SAFETY TRAINING INFORMATION CAUTION To ensure that your exposure to RF electromagnetic energy is within the FCC allowable limits, always adhere to the following guidelines: • DO NOT operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damage the radio and may also cause you to exceed FCC RF exposure limits. A proper antenna is the antenna supplied with this radio by the manufacturer or an antenna specifically authorized by the manufacturer for use with this radio. • DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (“50% duty cycle”). Transmitting more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded. The radio is transmitting when the “TX indicator” is lit. You can cause the radio to transmit by pressing the “PTT” switch. • ALWAYS use Icom authorized accessories (antennas, batteries, belt clips, speaker/mics, etc.). Use of unauthorized accessories can cause the FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded. • ALWAYS keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body when transmitting, and only use the Icom belt-clips which are listed in this manual when attaching the radio to your belt, etc. To provide the recipients of your transmission the best sound quality, hold the antenna at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, and slightly off to one side. The information listed above provides the user with the information needed to make him or her aware of RF exposure, and what to do to assure that this radio operates within the FCC RF exposure limits of this radio. Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility. During transmissions, your Icom radio generates RF energy that can possibly cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so. DO NOT operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as hospitals, aircraft, and blasting sites. FOREWORD Thank you for purchasing the IC-V8 FM transceiver. This transceiver is designed for those who require quality, performance and outstanding reliability under the most demanding conditions. IMPORTANT READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely before using the transceiver. SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL–This instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the transceiver. EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS The explicit definitions below apply to this instruction manual. WORD DEFINITION RWARNING Personal injury, fire hazard or electric shock may occur. CAUTION Equipment damage may occur. NOTE If disregarded, inconvenience only. No risk of personal injury, fire or electric shock. SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES Accessories included with the transceiver: w e q r y t qAntenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 w Belt clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 e 2251 OPTsheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 rAC Adapter* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 t Battery pack*/Battery case* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 y Battery charging stand* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 *Not supplied with some versions. PRECAUTION RWARNING! NEVER hold the transceiver so that the antenna is very close to, or touching exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. The transceiver will perform best if the microphone is 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 in) away from the lips and the transceiver is vertical. RWARNING! NEVER operate the transceiver with a headset or other audio accessories at high volume levels. Hearing experts advise against continuous high volume operation. If you experience a ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use. NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source that is DC fused at more than 5 A. Accidental reverse connection will be protected by this fuse, but higher fuse values will not give any protection against such accidents and the transceiver will be ruined. NEVER attempt to charge alkaline or dry cell batteries. Be a ware that external DC power connections will charge batteries inside the battery case. This will damage not only the battery case but also the transceiver. DO NOT push the PTT when not actually desiring to transmit. 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. AVOID using or placing the transceiver in direct sunlight or in areas with temperatures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +60°C (+140°F). The use of non-Icom battery packs/chargers may impair transceiver performance and invalidate the warranty. Even when the transceiver power is OFF, a slight current still flows in the circuits. Remove the battery pack or case from the transceiver when not using it for a long time. Otherwise, the battery pack or install...