BASIC INSTRUCTIONS be Le t ’s D-STAR! sing u gin VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER ID-51A VHF/UHF TRANSCEIVER ID-51E 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.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF D-STAR ● Easy to QSO to the world Worldwide communication!! ● Easy call sign entry with the Repeater list or TX/RX History Easy Destination (To) setting! ● Call Sign Capture key makes call sign capture easy.
PREPARATION STEP 1 Entering your call sign (MY) into the transceiver. gateway repeater. You have completed the steps!! STEP 1 Enter your call sign into the transceiver STEP 2 Registering your call sign (MY) to a w Push [MENU] . • The MENU screen is displayed. Example: Enter “JA3YUA” as your own call sign into the MY call sign memory [MY1]. q Hold down [ ] for 1 second to turn ON the power. • Hold down [ ] for 1 second to turn OFF power.
PREPARATION t Push D-pad() to select MY call sign memory channel “1” ([MY1]). i Push D-pad() to move the cursor to the second digit. NOTE: Your call sign must match the call sign registered to your gateway repeater. D-pad (Ent) (�) o Repeat steps u and i to enter your own call sign of up to 8 characters, including spaces. y Push [QUICK] , and then push D-pad() to select “Edit.” Then, push D-pad(Ent) to enter the call sign edit mode.
PREPARATION ✓ Convenient! If necessary, enter a note of up to 4 characters, such as the model of the transceiver, name, area name, and so on, after your call sign. q Push D-pad() until the cursor moves to the right of the “/”. w Repeat steps u and i to the left to enter a desired 4 character note. (Example: ID51) In the next step, register your call sign to a gateway repeater. Now, you can begin using D-STAR! RX TX New users start here! Access the repeater p. 17 How to use the RX History p.
TABLE OF CONTENTS D-STAR Operation Start Confirm you can access your local repeater? Reply to a call? YES NO YES Go to page 17 NO Answer the questions, and figure out your operating steps! Use a repeater? YES NO Go to page 33 How to easily reply using the calling station’s call sign? Call Sign Capture key RX History Go to page 25 Go to page 21 Making a call in your local area? (Local area call) YES Go to page 27 NO Making a call to another area? (Gateway call) To a specific station To anyone Go to
TABLE OF CONTENTS D-STAR Operation Saving settings Other functions Recording a QSO conversation Go to page 37 Go to page 39 Troubleshooting Go to page 35 Go to page 43 The destination call sign is already programmed? YES Go to page 31 NO Go to section ? of the CD Advanced Instruction PDF for call sign programming. Then, Go to page 31 of this manual. • If you have received a call from the station before, the call sign may be in RX History. (p.
TABLE OF CONTENTS UNIQUE FEATURES OF D-STAR ..................... 1 PREPARATION ............................................ 2–16 Enter your call sign into the transceiver ................................2 Register your call sign to a gateway repeater .......................4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................5 FOREWORD ........................................................................9 FEATURES ...................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 calling a destination station... 31–32 11 GPS operation.................................. 43–44 STEP1 Set “FROM” (Access repeater)..........................31 STEP2 Set “TO” (Destination)........................................32 STEP3 Hold down [PTT] to transmit..............................32 STEP1 Receiving GPS data from the internal GPS receiver.....................................................43 STEP2 Displaying your position.....................................
FOREWORD FEATURES Thank you for purchasing this fine Icom product. The ID-51A or ID-51E vhf/uhf transceiver is designed and build with Icom’s superior technology and craftsmanship combining traditional analog technologies with the new digital technology, Digital Smart Technologies for Amateur Radio (D-STAR), for a balanced package. With proper care, this product should provide you with years of trouble-free operation.
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS WORD R DANGER! R WARNING! CAUTION NOTE DEFINITION Personal death, serious injury or an explosion may occur. 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. IMPORTANT SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES The following accessories are supplied with the transceiver. q Antenna .......................................................................... 1 w Hand strap .....................
ABOUT THE SUPPLIED CD The following instructions and installers are included on the CD.
PRECAUTIONS R DANGER! NEvER short the terminals of the battery pack. R DANGER! Use and charge only specified Icom battery packs with Icom radios or Icom chargers. Only Icom battery packs are tested and approved for use with Icom radios or charged with Icom chargers. Using third-party or counterfeit battery packs or chargers may cause smoke, fire, or cause the battery to burst. R WARNING RF EXPOSURE! This device emits Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Caution should be observed when operating this device.
PRECAUTIONS CAUTION: DO NOT use harsh solvents such as benzine or alcohol to clean the transceiver, because they can damage the transceiver’s surfaces. DO NOT push the PTT unless you actually intend to transmit. DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. DO NOT use or place the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with temperatures below –20°C (–4˚F) or above +60°C (+140˚F).
BATTERY CAUTIONS R DANGER! NEvER short the terminals (or charging terminals) of the battery pack. Also, current may flow into nearby metal objects such as a key, so be careful when placing battery packs (or the transceiver) in bags, etc. Simply carrying with or placing near metal objects such as a necklace, etc. may cause shorting. This may damage not only the battery pack, but also the transceiver. R DANGER! Use and charge only specified Icom battery packs with Icom radios or Icom chargers.
BATTERY CAUTIONS R WARNING! NEvER put the battery in a microwave oven, high-pressure container, or in an induction heating cooker. This could cause a fire, overheating, or cause the battery to rupture. CAUTION: Always use the battery within the specified temperature range, –20˚C to +60˚C (–4˚F to +140˚F). Using the battery out of its specified temperature range will reduce the battery’s performance and battery life.
IMPORTANT NOTES D When using the GPS receiver D Spurious signals • GPS signals cannot pass through metal objects. When using the ID-51A or ID-51E inside a vehicle, you may not receive GPS signals. We recommend you use it near a window. Please avoid the areas shown in the following: 1. DO NOT use where it will block the driver’s view. 2. DO NOT use where the air bags could deploy. 3. DO NOT use where it becomes a driving obstacle. • The Global Positioning System (GPS) is built and operated by the U.S.
1 ACCESS THE REPEATER This section describes how to check whether or not you can access your local area repeater (Access repeater), and if your signal is successfully sent to a destination repeater. If your call sign (MY) has not been set, or your call sign has not been registered on a D-STAR repeater, see page 2. STEP 2 Select your Access repeater (“FROM”) Example: Your Access repeater is Hirano/Japan in the Repeater list. q Push D-pad() to select “FROM” (Access repeater), and then push D-pad(Ent).
ACCESS THE REPEATER t If the selected repeater name is displayed in “FROM” on the DR mode screen, the access repeater setting is completed. • Example: “11: Japan” • The repeater list, described in this manual, may differ from your transceiver’s preloaded list. 1 Completed Completed • When you select just the repeater name, the repeater call sign, its frequency, duplex setting, frequency offset and Gateway call sign are automatically set.
1 ACCESS THE REPEATER STEP 3 Select the Destination repeater (“TO”) Example: Your destination repeater is Hamacho/Japan in the repeater list. q Push D-pad() to select “TO” (Destination repeater), and then push D-pad(Ent). e Push D-pad() to select the repeater group where your destination repeater is listed, and then push D-pad(Ent). • Example: “11: Japan” D-pad (Ent) (�) “TO” is selected. r Push D-pad() to select your destination repeater, and then push D-pad(Ent).
t If the selected repeater name in step r is displayed in “TO” on the DR mode screen, the destination repeater setting is completed. 1 w If you get a reply call, or “UR?” appears on the LCD within 3 seconds, your signal reached your access repeater and your call was successfully sent from your destination repeater. Completed STEP 4 Check whether you can access the repeater Successfully sent! q Hold down [PTT] for approximately 1 second to access the repeater.
2 HOW TO USE THE RX HISTORY When a DV call is received, the call signs of the caller, the called station and the called station’s access repeater are stored in the RX history file. Up to 50 calls can be stored. This section describes how to view the RX history screen and how to save the displayed call signs to memory. When receiving a call from “JM1ZLK.” STEP 1 view the received call sign q Hold down for 1 second. • The RX HISTORY screen is displayed.
HOW TO USE THE RX HISTORY Save the destination call sign into your call sign memory from the RX History e Push D-pad() to select “To Your Memory,” and then push D-pad(Ent). q While in the RX HISTORY screen, push D-pad() to select the RX HISTORY record with the call sign that you want to save to memory. 2 HOW TO USE THE RX HISTORY STEP 2 2 Call sign to be saved w Push D-pad(Ent), and then push [QUICK] . r Push D-pad() to select the call sign that you want to save, and then push D-pad(Ent).
2 HOW TO USE THE RX HISTORY STEP 2 Save the destination call sign into your call sign memory from the RX History (Continued) t Push D-pad() to select “NAME,” and then push Dpad(Ent). • A cursor appears and blinks. D-pad (Ent) (�) y Rotate [DIAL] to select a desired character to enter a name of up to 16 characters, including spaces. Go to step u 23 About text entry • Push D-pad() to move the cursor backward or forward.
HOW TO USE THE RX HISTORY 2 o Push D-pad() to select “YES,” and then push D-pad(Ent). u After entering the name, push D-pad(Ent). • Example: “TOM” Completed The saved call sign is displayed on the YOUR CALL SIGN screen as a selectable destination. i Push D-pad() to select “<>,” and then push D-pad(Ent).
3 CAPTURING A CALL SIGN After you receive the repeater’s signal, the calling station’s call sign can be captured by holding down the Call Sign Capture key ( ), and you can quickly and easily reply to a received call. nK liste JG3LU 3YHH P J ing on ... port A Wow! I only have to hold down ! When receiving a call from “JG3LUK.
CAPTURING A CALL SIGN STEP 1 Set the received call sign to the destination STEP 2 Hold down [PTT] to transmit q While holding down [PTT], speak at your normal voice level. for 1 second. • After releasing, beeps sound, and the station call sign is announced if the RX>CS Speech function is set to ON in the MENU screen. 3 (MENU > SPEECH > RX>CS SPEECH) Beeps While holding down Transmitting . w Push or [CLR] to return to the previous call sign setting. Blinks after selecting a call sign.
4 MAKING A LOCAL AREA CALL A Local area call can be made when “Local CQ” is used to set “CQCQCQ” in “TO” (Destination). STEP 1 Set “FROM” (Access repeater) q Push D-pad() to select “FROM,” and then push D-pad(Ent). LUK JG3 n ... ing o listen HH port A Y 3 Repeater JP D-pad (Ent) LUK JG3 n ing o n liste YHH 3 JP A... port Repeater area (�) w Push D-pad() to select “Repeater List,” and then push D-pad(Ent).
MAKING A LOCAL AREA CALL STEP 2 Set “TO” (Destination) q Push D-pad() to select “TO,” and then push D-pad(Ent). 4 STEP 3 Hold down [PTT] to transmit While holding down [PTT], speak at your normal voice level. D-pad (Ent) (�) w Push D-pad() to select “Local CQ,” and then push Dpad(Ent). JA3YUA listening on JP3YHH port A. • “CQCQCQ” is set in “TO.” JA3YUA, this is JG3LUK.
5 MAKING A GATEWAY CALL A Gateway call can be made when a destination repeater is selected in “TO” (Destination). q Push D-pad() to select “FROM,” and then push Dpad(Ent). ZLK JM1 g to callin IU JP1Y t A... por Repeater Repeater area STEP 1 Set “FROM” (Access repeater) D-pad (Ent) (�) Repeater ZLK JM1 to g callin IU Y 1 P J A... port Repeater area w Push D-pad() to select “Repeater List,” and then push D-pad(Ent).
MAKING A GATEWAY CALL q Push D-pad() to select “TO,” and then push D-pad(Ent). D-pad (Ent) STEP 3 Hold down [PTT] to transmit While holding down [PTT], speak at your normal voice level. • “/” is automatically inserted to show it is a repeater call sign. (�) w Push D-pad() to select “Gateway CQ,” and then push D-pad(Ent). Transmitting e Push D-pad() to select the repeater group where your destination repeater is listed, and then push D-pad(Ent).
6 CALLING A DESTINATION STATION You can make a call to a destination station when the destination station call sign is selected in “TO” (Destination). When you call an individual station call sign through a gateway, the signal is automatically sent to the last repeater that the station accessed. So, even if you don’t know where the station is, you can make a call using call sign routing. STEP 1 Set “FROM” (Access repeater) q Push D-pad() to select “FROM,” and then push Dpad(Ent).
CALLING A DESTINATION STATION STEP 2 Set “TO” (Destination) q Push D-pad() to select “TO,” and then push D-pad(Ent). D-pad 6 STEP 3 Hold down [PTT] to transmit q While holding down [PTT], speak into the microphone at your normal voice level. (Ent) (�) w Push D-pad() to select “Your Call Sign,” and then push D-pad(Ent). Transmitting 6 JM1ZLK, this is JG3LUK listening on JP3YHH port A. JG3LUK, this is JM1ZLK.
7 MAKING A SIMPLEX CALL You can make a transceiver to transceiver call (through no repeater) in the DR mode. NOTE: Depending on the transceiver's version, the frequencies may be different. Check for acceptable frequencies for your operating area. STEP 1 Set “FROM” (Simplex channel) Example: Making a simplex call on 433.450 MHz. q Push D-pad() to select “FROM,” and then push D-pad(Ent). D-pad LUK JG3 g at callin rk... a p XX LUK JG3 g at callin rk...
MAKING A SIMPLEX CALL 7 STEP 2 Hold down [PTT] to transmit e Push D-pad() to select “25: Simplex,” and then push Dpad(Ent). q While holding down [PTT], speak at your normal voice level. • The TX/RX indicator lights red. • The S/RF meter shows the transmit output power level. w Release [PTT] to receive. Transmitting • “433.450” is displayed in “FROM.” • “CQCQCQ” is displayed in “TO.” - If a station call sign is set in “TO”, select “Local CQ” in the TO SELECT screen to set “TO” to “CQCQCQ.
8 TROUBLESHOOTING To communicate through the repeater, your signal must access to the repeater. When your signal accesses your local repeater, but it is not sent to the destination repeater, the repeater replies with an status message. PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION REF. After your call, the repeater does • The repeater setting is wrong. not return a status reply. • Select the correct repeater. p. 17 • Correct the repeater frequency, frequency — offset, or duplex setting.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE Even holding down , the • There is no repeater list in your radio. DR mode will not appear. SOLUTION 8 REF. • Reload the repeater list using the CS-51 Sec. 17 of the cloning software on the CD. Advanced Instruction PDF • Enter the Repeater list data directly into the Sec. 9 of the transceiver. Advanced Instruction PDF , the • The call sign has not been correctly received.
9 SAvING SETTINGS When “FROM” (Access repeater) and “TO” (Destination) settings are saved, the settings can be selected by rotating [DIAL]. STEP 1 Saving settings into memory w Rotate [DIAL] to select a blank channel. In the DR mode, select the settings to be saved into memory. • When a channel that is already programed is selected, the memory name will not be programmed. Shows the settings to be saved. DR mode screen q Hold down [S.MW] for 1 second to enter the Select Memory write mode.
SAVING SETTINGS 9 STEP 2 view the saved contents Station A Station B Hamacho area q Push [M/CALL] to select the Memory mode. ” appears. Memory mode screen w Rotate [DIAL] to select the stored channel. Stored channel is selected M-CH 11 M-CH 006 M-CH 010 • Example: “010” [DIAL] SAVING SETTINGS •“ 9 How useful! I only have to rotate [DIAL]! “FROM” and “TO” names are automatically programmed as the Memory name.
10 RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD ■ About using a microSD card D Usable microSD cards A microSD or microSDHC card is not supplied with the transceiver. Please purchase a card to use. Read the instructions of the microSD card thoroughly before use. Icom has checked the compatibility of the following microSD and microSDHC cards: • Icom does not guarantee the card’s performance.
RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD 10 STEP 2 Format the microSD card t The confirmation screen “Format OK?” appears. RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD When using a preformatted brand new microSD card, formatting is not necessary. However, we still recommend you format it in the following way to get the card’s best performance. IMPORTANT! Formatting a card erases all its data. Before formatting any programmed card, make a backup file onto your PC. q Turn ON the transceiver.
10 RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD STEP 3 Recording a QSO audio NOTE: BC Radio audio cannot be recorded. D To stop recording q Push [QUICK] to enter the Quick Menu screen. w Push D-pad() to select “<>.” q Push [QUICK] to enter the Quick Menu screen. w Push D-pad() to select “<>.” D-pad (Ent) (�) e Push D-pad(Ent) to start voice recording. • The transceiver displays “Recording started” and automatically exits the Quick Menu screen.
RECORDING A QSO ONTO A microSD CARD 10 r Push D-pad() to select the folder that contains the file you want to play, and then push D-pad(Ent). q Push [MENU] to enter the Menu screen. w Push D-pad() to select the root item (Voice Memo), and then push D-pad(Ent) to go to the next level. • The folder name is composed of the year (4 digits), the month and the day (2 digits each). D-pad (Ent) t Push D-pad() to select the file that you want to play, then push D-pad(Ent) to play it back.
11 GPS OPERATION The ID-51A/E has a built-in internal GPS receiver. You can check your current position, or transmit GPS data in the DV mode. STEP 1 See the PDF type Advanced Instruction for more details of the GPS operation. Receiving GPS data from the internal GPS receiver r Push D-pad() to select “Internal GPS.” q Push [MENU] to enter the Menu screen. w Push D-pad() to select the root item (GPS), and then push D-pad(Ent) to go to the next level.
GPS OPERATION 11 STEP 2 Displaying your position Confirm the GPS icon is displayed on the LCD. Latitude The top of the compass is North. Longitude Your course heading is Northwest. Grid Locator q Push [QUICK] to enter the Quick Menu screen. w Push D-pad() to select the “GPS position” item, and then push D-pad(Ent). Shows the displayed position is yours. Speed Time GPS Position screen (MY) that the displayed data was acquired.
12 GPS LOGGER FUNCTION The GPS Logger function allows you to store the GPS position data (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Positioning state, Course, Speed and Date) onto a microSD card, as your route. If you use this function while driving, you can check your driving course on a mapping software. STEP 1 • See p. 39 for more details. Receiving GPS data from the internal GPS receiver r Push D-pad() to select “Internal GPS.” q Push [MENU] to enter the Menu screen.
GPS LOGGER FUNCTION 12 STEP 2 Turning ON the GPS Logger function r Push D-pad() to select “ON.” q Push [MENU] to enter the Menu screen. w Push D-pad() to select the root item (GPS), and then push D-pad(Ent) to go to the next level. t Push [MENU] Menu screen. to exit the D-pad (Ent) You can display your route as you move, if you import the log file into a mapping software.
13 INTRODUCING NEW FUNCTIONS This section introduces new functions built into the ID-51A/E. • See the PDF type Advanced Instruction’s for more details. NEW! voice Recorder function The microphone audio can be recorded. Audio from an external microphone can also be recorded. • Depending on the microSD card capacity, you may continuously record up to a maximum of about 37 hours.
INTRODUCING NEW FUNCTIONS When you receive a call addressed to your own call sign, but are in a situation that makes it difficult to operate the transceiver, this function automatically replies with your own call sign and transmits your position. • See the PDF type Advanced Instruction’s Section 9 for details. w Your position is automatically transmitted. q A call addressed to your own call sign. Destination e After receiving, the (ID-51) Your station screen shows the position.
14 RESETTING ■ Resetting The display may occasionally display erroneous information (for example when first applying power). This may be caused externally by static electricity or by other factors. If this problem occurs, turn OFF power. After waiting a few seconds, turn ON power again. If the problem persists, perform a Partial reset or an All reset.
RESETTING 14 r The “Partial Reset?” dialog appears. t Push D-pad() to select “Yes,” and then push D-pad(Ent). • The transceiver displays “PARTIAL RESET,” then the partial reset is completed.
15 INFORMATION COUNTRY CODE LIST FCC INFORMATION • ISO 3166-1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Country Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Cyprus Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Latvia Codes AT BE BG HR CZ CY DK EE FI FR DE GR HU IS IE IT LV 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Country Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey United
INDEX A D Access repeater Access repeater (“FROM”) setting .................................17 Access the repeater .......................................................17 Check whether you can access the repeater .................20 Auto Position Reply function ...............................................48 Destination repeater (“TO”) setting .....................................19 DR mode Selection ........................................................................17 E Explicit definitions ..
INDEX I N IMPORTANT NOTES ..........................................................16 About charging at power ON ..........................................16 When using the GPS receiver ........................................16 Spurious signals.............................................................16 Inserting the microSD card .................................................39 New functions .....................................................................47 Speech function ..................
INDEX S v Save Save the destination call sign from the RX History ........22 Saving settings ...............................................................37 View the saved contents ................................................38 View the received call sign .................................................21 View the saved contents .....................................................38 Voice Recorder function .....................................................47 Voice TX function .................
#02 Europe ■ AT ■ FI ■ IT ■ PL ■ GB ■ RO #03 U.K.
