IC-7100, HF/VHF/UHF – ID-51A/E new brochure – MARS CAP Mod. – Video Hamvention 2013

IC-7100 HF/VHF/UHF Multi Mode & D-STAR DV Ready - !! The “Slanted style” transceiver availability was announced as late June 2013 - Designed to the 70MHz band in European versions – Download the new ID-51A/E & IC-7100 brochures (EN) – ID-51 MARS-CAP Modification - Read the QST Review ID-31A link - Video Dayton Hamvention 2013 and more… see below.

ID-51A/E 2m + 70cm Dual Band Portable – 5/2.5/1.0/0.5/0.1 Watts Output Power – RX: 88-174, 430-479MHz + AM Broadcast – Repeater Directory /Near Repeater) – Built-in GPS Receiver – Micro SD card slot for recording - IPX7 Submersible and more.. Download the new Icom Brochure EN PDF link below

Der ID-51E verfügt über ein kompaktes 58 × 105,4 × 26,4 mm großes Gehäuse und wiegt mit Akku und Antenne nur etwa 255g -  Der integrierte GPS-Empfänger sorgt für schnelle Start-up-Zeit und genaue Position – Dowload Prospekt pdf

Link to: Download the new Icom ID-51 Brochure EN 13GS0020 PDF
Link to: Bitte entnehmen Sie diese Angaben dem ID-51E Prospekt

Link to: Read the QST Review of the ID-31A here! (Icom America Inc.)

Universal Radio (US) ID-51A  List Price: $756.00 Your Price: $579.00
Difona Communication (DE) ID-51E Special Price: €495,00 incl. 19% VAT

ID-51 Official MARS CAP Expanded TX & RX Mod by Icom America Inc. - MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) has a long history of providing worldwide auxiliary emergency communications during times of need
RX frequency expansion - (Click the picture to enlarge)

A BAND - (FM/FMN/DV)
VHF: Expanded range: 137.000-174.000MHz.
UHF: Expanded range: 380.000-479.000MHz.
B BAND – (AM & FM only)
VHF: Expanded range: 108.000-136.995MHz. (AM), 137.000-174.000MHz. (FM)
UHF: Expanded range: 380.000-479.000MHz. (FM)
Remove D9 on Logic board. – [Note] How to open up the TX range on your Icom ID-51 this mod will provide transmit from 137-174 Mhz & 400-479 Mhz: See the video by K1LA link http://youtu.be/UR40ZA0yRds

IC-7100 at Dayton 2013 – Icom Inc. have released a new Brochure Pdf (EN), and the MSRP Price in Japan. The Importer Marcucci Spa  released the List price in Italia.  See more news, links, video and pictures below.

D-STAR is NOT proprietary to ICOM, D-STAR is an AMBE Codec owned by Digital Voice Systems. Icom is the only manufacturer putting D-STAR in their currently available Icom rigs. – (!! Click to all pictures to enlarge)

Suggested Retail Price (Japan) ¥ 165,900 (base price ¥ 158,000 no taxes)
Marcucci Spa (Italia) – IC-7100 #03 Prezzo listino € 1.534,00 (+ IVA 20% !!)

TMS320C6745BPTPA3 Device 3000MIPS (Million Instructions per Second) Clock 375MHz - a high-performance 32-bit floating point IF DSP delivers rich digital signal processing features, including digital IF filter, digital twin PBT, noise reduction, CW auto tune, etc.
Those digital features work on all bands from HF to V/UHF bands. The DSP digital signal processing is incorporated into the AGC loop. Built-in SD Card Slot for Voice & Log Storage

The optional RS-BA1 software allows you to operate the IC-7100 from a remote PC over the Internet or local home network. – (IP Remote through Home LAN) – (IP Remote over Internet) – also available the RC-28 Remote encoder.

Link to: Download the Icom IC-7100 new EU Brochure V.13GS0170 PDF  (EN)
Link to: Download the Icom IC-7100 new US Brochure V.13GS0160 PDF (EN)

[IC-7100] タッチパネル＆スラント型コントローラーが、今までにない直観的で軽快なマルチバンド運用を実現 - HF＋50MHz＋144MHz＋430MHz〈SSB・CW・RTTY・AM・FM・DV〉100W トランシーバー -

Link to: Download the Icom IC-7100 (JP) new  Brochure 2013-1-GSG661 (JP)

Touch Screen: The 48.6×75.9 mm in large “resistive” touch screen display can be operated even while wearing gloves.

IC-7100 il nuovo HF/50/70/144/430MHz, Multi Modo & D-STAR DV compreso. Ha un nuovo sistema di comando intuitivo e rapido con “Touch Screen” resistivo. Si possono eseguire i vari settaggi operativi direttamente toccando lo schermo LCD a matrice di punti! Il Transceiver dispone di una Slot per inserire una memorie SD-card (opzionale) per memorizzare e gestire Dati, il Log e le funzioni GPS (anche il GPS è opzionale esterno) i dati dei Ripetitori D-STAR, etc.  (come già nel ID-51E/A). – Molto interesse alla Hamvention di Dayton 2013 – Icom ha annuncito la disponibilità a fine Giugno pv.

Purtroppo nessun ATU è stato integrato all’interno. Un accordatore automatico opzionale (come ad esempio l’AH-4 oppure l’AT-180) è disponibile per l’acquisto (!), per eventuali scopi di ottimizzazione con il sistema di antenna. – (Cliccare sulle varie immagini per ingrandirle)

Prezzo consigliato IC-7100 (!! in Giappone) ¥ 165,900 (prezzo base 158.000 ¥)

Marcucci Spa (IT) IC-7100 #03 Prezzo listino € 1.534,oo (+ IVA 20%) (05-2013 !)

Anche questo apparato IC-7100 può essere utilizzato in remoto via porta USB con l’utilizzo del Software RS-BA1 della stessa Icom, con o senza RC-28 Remote encoder, sia via rete LAN o via Internet, naturalmente tramite l’impiego di Computer sia in locale che nel sito remoto. [Nota] con solo RS-BA1, allo stato, non si accende o spegne il Transceiver!

The 2013 Dayton Hamvention has come and gone. In this, video for Ham Nation, I show some of what we saw at the worlds’ largest gathering of amateur radio operators….. La Hamvention di Dayton del 2013 è venuta ed è già passata !! poi Julian dice: questo mio video per Ham Nation, vi mostra alcune delle cose che abbiamo visto al più grande raduno di Radioamatori del mondo! – (tks’ Julian & grazie by IØGej) - 22 maggio 2013 by jyunte’s channel.

[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official ICOM  sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

TS-990S firmware updated at Ver.1.02. Video vs IC-7800. User Manuals v.03. The new Ver.1.02 deactivates other ANT relays in TX mode…!

TS-990S Firmware Ver.1.01 has been upgraded to Version 1.02 April 12, 2013 see below – User Manuals Ver.03 (IT) (EN) (FR) (EA) (DE) (JA) languages - Catalogo Italiano PDF di 12 pagine, linck below!! IC-7800 vs TS-990 Video by IV3YER and other videos etc. – Aggiornato il TS-990S con la Versione 1.02 del 12.04.2012 vedi link – Video confronto con IC-7800 di IV3YER e altri Video; Immagini interne vs IC-7700 e poi il TS-900 del 1973, ed altre notizie più sotto.

The TS-990S firmware has been updated from Version 1.01 to Version 1.02

The firmware update is applicable to the Models: TS-990S Serial/N’s (rear panel label): From S/NO. B32xxxxx through S/NO. B34xxxxx approx – (Kenwood *code: B32-February 2013 / B33-March 2013 / B34-April 2013) – !!
Kenwood Serial/No Month, Year Calculator by G6isy!
* G6ISY ha un programma di calcolo, in Javascript, inserendovi le prime tre cifre o cifre/lettere del S/NO si ottiene la data di produzione dell’apparato Kenwood. - Link to: G6ISY Kenwood Month/Year Calculator (EN)

TS-990S Updated items : (Version 1.01 >1.02) April 12, 2013:

1) Changes default value of the Menu No. 9-00 “Send Message by Function Keys (USB Keyboard)” from [Off] to [On].
Revises the following symptom.
1) TX output power fed back to other ANT connectors might affect internal circuits. – [Note] !! The new firmware Ver.1.02 deactivates (opens !) other ANT relays every time the radio transmits !!

Link to: Kenwood Amateur Radio Software Downloads page (ENG)
Link to: Kenwood TS-990S Firmware updating procedure & info (ENG)

Video TS-990S Step by Step Firmware 1.01 installation (March 31, 2013) by No SHTY:
“my TS-990 did not recognize my flash drive as a valid installation for the firmware
update 1.01 this is what I had to do to get the radio to install the firmware update“.

Video TS-990 in Split mode with external 22″ monitor  (April 13, 2013) by IKØOZD
(my favorite is the 990′ panadapter and all its functions. Perhaps the best ever seen !)

TS-990S User Manuals Ver.1.03, IT, EN, FR, EA, DE, and JA languages now ready – link below – Scaricabile il Catalogo in Italiano di 12 pagine in PDF, con linck  qui sotto !!  – TS-990S inside view vs IC-7700  and TS-900 – The IC-7800 vs TS-990 video by IV3YER below.

 Kenwood Italy !! ha rilasciato il Catalogo di 16 pagine in Italiano pdf 7,7 MB
Link to: Scarica da qui il Catalogo TS-990S 16 pag.  (IT) Kenwood Italy

 TS-990S Instruction Manuals latest Ver.1.03 –  Choose the Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch and Japanese languages !! – (…  insert name: TS-990S & search type to download)

Link to: TS-990S Instruction Manuals IT EN DE FR etc ! insert name (Ver. 1.03)

Link to: TS-990S / TS-990D 取扱説明書 - ©B62-2388-20 JPN (JA Ver. 1.03)

The TS-990S has the “overwhelmingly highest quality” receiver among the TS series

TS-900 (1973) the all-band SSB transceiver is making history its state-of-the-art tecnology. – All major electronic circuits are wired on easily removed or installed circuit board (is costructed modularly). –  Designed for operation on SSB, CW, and FSK, the TS-900 delivers more than 150 watts PEP output! (click to enlarge!)

TS-990S & IC-7700 inside views – Kenwood 990′s a main receiver with a down-conversion 8.248 MHz 1st IF and employs a double-conversion system. The sub receiver which incorporates the TS-590S receiver architecture.

Kenwood TS-990S – the RF front-end contains selectable Band-pass Filters (covered by the screen on the picture) – The double balanced grounded switch type 1st mixer works by the principle of reduces signal distorsion. – The five built-in 1st IF Roofing filters ahead of the 1st IF stage to eliminate overloading caused by strong signals just outside the fixed bandpass filters or of the Preselector manually adjustable -

Kenwood’s Preselector [P-SEL] selecting the narrow bandwidth tunable filter attenuates the interfering signal which has 2 to 3 MHz separation from the target frequency. -
Icom IC-7700 uses a duble conversion system composed of a D-MOS FET 1st mixer and Icom’s developed image rejection mixer for the 2nd stage and fixed bandpass filters  and a Icom’s [DIGI-SE] preselector type -  ( note the large toroidal coils on the  Icom RF BPF bank)!

Kenwood TS-990S vs Icom IC-7800 by IV3YER (!! 11 March, 2013)
(IC-7800 BW: 2600 AGC slow / TS-990 BW: LC/HC 2400 AGC slow )

Qui sotto un raffronto della tecnologia utilizzata nei rispettivi apparati dai tre big’s Giapponesi, Kenwood, Icom e Yaesu. Da notare che ci sono evidenti similitudini di sviluppo e layout tra Icom e Kenwood, che però impiega nel nuovo TS-990S un dispositivo TFT più recente con “Touch-Sensitive mode for quick QSY re-tuning” etc. – (clik picture to enlarge)

TS-990S JVC Kenwood MARKET CODES

The market code is shown on the carton box – (IT – Il codice del tipo per mercato Europa o per il mercato Amerche (US-CA) risulta indicato con lettere sul cartone di imballo esterno)

E-type: Europe, K-type: The Americas  - The AC power cable supplied with the product is suitable for AC 120V (K-type) or AC 220V/240V for (E-type) –  Do not use a power cable other than supplied with this product.

[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official JVCKenwood sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

IC-7700 New PA uses a STAC2942 (Rev S/N #12 #13) – NPR rx Testing by VA7OJ Adam

New IC-7700 MOSFET PA Unit - The IC-7700′s (S/N #12 USA/Canada, S/N #13 EUR etc.*) now have just one Mosfet (STAC2942) on the PA board, instead of the two MRF-150 of previous PA Unit (ex S/N #02 USA/Canada, ex S/N #03 EUR etc.*)
NPR Testing HF Receivers – Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance – (To put the impact of the NPR test into perspective, a -9 dBm Ptot level at 5.6 MHz BRF is equivalent to 1200 simultaneous SSB signals at -43 dBm each, i.e. S9 + 30 dB!) etc…. by Adam Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ- (!! updated in March, 2013)

Link to: NPR Testing of HF Receivers by VA7OJ, Adam (pdf ENG)

IC-7700 HF 50MHz Transceiver new PA-UNIT  送信ファイナル段には、高Poのバイポーラトランジスタ（STAC2942）を採用した広帯域パワーアンプを搭載。- Higher Power – STAC2942 & STAC3932 saturates at over 500W  - (updated 18 April, 2012 by radiocronache!)

Nuovo PA Unit sull’IC-7700 - La nuova serie di IC-7700 (S/N #12 USA/Canda, S/N #13 EUR ecc.*) montano un solo dispositivo MOSFET (STAC2942) sulla scheda PA-UNIT, invece dei due transistor MRF-150 della precedente versione del PA-Unit (ex S/N #02 USA/Canada, ex S/N #03 EUR etc.*)

L’attuale Rev. #12/#13 incorpora la nuova versione del PA-UNIT e moduli LPF, inoltre diversi altri moduli del transceiver sono “up-rev.” rispetto alle versioni precedenti. - Ora tutti gli IC-7700′s con un “1″ nella prima cifra del S/N (numero di serie) hanno il nuovo PA-UNIT e i moduli LPF.
Esempio*: Giappone: #11XXXXX – USA / Canada: #12XXXXX – UE: #13XXXXX etc.

The current Rev. #12/#13 version incorporates the new PA-UNIT and LPF modules, and in addition several other modules are also “up-rev.” from the earlier version.

The IC-7700 uses a STAC2942 power amplifier in common source push-pull configuration (common source). The power amplifier provides a eliable 200W of output power up to 54MHz. – The STAC2942B is a gold metallized N-channel MOS field-effect RF power transistor. It is intended for use in 50 V DC large signal applications up to 250 MHz (ST datasheet)
The effective quad cooling fan system makes it possible to generate 200W full power output even during full duty cycle operation.

[Note*] IC-7700′s Version and Intended Country of Use: S/N #13 (Europe-01) #14 (France-01) #15 Italy-01) #16 (Spain-01) #17 (United Kingdom-01) #012 (America)
ICOM Inc. Japan/ICOM (Europe) GmnH have released the latest Declaration of Conformity CE on 25th Mar. 2011 - (Previous 12th Feb. 2008) Source: IC-7700 Manual ENG Ver. A-6937H-1EX-1 – Link to: Icom Co. Jp –  iC-7700 Official Features

[Rumors] It is said that the manufacturer of the MRF-150 used in the 7700′s series PA Unit, has recently discontinued this supply. This event has probably brought Icom to design a new PA Unit based on  the new DMOS STAC2942 ©STMicroelectronics parts.
 * Other regional variants will have different serial number for the change-over to a MOSFET PA – (!! Official info: ask retailers or Icom Inc., please)
[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official ICOM Inc. sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

IC-9100 Up. Firmware V.E1 – QST review April 2012 and the “NPR rx Testing” by VA7OJ

IC-9100 update the Firmware Version V.E1 of April, 2012 – Checking Version on your rtx – The NPR Testing of many HF Receivers by VA7OJ, Adam (latest NPR updated in March, 2013) see link below –  QST reviews IC-9100 on April, 2012 by WW3DE, see the summary key 14MHz below - RS-BA1® remote control system … really cool stuff and Linck, Video and more.

IC-9100 Checking the Version installed – (idem for the IC-7410)

1) – Press and hold [F4] and [F5] while turning [ON] the IC-9100 – (idem for the IC-7410)
2) – Do NOT release [F4] and [F5] until you have READ the Version results (3)
3) – Results will appear at the bottom of the display

Results for latest V.E1 - F: 3.01-000 = Front (currently no updates) - M: 3.42-E00 = Main (currently no updates) - DM: 3.03 <00> = DSP Main (Previous version should read 3.02) - DS: 3.04 <00> = DSP Sub (Previous version should read 3.03) – (!! Read the Icom information)

[Note] for the IC-7410 HF/50MHz  is NOT granted any firmware, for now

The IC-9100 Firmware V.E1 has just been posted 13/3/2012. – This upgrade is applied from a PC via the rear-panel [USB B] port. – The IC-9100’s firmware can be updated if desired. By updating the firmware, new function(s) can be added and performance can be improved. – This capability ends months of speculation: “Is it or isn’t it?”  - - See the Utility Link, the QST Review, the latest NPR rx Testing (3/2013) by VA7OJ  and RS-BA1 remote control … below !

IC-9100 la Versione V.E1 del Firmware è disponibile dal 13/03/2012.

Con questo terminano le incertezze e le voci varie, sì l’IC-9100 ha il suo Firmware aggiornabile!
Come verificare la Versione del Firmware nell’IC-9100 e IC-7410: vedere comandi riportati più sopra; –  I dati identificativi dell’ultima Versione E1 rilascita da ICOM Inc. solo per l’IC-9100,  ove già installata a bordo oppure  dopo aver fatto l’aggiornamento, apparirano sulla parte bassa del Display con una serie di valori (vedere più sopra) - [Nota] Per l’IC-7410 non risultano ancora aggiornamenti ad oggi – (NB: Informarsi tramite tutte le news ufficiali di Icom!)

Il firmware del IC-9100 può essere aggiornato, se uno lo desidera, tramite un PC e via porta [USB-B] sul pannello posteriore. Con l’aggiornamento del firmware, naturalmente, possono essere aggiunte nuove funzioni e migliorate le prestazioni via, via da parte del costruttore. -
[Note]: A USB cable type A-B  is required. - Please read Icom ”Firmware update instructions” PDF

Link to: Icom Co. Jp Firmware V.E1 Official download page
Link to: Icom Co. Jp Firmware Update Manual Istructions

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers -© by Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ
- Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance

Noise Power Ratio (NPR) Testing of HF Receivers – Using notched noise to evaluate dynamic receiver performance – (…. To put the impact of the NPR test into perspective, a -9 dBm Ptot level at 5.6 MHz BRF is equivalent to 1200 simultaneous SSB signals at -43 dBm each, i.e. S9 + 30 dB!) etc. etc…. by Adam Farson, VA7OJ/AB4OJ- (!! updated in March, 2013 – see the link below)

Con il Test NPR Adam, dimostra che il generatore di rumore bianco immette un segnale a banda larga che carica tutti gli stati del ricevitore, il Front-end, i Filtri e l’eventuale Preselettore, simulando la risposta alla ricezione di multi-segnali del DUT (come in realtà succede collegandovi un’antenna). – Il rumore bianco viene rimosso alla frequenza sintonizzata del ricevitore da un adatto filtro notch, inserito in serie. – A causa della distorsione dei circuiti del ricevitore (DUT imput), questa tacca (notch) tende a riempirsi con prodotti di intermodulazione, i cui effetti verranno oppurtunamente misurati in uscita (DUT output).

Link to: Download the NPR test in PDF by VA7OJ Adam (pdf ENG)

QST reviews the  IC-9100 on April, 2012 - An overview of the ICOM IC-9100 MF/HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver on the QST magazine by Rick, WW3DE  NCJ Managing Editor (ARRL).

Da: “Key Summary” – (Intercept values ..determined using -97 dBm reference)
Qui vengono riportati solo i numeri a 14 MHz, Pre OFF – RTX  IC-7410 / IC-9100

• …………………………………..Icom IC-7410……………..Icom IC-9100
• …………………………………QST October 2011.………….. QST April 2012
• Spacing 20 kHz blocking gain compression….144 dB…………….…….142 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz blocking gain compression….111 dB………….……….111 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range……106 dB…………….…….108 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range….….88 dB…………….………87 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+29 dBm……………….+29 dBm
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+  5 dBm…………….….+  2 dBm

See the April, 2012 issue of QST magazine for the complete review and ARRL Lab test results.
[Note]: Area Members Only – to log-in; -
Link to: ARRL – American Radio Relay League for Amateur Radio Home-page

QST pag. 55 [Large Box] RMRD, written by Bob Allison, WB1GCM
- From this review forward, we will include RMDR in the Key Measurements Summary.
Reciprocal Mixing Testing: What Is It?
You may notice two new color bars in the “Key Measurements Summary” at the top of this review. These are for Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR), with measurements at 20 and 2 kHz spacing. …….omissis …….. Reciprocal mixing is noise generated in a superheterodyne receiver when noise from the local oscillator (LO) mixes with strong, adjacent signals.

RS-BA1® Remote control system (QST… Now for the Really Cool Stuff )

An RS-BA1® remote control system consists of at least one PC, which is used as a Base station (Server) and at least one PC, which is used as a Remote station (Client). Both PCs have to be connected with a network and VAC. The Icom USB driver must be installed.
Link to: Watch the Video RS-BA1 setting (IC-7410) by GoospeedGoo

QST, verso la fine, tratta anche il Software RS-BA1® opzionale della ICOM, che consente di operare l’IC-9100 in remoto tramite Internet o una rete locale LAN. (Porta USB ad  un PC locale (Server),  un’altro PC remoto (Client). Uso di Porte audio virtuali (VAC), oltre ad uno specifico USB Driver da installare prima di collegare l’apparato al PC)
Per caricare il software, dovrete inserire l’ID del prodotto e la chiave di licenza dall’etichetta del CD acquistato. – Icom dopo la prima versione ha rilasciato un aggiornamento: Ver. 1.20 – 01/04/2011

Link to: Manuale PDF dal sito web di VA7OJ, Adam, www.ab4oj.com.
Link to: ICOM America  RS-BA1® Guida rapida di riferimento on-line
Link to: Icom USB Driver(Ver.1.10) –  Driver Utility and manuals.

[Note] – Detailed specifications: please see the official ICOM Inc. sources - All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders.

IC-7100 slanted touch screen HF V/UHF all mode DV – ID-51 D-STAR at Ham Fair 2012

IC-7100 HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Transceiver Slanted style Touch screen and ID-51A/E Dual banda D-STAR  new to the Tokyo Ham Fair 2012! – Icom IC-7100 SSB RTTY CW AM FM and D-STAR DV mode, ID-51 V/U D-STAR FM Handheld – !! See the Pre-release’s IC-7100 and ID-51 by Link below - アイコム ハムフェア2012で新製品発表！

HF-50MHz (100W) / 70MHz (50W) / 144MHz (50W) / 430MHz (35W) – (Note: Power may be different according to version. – The 70MHz band is available for some versions only) -
IF DSP for filtering / interference removal / noise reduction whith Dual DSP chips 32-bit Floating point digital processing / SD memory card slot, voice recording and data cloning / USB Audio In-Out, remote control / Built-in RTTY demodulator and decoder / Optional RS-BA1 IP Remote control /
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
  

IC-7100: IF (Intermediate frequencies)  SSB/CW/AM/FM: 124.487 MHz, 455 kHz 36 kHz – WFM: 134.732 MHz 10.700 MHz -
The slant top controller display faces the operator and is designed to increase visibility of the display.  -  The IC-7100 provides D-STAR DV mode digital voice and low speed data communication – Built-in SD Card Slot for Voice & Log Storage – IF DSP with Twin PBT and more ….

List price ¥165,900 or so in Japan  = Yen/US $ 2,200.00  or so!
List price Marcucci Spa (IT) IC-7100 #03  €1475,00 + IVA  (21%)

The ID-51A/E series D-STAR handheld radio is an evolution of Icom’s ID-31A/E UHF D-STAR Handheld and will be capable of both VV / UU 144MHz + 430MHz dual band operation. The ID-51A/E will also include the much praised menu-driven user interface of the ID-31A/E series with a much bigger LCD screen.
Enhanced RX call sign memory records up to 50 past received call signs, which can be exported to micro SD-card.  - Increased memory channel for repeater list (n° 750)/ GPS memory (n° 200) - Limited wideband receive for AM/FM broadcast (no bar antenna!), 118-137MHz, 137- 174MHz and 380-479MHz receiver.

Link to: Download the ID-51 Pre-Release by Icom Uk web (PDF)
Link to: Download the IC-7100 Pre-Release by Icom Uk web (PDF)
Link to: Icom IC-7100 new page by VA7OJ/AB4OJ, Adam Farson 

Link to: Icom MarineCommander Website
More news: MDX-5000 System – The MarineCommander™ is Icom’s marine navigation system, which integrates various marine modules such as a Fish finder, Marine radar, AIS and VHF transceiver into the multi-function displays

The MarineCommander is compatible with the C-MAP™ MAX chart by JEPPESEN in an SD card format.

Video from Tokyo Ham Fair 2012 –  Icom Inc.  booth

[Note]:
All specifications are subject to change without notice – All trademarks belong to their respective holders - This device has not been approved by the appropriate authorities in each country etc.

Icom RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 – RC-28 Remote Encoder – Legal aspects! Rig Monitoring a different purpose

The new RC-28 Remote Encoder accessory gives users a tactile approach to the RS-BA1 Remote Control. Icom has released the Ver.1.30 !! - The RS-BA1 allows you to use the radio installed in another room using your home network or even from a remote location over the Internet. – (operator not physically present in the Remote Rig) – See the legal aspects below – Info to Rig Monitoring  on the Computer Screen (For Vision-Impaired Ham Radio op.) - See the Link below.

RS-BA1 [Note] ….Visual Basic and use MSCOMM control can not detect a change in the Windows Device Table (after the COM port has been opened for use) - These programs hang when the hardware table changes while the port is open – (This is not the programmers fault!)
!! a solution: [Exit] the program first, then turn the Icom Rradio [OFF].

[Note] Legal aspects! (FCC – CEPT – DXCC par. 9) see related link below; – Why remote? and many helpful references by John, KØIZ, read August 2012 QST Magazine ( pg. 39-40)! - (operator not physically present in the country and transnational remote operation, DXCC rules ref. to remote operation and credit etc.)
Link to: Transnational Remote Operation (by TF/KL1A)
Link to: ARRL Guide by WA8IMY Remote Operating

Now Icom comes out with a great new gadget, RC-28 a little box with a VFO knob, 2 programable buttons and a PTT button. The RC-28 is designed to connect to a PC through a USB port, and operate with the RS-BA1 IP Remote Control Software. – Supplied a USB cable (approximately 1.5 m; 4.9 ft) - (RC-28.. like Tmate USB Tuning System …by WoodBoxradio)
[Note] – 1) Make sure Windows has completed its start-up on PC. – 2) Connect the RC-28 to the PC that has RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 or later version installed on it. When the “USB dial…” item on the [Option] menu is not displayed, Please download the RS-BA1 latest version 1.30 from the Icom website, and install it.
[Note] Please read ICOM RC-28 instructions (leaflet PDF) thoroughly before using it.

Link to: Icom RS-BA1 Ver.1.30 Official download page
Link to: Icom RS-BA1 /RC-28 brochure (update 12PS0230)

RS-BA1 Remote Control Software Upgrade Ver. 1.30 is now downloadable from the Icom co.Jp site. – This upgrade is not stand-alone, and must be installed over a licensed base installation of RS-BA1. (Update, the remote utility is still V.1.2 but the remote control is V.1.3!!) – US Retail price RS-BA1 software is $129.99

[Notes]: DO NOT allow the PC to go into the sleep or standby mode while using the RS-BA1 Software. Otherwise, it might not work properly after the PC resumes normal activity.
When not using the radio: Disconnect the radio from both the Remote Utility and Remote Controller. – Even if you disconnect from the radio, it does not turn OFF the radio!

Since cannot turn the radio ON or OFF with RS-BA1 Remote Control operation, the radio must be turned ON. – [Note] there other control board and software (no Icom) to control power to equipment or other options, it works together with Icom RS-BA1 or HRD software etc.

Rig Monitoring with the Icom RS-BA1 Program on the Shack
(Copyright © 2012, AE7PD, Peter – see the link below)
Vari articoli (ENG) di Peter sono dedicati ai radioamatori (compresi i radioamatori ipovedenti) che desiderano visualizzare direttamente nello shack le impostazioni di un ricetrasmettitore HF sullo schermo del computer per una migliore visibilità (Così è possibile vedere in grande la grafica “GUI” di RS-BA1 ed operare con il mouse e la tastiera, oltre ai controlli con le manopole e pulsanti della stessa Radio!) – Peter tratta anche altri sistemi per PSK-31 per Kenwood, Elecraft ecc. – Vedere i link qui sotto.

This article is about using RS-BA1 for a different purpose to make the radio settings easier to read using a nearby computer screen ( also for vision-impaired ham-radio!) - Also, you can operate with a mouse and keyboard in addition to the controls on the radio (on the shack!) – See the link below for many other issues and tips by AE7PD.

Link to: Icom RS-BA1 Program to Rig Monitoring (AE7PD)
Link to: Ham Radio and Vision website (many others issues) 

See the RS-BA1 Remote Controller’s help file for remote operation details, such as how to change the frequency, or turn ON each function. - To display the help file, click “Contents” in the Help menu on the Remote Controller, or push [F1]

Link to: RS-BA1 Instruction Manual – RS-BA1 Guide’s (1)/(2)/(3)

[Note] All marks are property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice!

ID-31A/E UHF D-STAR GPS – Update Firmware E2 (CPU 1.03 DSP 1.04) and more

ID-31E ID-31A - Icom UHF D-STAR® Digital Transceiver built-in GPS receiver and weighs only 225g (approx.) – Icom update now the ID-31 Firmware Version E2 (CPU 1.03 DSP 1.04) at 2012/05/15.

D-STAR® DV (Digital Voice) mode has lost of advantages over analog FM mode: digitally modulated voice, 950bps (approx) data individual calling using a call sign and access to the World Wide Repeater Network linked with Internt (gateway) and to DPRS positions system.

The ID-31 using the GPS position information, the automatic repeater list-up function shows the list of nearby D-STAR® repeaters from the memory.
(®D-STAR Repeater memories pre-programmed: the position data of the repeater is required!) -
(the picture a built-in GPS receiver that shows your current position, altitude and time on the Display)

Update Firmware !!  2012/05/15 Icom co., jp support – Version: Release E2 (CPU 1.03 DSP 1.04) for the ID-31A / ID-31E – !! – Please read the “Icom Firmware update information 6986-5EX - PDF download”
[Note] – Optional OPC-2218LU data cable is required a USB 1.1 or 2.0 port  and USB Driver V.1.00 - The firmware cannot be updated using a microSD card –  !! Make sure the version numbers of firmware before updating the firmware (see the Icom FirmUpInfo pag.1)

Firmware Version E2 (CPU 1.03, DSP 1.04) – Major function improvements:
- DSP: Fixed a problem that the recording function may not work in the FM mode, when the recording function is stopped and then restarted.

- CPU: the firmware update is only for the factory production purposes.
Although the revision number is changed and there is no difference in the functions or the performance of the ID-31A/E.

ID-31A/E – Lightweight & Compact Body – Waterproof protection equivalente to IPX7 – Built-in GPS receiver – The GPS log function logs your position and memorizes this in the mocroSD card – microSD Card slot up to 32GB: Voice Memories in WAV format, GPS Log, Memory Contents – Full Dot-matrix Display LCD & Directional Keypad with quick and intuitive access to many setting and more. (Click the pictures to enlarge)

ID-31 GPS/IPX7/D-STAR® に対応。 新しいフィールドへ導く 新世代デジタルハンディ。

Link to: Icom co. jp – ID-31E/A – Brochure EN and User Manual PDF (© Icom Inc.)
Link to: Icom co.jp – download Firmware Ver. E2 and Update information

ID-31A/E (E: Europe) opera solo in UHF in D-STAR® (Digital) e in FM analogica, utilizza i dati di posizione del GPS entrocontenuto ed indica automaticamente i Ripetitori D-STAR®  più vicini o della zona dove uno si trova – La lista Ripetitori pre-programmata deve contenere anche le “coordinate” Log./Lat. dei Ponti Ripetitori Digitali. – L’apparato pesa solo 225 gr. (circa compresi batteria e antenna). – Troverete tutti i dati e specifiche ampie nei siti e documenti ufficiali.

L’utilizzo di una Memory-card, di tipo micro-SD da 2GB a 32GB (non fornita), consente la gestione e l’archiviazione, in modo interno o via Computer, dei dati GPS (log-GPS), l’audio delle comunicazioni (in WAV), di tutti i dati delle memorie (oltre alle 1.252 locazioni dell’apparato!) con il Software CS-31 e il relativo USB Driver di Icom da installare sempre nel Computer prima di collegare l’ID-31.

Aggiornamento Firmware!! Il 15.05.2012 Icom co., jp ha rilasciato un nuovo Firmware Ver. E2 (CPU 1.03 DSP 1.04) per l’ID-31E/A, vedere qui sopra il Link. – Per favore  leggere con cura le  istruzioni e cautele di Icom Inc. scaricabile  in ENG in PDF! – Necessario il cavo dati: OPC-2218LU opzionale e il suo USB Driver V.1.00.  Il firmware non può essere aggiornato tramite l’utilizzo della scheda microSD.

- US Market: List Price $451.00 / Your Price: $369.95  - (source: Universal Radio)
- IT Market: List Price € 285,60 + 21%IVA (€ 345,50)  (source: Marcucci -31E #02) 

[Note] See the Info about D-Star – Link CS-31 V.1.02  and Links to ircDDB below!

Link to: Icom Inc. CS-31 Cloning  Software Download Rer.1.02  (2011/12/15)
Link to: Icom Inc. CS-31 Instructions Manual – A-6978-1EX  – (©Icom Inc.)

Icom will release a new D-STAR® portable on the market: a single UHF belt with built-in GPS and a completely redesigned control.  The ID-31E has a “left-right top-bottom” button as many mobile phones to navigate through menus.

D-STAR® DV /Analog FM / IPX7 / 5W / Free Cloning Software / Built-in GPS Receiver / Directional Keypad Navigation / DR Mode User-Friendliness Improved / Full Dot-Matrix Display / Micro SD card slot / UHF only at this time / Slim line H 95 mm no antenna / L 58 mm / S 25 mm

Icom Europe will again set up repeater DBØCOM in Friedrichshafen, HAMRADIO exhibition place 24 – 26 Giu., 2011.
(Click the pictures to enlarge)

D-STAR® - DV DPRS – STARnet – ircDDB and more – (Info about D-Star and Link utility) below

Digital System: GMSK 4.8kbps digital voice (DV) mode and 128kbps data (*) (DD) mode communications are available. When using DD mode with a PC and the D-STAR® radio, high speed data communication is possible. (*) DD mode (128 kbps) is available with Icom ID-1 only at this time.

In DV mode operation, you can simultaneously send up to 950 bps of data, such as call sign, short data message or GPS position (DPRS) with a voice transmission.
When you communicate with other D-STAR® stations using a D-STAR® Repeater, it is ncessary to set repeater’s call sign in RPT1/RPT2.

Link to: icrDDB Italia  D-STAR ®/ STARnet (call routing) / Reflectors
Link to: ircDDB Network It Gateways Last-eard User Status GrGs&Maps

[Note] All marks are property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice

QST reviews IC-7410 on web 25.08.2011 – IC-9100 and IC-7410 Test reports by VA7OJ

An overview of the ICOM IC-7410 HF 50MHz Transceiver on the QST magazine by Rick, WW3DE  NCJ Managing Editor.  - QST reviews the  IC-7410 on October, 2011 -

Adam Farson, VA7OJ released  Ic-9100 and IC-7410 Test reports. Here are the links:

Link to: Download the IC-9100 Test Report in .PDF by Adam  !!(54 pag.)
Link to: Download the IC-7410 Test Report in .PDF  by Adam !!(41 pag.)

Many thanks Adam for doing all those tests – and for writing them up so thoroughly – and for publishing your reports! really appreciate your hard work – IØgej RadioCronache

Molte grazie Adam per aver fatto tutti i test sui Transceiver IC-9100 e IC-7410 della Icom – per ever scritto i risultati e le valutazioni in modo molto approfondito e professionale – ed anche per la loro pubblicazione! apprezzo molto il  grande lavoro – IØgej RadioCronache

 !! See the QST 14MHz Key Summary data and the Video QST Reviews by ARRLHQ (TNX to Lab Engineer Bob Allison, WB1GCM) below

Guarda  QST i dati a 14MHz da  Key Summary  e il testo più ampio in italiano riportato più sotto e segue su full story (below)…

The ARRL has posted their review (October QST) of the IC-7410 on their website. – The basic numbers for the IC-7600 and IC-7410 are not significantly different; they are all up-conversion rigs with relatively wide roofing filters. – Receiver employs a double conversion superheterodyne system which has an image rejection mixer I/Q for the 2nd mixer stage. – The IC-7410 employs a higher speed DSP Unit: ADSP21369 with internal Clock 333MHz, 2000MFLOPS and the AD/DA converter AK4620B.

See the October 2011 issue of QST magazine for the complete review and ARRL Lab test results – [Note] Area Members Only – to log-in; -
Link to: ARRL – American Radio Relay League for Amateur Radio Home-page

Video QST Review: ICOM IC-7410 – It is nice watching this video in 1080p full screen mode.

Da: “Key Summary” – (Intercept values ..determined using -97 dBm reference)
Qui vengono riportati solo i numeri a 14 MHz, Pre OFF – RTX  TS-590S / IC-7410

• …………………………………..Kenwood TS-590S……………..Icom IC-7410
• ……………………………………QST May 2011…….…………..QST October 2011
• ……………………………….. with a down conversion ………. with a up conversion
• ………………………….……(500Hz,  roofing filter)..…(500Hz DSP bw, 3kHz roofing)
• Band: 14 MHz – Pre Off
• Spacing 20 kHz blocking gain compression….141 dB…………………….144 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz blocking gain compression….121 dB…………………….111 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range….…106 dB…………………….106 dB
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order dynamic range….….97 dB………………………88 dB
• Spacing 20 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+26 dBm………………….+29 dBm
• Spacing    2 kHz 3rd-order intercept……………+22 dBm………………….+  5 dBm

QST 07  2010 DR3 of the FTdx-9000 pep Yaesu flagship rig is 85 dB 2kHz spacing
QST 03 2007   DR3 of the IC-7800 Icom inc.  flagship rig is 86 dB  2kHz spacing

Sul sito web della ARRL QST è stato pubblicato il Test review dell’IC-7410 HF 50MHz Icom dal 25.08.2011 in formato PDF (solo per soci con log-in) –  Poi l’articolo si troverà nella Rivista QST del prossimo  mese di Ottobre 2011.

Pertanto la recensione completa del Transceiver ICOM IC-7410, a cura di Rick, WW3DE NCJ Managing Editor, sarà sulla rivista QST del mese di ottobre prossimo. I dati di base rilevati in laboratorio per l’IC-7600 e ora per l’IC-7410 non mostrano differenze significative tra i due apparati, sennò come struttura complessiva, DW, Display TFT a Colori, Analisi di spettro, decodifica RX e TX per RTTY e PSK31 . – Come si vedrà dal sommario qui sopra i numeri con 20kHz sono simili al TS-590S  settato, quest’ultimo, in up-conversion e Roofing da 500Hz contro i 3kHz dell’Icom!! con una certa differenza, invece, a 2kHz.  - A proposito di valori di DR3 (IMD3), che non sarebbe la primaria misura da valutare,  guardate la DR3 dei due flagship Yesu e Icom. ….continua…>

(continua…)

STØR South Sudan QRT Total QSO’s: 121.286! – With K3 – IC-7200 – Acom

STØR – The first DX-pedition in Southern Sudan has finished its work. Excellent result of all the teams: Totale QSO’s 121.286 in Database – 27.994 Unique Callsigns – 176 DXCC – 40 CQ Zones - last QSO at 10/08/2011 @ 07:01. – Thanks to: DXFriends, Intrepi-DX, Sponsors and the teams.

Link to: DXFriends Official Log web-page to find a Qso with ST0R 

STØR - La prima DX-pedition in Sud Sudan ha terminato la sua missione. Un ottimo successo dei due team: complessivamente 121.286 QSO nel STØR Database – 27.994 Unique Callsigns – 176 DXCC – 40 CQ Zones –  ultimo QSO alle ore 07:01 del 10/08/2011 poi QRT  - Grazie a: DXFriends, Intrepi-DX, agli Sponsors ed ai teams, compreso l’operatore italiano IN3ZMR, Fabrizio (qui sotto la sua foto  selezionata dal sito web ufficiale)

Qui di seguito due immagini, tratte dal sito ufficiale www.dxfriends/SoutherSudan2011 per soddisfare una prima curiosità, infatti si possono vedere una parte degli apparati che la DX-Pedition ha dichiarato di utilizzare in queste settimane di intenso traffico, compresi i 6mt, oltre naturalmente per mettere in evidenzia l’operatore italiano che fa parte del team DXFriends:
Transceivers: 1 x IC-7000 2 x IC-7200 Icom e 3 x K3 Elecraft  - Amplifiers: 2 x Acom 1010 and Others, tutto il resto e le  antenne, dalle Hexbeam alle Spiderbeam ecc. sono sul sito ufficiale.

Icom RS-BA1 update Ver.1.20 IC-9100 interior views Mod. RX espande range

The IC-9100 Multiband Transceiver supports RS-BA1 Internet remote-control software Icom suite; With the RS-BA1, you can configure a remote control system through the Internet IP, or a LAN  network. • Most functions and modes of your transceiver, including interference rejection functions and IF filter settings, can be controlled • Also, S-meter and SWR can be observed • Rx Voice recording function available and more. –  (Click on the rs-ba1 picture to enlarge)
Icom RS-BA1 remote control software Ver.1.20 update 2011/04/01 (File: ZIP – File size: 21.1 MB) [Note]: It is not possible to execute this updating program if the RS-BA1 is not installed into your PC Remote Control is not free, you buy from retailers. – Now is not yet available in all countries. ML&S UK Ham Store: Price: TBA ! - HRO US Discount Price: TBA ! Marcucci Spa IT Prezzo €88,00 (inc.VAT)!

Link to: Info major points of the Ver.1.20 update by Icom web

IC-9100: Interior views, features summarized, first impression, dual receiver but not same band, limits  EMCOM. High price to base, and many optionals  required for full operation. How to Expand the Receiver range.

Icom V.10GS0190 brochure and it looks like the dual receiver works in all modes simultaneously, but not on the same band • The IC-9100 has 3 independent receiver circuits from the antenna connector to the 2nd IF image rejection mixer • The IC-9100 will receive simultaneously (with mixed modes if desired) on any of the band pairs shown in the “Independent dual receivers” table on the IC-9100 brochure • It severely limits the usefulness for Emergency Communications (EMCOM) by not being able to monitor the same band with both receivers • For that matter, it limits if for DX and contesting, where you are listening in two places of the HF band at the same time. • The architecture of the IC-9100 (only one 1st mixer and LO per receive chain) precludes same-band Dual Watch operation.

The optional UT-121 Unit provides D-STAR DV mode digital voice and low speed data communication. [Note] It doesn’t have the Icom ID-1′s DD “high-speed” data feature!  - Installing the optional UX-9100 box and his IF PCB the IC-9100 fully covers the HF/50, 144, 430/440 and 1.2GHz amateur bands in multiple modes. – RX expansion range (see last picture above): Frequancy coverange (not guaranteed!) 30kHz to 60MHz / 108 to 174 MHz / 420 to 480MHz 7 1240 to 1320MHz – Disassemble the radio, locate diode matrix behind the front panel and remove D1504 and D1505 for full Rx coverage, !! work with great care, risk of damage to the PCB – Assemble the radio and operate the full reset by olding [F-INP-ENT] + [M-CLR] and turn power [ON].
[Note] Before you do anything, please read this.!
The modifications are not verified, so if you try some of the article on your own equipment, it’s on your own risk. Performing modifications of some equipment may be a violation of local laws. If you have any doubts, do not perform the modification.

Link to: Download the  Icom RS-BA1 product brochure ENG
Link to: IC-9100 informations web page by VA7OJ’s Adam