ICOM IC-A120 VHF Air Band Transceivers Warranty

ICOM IC-A120 VHF Air Band Transceivers

Specifications:

• Product: VHF Air Band Transceivers
• Models: A120, A120E
• Compliance: Part 15 of FCC Rules
• Accessories: Microphone, Microphone hanger, Microphone hanger cable, DC power cable, Mounting bracket, Sponges

Product Usage Instructions

Precautions:
WARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock. BE CAREFUL! The transceiver will become hot when operating
continuously for long periods.

WARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source of more than 31.5 V DC. This could damage the transceiver.

WARNING! NEVER cut the DC power cable between the DC plug and fuse holder. If an incorrect connection is made after cutting, the transceiver might be damaged.

WARNING! NEVER place the transceiver where normal operation of the vehicle may be hindered or where it could cause bodily injury.

CAUTION : NEVER expose the transceiver to rain, snow, or any liquids.
USE the specified microphone only. Other microphones have different pin assignments and may damage the transceiver. Place the transceiver in a secure place to avoid inadvertent use by children. KEEP the transceiver away from heavy rain and never immerse it in water. The transceiver meets IP54 requirements for dust protection and splash resistance.NEVER place the transceiver in an insecure place to avoid inadvertent use by unauthorized persons. Operate the transceiver that complies with your local laws and
regulations. DO NOT operate the transceiver without running the vehicle’s engine. The vehicle’s battery will quickly run out when the transceiver transmits while the vehicle’s engine is OFF.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

• Q: Can I use a different microphone with the transceiver?
  A: No, it is recommended to use only the specified microphone as other microphones may have different pin assignments and could potentially damage the transceiver.

• Q: What should I do if the transceiver gets wet?
  A: If the transceiver gets wet, immediately dry it off and ensure that it is no longer exposed to moisture. Do not use it until it is completely dry to prevent damage.

BASIC MANUAL

VHF AIR BAND TRANSCEIVERS
|A120 |A120E
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

IMPORTANT

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS carefully and completely before using the transceiver.
SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL — This instruction manual contains important operating instructions for the IC-A120 and IC-A120E.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

The explicit definitions below apply to this instruction manual.

shock may occur.

CAUTION| Equipment damage may occur.

NOTE

| Recommended for optimum use. No risk of personal injury, fire or electric shock.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this transceiver, not expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority to operate this transceiver under FCC regulations.

About E-marking : Detailed installation notes for Icom mobile transceivers to be fitted into vehicles are available. Please contact your Icom dealer or distributor.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

• Used for optional unit installation.Ask the technical dealer for details.

PRECAUTIONS

WARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to an AC outlet. This may pose a fire hazard or result in an electric shock.
WARNING! NEVER connect the transceiver to a power source of more than 31.5 V DC. This could damage the transceiver.
WARNING! NEVER cut the DC power cable between the DC plug and fuse holder. If an incorrect connection is made after cutting, the transceiver might be damaged.
WARNING! NEVER place the transceiver where normal operation of the vehicle may be hindered or where it could cause bodily injury.

CAUTION: NEVER expose the transceiver to rain, snow or any liquids.

• NEVER place the transceiver in an insecure place to avoid inadvertent use by unauthorized persons.
• DO NOT operate or place the transceiver in areas with temperatures below –30°C (–22°F) or above +60°C (+140°F), or in areas subject to direct sunlight, such as the dashboard.
• DO NOT operate the transceiver without running the vehicle’s engine. The vehicle’s battery will quickly run out when the transceiver transmits while the vehicle’s engine is OFF.
• DO NOT place the transceiver in excessively dusty environments.
• DO NOT place the transceiver against walls. Otherwise, heat dissipation will be obstructed.
• DO NOT use harsh solvents such as benzine or alcohol when cleaning, as they damage the transceiver surfaces.
• BE CAREFUL! The transceiver will become hot when operating continuously for long periods.
• USE the specified microphone only. Other microphones have different pin assignments and may damage the transceiver.
• Place the transceiver in a secure place to avoid inadvertent use by children.
• KEEP the transceiver away from the heavy rain, and never immerse it in the water. The transceiver meets IP54* requirements for dust protection and splash resistance. However, once the transceiver has been dropped, dust protection and splash resistance cannot be guaranteed due to the fact that the transceiver may be cracked, or the waterproof seal damaged, and so on.

Only when the supplied microphone is attached.
Operate the transceiver that complies with your local laws and regulations.
Depending on countries and/or regions, transceiver’s output power and/or operations on specific frequencies may be restricted to avoid interferences with existing radio stations or services.

CAUTION: In Canada, use of 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing of this radio is strictly prohibited and shall not be used.

Icom and the Icom logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and/or other countries.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Icom Inc. is under license.
All other products or brands are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.

PANEL DESCRIPTION

Front panel

Function display

 BASIC OPERATION

Turning ON the transceiver

• Hold down for 1 second to turn ON the transceiver.
• If the transceiver is preset for a start-up password, enter the 6 digits password.

While in the Password Entry mode, “PASSWORD” is displayed.

Entering the password
Enter the password in the following manner. Example:
If the password is 513824, push [SCAN], [PRI/DUAL], [MENU/CLR], [MENU/CLR], [SQL / ], and then push [ /MHz/GRP].

• Note that each key represents 2 digits. That means, “123456” and “678901” are entered in exactly the same way (requires no multiple or extended pushing.)
• The entered password will not be displayed.
• If “PASSWORD” does not disappear after entering, the entered password is incorrect. Turn OFF the transceiver, and then try again.

Receiving and transmitting

Setting the frequency Setting the frequency in the Memory mode

1. Open the “MEMORY” menu.
   • ➥ Push [ /MHz/GRP].
2. Select “GROUPS” item.
   • ➥ Push [▲] or [▼], and then push [ /MHz/GRP].
3. Select a desired group.
   • ➥ Push [▲] or [▼], and then push [ /MHz/GRP].
4. Select a desired channel.
   • ➥ Push [▲] or [▼].

Setting the frequency in the VFO mode

1. Switch the transceiver to the VFO mode.

   • ➥ Select “VFO MODE” group in the Menu mode and then push [ /MHz/GRP].
     MENU > VFO MODE/MEMORY MODE

2. Set the MHz digit.

   • ➥ Push [ /MHz/GRP], and then push [▲] or [▼].
   • The MHz digit blinks.

3. Exit the MHz Digit Selection mode.
   ➥ Push [ /MHz/GRP] again.

4. Set the kHz digit.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼].

TIP: You can select the channel spacing in the “CH SPACING” item*.

MENU > SETTINGS > FUNCTIONS > CH SPACING
The menu may not be displayed, depending on the transceiver’s presettings. Ask your authorized Icom dealer or transceiver administrator for details.
CAUTION: In Canada, use of 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing of this radio is strictly prohibited and shall not be used.

BASIC OPERATION

Receiving
When receiving a signal, “BUSY” is displayed and audio is heard.

• Rotate volume control knob to adjust the audio level.
• Adjust the squelch if necessary. See ‘Adjusting the squelch’ to the right for details.

Transmitting

CAUTION: DO NOT transmit without an antenna.
For the AUS version, you may not be able to transmit in the VFO mode, depending on the presetting. Ask your authorized Icom dealer or transceiver administrator for details.

1. Hold down [PTT], and then speak at your normal voice level.
   • “TX” is displayed.
2. Release [PTT] to receive.
   •  To maximise the clarity of the signal, hold the microphone about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) from your mouth.

Adjusting the squelch

Adjust the squelch to mute undesired noise when no signal is received.

1. Open the “SQL” window.
   • ➥ Push [SQL/ ].
2. Adjust the squelch.
   • ➥ Push [▲] or [▼] to select the desired squelch level.

Bluetooth® OPERATION 3

Operating Bluetooth®

• If the UT-133A Bluetooth UNIT is installed in the transceiver, you can connect a Bluetooth headset.
• When you connect the VS-3 Bluetooth HEADSET to the transceiver, you can wirelessly transmit and receive the headset audio.
• The VS-3 has a [PTT] switch, so you can transmit in the same way as using the transceiver’s [PTT] switch.
• Communication range of Bluetooth is approximately 10 meters (32.8 ft).

NOTE:

• Connect with a device that complies with the standards set by Bluetooth SIG and has been certified. Even if the device complies with the Bluetooth standard, it may not be able to connect to the transceiver, depending on the specifications and settings of the device, and not all operations are guaranteed.
  The Bluetooth communication range may vary, depending on your operating environment. Microwave ovens or Wireless LANs may cause interference. In that case, stop using those devices or move away from them.
  This Bluetooth headset has a usable range. If communication is unstable, move within the range.

Electromagnetic Interference

When you use a Bluetooth headset, pay attention to the following:

• Bluetooth devices operate in the 2.4 GHz band.
• The 2.4 GHz band is also used by other devices, such as Wireless LAN products, microwave ovens, RFID systems, amateur radio stations, and so on.
• When using the Bluetooth headset near such devices, interference may occur, causing a decrease in communication speed, and an unstable connection.
• In such cases, use the headset away from the other devices, or stop using those headsets.

Pairing with a headset
These instructions describe pairing with the VS-3 Bluetooth HEADSET. You can pair a maximum of 7 Bluetooth headsets with the transceiver.

• If you try to pair a Bluetooth headset to a transceiver that already has 7 headsets paired with it, the oldest headset will automatically be unpaired.

Turning ON transceiver’s Bluetooth function

1. Open the “BLUETOOTH FUNC” item.
   MENU > SETTINGS > BLUETOOTH > BLUETOOTH FUNC

2. Activate the Bluetooth unit.
   ➥ Select “ON” and push [ /MHz/GRP].
   

Entering the Pairing mode of the VS-3

• See the VS-3’s instruction manual for details.

Pairing the Bluetooth headset

1. Open the “DEVICE SEARCH” item.
   MENU > BLUETOOTH > PAIR/CONNECT >DEVICE SEARCH

2. Search for a headset to pair.
   ➥ Select “HEADSET” and push [ /MHz/GRP].

   • The found headsets are displayed.
   • “NOT FOUND” is displayed if no headsets are found.
   • Push [MENU/CLR] to cancel searching.
   • The headset name changes to
     its Bluetooth device address in 5 seconds.

3. Select the desired headset to pair.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼] and then push [ /MHz/GRP].

   • A passkey or PIN code may be required to pair, depending on the headset. Refer to your headset’s instructions for details.

4. Exit the Menu mode.
   ➥ Push [ ].

   • “ ” is displayed if the headset is correctly paired.

Connecting a paired headset

If you have a previously paired headset, follow the steps below to connect it.

1. Open the “PAIR/CONNECT” menu.
   MENU > BLUETOOTH > PAIR/CONNECT

   • The paired headsets are displayed.

2. Select the desired headset to connect.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼] and then push [ /MHz/GRP].

   • “CONNECT” and “UNPAIR” is displayed.

3. Connect the headset.
   ➥ Select “CONNECT” and then push
   [ /MHz/GRP].

   • The check mark “✔” in the box is displayed.

4. Exit the Menu mode.
   ➥ Push [ ].

Setting AF Output

You can select the AF output option in the “AF OUTPUT” item.

MENU > SETTINGS > BLUETOOTH > HEADSET SET > AF OUTPUT

• HEADSET: Outputs audio to the connected Bluetooth headset.
• HEADSET & SPEAKER: Outputs audio to both the connected Bluetooth headse the transceiver’s speaker.

Disconnecting a headset
You can disconnect from a headset without canceling the pairing.

1. Open the “PAIR/CONNECT” menu.
   MENU > BLUETOOTH > PAIR/CONNECT

   • The connected headsets are displayed.

2. Select the desired headset to disconnect.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼] and then push [ /MHz/GRP].

   • “DISCONNECT” is displayed.

3. Disconnect the headset.
   ➥ Push [ /MHz/GRP], and then select [YES].

   • The check mark “✔” in the box disappears.

4. Exit the Menu mode.
   ➥ Push [ ].

Unpairing a headset
You can unpair a Bluetooth headset. Before unpairing a connected headset, disconnect it.

1. Open the “PAIR/CONNECT” menu.
   MENU > BLUETOOTH > PAIR/CONNECT

   • The paired headsets are displayed.

2. Select the desired headset to unpair.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼] and then push [ /MHz/GRP].

3. Unpair the headset.
   ➥ Select “UNPAIR” and push [ /MHz/GRP].

   • The headset name disappears from the “PAIR/CONNECT” menu.

4. Exit the Menu mode.
   ➥ Push [ ].

MENU MODE

Using the Menu mode
You can set seldom changed settings in the Menu mode. You can customize the transceiver settings to suit your preference and operating style.
Example: Turning OFF the key beep.

1. Enter the Menu mode.
   ➥ Push [MENU/CLR].

2. Open the “SETTINGS” group.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼], and then

   • push [ /MHz/GRP].

3. Open the “SOUNDS” menu.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼], and then

   • push [ /MHz/GRP].

4. Open the “KEY BEEP” item.
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼], and then

   • push [ /MHz/GRP].

5. Select “OFF.”
   ➥ Push [▲] or [▼], and then

   • push [ /MHz/GRP].

6. Exit the Menu mode.
   ➥ Push [ ].

Menu item list
The list on this basic manual shows the transceiver’s menu items.
See the FULL MANUAL for each menu item’s details. You can download the FULL MANUAL from the Icom website, shown below.
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/
The menu items contained in the transceiver may be different, depending on the transceiver’s setting. Ask your dealer or transceiver administrator for details.

VFO MODE/MEMORY MODE group

MEMORY WRITE group

(May not be displayed, depending on the transceiver’s settings.)

MEMORY NAME
LOCKOUT
GROUP
GROUP NAME
WRITE
MEMORY MANAGE group *1

EDIT
| MEMORY NAME
LOCKOUT
GROUP NAME
OVERWRITE
DELETE
BLUETOOTH group 2
PAIR/CONNECT
| DEVICE SEARCH
PAIRING STANDBY
SETTINGS group
FUNCTIONS
| CH SPACING1
PRIORITY CH1
NOISE LIMITING
TIME OUT TIMER1
MIC KEY CUSTOMIZE1
LOCK FUNCTION
CI-V1

1. May not be displayed, depending on the transceiver’s setting.
2. Displayed only when the optional UT-133A Bluetooth unit is installed.

SETTINGS group (Continued)

SCAN1
| SCAN TYPE1
RESUME TIMER1
ON-HOOK SCAN1
STOP/TX CH1
DISPLAY
| LCD BACKLIGHT
LCD CONTRAST
INDICATION TYPE
SOUNDS
| KEY BEEP
BEEP LEVEL
SIDE TONE
SPEAKER OUTPUT
BLUETOOTH2
| BLUETOOTH FUNC
AUTO CONNECT1
HEADSET SET
DATA DEVICE SET1
DEVICE INFO
DEVICE INITIALIZE1
INFORMATION
| VERSION
SETTINGS group (Continued)
SCAN1
| SCAN TYPE1
RESUME TIMER1
ON-HOOK SCAN1
STOP/TX CH1
DISPLAY
| LCD BACKLIGHT
LCD CONTRAST
INDICATION TYPE
SOUNDS
| KEY BEEP
BEEP LEVEL
SIDE TONE
SPEAKER OUTPUT
BLUETOOTH2
| BLUETOOTH FUNC
AUTO CONNECT1
HEADSET SET
DATA DEVICE SET1
DEVICE INFO
DEVICE INITIALIZE1
INFORMATION
| VERSION

SPECIFICATIONS AND OPTIONS

Specifications (Measurements made without an antenna.)

In Canada, use of 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing of this radio is strictly prohibited and shall not be used.

• Frequency range:

  • IC-A120 118.000 to 136.99166 MHz
  • IC-A120E (A1-JS version) 118.000 to 136.97500 MHz
  • IC-A120E (Others) 118.000 to 136.99166 MHz

•  Channel spacing: 25 kHz/8.33*1 kHz

• Type of emission: IC-A120

  • 6KOOA3E/5K60A3E (FCC/EXP)
  • 6K00A3E (Industry Canada)
  • 6K80A3E/5KOOA3E*1

• IC-A120E

  • Number of memory channels: 200
  • Antenna impedance: 50 Q (nominal)
  • Antenna connector: so-239
  • Power supply requirement: 13.75 V/27.5 V DC (negative ground)

• Current drain (at 13.75 V):

  • TX5.0 A maximum
  • Stand-by   0.5 A maximum
  • Maximum audio 4.0 A maximum

• Operating temperature range:

  • IC-A120 —30′ C to +60 •C, —220 F to +140F
  • IC-A120E -20crc to +55c
  • Dimensions:
    (projections not included) 161 (W) X45 (H) X 175 (D) mm, 6.3 (W) X 1.8 (H) X 6.9 (D) inches

• Weight (approximate): 1.5 kg, 3.3 lb
  Except for the A1-JS version.

Transmitter

Receiver

• Receive system: Double conversion
  superheterodyne

• Intermediate frequencies: 1st 38.85 MHz 2nd 450 kHz

• Sensitivity:

  • IC-A120 Less than 1 μV (pd) (at 6 dB S/N)
  • IC-A120E Less than –102 dBm (12 dB SINAD with CCITT)

•  Squelch sensitivity:

  • IC-A120 Less than 0.35 μV (pd)
  • IC-A120E Less than –116 dBm

• Spurious response rejection ratio:

  • IC-A120 More than 5 mV (pd)
  • IC-A120E More than 70 dB

•  Audio output power:

  • External speaker More than 10 W (at 13.75 V DC with 8 Ω load 60% mod, 10% distortion)

• Side tone More than 100 mW (at 13.75 V DC with 500 Ω load 60% mod, 10% distortion)

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

• Options

• HM-217 speaker microphone
  The speaker microphone with [▲]/[▼] keys and [P1]/[P2] keys.

• VS-3 Bluetooth headset
  The Bluetooth headset with a [PTT] switch.

• UT-133A Bluetooth unit

• OPC-871A headset adapter
  The adapter to connect a standard headset.

• OPC-478UC/OPC-478UC-1 programming cable
  The cable to connect a PC and the OPC-592 programming cable adapter when you control the transceiver with the CI-V commands.

• OPC-592 programming cable adapter
  The cable adapter to connect the transceiver and the

• OPC-478UC/OPC-478UC-1 programming cable when you control the transceiver with the CI-V commands.

Icom is not responsible for the destruction, damage to, or performance of any Icom or non-Icom equipment, if the malfunction is because of:

• Force majeure, including, but not limited to, fires, earthquakes, storms, floods, lightning, other natural disasters, disturbances, riots, war, or radioactive contamination.
• The use of Icom transceivers with any equipment that is not manufactured or approved by Icom.

INFORMATION

Firmware version identification

You can identify your transceiver’s firmware version in the “VERSION” menu.
MENU > SETTINGS > INFORMATION > VERSION

About CE and DOC
Hereby, Icom Inc. declares that the versions of IC-A120E which have the “CE” symbol on the product, comply with the essential requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive, 2014/53/EU, and the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment Directive, 2011/65/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:
https://www.icomjapan.com/support/

About UKCA DOC
To obtain the UKCA Declaration of Conformity, please contact Icom UK Limited by email at info@icomuk.co.uk or alternatively call + 44(0) 1227 741741.

The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol on your product, literature, or packaging reminds you that in the European Union, all electrical and electronic products, batteries, and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) must be taken to designated collection locations at the end of their working life. Do not dispose of these products as unsorted municipal waste. Dispose of them according to the laws in your area.

Fuse rating explanation

• Fuse coding : FUSE 250 V 10 A
• Fuse voltage rating : 250
• Volts Fuse current rating: 10 Amperes

VFO channel ID list

• Channel spacing: 25 kHz (Actual frequency is displayed.)

Operating Frequency

(MHz)

| | Channel spacing

(kHz)

| Channel ID

(Displayed Frequency)

---|---|---|---
118.0000| | 25| 118.000
118.0250| | 25| 118.025
118.0500| | 25| 118.050
118.0750| | 25| 118.075
118.1000| | 25| 118.100

These tables show just the display example between 118.0000 MHz and 118.1000 MHz. Not all frequencies in the band are shown.

• Channel spacing: 8.33 kHz (Except for the AUS version)

Operating Frequency

(MHz)

| Channel spacing

(kHz)

| Channel ID

(Displayed Frequency)

---|---|---
118.0000| 8.33| 118.005
118.0083| 8.33| 118.010
118.0167| 8.33| 118.015
118.0250| 8.33| 118.030
118.0333| 8.33| 118.035
118.0417| 8.33| 118.040
118.0500| 8.33| 118.055
118.0583| 8.33| 118.060
118.0667| 8.33| 118.065
118.0750| 8.33| 118.080
118.0833| 8.33| 118.085
118.0917| 8.33| 118.090
118.1000| 8.33| 118.105

L For the AUS version, you may not be able to transmit in the VFO mode, depending on the presetting. Ask your authorized Icom dealer or transceiver administrator for details.

CAUTION: In Canada, use of 8.33 kHz Channel Spacing of this radio is strictly prohibited and shall not be used.

FCC information

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

How The World Communicates

A7249D-1EX-6
Printed in Japan
© 2015–2024 Icom Inc. Jun. 2024
1-1-32 Kamiminami, Hirano-ku, Osaka 547-0003, Japan

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