The Icom IC-V82 is a VHF band handheld transceiver designed for radio amateurs and professionals who require reliable, high-quality communication. Although it's a little outdated, (launched in 2004 and discontinued in 2014), the IC-V82 stands out for its robustness, ease of use and a number of advanced features[1] such as the ability to convert it, by adding a module, into a digital device, which make it ideal for certain applications requiring voice and/or data encryption.[2]

Icom IC-V82
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Technical data
Frequency range[1] 136–174 MHz
Frequency steps 2.5–50k Hz
Emission power 7 W (H), 4 W (M), 0.5 W (L) PEP
modulation FM
No. of channels 207 channels with

6 scans + 1 call

consumption Reception: 20 mA, Emission: 1 A max.
Operating voltage 6 – 10.3 V, nominal voltage 7.2 V
Measurements and weight
high 139 mm
width 54 mm
depth 36.7 mm
weight approx. 390 grams
More information
Manufacturer COM
Scope of application radio amateurs, (semi)professional users

Features

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It is a portable VHF transceiver with coverage in the two-meter band (144–146 MHz) and a maximum output power of 7 watts.[1] It was manufactured and sold by Icom from 2004 to 2014.[3]

  • frequency : VHF 136-174 MHz
  • output power : 7 W (high), 4 W (medium), 0.5 W (low)
  • modulation : FM (Frequency Modulated)
  • channel memory : 207 channels
  • screen : LCD with backlight
  • battery : BP-222N (Ni-Cd) or BP-227 (Li-Ion)

Digital Module

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One of the most outstanding features of the IC-V82 is the ability to convert it into a digital device using the additional UT-1181 module sold by Icom Inc..[2] This module allowed the addition of advanced digital communication and encryption capabilities, including a trunking DMR protocol, digital voice communication and low-speed data in D-STAR format.[1]

History

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In June 2022, United Against Nuclear Iran, a U.S. advocacy organization, identified the Icom IC-V82 as being used by Hezbollah, a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. It sent a letter to Icom outlining its concerns about the dual-use capability of the transceiver (analog+crypted-digital)[2] and regarding Icom's business ties to Power Group (Icom's representatives in Lebanon) and Faza Gostrar, which claims to be the "Official ICOM representative in Iran".[4][5]

Many of the devices purchased by Hezbollah that later played a role in the 2024 Lebanon radio device explosions, killing at least 25 people and wounding over 708, were reported as being IC-V82s.[6][7] Icom opened an investigation into the case on September 19, 2024,[8][9] while a sales executive at the company's U.S. subsidiary said the devices involved appeared to be counterfeit units.[10]

Counterfeit models and controversy

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After Icom discontinued the IC-V82 in 2014,[11] counterfeit models emerged in China. In addition, another counterfeit model was sold to Hezbollah, and many of the devices used by this group, like the Gold Apollo AR924,[12] were exploded on September 18, 2024.[13]

Having ceased its production, Icom issued an advisory warning about counterfeit transceivers, including the IC-V82.[14][15] In October 2018, the company issued a cease-and-desist order against a Chinese manufacturer suspected of producing counterfeit Icom products; it also noted that this was not the first time it had taken such steps.[16]

Protocols

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A radio amateur station composed of three Icom radios.

IIDAS

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IIDAS is Icom's implementation of the NXDN protocol[17] for two-way digital radio products intended for commercial private land mobile radios (PLMRs) and low-end public safety communications systems. NXDN is a Common Air Interface (CAI) technical standard for mobile communications. It was jointly developed by Icom and Kenwood Corporation.

D-STAR

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The "open" D-STAR radio system was developed by Icom based on digital radio protocols developed by the Japan Amateur Radio League and funded by the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Japan.[18] This system is designed to provide advanced voice and data communications over amateur radio using open standards.

TETRA

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Some of the models manufactured by Icom are compatible with Motorola and SmarTrunk trunking systems.

  • TETRA protocol : The TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) protocol is a digital radio standard used primarily by emergency services and public safety. It provides secure and reliable communications with encryption capabilities.
  • encryption : The incorporation of the TETRA module allows the encryption of communications, ensuring that only authorized users can access the information transmitted.

Accessories and options

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The IC-V82 has a variety of accessories that improve its functionality and ease of use:

  • Antenna : High gain antenna to improve reception and transmission.
  • Belt Clip : For comfortable and safe transport.
  • Optional batteries : Available in different capacities and technologies (Ni-Cd, Li-Ion).

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Icom IC-V82". rigpix.com. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "IC-VR82 Digital Capability" (PDF). icomuk.co.uk. 2024-09-22. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-09-22. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
  3. ^ "Regarding Current Media Reports (follow-up)". Icom Japan. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  4. ^ "Risky Business: Icom's Two-Way Radios Landing In The Hands Of Hezbollah", United Against Nuclear Iran, 11 July 2022.
  5. ^ Christiaan Triebert and Aric Toler (18 September 2024. "The device blasts on Wednesday may have involved more explosives than Tuesday's, a Times analysis suggests", The New York Times.
  6. ^ Christiaan Triebert and Aric Toler (18 September 2024. "The device blasts on Wednesday may have involved more explosives than Tuesday's, a Times analysis suggests", The New York Times.
  7. ^ Chao-Fong, Léonie; Sedghi, Amy; Belam, Martin; Yerushalmy, Jonathan; Sedghi, Léonie Chao-Fong (now); Amy; Yerushalmy (earlier), Jonathan (2024-09-18). "Dozens reported injured as new wave of explosions across Lebanon targets Hezbollah walkie-talkies – Middle East live". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-09-18.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ "Japan's Icom investigating radio devices carrying its logo after Lebanon blasts". Reuters. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  9. ^ "Regarding Current Media Reports (follow-up)". Icom Japan. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  10. ^ O'Brien, Matt (18 September 2024). "Walkie-talkie maker says exploded devices appear to have been knockoffs". Associated Press News. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  11. ^ Khalil, Shaimaa (2024-09-19). "Japan firm says it stopped making walkie-talkies used in Lebanon blasts". BBC Home. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
  12. ^ Laila Bassam, Maya Gebeily (2024-09-20). "Israel planted explosives in Hezbollah's Taiwan-made pagers, say sources". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
  13. ^ "New device explosions reported in Lebanon". NBC News. 2024-09-18. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
  14. ^ Madani, Doha (18 September 2024). "A wave of deadly walkie-talkie explosions sweeps Lebanon day after widespread pager attack". NBC News. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
  15. ^ "Countermeasures against Counterfeit Products". Icom Japan. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  16. ^ "Icom Incorporated Actions Regarding Counterfeit Product Manufacturers". Icom Japan. 10 October 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  17. ^ Progri, Ilir (January 15, 2011). Geolocation of RF Signals: Principles and Simulations. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 116. ISBN 978-1-4419-7952-0.
  18. ^ Ford, Steve (2008). ARRL's VHF Digital Handbook. American Radio Relay League. p. 41. ISBN 978-0-87259-122-6.
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