IC-7600 ARRL Review on Nov. 2009 QST – 2kHz 3rd-ODR, way better than the 7700 @ 87db

IC-7600 ARRL Review on the November 2009 QST – 2kHz  88 dB 3rd-Order Dynamic Range, way better than the 7700 @ 87 dB! -
On the photo the I0GEJ’s Shack  and the IC7600 cw test-drive by IK0FUX, (N0FUX) Francesco (No 327 DXCC worked, CTC #1433, Mainly uses CW and him likes different keyers) – Link to ik0fux home-page

IC-7600 featured in the November 2009 QST review, reviewed by NCJ Managing Editor Rick Lindquist, WW3DE. 2kHz 88dB 3rd-Order Dynamic Range, way better than the 7700 @ 87dB! some data drawn from ARRL product reviews are summarized in the table on following image, compared to Icom IC-7600 IC-7700 IC-7800 and Yaesu FT-2000D.

[Note] These reviews are worth reading in their entirety on the QST, so as to obtain a systematic comparison between the most recent rigs.  – This new Icom is reviewed by Rick Lindquist, WW3DE National Contest Journal Managing Editor.

See the Link at PA1HR’s QST Key Measurements Summary web page, with QST data table for Icom Yesu Elecraft Flex Microtelecom (Perseus) and Tecn-Tec -  See Link and the table on following image and more…..>

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IC-9100 HF/50MHz + V/UHF Satellite Base Station Shown at Tokyo 09. Update now

The all-round transceiver IC-9100: HF/50 MHz (100W) 144/430 MHz (50W) 1200 MHz (10W) with optional 1.2 GHz UX-9100 module. Optional D-STAR Unit, DV mode operation on the esport version.

* HF/50MHz, 144/430 (440)MHz  &1200MHz coverage (UX-9100 Optional)
* 100W     on HF/50/144MHz
* 75W     on 430 (440)MHz
* 10W     on 1200MHz >(UX-9100 Unit Optional)
* Roofing     15kHz (FL.431 3kHz/ FL-430 6kHz 1st IF Optional for HF/50MHz)
* D-STAR DV (D-STAR Unit optional in combination with operating bands and mode)
* Satellite mode operation
* SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM & DV (D-STAR optional)
* 32-bit floating point DSP & 24-bit AD/DA converter
* Double superheterodyne with 2nd IF image rejection mixer
* This device requires 13.8 VDC

Icom introduces a direct competitor to the Kenwood TS-2000 TS-2000x!…. The IC-9100 has only one main DSP unit. In the 9100’s price class, it would not be cost-effective to include a second DSP board (ADC, DSP, DAC, support IC’s) for dual receive. No VHF and UHF at the same time.

アイコムよりHF～1200MHz固定機が参考出品されるようです。

See the Link below for download the Pre-release product information .PDF 2.2MB

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IC-7700 New Firmware Version 1.11. Improvements in the TX monitor audio level

IC-7700 update Ver 1.11;  Icom have released a new firmware version 1.11 for the IC-7700; Icom Inc. Update 14/09/2009.  A description of the changes, download F/W  and new User Manual (rev 1EX-2a) appear in the link  below – Tks  IW0SAF, Moreno  for the photo by his Shack!

Icom Major points of the Ver.1.11 update: Improvements in the TX monitor audio level.

[Note] The output of the monitor demod is fed into the main receiver audio amplifier, whose gain is controlled by the AF Gain control. The AF Gain pot is the “master fader”. All Icom transceivers equipped with a monitor circuit are configured in this way……
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IC-7600 Review RadCom a summary available. New Icom User Manual En 1EX-1 Update 2009/07/23!

Radcom June 2009 G3SJX review IC-7600 Measured Performance. Summary available: Close-in IMD, IP3 on 7MHz Band, 2.4kHz Bandwidth, USB mode. Preamp Off. – In the receiver, close-in IMD3 dynamic range, reciprocal mixing noise, MDS (sensitivity), IF filter bandwidth (selectivity) and in-band IMD are important parameters.  A summary can be made available in this table IMD3, IP3 report….. Watch the report table, below.

ICOM, has released new IC-7600 User Manual En A-6722H-1EX-1 (auditing) – Last Update 2009/07/23 ……. See the Link below (for download)

ICOM  ha rilasciato un nuovo Manuale Utente per l’IC-7600 in Inglese (1Ex-1 auditing) il 23.07.09 – (ci sono integrazioni  operative più chiare, con variazioni su molte pagine)…. Più avanti il Link e la tabella con IMD, IP3  in 7MHz con filtro 2,4kHz in USB …. (continua…)

Hamradio 2009 Friedrichshafen Prezzi Prices Precios Preis and Sonderpreis! Icom, Yaesu..

Hamradio 2009 Friedrichshafen Prezzi Prices Precios Preis and Sonderpreis! See the Special Prices for IC-7700 IC-7600 IC-7200 IC-7400 IC-718 IC-7000 IC-910H  Yaesu FT-950 FT-450AT FT-897D FT-857D Icom D-STAR IC-E92 IC-E80D IC-2820 VT-123 ID-E880. Buy Ham Radio Equipment…. Preis… and Sonderpreis… Acquistare apparati radio.. Prezzi e Prezzi scontati… See the Link below for Ham Radio 2009 Photo Gallery… (continua…)

IC-7700 New Firmware Version 1.10, provide interesting additional functions to this radio

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IC-7700 Firmware update Ver 1.10;  Icom have released firmware version 1.10 for the IC-7700 Update 2009/06/08 – A description of the changes and download F/W appear in the link  below:

Link to: Icom download the 3-page description of changes including screen shots
Link to: Icom.co.jp Word Support Firmware file download

IC-7700 aggiornamento Firmware Ver 1.10; La Icom ha rilasciato il nuovo aggiornamento per il transceiver IC-7700 in data 08/06/2009. Le istruzioni, le informazioni e il download dei files si scaricano anche accedendo ai  link qui sopra.
The firmware version of the IC-7700 can be confirmed during turning power ON  • The version appears at the right bottom corner.
[Note] Never cut off power to the transceiver while updating the firmware!
I have a sneaky feeling that interrupting the update process can corrupt the boot-loader (See the Note) For safety’s sake, plug the 7700 into the computer UPS (750 VA) when upgrading (UPS = Uninterruptible Power Supply)  However i belive that any thorough design would must have a boot-loader in a protected sector of the flash of  course so that it couldn’t be erased under normal software update circumstances.
ICOM issued a clarification stating that the firmware updates are in fact cumulative. When you install 1.10 it include the updated previus features
As recommended by Icom, first save your custom settings to USB memory. Upgrading to F/W version 1.10 results in a  *full reset* of the IC-7700

IT
[Note] Non togliere alimentazione al transceiver durante l’aggiornamento del firmware!
Si dice che potrebbe essere dannosa una interruzione del processo di aggiornamento perchè può corrompere il boot-loader. Quindi, per motivi di sicurezza, durante il processo di aggiornamento con il computer è opportuno alimentare il transceive collegandolo alla rete elettrica tramite un UPS da 750 VA minimo (UPS = Gruppo Statico di Continuità)
Credo tuttavia che qualsiasi progettazione accurata deve avere un boot-loader in un settore separato della flash-memory in uso, in modo che essa non dovrebbe essere cancellata durante le normali fasi di aggiornamento del software.
ICOM ha rilasciato un chiarimento che, gli aggiornamenti del firmware sono in effetti cumulativi. Quando si installa la 1,10 si include gli aggiornamenti rilasciati in precedenza
Come raccomandato dal Icom, prima salvare le impostazioni personalizzate in una memoria USB. L’aggiornamento del F/W versione 1,10 comporta anche il *reset completo* del IC-7700
IW0SAF, Moreno ha fornito la foto del IC-7700 che viene inserita in questo articolo, grazie.

——> Please read the official Icom documents and Icom instructions!

IC-7600 video at Dayton 2009 Hamvention: See the demo by VA7OJ’s and Other related Videos

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IC-7600 at Dayton 2009 Hamvention. Goods Video! Very nice demo by VA7OJ’s Adam do a great job of highlighting the DSP functionality, and many rx features of the new Icom rig. Thanks Adam, for professional demo on the Icom booth in Dayton 2009.
See the Video 1 and other YouTube related videos (click the triangle on the right and 1st logo!)

IC-7600 alla Hamvention  di Dayton del 15 e 16 Maggio, 2009. Adam ha realizzato due Ottimi due Video su IC-7600!
Una bella dimostrazione di VA7OJ’s, Adam che con il suo impegno e capacità tecniche riesce a dimostrare le funzionalità dei comandi, del DSP, del TFT Display e del Ricevitore.
Guarda da qui i Video: Demo 1 e altri Correlati.  Grazie Adam, per l’ottimo lavoro in stand Icom  in Dayton Hamvention  2009.

IC-7800 Firmware Version 2.20 Now Available. Update 19/05/2009

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IC-7800 Firmware update Ver. 2.20.  Icom have released firmware version 2.20 for the IC-7800 Update 2009/05/19 – A description of the changes as well as the new F/W file (ZIP 3.84MB) appear in the link below:

Link to: Icom.co.jp Word Support Firmware Updates.. Download

IC-7800 aggiornamento software Ver. 2.20. La Icom ha rilasciato un nuovo aggiornamento del Firmware del transceiver IC-7800 in data 19.05.2009. Le informazioni, il download del file (ZIP da 3.84MB) e le istruzioni si scaricano anche accedendo al  link qui sopra.

Maggiori miglioramenti della Ver. 2.20 (ITALIANO)
La Icom ha aggiunto interessanti funzionalità nella gestione delle memorie in TX sia in RTTY che PSK31 con l’utilizzo di 4 tasti nella tastiera esterna. Altrettanto per l’abilitazione  di messaggi TX pre memorizzati sia in VOCE memory   in SSB che CW memory in cw,  con  l’utilizzo dei tasti F1 – F4 della tastiera esterna.  Consente all’operatore di gestire o no personalizzando limiti di banda predefiniti che  sono poi segnalati da un bip audio.  Per la sola versione Italiana: la capacità di estensione della banda 40m da 7  a 7.200 MHz.

Major points of the Ver.2.20 update. (ENG)
1. Adds the ability to send TX memory contents, while operating in either the RTTY mode, or the PSK31 mode, pushing one of the 4 keys on an external keypad. (More details of the external keypad are described on page 2-6 of IC-7800 instruction manual.)
2. Adds the ability to send VOICE memory, in the SSB mode, or CW memory keyer contents, in the CW mode, by pushing one of the F1 – F4 keys on an external USB keyboard.
3. Enables the operator to program custom band-edge frequencies. You can also hear a beep when tuning out of, or into the programmed Amateur band. The operator can now limit transmitting outside the programmed frequency band.
4. The transmit capability on the 7MHz band has been extended from 7.0-7.1MHz to 7.0-7.2MHz. The RX frequency range has also been extended. (The modification applies to only Italian version.)

[Note] Please read the info and instructions by official Icom documents! — Attenzione leggere le istruzioni ufficiali della Icom!

IC-7600 Review: User Evalutation & Test Report by Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ. – I could not find any fault with the Transceiver

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IC-7600 Review by VA7OJ : Download the fine User Evalutation & Test Report (PDF format) with the Link below or clik on the Banner  below -
I could not find any fault with the Transceiver IC-7600.  This radio promises to be a worthy replacement for the tried and proven IC-756Pro3! – Many Thanks Adam, by www.radiocronache.com.

Clarification: The test on pag. 8, par. 2) of this report is for Reciprocal Mixing Noise, not IMD dynamic range – Precisazione: La prova a pag. 8, par.2) della  relazione riguarda la reciproca miscelazione con il rumore di fase del LO, non sono valori della gamma dinamica IMD.

Questo eccellente rapporto, realizzato da VA7OJ/AB4OJ, Adam, descrive dettagliatamente  la valutazione del nuovo IC-7600 S/N #0201203 dal punto di vista dell’utente. Poi sull’Appendice 1) vengono riportati, con molti dettagli tecnici, misure strumentali e diagrammi, molti risultati dei test principali eseguiti sul transceiver nel proprio laboratorio RF. Adam ha potuto utilizzare, per un certo numero di giorni, l’IC-7600  nel suo shack, quindi ha avuto l’opportunità di usare la radio e valutarne le principali caratteristiche  compreso il comportamento in aria – Adam ha testato il livello di uscita RX Baseband dalla porta USB utilizzando DM780*, con  l’interfaccia di Ham Radio Deluxe (* HRD by HB9DRV),  l’IC-7600 ha mostrato subito nel computer l’indicazione “USB Audio Codec” e HRD ha cominciato a lavorare.

Al par. 20) Conclusioni, di questa ampia relazione, Adam scrive: “”Dopo alcuni giorni trascorsi piacevolmente nella “cabina di pilotaggio” dell’IC-7600, sono molto favorevolmente impressionato dalla sua solida e raffinata struttura, dall’attraente e informativo display, dal facile approccio operativo molto intuitivo,  dall’impressionante serie di eccellenti funzioni e per le prestazioni in-aria. Questa radio offre la maggior parte delle funzionalità e delle prestazioni dell’IC-7700 però con le dimensioni simili ad un Pro3. L’apparato si pone in una classe di prezzo  che è tra il Pro3 e l’IC-7700. Icom com un suo colpo vincente ha abilmente introdotto una  nuova interfaccia USB per il computer”" -

In effetti la porta USB è innovativa, non trasporta solo i dati  standard CI-V, ma comprende anche i segnali  audio TX e RX in “PCM baseband”  tra il computer e l’IC-7600. [Nota]: Icom Inc. ha già rilasciato il software  USB Drive Vers.1.00, da installare nel computer. Vedi sotto il Link
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Link to: Download the IC-7600 User Evalutatio & Test Report  by Adam, VA7OJ

EN: This fine report, by VA7OJ, Adam describes the evaluation of the new IC-7600 S/N #0201203 from a user perspective.  Appendix 1 presents results of RF lab test suite performed on the radio, detailed measurements and diagrams. Adam was able to spend a number of days with the IC-7600 in your ham-shack, and thus had the opportunity to exercise the radio’s principal features and evaluate its on-air behavior – Adam thested the RX baseband output levels at the USB port using DM780*, interfacing with Ham Radio Deluxe (*HRD by HB9DRV), the IC-7600 showed up in the computer as “USB Audio Codec”, HRD started working

On this report, par. 20) Conclusion, Adam writes: “”After several days’ worth of “cockpit time” on the IC-7600, Adam .. very favorably impressed by its solid, refined construction, attractive and informative display, easy familiarization experience, smooth operating “feel”, impressive array of features and excellent on-air performance. This radio offers most of the functionality and performance of the IC-7700 in a Pro3-size package, and in a price class between the Pro3 and the IC-7700. Icom have again scored a coup with the straightforward USB computer interface”"  -
Indeed the USB port trasports non only CI-V data, but also TX and RX PCM baseband between the IC-7600 and the computer. [Note] Icom Inc. Software USB Drive Vers.1.00 is necessary. Free download Vers.1.00  and read the manual  from Icom Inc. official  web

Link to: Icom Inc. Jp – USB Driver(Ver.1.00), Driver Utility and manuals.
Link to: Radiolab – An excellent tutorial on reciprocal mixing -
Link to: Download the IC-7600 User Evalutatio & Test Report  by Adam, VA7OJ

Appendix 1) summary:
Performance Test on IC-7600 – As performed in Adam Home RF lab, March 17 – 23, 2009 -
Receiver Test: 1) MDS (Minimum Discernible Signal) ATT off, NR off, NB off. Levels in dBm at 3.6 – 14.1 – 50.1 MHz Pream of, 1 and 2, SSB 2.4kHz bw and CW 500Hz bw, 1a): AM Sensityvity (wide 9kHz filter) – 2) Reciprocal Mixing Noise – 3) IF filter shape factor (-6/-60 dB) – 4) SSB filter roll-off in dB and diagram Sharp/Soft – 5) NR noise reduction, measured as SINAD – 6) Manual Notch Filter (MNF) stopband attenuation and banwidth diagram Wide, Mid, Narrow setting – 7) AGC imput response, a) RF burst, b) Test with pulse trains – 8) Noise blanker (NB) impulse response – 9) S-meter tracking & AGC threshold, 9a) attenuator tracking – 10) In-Band IMD test -52 dB! – Follow par. 11) 11a) 11b) 12) for Spectrum Scope Tests and 13) to 22) for Trasmitter Tests.

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.