IC-7600 Press Release;  A press release was posted to 16.12.2008 on the Icom Japan website for the upcoming IC-7600! - Unfortunately, the press release is in Japanese !!

Tradotto in italiano dal testo giapponese della Press release Icom Jp. (S.e.&.o)
ICOM, Ltd (Presidente Tsutomu Hukui), annuncia che a fine Gennaio, 2009 verrà rilasciato in Giappone il nuovo IC-7600, discendente dagli apparati amatoriali portabandiera IC-7800 e IC-7700, che già si sono conquistati apprezzamenti in tutto il mondo. L’IC-7600 si pone come apparato di classe media tra i prodotti più popolari come quelli di prima classe IC-7800 e IC-7700 o di livello di entrata come IC-7000 e IC-7200.
Il nuovo apparato dispone di 3 filtri roofing compreso il 3kHx nella 1st IF, il circuito di ricezione utilizza il sistema della doppia supereterodina (2 conversioni IF) come già fatto nell’IC-7800 e IC-7700, assicurando elevate performance. In particolare viene incrementata la caratteristia di IMD ( Inter Modulation Distortoion) rispetto a quella non convenzionale del IC-756Pro3. Significativa implementazione delle funzioni IF DSP con due DSP’s, uno in IF ed  un secondo circuito DSP dedicato allo Spectrum scope.  Si aggiunge il Display LCD da 5.8″ retroilluminato a LED di tipo a lunga vita, di nuova concezione e con largo angolo di visuale . Per rendere più semplice l’utilizzo di dispositivi esterni ci sono due porte USB, uguali guadagni e audio di qualità  sia per il Main che per il Sub con il sistema Dualwatch, RTTY e PSK31, con inoltre l’aggiunta di di notevoli comandi operativi. La tecnologia digitale, il software per le prestazioni del ricevitore, la funzionalità, l’operatività ha compiuto significativi progressi nel IC-7600, nell’intendo di soddisfare tutte le esigenze dei radioamatori. - 
Lo stadio finale PA Unit utilizza due MOSFET’s tipo RD100HHF1 con particolari cartteristiche di IMD e eccellente linearità e bassa distorsione, potenza output 100W.
List Preice 417.900 Yen; MRSP 398.000 Yen incl. tax jp (approx: 4000 USD - EU 3.100 € inc.Vat)

Link to: Icom Jp Press Release - update 2008.12.16

ENG: (Google Traslate!!) - IC-7600, and first-class plane IC-7800 - 7700, HF IC-7000 - 7200 entry model in the middle of the middle class’s most popular products. And the middle class, including 3 roofing with 3kHz bandwidth 1st IF filter, to receive a simple method to adopt Duble Superhet (2 conversion IF), IC-7800/7700 close to achieving superior performance is received. In particular, the band IMD (Inter Modulation Distortion) characteristics of a no conventional model (IC-756PROIII) as compared to the significantly improved. Two 32-bit floating point DSP’s, one dedicated for spectrum scope, the other for the IF-DSP and capability of the performance by up  significantly.
In addition, long-life LED backlighting used in 5.8 inches wide viewing angle of LCD Displays with new features. Other external devices make it easier to connect two USB ports, the same gain in the main and sub / sound quality was Dualwatch, RTTY and PSK31 with In addition, an impressive array of equipment. Digital technology, software and receive performance, functionality, operability significant progress made in the IC-7600, the orthodox school of amateur radio operator to fully meet the needs of sophisticated products. -
The PA Unit  uses 2 X RD100HHF1 MOSFET’s - IMD particular characteristics and excellent linearity and low distortion, power output to 100W

Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated  (Jp)

Un nuovo Firmware Ver. 1.04 per l’IC-7700 è stato rilasciato dalla Icom Japan Global Support  ieri 11 Dicembre 2008.

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La Icom dichiara che qusta nuova release apporta miglioramenti nel software che gestisce le performance nel DSP-Unit.  Le prime impressioni fanno osservare un miglioramento molto fine nel funzionamento [ NR] che ora sembra tracciare i picchi in modo un po ‘più veloce e attenuare un po’ meno i toni alti rispetto all  ver. 1.03 - Altra segnalazione riguarda  migliore comprensione durante la ricezione di BCC -SW in AM ascoltati in modo SSB/ECSS per rilevare segnali DX deboli, ora meno soggetti a distorsione da Qrn. 

Link to: ICOM.co.jp - World Support official web page

ENG:  Major points of update from Ver.1.03 to Ver.1.04: Improvements in the software performance for the DSP UNIT
Noted a very subtle improvement in [NR] operation. The NR seems to track voice peaks a little faster and attenuate highs somewhat less than in ver. 1.03.
Noted now listen to AM BBC WS on SSB/ECSS during the day during non DX time and hear it without the previous annoying distortion, as the audio no created loud transients of high notes. - - -  (Credit: Icom.co.jp/world/ Support)

Icom IC-7600 on show at Pescra Hamfire 2008; Prima visione sul nuovo IC-7600 ala Fiera di Pescara Nov.2008.
Marcucci Spa, Importatore Icom, ha esposto il nuovo IC-7600 alla Fiera Mercato di Pescara (Italy)  il 29/30 Novembre 2008. Il primo prototipo di questo nuovo modello era stato mostrato dalla Icom presso la HanFair 2008 tenutasi il 23 e 24 agosto 2008 a Tokyo.

L’Icom IC7600 sarà presto in arrivo, probabile all’inizio della primavera 2009.

IC-7600 Dual Watch, (a differenza dell’IC-7700 in cui il DW non c’è) è una configurazione del ricevitore in cui la larghezza di banda in ingresso RF è presentata tramite un divisore (power-divider) a due vie, ai due 1st mixers, ciascuno pilotati con il proprio segnale di OL. L’output di questi due mixer sono ricombinati in IF e poi demodulati, creando un canale composito con la banda base (audio). Il Dual Watch permette il monitoraggio simultaneo in tempo reale di due frequenze in bande adiacenti, e nello stesso modo. E ‘inoltre pienamente funzionale in combinazione con l’operazione in Split.

Link to: Dual Watch is explained by Adam VA7OJ

IC-7600 100w HF/6 all mode transceiver ; 4 pin DC 13.8v similar to IC 7000; 3 Roofing filters; Icom Dual Watch; Spectrum Scope features idem to IC-7700; RTTY and PSK 31 RX & TX  built in; APF/TBF (Twin Bandpass filter for Digital); Variable TX Bandwidth; TX/RX Audio Controls; USB port for Memory stick or Keyboard; USB port for Rig control and audio baseband impu/output;  4 pin DC 13.8v similar to IC 7000. - The Icom IC7600 will be arriving coming spring 2009.

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ENG: First Glimpse of IC-7600 at Pescara (Italy) Hamfair 29.11.2008
Marcucci Spa, a major Italia Icom dealer, it has introduced the new IC-7600 at the Pescara Ham Fair, 29/30 Nov 2008. Early prototype samples of this new model were shown at the JARL Ham Fair 2008 held between August 23rd and 24th 2008 in Tokyo.  - The Icom IC7600 will be arriving coming spring 2009.

IC-7600 Dual Watch, ( unlike the Icom IC-7700) is a receiver configuration in which the incoming RF bandwidth is presented via a power divider to two 1st mixers, each with its own LO. The IF outputs of these mixers are combined and demodulated, yielding a composite baseband (audio) channel. Dual Watch allows simultaneous monitoring in real time of two frequencies in the same or adjacent bands, and in the same mode. It is also fully functional in conjunction with split operation.

ENG: Download and read my friend Adam VA7OJ’s article “Common-Sense Rules for Long PA Life”  (Link up)
The final PA stage delivers 200W (at full duty cycle) with a push-pull circuit using two MRF150 MOSFET RF power devices from tyco/Electronics M/A-COM, fed with 48V DC. The circuit is well-designed. The MRF150 designed primarily for linear large-signal output stages up to 150MHz frequency range.

The TX Block diagram, riportato sull’immagine (clik for larger image), illustra il percorso del segnale audio dall’USB interface (USB2502) controllata dalla CPU (MC16C/62P) verso la USB Codec (PCM2901E) poi all’ Amp. TS462CPT, quindi al Codec/Mixer di 3rd IF (AK4620BVFP) in cui confluisce in alternativa al segnale MIC tramite l’elaborazione del DSP. 

L’IC-7200 è dotato di una porta USB “B” sul pannello posteriore. Così, la radio può essere collegato direttamente ad un computer portatile o ad altri PC tramite un cavo USB “A-B”.   La porta USB trasporta non solo i dati CI-V, ma anche la banda base PCM per TX e RX tra IC-7200 e il computer. Di conseguenza, il cavo USB è l’unica connessione richiesta tra Radio e PC. Senza l’eterno disordine dei cavi e scatole o interfacce convertitori di livello!
Si deve istallare il driver USB - scaricabile dal sito assistenza globale della Icom Giappone, inoltre è anche necessario installare un altro software di gestione, come l’eccellente HRD - Ham Radio Deluxe. (regolate correttamente i livelli di imput di HRD in base al segnale PCM banda base della porta USB)

Test re-run with new HP Spectrum Analyzer by Adam VA7OJ - Rev. 2, Nov. 28, 2008
IC-7200 User Evaluation and Test Report, 17 pages; This report, by Adam Farson VA7OJ, describes the evaluation of IC-7200 S/N 0201013 from a user perspective, as well as the results of several RF lab test performed on the radio. Adam spend a number of days with the IC-7200 in your ham-shack.  Clik to image for download the Adam’s very nice report (.pdf formt)

ENG: The IC-7200 is equipped with a rear-panel USB B port. Thus, the radio can be directly connected to a laptop or other PC via a standard USB A-B cable. The USB port trasports not only CI_V data, but also TX and RX PCM baseband between the IC-7200 and the computer. As a result, the USB cable is the only radio/PC connection required. Gone forever is the mess of cables, levl converters and interface boxes!
I istalled the Icom USB drivers - downloadable from the Icom Japan world-wide support site and other software come HRD, Ham Radio Deluxe. (set the PCM baseband level correctly at the imput to HRD software).

Link to: Adam, VA7OJ’s IC-7700 User Review web page

ENG: The converted 1st RX IF signal is then filtered bay one of 1st IF Roofing Filters (3-6-15 kHz).
The filtered 1st IF signal is splitted into two before being applied to the 2nd Mixers, as a image rejection Mixer. Each divided 1st IF signal is mixed with 2nd LO signals from the PLL UNIT, to be converted into the 36kHz 2nd RX IF signal. One of the LO signal is 90 degrees phase-shifted before being applied to 2nd Mixer (9A41-G), and the converted 2nd RX IF is 90 degrees phase-shifted too.
These converted 2nd IF signals whose phase is different each other are phase-shifted by the phase shifter, then composed by the composer (NJM074M). The composed 2nd IF signal is amplified by another 2nd IF AMP, then entered to the ADC (AK5394) to be converted into the 24-bit serial data. The serial data is applied to the DSP (TMS320C6727) on the MAIN UNIT.

Icom, Icom Inc. are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated  (Jp) - Image (c) i0gej’s radiocronache

ENG: The Icom.co Japan, now features an Japanese-language Special Movie of the “Truth of Icom HF Transceiver”
Movie: IP3 (3rd order Intercep Point), Internal distorsion reduction, Improved blocking, Roofing Filter Hi-Spec, Icom’s DIGI-SEL, Icom uses a duble conversion system composed of a D-MOS FET 1st mixer and nevly developed image rejection mixer for the 2nd mixer stage. (The image rejection mixer provides a high-fidelity signal to the DSP unit) Multiple AGG Loops, Digital IF filter to adadjust filter shaping (sharp or soft), filter bandwidth, Digital TWIN PBT. (Start IC-781 (1988)  at IC-7600 (2008). IP3 and more tecnicals news!

View or Download the 12-minute Icom Inc.  Movie on Japanese-language; There is a link to the View Streaming and link for Download (89MB .zip) (vedi/view with Windows Media Player Free)

Icom.co Jp: アイコムHF機の真実に迫る
Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated  (Jp)

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IC-7200 USB port for PC control. Software updates Type: “USB Driver” Ver.1.00, Icom update 17.09.2008
Note: The USB Driver, it is installed in the PC connected to the radio via the USB port (tnx Adam va7oj)

Link to: Icom Global Support/Software Download/IC-7200
Link to: Icom Istallation Guide A-6668-3EX © 2008 Icom Inc.

When the transceiver is connected to a PC with the USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable (third party), the following operations can be performed:
- Remote control operation (CI-V: Icom Communication Interface-V) by the PC, software (third party) may be required;
- Receiver audio output to the PC, format: data 16-bit; Sampling rate 8/11.025/16/22.05/32/44.1/48kHz;
- Modulation imput from the PC, format: data 16-bit; Sampling rate 32/44.1/48kHz;
The receiver audio is always output regardless of the squelch condition (open/close) and output level cannot be adjusted with the [AF] control; The modulation imput can be used when SSB/SSB-D, AM/AM-D mode is in use. From the set  item (DataOFF/Data ON) and USB imput level see p. 77 on the IC-7200 istruction manual for details setting.
Note: Read the New Icom installation guide before installing the USB driver (A-6668-3EX © 2008 Icom Inc.)
Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan)

Update news: Interestingly the summary made by Hans, PA1HR’s with the data QST review, use the link below from “review table” (vedere una interessante tabella di raffronto dati di QST dei più noti RTX  con il Link qui sotto)

Link to: Hans, PA1HR’s HF RTX and RX  QST Review table
Link to:   ARRL Home-Page - www.arrl.org

NB: ARRL Members Only can now download the October, 2008 QST Product Review online in PDF format.

ENG: Some data drawn from ARRL product reviews are summarized in the table on image. These reviews are worth reading in their entirety, so as to obtain a systematic comparison between the most recent rigs produced by Icom, Yaesu, Elecraft. - This Icom is reviewed by Rick Lindquist, WW3DE National Contest Journal Managing Editor. Interestingly, in addition to the review, is also what he writes on the article-insert “A Contest Operator’s Perspective” from Dave Patton, NN1N, Membership and Volunteer Programs Manager.

IC-7600 con l’IC-756Pro3 per un più facile confronto visivo. Seguono alcune informazioni preliminari, che non sono quelle ufficiali, ma notizie generiche dal reparto vendite nello stand di  ICOM alla Ham Fair di Tokyo 2008.
L’IC-756PRO3, presentato a Tokyo nel 2004, dovrebbe essere sostituito dall’IC-7600 che  potrebbe essere rilascio durante il prossimo inverno.  Il prezzo di listino dovrebbe essere della stessa fascia di quello di un IC-756PRO3.  Con una tastiera esterna connessa alla porta USB, l’IC-7600 supporta la modalità digitale come ad esempio RTTY o PSK31 ed anche senza un PC. La funzione del “DW” Doppia Ricezione, sarebbe limitata per ricevere la stessa frequenza e lo stesso modo come nel Pro3. (quale sarà la soluzione adottata in “DW” nel caso di commutazione  dei Roofing Filters stretti per la  banda passante?)  
Questo nuovo transeiver mantiene lo standard C-IV per il remote (vedi mini-jack C-IV sul retro del pannello) oltre alla porta USB sul retro che oltre il remote gestisce i segnali audio impu/ouput per nuove applicazioni software da PC. (come nel IC-7200). In particolare sul retro c’è anche un connettore segnato: X-VERTER, ma anche si vede un mini jack marcato: “METER” (per chi ama vedere lo S-miter analogico c’è un mini jack per uno strumento opzional da collegare esterno)

Link to: VA7OJ/AB4OJ’s, Adam IC-7600 Web page

ENG: The preliminary information. These are not the official information but the sales rep at the ICOM booth Ham Fair Tokyo 2008.
An IC-756PRO 3 might be replaced by the IC-7600 and it might be release during this coming winter .
The list price might be the same price range of an IC-756PRO 3. With an external keyboard (USB port), the IC-7600 supports a digital mode such as a RTTY and PSK31, even without a PC. It might have the limited DW Dual Receive function for the same frequency and same mode (Performance in “DW ” reduced due to roofing filter width?) The transceive maintains the standard C-IV, see mini jack “remote” on the back panel.  In addition there is the rear USB port (feature is the same as the IC-7200 CI-V and audio input-output  for PC); 
The rear panel connectors, X-verter, but also what looks like a 3,5 mm. mini-jack marked “METER” for optional analog  S-miter.