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.

IC-7200 Product Review from June 2009 QST by © ARRL. Recenzione completa QST di Giugno 2009

IC-7200 HF 6m Review from June 2009 QST

Product Review from QST magazine. Reviewed by Steve Sant Andrea, AG1YK ARRL Assistant Editor
——Clik to enlarger ————————————
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 entry-levl or portable type : IC-7200, IC-7000, FT-950 e FT-450.

Source QST 06/2009:  “Bottom Line”
The IC-7200 is a compact, easytooperate HF and 6 meter transceiver that offers many features for voice, CW and  digital mode operating. Rugged, water-resistant packaging makes it attractive for portable and emergency stations

IC-7200 recenzione completa su QST di Giugno 2009 della ARRL. Sulla rivista QST di Giugno è riportata una ampia recenzione del recente  IC-7200 HF 50MHz 100W Transceiver della Icom. L’apparato è stato recensito da Steve Sant Ander, AG1YK ARRL Assistant Editor. Nella Tabelllina riportata nell’immagine, qui sopra, sono indicati sommariamente solo alcuni dati, tratti dal “Key Summary” di QST per gli apparati IC-7200, IC-7000, FT-950 e FT-450 più o meno classificabili nella classe entry-levl o portatili.  Certamente le recenzioni tecniche meritano di essere  lette per intero sui vari numeri del QST Magazine per un confronto completo e sistematico di tutte le performance  degli apparati stessi.
Link to:   ARRL Home-Page – www.arrl.org

[Note]: ARRL Members Only can now download the June, 2009 QST Product Review.

IC-7200 Rugged manpack styling. Two type IF Filters. MAIN UNIT Design and architecture. Link to Test review Radcom Uk

IC-7200: Triple conversion superheterodyne system:
Intermediate frequencies 1st: 64.455 MHz, 2nd: 455 kHz, 3rd: 15.625 kHz.
(Clik for inlarge the MainUnit)

IF Filters type: a) DSF753SBF-D64006GQ 64.455 MHz 1st IF 4 Pole Roofing Filter 6kHz-BW 3dB – b) CFWS455HT 2nd IF Ceramic Filter 6 Elements Ladder Type, 6kHz-BW 6dB/ 18kHz-BW 50dB. —-  The MAIN UNIT is the core of IC-7200.
Test review Radcom UK  IC-7200 by G3SJX -—> Check the Link below

[Note - radiocronache.com®]
The roofing filter and the Ceramic Filter is not a ultimate selectivity on the this tranceiver. The designer uses the DSP process to define the selectivity of the receiver for each supported emission type. The purpose of the 6kHz roofing  filter reduces the statistical likelihood that strong undesired signals well outside BPFs, to suppress images produced in the first mixer. The Ceramic Filter on the 2nd IF 455kHz to suppress images produced in the 2nd IF mixer will enter the IF chain and over-range the ADC Codec. As long as  the ADC is operating in its linear range, the DSP IF filter will do its job.
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Design and architecture:

The RX signals are passed through one of 9 BPFs on the RF UNIT.  The BPF for 50 MHz band contains a separate Pre-amp to make up the loss for high sensitivity on this band. While the Main Pre-amp function is activated, the RX signals from the BPF are applied to the noiseless feedback AMP 2SC5551F. This Pre-amp provides low-noise, high RF gain and good IP characteristic. The amplified or not RX signals are entered to the MAIN UNIT, then applied on the 1st mixer 2SK1740 x4 junction FETs. A quad-structured 1st mixer circuit, provides high enough intercept point. RX signals are mixed with the 1st LO signals from the 1st LO AMP 2SC3357 to be converted into the 64.455 MHz 1st IF signal. The 1st IF signal is filtered by the 6kHz Roofing Filter (FI541 – FL421) to remove the RX frequency signal and 1st LO signals, and amplified by the 1st IF AMP 3SK264. The amplified 1st IF signal is applied to the 2nd duble balanced mixer HSB88WS to converted into the 455 kHz 2nd IF signal.
The 2nd IF signal is filtered by Ceramic Filter CFWS455HT (FI601) and amplified by 3SK264 x2 IF AMP and 2SC4081 BUFF, then applied to the 3rd mixer TS5A2053. – The converted 15.625 kHz 3rd IF signal are entered to the ADSP-BF532SBSTZ400 on the DSP section, passed through the (ADC/DAC) Codec AK4620B. – Digital IF DSP for: Twin PBT, Noise Reduction, Manual Notch, Automatic Notch, NB etc. –[radiocronache.com®]
Link to: Test review Radcom UK Jan. 09 by G3SJX (to-SRSAB.SE) PDF 1.5MB
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DE: IC-7200 moderne technik ZF-DSP. AGC-Schleife. Digitales ZF-Filter. Twin PBT. Digitale Rauschminderung. Der IC-7200 ist ein preisgunstiger, robuster Kurzwellwntransceiver inklusive 6 m im “military look” fur Einsteiger und insbesondere fur den Einsatz unterwegs.

IC-7200: USB port for CI-V and PCM baseband imput/output; Link to User Evaluation Test Report by Adam VA7OJ – Rev.2, Nov. 28, 2008

The IC-7200 is equipped with a rear-panel USB “B” port for CI-V controll and PCM baseband (audio) imput/output. 
Questa nuova e interessante caratteristica penso che sarà applicata  su tutti i futuri Transceiver HF Icom;

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).

IC-7800, IC-7700, IC-7200 and IC-7600. Truth of Icom HF Transceiver; View or Download Special Movie on Japanese

Truth of Icom HF Transceiver IC-781 to IC-7600. Special Movie from Icom: La verità sui noti Transceiver HF della Icom dotati di Monitor multifunzione, lo sviluppo della tecnologia DSP dedicata allo  Spectrum-Scope che è diventato un vero strumento di misura con BW e Span variabile, rispetto al primo innovativo IC-781 dotato di Monitor CRT con dati i immagini interessanti.
L’evoluzione delle performance con speciali circuiti sviluppati da Icom come: validi D-MOS FET Quad-Mixer in 1st IF, preceduti dal Preselettore (DIGI-SEL) e dal BPF con bobine su toroidi e relè di commutazione. Impiego di Roofing Filter Hi-Spec e utilizzo di un Mixer I/Q nella 2st IF per elevare sia la Reiezione di immagine che la Reiezione di segnali forti adiacenti con migliore IP3 e IMD.  Sviluppo della tecnologia digitale  con IF DSP ora di 4^ geneerazione a 32bit e AD/DA a 24bit ad alta velocità di elaborazione per la riduzione del rumore e delle interferenze, sia con Notch da 70dB regolabile anche in larghezza, sia con il TWIN PBT (Doppio Pass Band Tuning) gestito dal DSP che controlla tutto il circuito AGC.
Il Video mostra questa storia dal 1988 ad oggi:  IC-7600 Available end 2008, IC-7200 (2008), IC-7700 (2007), IC-7800 (2003), IC-756Pro Serie (1999), IC-756 (1996), IC-781/780 (1988); > Distortion, Sensitivity, Selectivity, Stability, IP3 and more tecnicals news;

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 Update: Type “USB Driver” Ver.1.00, Icom Support update 17.09.2008

The IC-7200 can be controlled by a PC through a USB port using the CI-V data format. In addition, modulator and received audio can also be transferred over the USB cable. By using appropriate external software, you can record incoming call and/or transmit preprogrammed messages from your PC.

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)

IC-7200 Universal Radio US Your Price $1069.95 – The Manual and Brochure

The Icom IC-7200, features military styling, which makes its suitable for all round use, for indoor and outdoor use. - The IC-7200 is a compact, easy to operate HF and 6 meter transceiver that offers many features for voice, CW and digital mode operating. – Rugged, water-resistant* packaging makes it attractive for portable and emergency stations. – (Click the photo to enlarge!) 

Updated 10/11/2011:
USA: Universal Radio List: $ 1396,00 Your Price: $ 1069.95
Marcucci Spa Italia  List: € 828,80+ Iva  (Versione #07 Europa vedi sul S/N)

USA: The FCC ID number is AFJ301500   UE:  Conformity Direc. 1999/5/EC  30th Jun. 2008)
JP: CQNET-SHOP Web – HF/50MHz帯トランシーバーIC-7200: 価格 88,000円 (税込)

L’apparato è dotato di guarnizione “O-ring” che gira attorno al bordo sotto ai coperchi sia inferiore che superiore consentendo reparti chiusi anche al flusso di aria che circola tra il telaio e i coperchi (guscio esterno). Come si vede il telaio in presso-fusione contiene le varie Unità in scomparti separati e protetti verso l’esterno;

L’IC-7200  è dal 22.07.2008, sul sito ufficiale ICOM Japan in inglese, è messo in  vendita, nel mercato domestico Jp, già dal  mese di Agosto 2008.

Si tratta di un transceiver HF e 50MHz con un IF DSP di nuova generazione all’altezza di apparati di classe superiore; Dispone di un chip unico per il DDS ad ampia purezza spettrale; Il remote control è previsto sia con un Jack CI-V sia con una porta [USB] che comprende anche i due segnali di BF audio RX e TX; Lo stile è tipo ManPack militare ed è resistente agli spruzzi e umidità, Icom inc.  dichiara di applicare le precauzioni tecniche come per gli apparati marini solo per le manopole e frontale – *ATT.!! IC-7200 is no waterproof – no è  impermeabile se immerso in acqua!

Link to: ICOM Japan IC-7200 page in English and Download Manual
Link to: I0GEJ’s Ham Radio News IC-7200 page
Link to: Download the Broshure, PDF format
Link to: Marcucci Spa IC-7200 #07 Web page

ENG: The IC-7200 (view image) an O-ring that runs entirely around the bottom cover panel, and the boards are housed in different compartments; The circuit boards are even isolated from the front panel in their respective compartments, no air-flow on board unit; (*ATT! IC-7200 is not waterproof (immersible)

Icom Japan IC-7200 Page in English, will go on the Japan market at the beginning of August; Retail Price 104,790 (Price: Yen, inc. Japan tax ), The latest IF DSP technology is employed in the IC-7200. While the IC-7200 is an entry-class transceiver, advanced digital features are comparable to higher class transceivers. The IC-7200 can be controlled by a PC through a USB port using the CI-V data format. In addition, modulator and received audio can also be transferred over the USB cable; (modulation imput/ouput with PC)

JAP: アイコム株式会社(代表取締役社長　福井勉)は、先進のIF DSPを採用したアマチュア無線用HFオールバンド+50ＭＨｚトランシーバーIC-7200を販売いたします; 104,790円(税込)

IC-7200 at Hamvention Dayton 2008, Download the Brochure, Video ath Icom Booth and more

New Icom IC-7200, rugged manpack styling
Like: Front speaker, rear bumper to protect connectors, 0.5ppm stability, reasonable receiver features, Icom’s known IF-DSP architecture, MB-116 handles, built.in 50MHz, rugged manpack styling , 201 memory channels, still using the CI-V interface and audio R/T via USB would be fine for digital modes.
Dislikes: No FM for 10 or 6 meters! (WHAT!) Only one antenna port, only one setting on attenuator, (10 and 20db would be better).

Link to Download the bochure and interior views! IC-7200

Positivo : Altoparlante anteriore, Bordi sul lato posteriore per proteggere i connet-tori, 0.5 ppm di stabilità, Ottime caratteristiche del ricevitore, IF-DSP nella 3th IFa 15.625kHz, MB-116 maniglie rach, comprende i 50MHz, di stile tipo militare, 201 canali di memoria. Mantiene lo standard CI-V per l’interfaccia che qui utilizza anche la porta USB che comprende l’audio modulato o ricevuto molto utile per la gestione delle comunicazioni digitali.
Negativo: Non ha il modo FM utile invece per 10 o per i 6 metri! (peccato!) Ha un unico connettore di antenna e l’attenuatore ha una solo impostazione ( più utile due passi da10 e 20dB)

Icom TWIN-PBT Dials and Setting Clear on the IC-7200

(Clik for larger image)
Nell’IC-7200 è previsto anche il TWIN-PBT con controlli
tramite due Manopole con indici che indicano il settaggio;
Mentre nel IC-7800, Pro3 e IC-7700 le Manopole sono
senza indici e per riportare al “default” c’è un tasto CLR.

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