Icom IC 560 – Review of the Advanced Amateur Radio Transceiver

Icom ic 560

The Icom IC 560 is a high-performance transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications for amateur radio enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned operator or just starting out, this radio has everything you need to communicate effectively and efficiently.

One of the standout features of the IC 560 is its compact design, making it perfect for both portable and fixed station use. Despite its small size, this radio packs a punch with its powerful output and excellent receiver sensitivity. You can expect clear and crisp audio quality, even in noisy environments.

With a frequency range of 144-148 MHz, the IC 560 covers the 2-meter band, which is popular among amateur radio operators. It supports both FM and AM modes, allowing for versatile communication options. The radio also features a built-in CTCSS/DTCS encoder/decoder, providing access to tone squelch and digital code squelch functions.

Icom IC 560: Features

The Icom IC 560 is a high-performance radio that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Whether you are a professional user or an amateur radio enthusiast, this radio has something to offer for everyone.

Powerful Performance and Versatility

In addition to its performance, the Icom IC 560 is also highly versatile. It supports various operating modes, including FM, AM, SSB, and CW. This means that you can use this radio for a wide range of applications, from voice communication to data transmission.

Advanced Communication Features

The Icom IC 560 is equipped with advanced communication features that enhance your overall communication experience. It has a built-in noise reduction function, which helps to minimize background noise and improve audio quality. This is especially useful in noisy environments where clear communication is essential.

Furthermore, the Icom IC 560 has a built-in VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) function, which allows you to operate the radio hands-free. With this feature, you can simply speak into the microphone, and the radio will automatically transmit your voice without the need to press any buttons.

Another notable communication feature of the Icom IC 560 is its dual-watch function. This allows you to monitor two different frequencies simultaneously, ensuring that you never miss any important transmissions.

Additionally, the Icom IC 560 supports CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) functions, which help to eliminate unwanted noise and interference.

Overall, the Icom IC 560 offers a wide range of advanced communication features that make it a reliable and efficient radio for various applications.

Powerful Performance and Versatility

One of the standout features of the Icom IC 560 is its powerful performance. With a maximum output power of 100 watts, this radio provides excellent signal strength and coverage, ensuring clear and reliable communication even in challenging environments. Whether you’re operating in urban areas or remote locations, you can count on the IC 560 to deliver exceptional performance.

In addition to its power, the IC 560 also offers impressive versatility. It supports multiple frequency bands, including HF, VHF, and UHF, allowing you to communicate on various channels and frequencies. This versatility makes the IC 560 suitable for a wide range of applications, from amateur radio operations to emergency communications.

Furthermore, the IC 560 features advanced communication capabilities that enhance its versatility. It supports various operating modes, including AM, FM, and SSB, giving you the flexibility to choose the most suitable mode for your communication needs. Additionally, it offers advanced features such as noise reduction and voice encryption, ensuring clear and secure communication.

Whether you’re a seasoned radio operator or just starting, the Icom IC 560 is a reliable and versatile radio that offers powerful performance and advanced communication features. With its exceptional capabilities, this radio is sure to meet your communication needs in any situation.

Advanced Communication Features

The Icom IC 560 is equipped with a range of advanced communication features that make it a versatile and powerful tool for any communication needs. Whether you are using it for amateur radio, emergency communication, or professional use, the IC 560 has you covered.

1. Dual Watch Function

With the dual watch function, you can monitor two different frequencies simultaneously. This allows you to stay updated on multiple channels and ensures that you never miss an important message.

2. Noise Reduction

The IC 560 features noise reduction technology that helps to minimize background noise and improve the clarity of your communications. This is especially useful in noisy environments or during weak signal conditions.

3. Built-in Voice Recorder

The built-in voice recorder allows you to record and playback conversations, ensuring that you never miss any important information. This feature is particularly useful for reviewing conversations or for documenting important details.

4. Automatic Repeater Function

The automatic repeater function allows you to easily communicate through repeater stations without the need for manual adjustments. This feature simplifies the communication process and ensures a seamless experience.

5. CTCSS and DTCS Tone Squelch

The IC 560 supports CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) and DTCS (Digital Tone Code Squelch) tone squelch, which helps to minimize interference from other users. This ensures clear and uninterrupted communication.

6. GPS Capability

The IC 560 is GPS capable, allowing you to track your location and share it with others. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor activities or emergency situations where knowing your exact location is crucial.

7. Multiple Scan Functions

The IC 560 offers multiple scan functions, including priority scan, memory scan, and program scan. These scan functions allow you to quickly and efficiently search for active channels and stay updated on the latest communications.

8. Weather Alert Function

The weather alert function alerts you to any severe weather conditions in your area, keeping you informed and safe. This feature is especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts or during emergency situations.

Icom IC 560: Specifications

The Icom IC 560 is a high-performance radio that offers a wide range of features and specifications. It is designed to meet the needs of amateur radio operators who require a reliable and versatile communication device.

Frequency Range

The Icom IC 560 operates on a frequency range of 144-146 MHz, making it suitable for use in the VHF band. This allows for clear and stable communication over a long distance.

Modes

The IC 560 supports various modes, including FM, AM, SSB, and CW. This ensures compatibility with different communication systems and allows for flexibility in operation.

Output Power

With a maximum output power of 10 watts, the IC 560 provides sufficient power for reliable communication even in challenging conditions. This ensures that your messages are transmitted clearly and effectively.

Receiver Sensitivity

The receiver sensitivity of the IC 560 is rated at 0.2 μV, which means it can pick up even weak signals with ease. This allows for better reception and ensures that you don’t miss any important messages.

Channel Spacing

The IC 560 offers channel spacing options of 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 12.5 kHz, and 25 kHz. This allows for precise tuning and ensures compatibility with different frequency allocations.

Memory Channels

The IC 560 has a total of 99 memory channels, which can be used to store frequently used frequencies. This makes it easy to access and switch between different channels quickly.

Frequency Range and Modes

Frequency Range and Modes

The Icom IC 560 offers a wide frequency range, allowing users to communicate over various bands. It covers the HF, VHF, and UHF frequency ranges, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Here is a breakdown of the frequency range and modes supported by the Icom IC 560:

Frequency Range Modes
HF AM, SSB, CW, RTTY
VHF FM, AM
UHF FM, AM

With these frequency ranges and modes, the Icom IC 560 provides users with the flexibility to communicate using various modulation types. Whether you need to make voice calls, send data, or engage in digital communication, this radio has you covered.

Additionally, the Icom IC 560 supports various operating modes, including simplex, duplex, and repeater modes. This allows for seamless communication in different scenarios, whether you’re communicating directly with another station or utilizing a repeater to extend your range.

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