IC-R20 Tuning: Bands, Modes, Frequencies & Tuning Steps

Summary: How to tune the IC-R20: VFO and Memory modes, bands, entering a frequency, tuning steps and receive modes.

VFO and Memory Modes

• [VFO MHz] selects VFO mode, where you tune with [R-DIAL] or the keypad.
• [MR S.MW] cycles Memory mode, PreSet channels (often-used frequencies), TV channels and Weather channels (USA version only). PreSet and TV channels appear only if programmed with the optional CS-R20.
• In Memory mode rotate [R-DIAL] to choose a channel (only programmed channels are shown) or key in the channel number.

Bands

Push [BAND] repeatedly (or push and hold [BAND] and rotate [R-DIAL]) to select a band. In Memory mode push [VFO MHz] first. Bands and the default frequencies shown: AM broadcast (1620 kHz, 9 kHz step), HF (5.000 MHz), 50 MHz (51.000), FM broadcast (76.000, WFM), VHF air (118.000, AM), 144 MHz (146.010), 300 MHz (370.000), 400 MHz (440.000), 800 MHz (800.000), 1200 MHz (1295.000) and 2400 MHz (2425.000). Initial frequencies vary by version, and some 800 MHz ranges aren’t available on the USA version.

Tuning Steps

Each band has its own step. Push [9 TS] for 1 second, rotate [R-DIAL] to choose and push [9 TS]. Steps: 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 6.25, 8.33 (VHF air band), 9.0 (AM broadcast), 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50 and 100 kHz. Use 8.33 kHz for UK airband.

Setting a Frequency

• With the dial: rotate [R-DIAL]. Hold [VFO MHz] for 1 second and rotate to tune in 1 MHz steps, and hold it again for 10 MHz steps (each hold toggles).
• With the keypad: in VFO mode key in the digits, with [. LOCK] as the decimal point. You can key down to the 1 kHz digit and rotate [R-DIAL] for anything smaller. Pushing [VFO MHz] fills the remaining digits with zeros (for example 145.000). [DUALWATCH] cancels the entry. If you enter a frequency out of range, the previous one returns.

Receive Modes

Push [MODE SCAN] repeatedly to choose FM, WFM, AM, LSB, USB or CW. The mode is stored separately for each band and each memory channel. AM is typical for the AM broadcast band (0.495-1.620 MHz) and VHF air band (118-135.995 MHz); WFM for FM broadcast (76-107.9 MHz).

Tuning Dial Assignment

Hold [1 DIAL.SEL] for 1 second to swap the volume and tuning functions between the dials and UP/DOWN keys. A tick shows normal operation; the other symbol shows they’re swapped.

Lock

Hold [. LOCK] for 1 second. By default volume and squelch still work; Set mode, LOCK can lock either or both (Normal, No SQL, No VOL, ALL). See IC-R20 Set Mode Reference.