Icom Two Way Radio FAQ's

What does PMR446 stand for?

PMR446 is a licence free radio service used by two-way radio users in the UK and throughout Europe. The letters PMR stand for Private Mobile Radio and the numbe...

Are the batteries and chargers compatible between the new version of the IC-F3002 and its predecessor?

The reintroduction of the IC-F3002 into our commercial two-way radio line-up provides a rugged alternative for customers. Although this radio is similar, it is ...

I have a problem with my Icom IC-F2100DS. PROG NG is displayed on the screen and will not do anything. What is the problem and how can I fix it?

The clone file may be corrupted, or the clone write action was interrupted while writing to the radio.

Before writing the clone file to the radio again ma...

When my speaker mic is plugged into my IC-F1000D, I lose the ability to change channels, or the radios keys no longer work.

In the programming software, go to Common > Key & Display > Key. Set the Ext.Emer field to Disable.

For more details about this product visit the

What is a Shopwatch Scheme?

A Shopwatch Scheme is a network of businesses, from a town centre and outlying areas, linked together by a two-way radio network as well as to the police and CC...

Should I trial two way radios before I buy them?

If you are buying new radios and are unsure whether they are suitable it is important that you discuss a trial with your radio supplier. Most dealers are happ...

I cannot read or write to my IC-F3400/F5400 when using an OPC-1862 cable.

Press and hold the P1 key while turning on power. You can now read the radio (one time only).

Go to Common -> External I/O -> Option and verify the fol...

I cannot read or write to my IC-F3400 or IC-F5400 when using a USB cable

Go to Common -> External I/O -> Option and verify that USB Mode is set to Data Transfer.

Can I read the data on the SD card while it is still in the IC-F3400/F5400 Series radio?

Yes. First, connect the USB cable to the radio.

In the menu screen, go to Function, then select USB Mode Select. Select Card Reader. You can now see your...

My IC-F3400/F5400 Series radio, when programmed with NXDN 15 Bit low level Encryption, will not communicate with older Icom radios (F4261, 4160, etc).

In older models, use CAI 1.2 encryption. IC-F3400/F5400 series use CAI 1.3. To inter-operate between the 2 radios, open the CS-F3400D software and go to Digital...

How do I turn off voice announcements or reduce the volume on the IC-F3400/F5400 Series radio?

In the cloning software, go to User Interface/Beep and Vibration/Announce. Turn it up or down.

How do I set the time on my IC-F3400/F5400 using GPS?

In the CS-F3400D software:

1. Go to GPS Common/GPS Setting/GPS. Set to ON.
2. Go to Supplemental Function/Clock Setting/UTC Offset and set the of...

What happens if I try to program Trunking features on an IC-F3400/F5400 radio that does not have Trunking activated?

Trunking zones and CHs will not show on your radio. Red X's will appear on the side menu tree.

What version of Bluetooth does the IC-F3400/F5400 series radios support?

The Bluetooth functions support Bluetooth versions 2.1EDR and 3.0. Always test functionality before purchasing Bluetooth accessories.

What are the advantages of PMR446 walkie talkies over licensed business radios?

PMR446 radios or walkie talkies are designed to be simple to use. For short range comms, they are an excellent, instant, licence free communication device wher...

What is 'Voice Recording' and when can it be used on a two way radio?

Several of our two-way business radios can record voice traffic. In some situations where there is inherent danger or when an organisation wants to adhere to ‘H...

What is Squelch and how do you suppress it on a two way radio?

One of the most common questions we get from our marine and business customers is what is squelch and how do you reduce it. In radio terms, squelch is the proc...

Can I leave my radio in the battery charger with the radio power on?

Do not leave the radio powered on when charging the battery. When a powered-on radio is used with a trickle-charger, such as the BC-152, the charger will be un...

What version of Bluetooth does the IC-F3400/F5400 digital two way radio series support?

The Bluetooth functions support Bluetooth versions 2.1EDR and 3.0. Always test functionality before purchasing Bluetooth accessories.

How do I set the time on my IC-F3400 using GPS?

In the CS-F3400D software:

1. Go to GPS Common/GPS Setting/GPS. Set to ON.
2. Go to Supplemental Function/Clock Setting/UTC Offset and set the offset f...

My IC-F3262 antenna appears to fit on the IC-F3400. Will it work ok?

No! The IC-F3400 antenna connectors are different. The IC-F3262 antenna will crush the centre connector in the IC-F3400 series.

Always make sure you use...

Do any of the 16 scrambler codes in the IC-F1000/2000 match any of the 32 scrambler codes in the UT-109 scrambler boards?

No. There are no matching codes.

For more details about this radio series visit IC-F1000/F2000 VHF/U...

Changes to the Business Radio Simple UK Licence Frequencies

In mid-2017 Ofcom allocated a further four frequencies to the existing three 449 MHz frequencies in use by the Business Radio Simple UK License. This decision...

What happens if I try to program Trunking features on a radio that does not have Trunking activated?

Trunking zones and CHs will not show on your radio. Red X's will appear on the side menu tree.

For an explanation about Trunking, read our explanation,

Do the IC-F1000D or IC-F2000D digital two way radios have analogue scrambling?

The IC-F1000D / F2000D radios have no analogue scrambling function. It has encryption in digital mode only.

For more details about this radio series vis...

What does Icom’s ‘Active Noise Cancelling’ function do on a two way radio?

Icom’s ‘Active Noise Cancelling’ function, already used on Icom marine VHF radios essentially suppresses background noise. The suppression level of the ‘Active ...

How do I go about getting a licence from OFCOM for my two way radio system?

An application to OFCOM will have to to be made. You can do this yourself or your business radio dealer should be able to apply on your behalf. The following ...

Important Advice about Battery Safety

The safety of your employees is paramount and battery management should be an important part of the way you look after your two way radio fleet. That is why it ...

What are the main factors influencing customers in choosing analogue two way radio?

There are sound reasons why customers still like analogue two way radios. We find that many businesses just want a no fuss, simple, straightforward solution. T...

What applications/businesses/environments are suited to the use of analogue two way radio?

There are some customers out there that want a high capacity, multi-site, Tier III digital system from Icom with all the features possible, but at the other end...

What should I consider when choosing a two-way business radio dealer?

The radio market is very competitive, so it is worth getting quotes from multiple dealers. When comparing quotes consider the level of after-sales service, whet...

What is a Leaky Feeder?

A leaky feeder is a special feeder cable that is deliberately designed to radiate a controlled amount of signal out along its full length and also allow signals...

Benefits of Using Two Way Business Radios Instead of Mobile Phones

Two way business radio can bring offer effective and general purpose communications at a low cost after their initial outlay. There are numerous benefits of us...

What does my two way radio dealer mean by the term Base Station?

A base station refers to a radio that is used from a fixed location, usually using mains electrical power and a permanent or semi-permanent antenna. A base stat...

What is PTT (Push to Talk) on a two way radio?

All two way radios have a Push-To-Talk button. This is the button, usually located on the side of the radio, that is held down to make the radio transmit, and t...

What is the range of a Licence Free PMR446 walkie talkies?

In perfect conditions such as line of sight with no obstructions it could be possible to achieve 2-3 kilometres. However, in a busy high street you may not achi...

What kind of accessories can I buy for my two way business radio?

Icom have a wide range of accessories including earpieces, headsets, microphones, carry cases etc for its range of products. By clicking on the accessory sectio...

What will happen if I continue to use my two way business radio scheme without renewing my license?

Two way business radio channels have reached saturation point in most cities in the UK. With 43,000 business radio licenses in use, Ofcom, the organisation in c...

Can I use two way radio abroad?

Licence free two way radio can be used in many EU countries; however we do suggest that you should check that the relevant countries have implemented all PMR446...

What is the typical life of a battery for a two way business radio?

Depending on your model of radio and usage, the typical battery life of a Ni-MH battery is 8 - 12 hours from fully charged. Li-Ion batteries are incorporated in...

What is the difference between a two way handportable radio and a mobile two way radio?

Two way handportable radios are generally use for portable operation and are kept on a persons belt or in a pocket....they are commonly known as ‘walkie-talkies...

What does the Man-Down function do on a Two Way Radio?

Most Icom two way radios have a Man-down option. Man-Down is a tilt-switch inside the radio that automatically sends an alarm signal if the radio is tipped on i...

I have noticed some of your marine and two way business radios have a VOX function. What does VOX do?

VOX stands for Voice Activated Transmit and is an optional feature of some of our models. It give a user the capability to operate the PTT by just speaking into...

What is CTCSS (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System)

CTCSS allows several groups of radio users to make use of the same channel without constantly hearing messages not intended for their group. CTCSS is used to ig...

What are the benefits of using a PMR446 Licence Free Two Way Radio for my Business!

PMR446 Licence Free Two Way Radios have been around for a number of years now. Consumers and businesses recognize the advantages that good comms can bring and t...

Is there still a place for analogue two way business radio?

With the growth of digital two way radio, customers may feel that analogue two way radio has no place in the market. However, the reality is, because of the amo...

What type of Two Way Business Radio Licence would be best for me?

If you were not aware, Two Way Business Radio Licences have recently gone though a bit of a transformation. Whereas in the past there were over 20 forms of lice...

What are the benefits of having a Private Mobile Radio (PMR) licence?

Private mobile radio bands other than the licence free UHF PMR446 band are issued and managed by the UK office of communications - Ofcom. In order to use licens...

Why does my Icom PMR radio display CL NG or CLONE NG when I turn it on?

Your radio has corrupted data in the CPU (Clone No Good). Your local Icom dealer can restore this file.

I turn on my IC-F12/F22 or IC-F15/F25 or IC-F3002/F4002 and the LED indicator is flashing red/green. What does this mean?

The radio has corrupted data in the CPU and must be serviced by an Icom dealer.

I turn on my IC-F12/F22 or IC-F15/F25 or IC-F3002/F4002 and hear one long continuous beep. How do I eliminate this beep?

This usually means a low battery. Charge your battery or replace if it does not charge fully.

Who are ETSI?

ETSI is one of the world’s leading standards development organizations for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Founded initially to serve European...

In which countries can I use my PMR446 Radio?

A good website to find out in which countries you can use your PMR446 Radio is the ERO website.

You can find this information by clicking here:

What are the benefits of an Icom Fast Charger?

Fast chargers are convenient and save you precious time. Rather than taking a substantial amount of time to charge your battery, fast chargers can fully charge ...

What are the hygiene related issues surrounding the use of two way radio headsets?

It is common for a single radio hand portable or desk top microphone to be used by a number of people in just a few hours. It is important that you are aware of...

What is IDAS?

IDAS is Icom’s version of the new Next Generation Digital Narrowband (NXDN™) radio technology. Icom’s IDAS is the equipment and technology – the platform – that...

What is NXDN™?

NXDN™ or Next Generation Digital Narrowband, is a “Common Air Interface” (CAI), the name for over-the-air methods by which radios and repeaters communicate. NXD...

How does the coverage in an IDAS digital communication site compare with analogue FM?

In field tests carried out by Icom and other third parties, IDAS in digital mode is observed to provide up to 20% more communication coverage than analogue.

How does the audio quality in IDAS digital mode compare with analogue FM?

The digital signal audio quality remains the same throughout the range, with no deterioration at the extremes of the communication range. The biggest difference...

Can IDAS radios talk to my existing two way radios?

Your current analogue two way radios and repeater system can be used by IDAS radios in the analogue mode just like any other analogue radio. IDAS and analogue-o...

Is it possible to do remote programming or control of an IDAS repeater via IP?

With the release of the UC-FR5000 network card, it is possible to set up a repeater for trunking functionality, program the trunking parameters and carry out ...

What does IDAS stand for?

IDAS stands for Icom Digital Advanced System.

Does IDAS support scrambling or encryption for data and voice?

IDAS provides for spectrum-inversion digital voice scrambling with a 15-bit key (more than 32,000 different codes).

Is it possible to use analogue signalling functions like CTCSS in the IC-FR5100/FR6100 Digital Repeater series?

Yes, it is possible. All analogue signalling features available in IDAS terminal products (and other analogue radio products) can be handled by an IDAS repeater...

What is meant by Lone Worker in two way radio terms?

Lone Worker is a safety system incorporated in many types of on-site portable two way radio systems. The two way radio will sense whether a user has made a tran...

dPMR: A Narrowband Option?

A new ETSI standard offers 6.25-kilohertz FDMA for cost-effective business applications. Solving the shortage of radio channels affecting radio users is an ong...

Why choose 5-Tone?

5-Tone is a non-proprietary signaling protocol that allows an Icom two way radio to inter-operate with other brands using the 5-Tone signaling. This protocol a...

What is 5-Tone Signaling?

1. Although it is dubbed as 5-Tone, this signaling protocol consists of a fast data burst of one (1) to seven (7) frequency tones that can selectively signal a ...

What is MAP27?

MAP27 is defined as Mobile Access Protocol for MPT1327 communications equipment. In brief, it permits data exchange between MPT radio trunking equipment and ext...

What is Radio Trunking?

Radio trunking is a method employed on medium to large business two way radio systems to make the best use of the scarce radio channels that are available in th...

What are the benefits of a Trunked Two Way Radio System?

There are many benefits in having a trunked radio system, some of which are listed below. Trunked two way radio combines many of the functions of a mobile tele...

Operating frequency range explained for Two Way Radios

VHF and UHF offer different propagation advantages. The operational band width of the radio is measure in MHz. VHF covers UK frequency range 136-174 and UHF cov...

I want extra security on my PMR radio

Icom currently provides different levels of security to meet your security needs. These currently include the UT-109 Inversion scrambler which is a simple voice...

What is ANI on a two way radio ?

ANI - Automatic Number Identification encode function allows a two way radio to send unique identification with each transmission, to other radio users. ANI dec...

What are MIL-spec (MIL-STD) ratings on a two way radio?

MIL-spec (MIL-STD) ratings are the test standards set by the U.S Military. Mil-spec radios have a rugged design to provide reliable performance, even in the mos...

Explanation of Icom ATEX Serial Marking System

ATEX models are identical in design to non-ATEX versions. However, the ATEX standard marking is printed on the serial sticker and battery pack. You can downloa...

A Background to ATEX

The ATEX directive came into force on 1 July 2003. The directive covers electrical and mechanical equipment and protective systems, which may be used in potenti...

How Does Encryption Work on a Two Way Radio?

Encryption modifies a voice signal using a coding algorithm. An encryption key controls this algorithm. The encryption key is used by the transmit and receive r...

Recharging Your Batteries

Icom UK sells two different types of batteries: Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH); and Lithium Ion (Li-ion). Each battery must be recharged in a particular way, thoug...

The Li-ion Battery

Icom now offers more Lithium Ion (Lion) batteries for its handheld radios. In fact, they’re now coming as standard equipment with our latest two way radios.

Repeater applications explained!

In its own right a repeater can be a useful tool to increase the operating range of your radio system. With its relatively high transmitting power & external an...

What is PMR446?

PMR446 describes the licence-exempt, short-range radio service. PMR446 radios offer an effective and low-cost communication solution providing general-purpose r...

How are two way radios used for improving security?

Icom UK via its large dealer network, is providing two way radio solutions for customers throughout the country. Through its dealers the company is supplying pr...

Battery life...Calculations!

Icom has made calculations for the battery life in the worst case situation such as when the battery current is 3µA.

Therefore, the battery life is :

...