an All reset. BE CAREFUL! An All reset clears all programming and returns all settings to the factory defaults.
If you are unable to locate the cause of a problem or solve it through the use of this chart, contact your nearest Icom Dealer or Service Center. L “AM” indicates the PDF type Advanced Manual. Transceiver does not turn ON.
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MAINTENANCE ■ Troubleshooting L “AM” indicates the PDF type Advanced Manual. A Program Scan does not start. “No SD Card is found.” is displayed. z A microSD card is not recognized. z The VFO mode is not selected. → Confirm that a microSD card is →...
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION ■ Unique features of D-STAR • Easy Cross band operation through the repeater! INTERNET INTERNET 430 MHz 430 MHz 1200 MHz 1200 MHz CQCQ CQCQ CQCQ CQCQ • Easy call sign entry with the Repeater list or TX/RX History! •...
INTRODUCTION ■ What is D-STAR? • D-STAR is a digital protocol standard developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League (JARL). The system includes the DV mode for Digital Voice and the DD mode for Digital Data communications. • D-STAR supports the DV mode at 4.8 kbps. Your call sign data, and either a short message, or GPS data can be transmitted simultaneously with your voice signal.
INTRODUCTION IMPORTANT! Before starting D-STAR, the following steps are needed. STEP 1. Enter your call sign (MY) into the transceiver. (p. 45) STEP 2. Register your call sign (MY) to a gateway repeater. (p. 47) STEP 3. Enter your D-STAR equipment into your registration form. (p. 48) ►...
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INTRODUCTION Local Area call Access repeater Area 1 repeater Area 1 Gateway call Area 1 Area 2 repeater repeater Area 1 Area 2 Simplex call NOTE: • Using the repeater list is required to use the DR function. (p. 66) •...
INTRODUCTION ■ Enter your call sign (MY) into the transceiver To operate D-STAR, you must first enter your call sign into the MY call sign memory. You can enter up to 6 MY call signs. NOTE: • Your MY call sign must match the call sign registered on a gateway repeater. (p. 47) •...
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INTRODUCTION How to enter characters: [DIAL] (Rotate) Selects a character Selects a character Clears Cancels Moves the cursor to the left Moves the cursor to the right [ENT] Selects a Opens the Entry Select window* Sets character • Continuously holding down [CLR] clears characters. •...
INTRODUCTION ■ Register your call sign at a gateway repeater To make a Gateway call through the Internet, you must register your call sign at a repeater that has a gateway, usually one near you. About the registration process described: This section describes the call sign registration process at a repeater that is connected to the US Trust server.
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INTRODUCTION Step 3: Register your personal information After your registration is approved, log in your personal account with your registered call sign and password. Click (Sample) Step 4: Register your D-Star equipment Register your D-STAR equipment information. Ask the gateway repeater administrator for details.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Making a Simplex call This section describes the simplex operation (through no repeater). NOTE: The frequencies may be different, depending on the transceiver’s version. Check for usable frequencies for your operating area. What is a Simplex Call? A simplex call is a direct call to another station on a single frequency, not using a repeater.
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D-STAR OPERATION To make a Simplex call in the VFO mode Push [VFO/MHz] to enter the VFO mode. Rotate [DIAL] to set the operating frequency. (p. 16) Push [MODE] to set the operating mode to DV. Hold down [LO] for 1 second to set an output power. (p. 19) Hold down [PTT] to transmit, and speak into the microphone at your normal voice level.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Accessing repeaters This section describes how to check whether or not you can access your local area repeater (access repeater), and your signal is successfully sent to a destination repeater. TIP: If your call sign (MY) has not been set, or your call sign and D-STAR equipment have not been registered at a D-STAR repeater, see pages 45 ~ 48.
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D-STAR OPERATION Step 3: Check whether you can access the repeater. Hold down [PTT] for 1 second to access the repeater. If you get a reply call, or “UR?” is displayed within 3 seconds, your signal reached your access repeater and your call was successfully sent from your destination repeater. TIP: See page 65 for status indications after a reply is received.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Receiving When a DV call is received, the call signs of the caller, the called station, and the called station’s access repeater are saved in the RX History. Up to 50 calls can be saved. Even if you turn OFF the transceiver, the RX History is retained. This section describes how to display the RX History screen and how to save the call sign to your memory.
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D-STAR OPERATION Step 2: Save the destination call sign into your call sign memory from RX History. Push D-pad() to select the RX HISTORY record with the call sign that you want to save to memory. Push [ENT]. • Displays the RX HISTORY DETAIL screen. Push [QUICK].
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Capturing a call sign After you receive a signal, the calling station’s call sign can be captured by holding down the Call Sign Capture key ([RX→CS]) for 1 second. After releasing, you can quickly and easily reply to the call. What is the Call Sign Capture key? Holding down the Call Sign Capture key for 1 second sets the last received station’s call sign as a temporary destination, and makes replying quick and easy.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Making a Local CQ call You can make a Local CQ call when “Local CQ” is set to “TO” (Destination). What is a Local CQ Call? To call a CQ through only your local area (access) repeater. Step 1: Set “FROM”...
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Making a Gateway CQ call You can make a Gateway CQ call when a destination repeater is selected in “TO” (Destination). What is a Gateway CQ call? • To call a CQ through a repeater connected to the Internet. •...
D-STAR OPERATION ■ Calling an individual station You can make a call to an individual station when the station call sign is selected in “TO” (Destination). When you call an individual station through a gateway, your call is automatically sent to the last repeater that the station accessed.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ About reflectors D What is a reflector? A reflector is a special server connected to the Internet and running a version of the D-Plus software. If the D-Plus software is installed on your Access repeater, it provides various functions including gateway and reflector linking capabilities (It is known as the D-STAR reflector system).
D-STAR OPERATION D Linking to a reflector If your repeater is not currently linked to a reflector, or if you want to change it to another reflector, follow the steps below. Before linking to another reflector, BE SURE to unlink the current reflector.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ About reflectors D Using a reflector Push D-pad() to select “TO,” and then push [ENT]. Select “Reflector.” Select “Use Reflector.” • Returns to the DR screen, and “Use Reflector” and “CQCQCQ” are displayed in “TO.” Hold down [PTT] to transmit. •...
D-STAR OPERATION D Reflector Echo Testing To confirm that your signal is correctly getting into the repeater, you can transmit a short message as a trial. After releasing [PTT], your message will be played back. Push D-pad() to select “TO,” and then push [ENT]. Select “Reflector.”...
D-STAR OPERATION ■ “FROM” (Access repeater) setting By rotating [DIAL]: Select a preset repeater by rotating [DIAL] on the DR screen. When you know your access repeater: From the repeater list: When your access repeater is in your transceiver’s repeater list, you can select it by selecting the repeater area and name, if entered, or call sign.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ “TO” (Destination) setting TIP: After you receive the individual By rotating [DIAL]: station or repeater’s signal, the call sign Select a repeater or Your Call Sign that is displayed by rotating [DIAL] on the can be captured by holding down the Call Sign Capture key ([RX→CS]), and DR screen.
D-STAR OPERATION ■ When receiving no reply To communicate through the repeater, your signal must access to the repeater. The following chart is designed to help you correct problems which are not equipment malfunctions. “AM” indicates the PDF type Advanced manual. PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION...
NOTE: • Before using a microSD card, see page 25 for details of a card. • See “Updating the repeater list” that can be downloaded from the Icom website about how to update the repeater list using a microSD card.
INDEX INDEX 1 MHz tuning ���������������������������������������������� 16 DC IN jack ���������������������������������������������������� 2 Default setting��������������������������������������������� 22 A band ���������������������������������������������������������11 DIAL �������������������������������������������������������������� 2 Accessories ���������������������������������������������������ii DOC ���������������������������������������������������������������ii Access Point mode ��������������������������������������� v DR function ������������������������������������������� 14, 43 Access repeater������������������������������������������ 51 DR key ���������������������������������������������������������� 2 AM ��������������������������������������������������������������...
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INDEX MENU List ��������������������������������������������������������� 71 Save Setting ������������������������������������������������� 9 MENU key ����������������������������������������������� 1 SCAN key ����������������������������������������������������� 1 MENU screen ���������������������������������������� 21 Scan operation ������������������������������������������� 17 Operation ����������������������������������������������� 21 Screen Capture �������������������������������������������� 1 Selecting a item ������������������������������������� 22 SD card microSD card Formatting �����������������������������������������������...
ABOUT THE LICENSES Information on the open source software being used For the purposes of this copyright and license, by this product� “Contributing Authors” is defined as the following set COPYRIGHT NOTICE, DISCLAIMER, and LICENSE: of individuals: If you modify libpng you may insert additional Andreas Dilger notices immediately following this sentence�...
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ABOUT THE LICENSES ZLIB DATA COMPRESSION LIBRARY - For 64-bit Irix, deflate.c must be compiled without any zlib 1�2�8 is a general purpose data compression optimization� With - O, one libpng test fails� The test library� All the code is thread safe� The data format works in 32 bit mode (with the -n32 compiler flag).
MENU SCREEN ITEMS When pushing [MENU], the following MENU items are displayed. Refer to the Advanced manual for each menu item’s details. VOICE SCOPE Record TX Set DV GW Repeat Time <<Terminal Mode>> TX Monitor <<Access Point Mode>> <<Single TX>> DV Gateway Connection <<Repeat TX>>...
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MENU SCREEN ITEMS SET > DUP/TONE... SET > DV Set Offset Freq Tone Control Repeater Tone RX Bass TSQL Freq RX Treble Tone Burst RX Bass Boost DTCS Code TX Bass DTCS Polarity TX Treble Digital Code Auto Reply SET > Scan DV Data TX Pause Timer DV Fast Data...
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MENU SCREEN ITEMS SET > Function SET > Display Power Save Backlight Monitor Backlight Timer Dial Speed-UP Brightness Auto Repeater* Dim Screen Remote MIC Key Dim Timer During RX/Standby Brightness (Dim) During TX Screen Saver Key Lock Background Color PTT Lock Contrast Busy Lockout Busy LED...
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Band Edge Beep AF Output Scan Stop Beep Headset Function Select Standby Beep Auto Disconnect Sub Band Mute SET > Time Set Icom Headset Date/Time Data Device Set GPS Time Correct Serialport Function UTC Offset Bluetooth Device Information Auto Power OFF Initialize Bluetooth Device SET >...
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