SMART CHOICE! SERIES

step guide

to choosing the right

MOBILE RADIO
Choosing the proper radio affects: The safety of your staff Your teams effectiveness Protability Thats why Icom makes a wide range of radios. Use this guide to help choose the features you need while remaining affordable and cost-effective. Lets get started!
RADIOS FOR PEOPLE WHO MAKE SMART CHOICES

STEP 1: FORM FACTOR

Chassis The internal frame of the radio could be metal or plastic. Plastic retains heat, and heat kills electronics. Metal is an efcient heat sink, meaning it helps dissipate heat quickly. Metal also provides a good ground plane for optimum performance. Separate sections within the chassis shield the transmitter and receiver sections. From most basic to most advanced, every Icom radio features a one-piece, diecast aluminum chassis for strength, durability, and performance. Case The outer shells are usually various grades of high impact plastic materials. Rough use requires the best materials for long life. Military-tough polycarbonate shells protect every current Icom radio model. Mil-Spec (MIL-STD) rating Test standards set by the U.S. Military. Mil-spec radios have a rugged design to provide reliable performance, even in the most demanding industrial and public safety applications. Many Icom mobile radio model have passed a series of demanding MIL-STD tests, better known as 810 C/D/E & F. From salt-fog exposure to oven temperatures to rain to freezer conditions, count on Icom! Size Varies from large to compact. Some mobile radios have removable displays for remote mounting of the body under the seat or in the trunk to preserve space in the cockpit. Volume knob Allows for adjusting the volume without looking. Up-down volume buttons require looking at the radio. Rotary channel knob Selects an operating channel that has been pre-programmed to a specic frequency by your dealer. Similar to a TV channel selector. A bumper at the lower and upper limits and individual detents (clicks) in-between provide tactical feedback during channel changes. Backlit keys Makes night time or dark cabin operations easier.
Easy to use knobs While on the move, a volume and tuning knob is easier and safer to operate than up/down buttons.
* N/A in all the charts refers to items that are not applicable.
Feature Metal chassis Tough exteriior Mil-Spec performance Rotary channel selector Volume Knob

Required

Optional
STEP 2: MEMORY CHANNELS & SCANNING
Number of memory channels The number of channels varies from 8, 128, 250, 256 and 512 by model. Simple applications need a few channels; more complex schemes require more channels. Store your frequencies in many combinations of operating parameters (i.e. power, signaling, scan, etc). Store frequencies you use in other locations. Store frequencies to be used during shared response to incidents in various locations, etc. Dynamic bank conguration/scan Multiple memory channel banks. Assign any quantity of memory channels to a bank for partitioning multiple channels into clearly dened groups. Example: Bank 1 is EMT, Bank 2 is FD District 4, etc. Tactical Group Function Allows you to copy memory channels into a new memory zone without using PC programming to construct a temporary work group on site for working with inter-organization groups, in large scale disasters (i.e. hurricane, ood, etc.) Display A visual display is helpful when navigating your channel scheme. Allows entry of upper and lower case characters for easy channel bank tag identication. It also shows the operating status of your radio. As in other devices you may own, a visual display is a useful item. Scan Similar to your cars AM/FM radio, a land mobile radio scans the designated memory channels for radio trafc, stops to listen, and resumes scan unless you answer. If you work with multiple channels, you need the scan feature. Priority scan Channel or frequency checking of an assigned channel. A great feature, when a highly important frequency needs to be continually checked for activity. Users can assign two channels as priority channel on some radios. Priority (home) channel Enables instant access to either of the 2 priority (home) channels regardless of memory location. Busy channel lockout Disables transmitter from use to prohibit transmission if the channel is in a muted state, busy, and/or when a CTCSS tone is received unmatched.

Feature 512 Display Dual priority scan

STEP 3: PERFORMANCE

Antenna You may need to purchase an antenna for your mobile radio, and it will need to be mounted on your vehicle. Installation is made easier with the plug in receptacles on the back of the Icom mobile. Audio quality The combination of robust audio circuitry and a good speaker provides crisp, clear audio. One mobile has a chassis that can be rotated to face the speaker in the direction you need for maximum audio clarity, while the control head remains right side up. Others have front facint speakers to improve audio. Compander Improves audio clarity in new narrow band frequencies. Grounding Grounding is also important to prevent noise from electrical interference from the vehicle and its operation. Icom mobiles may be connected directly to the vehicle battery for secure grounding. Each line is fuse protected for safe operation. Specications Operational design specications of sensitivity, selectivity, intermodulation, and adjacent channel interference. All radios are not the same! Power The transmit output power of the radio (measured in Watts). May range from 10 to 50 Watts or higher. Range and clarity may generally be improved by increasing power. Some radios permit selection of L-M-H power by the user for use on frequencies authorized for low power use only.
Installation Some mobiles have a detachable face plate. For larger vehicles that install radios high up in the cab, install the radio with the speaker facing down. For on- or under-dash applications, mount the radio with the speaker facing up.
Front panel is detachable
Onboard & overhead mounting
Feature Long talk range (high power) High ambient noise area (better audio) Front facing speaker
STEP 4: CUSTOM OPERATIONS
Programmable keys Your dealer can customize your radio by assigning functions to the front panels programmable keys. User set mode Allows user to adjust backlighting level, function beep on/off, squelch level, mic gain Gives the user front panel squelch adjust key. Flash memory Radios with ash memory may be upgraded with new features and improvements with simple rmware upgrades in the future.

Internal option slots Most Icom radios have 1 or 2 internal option slots. These allow for a variety of increased radio functions, like trunking or encrypted messages.
ANIAutomatic Number Identication encode function allows radio to send unique identication with each transmission, to other radio users, or to a dispatcher. ANI Decode function allows other radio users to easily identify on the display of the radio, who is making each radio transmission.
Installation & grounding Choose to install your radio in, on or under the dash. A professional installer is recommended for any radio installation, as they will make sure proper power and grounding.
Feature Internal option slots Flash memory

STEP 5: SPECTRUM

Operating frequency range The operational band width of the radio (measured in MHz). Wide band width enables utilization of multiple frequencies even if far apart (especially important for interoperability with other systems or locations). VHF and UHF offer different propagation advantages. Licensed vs. unlicensed The FCC licenses the number of users sharing each frequency to ensure availability of the channel and minimize radio trafc jams. Unlicensed frequencies are crowded, open for all to Radio spectrum use Its a fact of nature: theres only so much radio spectrum that everyone must share. In the U.S.A., how we use that spectrum is decided and hear, with no limit or regulation of radio trafc. OK for a family outing but not for your critical communications. Make sure your radio can be programmed to licensed frequencies. Channel spacing The width of each signal (measured in kHz). The FCC has mandated narrow band operation (12.5 kHz) in the future. You must have that capability now. Older systems operate on 25 kHz; you need both in your radio to talk to them. Icom also has mobiles that operate on 6.25kHz channel width. enforced by the FCC. The FCC splits the airwaves up into channels. The number of channels is set by the FCC, based on what technology will allow. Why is that important? Read on: 25 kHz channel spacing is the traditional technology many radios (mostly older, analog units) still rely on. The FCC is in the process of eliminating 25 kHz channel spacing. 12.5 kHz allows double the number of users within the same amount of spectrum, and is how many radios now operate. Nearly all Icom radios offer 25 or 12.5 kHz operation, all within the same radio! 6.25 kHz is the coming future of channel spacing thats here today, allowing four times as many users. This involves digital technology, which allows crisp, clear data and voice signals (no static!). Only Icom has 25/12.5/6.25 kHz radios today!

Radio channels (spectrum efciency)
25 kHz Old tech, low trafc
12.5 kHz Better, 2x users
6.25 kHz New, digital and 4x the trafc of 25 kHz!
Feature 136-174, VHF 400-470, UHF 450-512, UHF 440-490, UHF 6.25 kHz

STEP 6: OPERATION MODES

Talk around Provides direct, mobile-to-mobile communications, avoiding needless repeater use and congestion. Also provides direct communications when out of range of repeater system. Operating modes Most radios have traditional coventional operation (one channel operation at a time) while others have trunking capability (simultaneous multiple channel operation). Trunking enables 3-4 times the number of users to maximize the utilization of your licensed channels. They require a trunking enabled repeater and some feature seamless roaming from site to site. The most popular analog trunking protocols are LTR, PassPort, and SmarTrunk. Most Icom radios offer at least one version of trunking, and most offer multiple versions-all within the same radio, selectable by channel.
Analog vs. digital Most radios use traditional analog signals. Like the cellular industry, 2-way radios are moving toward digital technology. Some radios permit both digital and analog operation now (dual mode), and some have upgrade capability should you desire to in the future. A popular standard is APCO 25 (note the P25 logo) for interoperability with federal, state and local government agencies. See Step 5: Spectrum for more information on 6.25 kHz.
Above: Conventional System Below: Trunked System One to one, one to a select group, and one to many.
Feature FDMA 6.25 kHz Digital Mode P25 Mode Trunking - LTR Trunking - PassPort Trunking SmartTrunk

Required Optional

STEP 7: SIGNALING
Signaling Transmits signals (some audible, some not) simultaneously with your voice to control how other radios receive your transmission and how you receive theirs. May also ID who is talking, who is receiving, control the operational status of the eet radios, send data for GPS positioning or text messaging, etc. Several technologies are available. Your radio should have as many as possible for future exibility. Signaling encode/decode Some radios can receive signals (decode), some can generate signals (encode), and some do both. MDC 1200 signaling Digital signaling for advanced Operations. Features like Selective Calling, Automatic Identication, Call Alert, Emergency Call with ID, Status Display, Message Display, Stun/Revive, and Radio Check are included. MDC1200 is widely used, so Icom radios with this capability merge into your eet easily. CTCSS/DCS basic signaling Enables compatibility with existing CTCSS & DCS based systems. Selective individual and group calling are possible. Excellent for isolating a call to a specic user without needlessly alerting others. 2-tone / 5-tone advanced signaling More advanced signaling to accomplish many functions. Some radios can receive from 1 to 10 combinations per memory channel; not limited to industry standard 2-tone tables. Enables multiple groups on the same channel (no scan or channel switch necessary). Also enables alerts, alarms, and other useful functions. DTMF signaling The same sound you hear when pressing a touch tone phone, used to control transmit & receive signals. A.N.I. An excellent feature for public safety, plant security, and any A.N.I. application where it is essential to identify the user during transmission. Use DTMF and numerous 5-tone formats. User can also customize their own A.N.I.

Some Icom radios have LCD displays that can be programmed to show words, numbers, phrases even customized icons.
Feature MDC 1200 DTMF ANI

STEP 8: SAFETY

Emergency call The radio can transmit an emergency ID message, showing the unit number, and may repeat that emergency status message until cancelled and the emergency is under control. Essential for public safety and plant security, as well as in any hazardous, high-risk area. Remote activations Use your Icom and an optional relay to activate electrical devices from afar. Examples: turn on building lights before entering a business; open the bay doors at a rehouse before the vehicles return; make a horn honk as a security device, and more. Remote activations Safety & security functions Depending on the radio, there are approximately 30 functions available including Ch Up and Ch Down, Monitor, Scan Start/Stop, Priority Re-writes, Public Address, External Speaker, Talk Around, DTMF Autodial, Emergency, Scrambler, etc. Optional voice scrambler On some models, Icom has optional voice scramblers or data transmit recieve that provide secure private voice communications. See Step 9: Security for more information.

Horn activation

Lights activation
Feature Emergency call Remote activations
(horn, building lights, garage door, etc.)
Public address Protection against unauthorized radio use Voice scrambling

STEP 9: SECURITY

Stun/Kill Remote disabling of radio in the event of unauthorized use or theft. Excellent for maintaining communication integrity with minimal disruption. Encryption All radios may be heard with a simple radio scanner. Protect your sensitive information with encryption (similar to a WI-FI key) so the transmission is intelligible to your people only. Whats the value of your transmitted information? Time out timer Disables transmitter if the radio is accidentally keyed, or if a user gets too long-winded, tying up the frequency beyond normal use. Can also be locked out for a programmable period of time following time out. Transmit Inhibit Disables transmitter from use to prohibit transmission if the selected channel is a receive only channel. Perfect for monitoring NOAA weather broadcasts.
Levels of security Icom provides different levels of security to meet your needs. UT-109Inversion Simple voice inversion scrambler with up to 32 codes. UT-110Rolling code Rolling code scrambler with up to 1020 codes (255 codes x4 groups) Digital DESOFBP25 SECURE 56 bit encryption. Digital AESP25 MAXIMUM SECURITY 256 bit encryption offers maximum security.
Feature Stun/Kill Encryption - Inversion Encryption- Rolling Code Encryption - Analog DES Encryption - Digital DES Encryption - Digital AES
STEP 10: OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Warranty The length of time the original manufacturer warranties the radio. Some warranties may be extended for a modest additional cost, to ensure peace of mind against unexpected disruption or expense well into the future. Imbedded Electronic Serial Number (ESN) Prevents loss/theft by utilizing hard coded ESN that is encoded by the Icom factory. There is no way to change ESN (even by Icom factory). This improves security by identifying radio through permanent ESN. Value or price Price and value are important. Technical support Ability of the manufacturer to support implantation, training and customization. Accessories Specic applications may be enhanced with speaker mics, chargers, carrying cases, headsets, etc. Complete radio systems Does the manufacturer offer the design and installation of complete on-site communications systems totally independent of the public power and communications grids? Icom America Systems does!
Price is the amount of money you will pay. If this is most important to you, choose the lowest cost Icom radio that best meets your needs. Value is how much you get for
your money. An upper tier Icom radio, with more capabilities than higher priced competitive models, may offer your best value. More for less! Icom offers both price and value propositions depending on your needs.
Feature 2 Year Warranty 3 Year Warranty 4 Year Warranty 5 Year Warranty

Congratulations!

Now that youve identied what you need in a radio, its time to make the simple selection of which model is right for you. Please proceed to the mobile radio selection chart.
2007 Icom America Inc. The Icom logo is a registered trademark of Icom Inc. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. All information subject to change without notice or obligation. 9225