IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page A (1,1) INSTRUCTION MANUAL MULTIBAND FM TRANSCEIVER iT81A/E 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.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page ii (1,1) CAUTIONS IMPORTANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and com- pletely before using the transceiver. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL—This instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-T81A/E. EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS The explicit definitions below apply to this instruction manual. antenna is very close to, or touching exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page iii (1,1) SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES DO NOT push the PTT when not actually desiring to trans- Accessories included with the transceiver: mit. Place unit in a secure place to avoid inadvertent use by children. DO NOT operate the transceiver near unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere. ➀ Battery pack (BP-199 or BP-200) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ➁ Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page iv (1,1) TABLE OF CONTENTS IMPORTANT ................................................................................................... ii EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ................................................................................ ii CAUTIONS ..................................................................................................... ii SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES ...........................................................................
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 1 (1,1) ACCESSORY ATTACHMENT 1 D Antenna D Handstrap D Belt clip Screw the supplied antenna onto the antenna connector as shown in the diagram below. Attach the handstrap to the belt clip, before attaching the belt clip to the transceiver, as below. Attach the belt clip to the transceiver as illustrated below. Keep the jack cover attached when jacks are not in use to avoid bad contacts. uCAUTION: Transmitting without the antenna may damage the transceiver.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 2 (1,1) 2 PANEL DESCRIPTION ■ Switches, controls, keys and connectors i [DIAL] q MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH [MULTI] ➥ Push to select the tone or duplex menu. (pgs. 15–17); push for 1 sec. to enter set mode (p. 35). ➥ Push ↕ to increase/decrease the volume (p. 11). ➥ Push ↔ to change the operating band; push for 1 sec. to start a scan (p. 22). t [PWR] r [PTT] e [TX/RX] Function display w SQUELCH SWITCH [SQL] (p. 11) ➥ Push and hold to open the squelch.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 3 (1,1) PANEL DESCRIPTION Remote MIC [SP] [MIC] Audio out (8 Ω) 33 kΩ 3.2 V PTT Audio input (2 kΩ) This connection does not apply when a condensor microphone is connected. 2 !2 OUTPUT POWER KEY [H/L(LOCK)Î] ➥ Push to toggle between low and high power. (p. 11) • “LOW” appears while low power is selected. ➥ Push for 1 sec. to toggle the lock function on/off. (p. 11) • “L” appears while the lock function is activated.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 5 (1,1) PANEL DESCRIPTION q FREQUENCY INDICATION Shows the selected frequency, set mode contents, etc. w MODE INDICATORS Indicate the operating mode. e DUPLEX INDICATOR (p. 15) Appears during semi-duplex operation. • “–DUP” appears for minus duplex; “DUP” appears for plus duplex. r TONE INDICATORS “T” appears when the subaudible tone encoder (p. 15) is in use; “T SQLS” appears during pocket beep operation (p.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 6 (1,1) 3 BATTERY PACKS AND CHARGING ■ Battery pack charging ■ About battery packs The supplied* BP-198, BP-199 or BP-200 BATTERY PACK includes rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and can be charged approx. 300 times. Charge the battery pack before first operating the transceiver or when the battery pack becomes exhausted. D Operating period *Optional for versions which come with the BP-197 BATTERY CASE.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 7 (1,1) BATTERY PACKS AND CHARGING ■ Charging connections 3 Charging periods: 1 hour (w/BP-198 or BP-199) 1.5 hours (w/BP-200) D Regular charging Attach the supplied or optional battery pack; then, connect the supplied* wall charger via an AC outlet as shown at right. *Optional for versions which include Charging period: 15 hours Wall charger To [DC13.5V] a battery case.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 8 (1,1) 3 BATTERY PACKS AND CHARGING D Operation with an optional cable Connect an optional charger or cable to the transceiver as illustrated below. Be careful of battery overcharging as the connected battery is charged simultaneously. u CAUTION: When the BP-197 BATTERY CASE ■ Battery case When using a battery case attached to the transceiver, install 3 AA(R6) size alkaline batteries as illustrated below. is con- nected, charging cannot take place.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 9 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION ■ Power ON ■ Setting a frequency ☞ NOTE: Charge the battery pack before turning power on D Via the keypad for the first time (pgs. 6–8) Push and hold [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn power on. PWR for 1 sec. after 2 sec. • Current battery voltage may be displayed for 2 sec. • The display shows the approx. voltage in 0.5 V steps. • If “OVER V” appears, UNPLUG the external DC plug immediately.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 10 (1,1) 4 BASIC OPERATION D Via the keypad [Example] (from the decimal point) ➀ Push [VFO] to select VFO mode. ➁ Push [•] to leave the MHz setting as is and input from the kHz digits. . ■ Setting tuning steps USING SET MODE The transceiver has 9 tuning steps* (each band has independent settings) as follows: 5 kHz 10 kHz 12.5 kHz 15 kHz 20 kHz 25 kHz 30 kHz 50 kHz 100 kHz *The 5 and 15 kHz steps are not available on the 1200 MHz band.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 11 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION ■ Selecting a memory channel ■ Receive and transmit ➀ Push [MR] to select mem- ➀ Push [PWR] for 1 sec. to turn power on. ➁ Push [MULTI(↕)] to set a volume level. ➂ Set the squelch level. ory mode. ➁ Push [MULTI(↔)] (or rotate [DIAL] or push digit keys) to select the desired memory channel. • Only programmed memory channels can be selected.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 12 (1,1) 4 BASIC OPERATION ■ FM broadcast reception The transceiver can receive FM radio broadcasts. These are typically in the range 76–107.995 MHz (88–107.995 for some versions) and are in WFM receive mode. To select the FM broadcast band: W FM ➥ Push [MULTI(↔)] one or more times until “WFM” appears in the display, then rotate [DIAL] to select a frequency; or, ➥ Select a frequency with the digit keys directly.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 13 (1,1) BASIC OPERATION ■ RIT/VXO function (1200 MHz band) In the 1200 MHz band, differences between actual and displayed frequencies can often be large. The RIT (receive incremental tuning) function allows you to compensate the displayed frequency for differences in the actual receive frequency; the VXO (variable crystal oscillator) function allows you to compensate the displayed frequency for differences in the actual receive and transmit frequencies.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 14 (1,1) 4 BASIC OPERATION ■ Receive mode USING SET MODE The IC-T81A/E allows you to receive frequencies in the 50 MHz band in AM mode (as well as to transmit in FM narrow mode in the 144 MHz band for Italy, France and Europe versions only—see p. 12). ➀ Push [VFO] to select VFO mode. ➁ Push [MULTI(↔)] one or more times to select the 50 MHz band. ➂ Push [MULTI] for 1 sec. to enter set AM mode. ➃ Push [MULTI(↕)] one or more times until “MO” appears.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 15 (1,1) REPEATER OPERATION ■ General When using a repeater, the transmit frequency is shifted from the receive frequency by the offset frequency. It is convenient to program repeater info into memory channels (pgs. 18–20). ➀ Set the operating band and receive frequency (repeater output frequency). ➁ Push [MULTI] to enter duplex set mode. • “D” appears; if “T” appears instead of “D” push [MULTI(↕)] to select “D.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 16 (1,1) 5 REPEATER OPERATION ■ Subaudible tones for repeater use USING SET MODE USING SET MODE Some repeaters require subaudible tones to be accessed. Subaudible tones are superimposed over your normal signal and must be set in advance. When communicating through a repeater, the transmit frequency is shifted from the receive frequency by an amount determined by the offset frequency. ➀ Push [VFO] to select VFO mode. ➁ Push [MULTI(↔)] to select a band.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 17 (1,1) REPEATER OPERATION INITIAL SET MODE ■ Auto repeater function (USA version only) USING The USA version automatically activates the repeater settings (duplex, ON/OFF, duplex direction, tone encoder ON/OFF) when the operating frequency falls within or outside of the general repeater output frequency range. The offset and repeater tone frequencies are not changed by the auto repeater function, reset these frequencies, if necessary.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 18 (1,1) 6 MEMORY/CALL PROGRAMMING ■ General The transceiver has 124 memory channels (100 regular, 10 pairs of scan edge channels for mixed bands and 1 call channel for each band—VHF, UHF, 50 MHz and 1200 MHz). Note that memory channels are not grouped according to band. In other words, a given memory channel can be programmed with either a VHF frequency, a UHF frequency, a 50 MHz frequency or a 1200 MHz frequency. This is not the case with call channels.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 19 (1,1) MEMORY/CALL PROGRAMMING ■ Memory editing D Clearing a memory Memory (call) channel contents can be moved to VFO or to another memory. • “VF” appears and flashes with “X” and the previously selected VFO frequency appears.. MR ➁ Push [MULTI(↔)] (or rotate [DIAL]) DUP MR be transferred: ➥ Push [MR] ([CALL)]) to select memory (call) mode. ➥ Push [MULTI(↔)] to select the memory (call) channel. ➁ Push [(MR)MW] for 1 sec.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 20 (1,1) 6 MEMORY/CALL PROGRAMMING ■ Memory names mode. Memory channels can be programmed with names of up to six characters. ➀ Push [VFO] to select VFO mode (or select a memory channel). ➁ Push [(MR)MW] for 1 sec. W FM MR • “X” and the previously selected memory channel number flash. ➂ Push [MULTI(↔)] (or rotate [DIAL]) to select the desired memory channel. ➃ Push [MULTI(↕)] so that “NAME” appears. • Not valid for call channels.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 21 (1,1) DTMF MEMORY ■ Programming a DTMF code ■ Transmitting a DTMF code The transceiver has 9 DTMF memory channels (D1 to D9) for storage of often-used DTMF codes of up to 16 characters. D Using a DTMF memory channel ➀ Push [(MR)MW] for 1 sec. to enter memory write mode; then push [MULTI(↕)] to enter DTMF memory mode. • One of “D1” to “D9” appears and flashes. ➀ Push [(MR)MW] for 1 sec.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 22 (1,1) 8 SCAN FUNCTIONS ■ Scan types FULL SCAN (p. 23) Band edge Repeatedly scans all frequencies over a selected Band band. edge PROGRAMMED SCAN (p. 23) Repeatedly scans between two user-proBand edge Scan edges Jump Jump memories, except those set as skip channels. Mch 1 Mch 3 Mch 4 Mch 6 Mch 5 ☞ NOTE: Push [MULTI(↔)] during full/programmed scan to change the band being scanned or to select a different pair of scan edges.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:55 PM Page 23 (1,1) SCAN FUNCTIONS 8 ■ Full/programmed scan ■ Memory (skip) scan ➀ Push [VFO] to select VFO mode, if necessary. ➁ Push [MULTI(↔)] for 1 sec. to start the scan; after that, ➀ Push [MR] to select memory mode, if necessary. ➁ Push [MULTI(↔)] for 1 sec. to start the scan; after that, each push of [MULTI(↔)] selects a different scan range. each push of [MULTI(↔)] selects a different scan group. • To change the scan direction, rotate [DIAL].
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 24 (1,1) 8 SCAN FUNCTIONS ■ Skip channel setting Memory channels can be set to be skipped during memory scan. This is useful to speedup the memory scan interval. ➀ Push [MR] to select memory mode. ➁ Push [(MR)MW] for 1 sec. to enter memory write mode. ➂ Rotate [DIAL] (or push [MULTI(↔)]) to select a memory ■ Scan resume condition USING SET MODE The resume condition can be selected as a pause or timer scan. This setting is common for all scans.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 25 (1,1) 9 SUBAUDIBLE TONE OPERATION ■ Tone squelch D Setting subaudible tones for USING SET MODE tone squelch operation (CTCSS* tones) The tone squelch opens only when receiving a signal containing a matching subaudible tone. You can silently wait for calls from group members using the same tone. Separate tone frequencies can be set for tone squelch operation than for repeater operation (the same range of tones is available—see below).
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 26 (1,1) 9 SUBAUDIBLE TONE OPERATION ■ Tone scan ■ Pocket beep operation The transceiver can detect the subaudible tone frequency in a received signal. By monitoring a signal, such as that being transmitted on a repeater input frequency, you can determine the tone frequency required to access the repeater.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 27 (1,1) OTHER FUNCTIONS ■ Help function ☞ NOTE: VFO mode cannot be se- When in set mode or initial set mode and no operation is performed for 5 sec., the name of the selected item scrolls across the function display for convenience. ■ Initial set mode AT POWER ON Initial set mode is accessed at power on and allows you to set seldom-changed settings. In this way you can “customize” transceiver operations to suit your preferences.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 28 (1,1) 10 OTHER FUNCTIONS D Auto power OFF D Beep tones ON/OFF This item allows you to set a time at which the transceiver will automatically turn off. The power off time can be set to 20, 40, 60 min. or turned OFF (default). Confirmation beep tones normally sound when you push a key or switch. These can be turned ON (default) or OFF as you prefer. D Auto repeater (see p.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 29 (1,1) OTHER FUNCTIONS D Voltage display This item sets the voltage display ON (default) or OFF. When set to ON, battery voltage is briefly displayed after turning power on. ■ Resetting the CPU AT 10 POWER ON Reset the CPU before operating the transceiver for the first time, or when the internal CPU malfunctions. ➥ While pushing [SQL] + [VFO] + [MR], push [PWR] to turn power on and reset the transceiver’s CPU. D DTMF speed (see p.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 30 (1,1) 10 OTHER FUNCTIONS ■ Cloning AT POWER ON Cloning allows you to quickly and easily transfer the programmed contents from one transceiver to another transceiver; or, data from a PC to a transceiver using the optional CS-T81 CLONING SOFTWARE. D Transceiver-to-transceiver cloning ➃ When cloning is finished, turn power off, then on again to return to normal operation.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 31 (1,1) TROUBLESHOOTING 11 If your transceiver seems to be malfunctioning, please check the following points before sending it to a service center. PROBLEM No power comes on. POSSIBLE CAUSE • The battery is exhausted. (A slight current flows in the circuits even when the power is off.) SOLUTION REF. • Charge the battery pack or place new dry cell bat- pgs. 7, teries in the battery case.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 32 (1,1) 12 SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL • Frequency coverage Version USA Europe UK Italy Asia 50 MHz 50–54 : 144 MHz (Unit: MHz) 430 MHz 1.2 GHz Rx: 118–173.995*1 Rx: 400–469.995*2 1240–1300 Tx: 144–148 Tx: 430–450*2 50–52 144–146 430–440 1240–1300 (Rx only‡) 50–52 Rx: 118–173.995*1 Rx: 400–469.995*3 1240–1300 TX: 430–440 (Rx only‡) Tx: 144–148 50–54 Australia 50–54 Taiwan N/A Rx: 118–173.995*1 Tx: 144–148 144–148 144–146 WFM*4 76–107.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 33 (1,1) OPTIONS D Battery packs D Speaker-microphones BATTERY VOLTAGE CAPACITY OUTPUT OPERATING PACK POWER PERIOD* BP-197 Battery case for R6(AA) 0.8 W 10/14 hr × 3 alkaline or Ni-Cd cells BP-198 4.8 V 700 mAh 1.2 W 6/8.5 hr BP-199 6.0 V 700 mAh 2.0 W 4/8 hr BP-200 9.6 V 680 mAh 4.5 W 4/7 hr * Operating periods are calculated under the following conditions: Tx : Rx : standby=1 : 1 : 8; Longer operating times are when operating on the 1200 MHz band.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 34 (1,1) 14 MODE ARRANGEMENT VFO MODE *NOTE: Additional bands may be available here depending on version. push for 1 sec. * VFO MW MR push for 1 sec. CALL MEMORY MENU Memory clear (p. 19) CLR MHz ; VFO Skip setting (p. 24) MR Memory names (p. 20) VFO MEMORY MODE MR CALL MODE MR CALL 34 MR Memory write condition (p. 18) DTMF channels (p.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 35 (1,1) MODE ARRANGEMENT 14 SET MODE Repeater tones (p. 15) Receive mode*2 (p. 14) Tuning step*1 (p. 10) Scan resume (p. 24) Offset frequency*1 (p. 16) T CLR MHz ; VFO CTCSS tones (p. 25) RIT/VXO*3 (p. 13) T SQL DUP *1Cannot be selected when entering set mode from a memory or call channel; *250 MHz band only; *31200 MHz band only. PWR TO ENTER + INITIAL SET MODE TO EXIT at power ON Auto power OFF (p. 28) CLR MHz ; VFO LCD backlight (p.
IC-T81A/E Manual-(1) 01.12.5 6:56 PM Page 40 (1,1) Count on us! A-5571D-1EX Printed in Japan © 1999 Icom Inc.
