HF TRANSCEIVER

IC-F8101

Powerful Professional HF
in a Compact Package

Powerful Professional HF in a Compact Package
Communication can be a challenge when working in a remote area, and the more isolated you are, the tougher it can be. With the Icom F8101 HF mobile transceiver, over-the-horizon contacts are a whole lot easier! The F8101 is designed specifically for long-distance radio communications. It operates on HF frequencies from 500 kHz to 29.9999 MHz and transmits up to 125W PEP (Peak Envelope Power). The F8101 supports SSB, AM, CW, and data operating modes and includes the latest Digital Signal Processor (DSP) technology to improve both transmitter and receiver performance. The Clear Talk function utilizes DSP to separate the noise from signals for clearer audio. When infrastructure is limited or nonexistent, Icom’s F8101 is the perfect solution; it’s compact, rugged, built to MIL-STD-810-G, and water-resistant (IP54).

Three Types of Controller Configurations

Three types of controller confi gurations are available to suit almost any application or installation that may be required.

Controller Attached Type

Ideal for standard desktop use or quick set-up at a field station.

Remote Control Microphone Type*

Phone-style convenience for mobile operation in all types of modern vehicles.

Detached Controller Type*

Get the proven ergonomics of a compact head and hand microphone with the separated RF unit.

*For the detached controller and remote control microphone types, an optional separation cable is required. (Purchase separately)

ALE (Automatic Link Establishment)

The built-in ALE system automatically selects the best channel and establishes a communication link. ALE provides interoperability with other 2G ALE radios using MIL-STD-188-141B and FED-STD-1045A ALE standards. ALE individual call, net call, sounding, AMD (Automatic Message Display) and LQA (Link Quality Analysis) polling are available.

Selcall (Selective Calling)

The IC-F8101 provides CCIR493-4 based 4-digit and 6-digit open standards Selcall, widely used in HF networks and HF calling systems. Supported Selcall functions include: selective calling, phone call, message call, position call, status call, emergency call and channel test call. For security, the owner passwordenabled stun feature can remotely disable the radio operation and the radio can be GPS tracked.

Compact and Durable

IC-F8101 with optional MB-126.

The IC-F8101 has a durable, enclosed structure securely sealed from the elements, in a stealthy black compact package. The IC-F8101 and the CFU-F8100 cooling fan unit has been tested to MIL-STD-810-G and IP54 ratings. Also, connection cables and connectors are IP54 water resistant.

125 W* of Powerful RF Output

With the fanless design, you get 125 W* output with full duty cycle operation in voice mode or in data mode a maximum 5 minutes of continuous transmission (25% duty cycle). When used with the CFU-F8100 optional external cooling fan unit, the IC-F8101 provides full duty cycle data and voice mode operations for absolute reliability during long continuous transmit cycles, or for operation in hot climates.
* 100 W for Australia versions.

BITE (Built-in Test Equipment) Function

You can check the transceiver’s internal condition by using the BITE capability. Auto, logic, receiver, and transmitter are checked.

User Friendly Operation

Function button menus are shown
at the bottom of the display

The IC-F8101 is designed for simple, straightforward operation. The Administrator/User feature can limit the functions that are accessed by the User. The Administrator can enter the operating frequency and assign memory channels from the front panel or the remote control microphone.
The following functions can be assigned to the [I], [II], and [III] soft key buttons: Main menu, Manager menu, Set mode, Selcall address list, RX history, and TX history.

Clear Talk Function

The clear talk function separates signals from noise using the DSP, and gives you clearer audio at the touch of a button.

Mute Functions

The IC-F8101 has 3 types of mute functions: call squelch, S-meter squelch and syllabic voice squelch. Call squelch opens the squelch only when receiving a Selcall or ALE call sent intentionally to this station and provides quiet standby.

Digital Signal Processor (DSP)

The latest DSP technology improves both the transmitter and receiver performance. The digital IF filter provides flexible filter settings for narrow band signals.

GPS Receiver Connection

Optional UX-248

When connected to the UX-248 optional GPS unit, the IC-F8101 can send current position data to other stations and can be used with a AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) system.

Data Communications

The IC-F8101 has an internal expansion slot for an optional RapidM TC4 or TC4-LP Data Modem Module*1.
This provides HF Email capability connecting to a PC with Email software from RapidM. In addition, the TC4-LP has optional functions including 2400 bps MELPe/TWELP Vocoder and 256-bit AES encryption*2.

*1 Depending on the version. *2 Please visit www.rapidm.com for details.

USB Port for PC Connection

The IC-F8101 can be connected to a PC through a USB port for HF e-mail, CI-V remote control and modulation input.

Many More Features

  • Multiple operating modes (SSB, AM, CW and Data mode)*  (* SSB and AM (RX only) for Australia versions)
  • 500 kHz to 29.999MHz general coverage receiver (TX: 1.6 MHz to 29.999 MHz) and VFO mode operation
  • 500 Selcall, 500 ALE address memories
  • ±0.3ppm frequency stability (−30°C to +60°C)
  • RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) emergency calls*  (* Australia version only)
  • TX Power protection (PA unit high temperature, high SWR, low battery)
  • Display mode: SWR, voltage, clock, GPS position, direction and elevation
  • FCC part 90 compliant (USA version)

Rear Panel View

General

Frequency coverage Receive 0.5–29.9999 MHz
Transmit 1.6–29.9999 MHz
Number of channels 500 channels
Type of emissions Australia version J3E, A3E (RX only)
Export/USA versions J3E, A3E, A1A, F1B, J2B
Power supply requirements 13.8 V DC Negative ground
10.8–15.6 V (Australia versions)
11.73–15.87 V (Export/USA versions)
Current drain Receive Less than 3 A (Max. audio), 1.0 A (Stand-by)
Transmit Less than 28 A (Maximum output)
Dimensions (W×H×D)
(Projections not included)
174×62×259 mm;
6.85×2.44×10.2 in
(Controller attached type)
Weight (approx.) 3.9 kg; 8.6 lb (Controller attached type)

Transmitter

Output power Australia version J3E: 100, 50, 10 W PEP (typical)
Export/USA versions J3E/A1A: 125, 50, 10 W PEP (typical)
A3E: 30, 12.5, 3 W (typical)
F1B/J2B: 75, 50, 10 W PEP (typical)
Spurious emissions 64 dB below PEP typical (EXP/Australia versions)
64 dB below PEP (USA versions)

Receiver

Sensitivity
(at 10dB S/N)
J3E
(Pre-amp. ON)
0.5–1.5999 MHz: 14 dBμV
1.6–29.9999 MHz: -14 dBμV
A3E 0.5–1.5999 MHz: 22 dBμV
1.6–29.9999 MHz: 6 dBμV
Squelch sensitivity J3E
(at 13.5 MHz)
Threshold: Less than +20 dBμV
Tight: Less than +90 dBμV
A3E
(at 1.000 MHz)
Threshold: Less than +30 dBμV
Tight: Less than +110 dBμV
Spurious responses More than 70 dB
Audio output power 4.0 W at 10% distortion with a 4 Ω load

Applicable U.S. Military Specifications & IP Rating

Icom makes rugged products that have been tested to and passed the following MIL-STD requirements and ingress protection standards.
Tested to IC-F8101, AD-119, CFU-F8100 and MB-126.

Standard
 
MIL-810 G
Method Procedure
Low Pressure Storage

500.5

I
Low Pressure Operation

500.5

II
High Temperature Storage

501.5 

I
High Temperature Operation

501.5 

II
Low Temperature Storage

502.5 

I
Low Temperature Operation

502.5 

II
Temperature Shock

503.5

I-C
Solar Radiation

505.5

I
Rain Blowing

506.5 

I
Rain Drip

506.5

III
Humidity

507.5

II
Salt fog

509.5

-
Dust Blowing

510.5 

I
Vibration

514.6 

I
Shock Functional

516.6 

I
Shock Transit Drop

516.6

IV

Also meets equivalent MIL-STD-810 -C, -D, -E and -F.

Tested to IC-F8101, AD-119 and CFU-F8100.

Ingress Protection Standards
Dust & Water

IP54 (Dust-protection and water resistant)

All stated specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

Supplied Accessories

Controller attached type:

  • RF unit with controller head
  • Microphone, HM-193
  • Microphone hanger kit
  • External speaker, SP-35L
  • DC power cable
  • Spare fuses

Detached controller type:

  • RF unit
  • Remote controller head
  • Seaparation kit, RMK-6
  • Microphone, HM-193
  • Microphone hanger kit
  • External speaker, SP-35L
  • DC power cable
  • Spare fuses

Command microphone type:

  • RF unit
  • Command Microphone, HM-192
  • Microphone hanger kit for HM-192
  • Extension microphone connector
  • External speaker, SP-35L
  • DC power cable
  • Spare fuses

Catalogs / Brochures

Brochures Name Size
IC-F8101 2.03MB
Professional Radios 12.11MB

Instruction Manual / Guides

Name Model Name Note
Instruction Manual IC-F8101

The Main version 3.45-000 or earlier

Instruction Manual IC-F8101

The Main version 4.08-000 or later
Including CI-V Infromation

CI-V Information IC-F8101

for Version 4.08 or later firmware