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Icom is a well-known and respected manufacturer of amateur (ham) radios, avionics, land mobile, marine, and shortwave receivers. Here is a general description of their amateur radio IC-746PROofferings best suited for fixed base operations. Some of these radios can be used in portable applications but size and power requirements could prevent them from being used portable by a survivalist.

IC-7200HF/50MHz Transceiver

Simple and Tough with IF DSP

IF DSP
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.

AGC loop management
Distortion and blocking from strong nearby signals are prevented by placing DSP functions inside the AGC loop. The AGC time constants are selectable from fast, slow and off for each operating mode.

Digital IF filter
Optional filters will never be required for the IC-7200. The built-in digital filter allows you to flexibly select the filter width and shape from soft and sharp* and provides cutting-edge filter characteristics.
*Filter shape is selectable for SSB and CW modes only.

Manual notch filter
The manual notch filter delivers more than 70dB of attenuation. Strong interring tones will be eliminated without adversely affecting the AGC loop performance. ON the bottom right of the front panel, a dedicated control knob adjusts the notch filter frequency.

Digital Twin PBT
Only Icom brings you twin passband tuning! Tailor your IF passband with the Twin PBT by electronically shifting the upper and lower edges of the IF filter. Depending on the use of the concentric knobs, you can either narrow the IF passband, or shift the entire passband to eliminate interfering signals.

Digital noise reduction
The digital noise reduction reduces background noise and improves the signal-to-noise ratio. The noise reduction level is adjustable in 16 steps. It improves the readability of voice and data signals.

Digital noise blanker
The noise blanker reduces pulse-type noise such as engine ignition and sparking. The NB level and width (blanking duration) are adjustable in 100 steps.

High stability transmitter
The DDA (Direct Digital Synthesizer) creates a clear, clean transmit signal and improves the C/N ratio. With a dual-fan cooling system, the IC-7200 provides stable high quality output even during high duty cycle operation.

USB port for PC control
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 calls and/or transmit preprogrammed messages from your PC.

IC-7200 Product Images

IC-746PROHF/50MHz/144MHz All Mode Transceiver

32-bit DSP Technology Takes You Even Higher – To 144MHz !
Digital Twin PBT
Only Icom brings you Twin Passband tuning! Tailor your IF passband with the Twin PBT by electronically shifting the upper and lower IF passbands. Depending on the use of the concentric knobs, you can either narrow the IF passband, or shift the entire passband to eliminate interfering signals.

Manual Notch Filter
Interference management is not a problem with the Manual Notch filter. With it’s incredible 70dB attenuation, the manual notch can eliminate a wide variety of QRM. The Automatic Notch Filter can track two or more interfering signals like Heterodynes and “Key uppers”!

Digital Noise Reduction
By digitally manipulating the incoming signal, the DSP is able to reduce various types of noise and enhances the receive signal components. Providing an outstanding signal to noise ratio to give clean, clear audio.

AGC Loop Management
Another first in this class of transceiver, the IC-746PRO incorporates a multiple AGC loop management system, which uses the DSP filtering to remove unwanted signals from the AGC control. This means, if an unwanted signal is removed using the DSP, the AGC will not be affected. In other words, “No more pumping of the AGC!” Also, the AGC is independently controllable for mode and the time settings. (Off, 0.1-6.0 or 8.0 sec.)

Microphone Equalizer
Bring Hi-Fidelity to the amateur airwaves. The Microphone Equalizer will change your RST from “59” to “Great Audio” and “Nice Signal”. Adjust your audio for Bass and Treble characteristics to total 121 levels for all voice operation. The transmit filter width in SSB mode is selectable from 2.8/2.4/2.2kHz.The Rx tone control is also an equalizer for the received audio. As with the transmit audio, select the amount of Bass and Treble you need for the audio clarity you want.

IC-746PRO Product Images

IC-756PROIIIHF/50MHz All Mode Transceiver

The 756PRO Series Legacy Continues to Grow

Icom and the renowned IC-756PRO series continue to make ham radio history:
¦First 32-bit floating point DSP transceiver
¦First transceiver with customizable filter shapes. There were no optional filters to buy, for none were needed.
¦First mid-class HF transceiver with +30dBm-class third-order intercept point*
¦First amateur HF transceiver with a large TFT color LCD
For the new IC-756PROIII, Icom’s combined the cutting-edge receiver technology of the IC-7800 with the familiar ergonomics of the IC-756PROII.

Take your DXing to the next level with Icom’s IC-756PROIII.
(*in the 14MHz band)

The 756PRO Third Generation’s Features
Receiver gives +30dBm third-order intercept point*
Using receiver design techniques introduced in the IC-7800, Icom’s engineering team focused on producing a distortion-free, high-dynamic-range. To achieve this goal, Icom used higher-grade components in vital receiver sections of the IC- 756PROIII.
* Under the condition of receive frequency 14.2MHz, input frequencies 14.3MHz and 14.4MHz, Pre-amp OFF, mode USB BW: 2.4kHz

Large inductors
The IC-756PROIII uses large inductors instead of small coils in the bandpass filter (BPF) stage, because small coils sometimes cause magnetic saturation in the BPF stage. Large inductors can handle both strong signals and weak signals with lower distortion.

Low-distortion BPF switching
The BPF switching circuitry is one of the critical points in a receiver where distortion can be produced by strong out-of-band signals. Distortion at this early receiver stage then propagates throughout the remaining stages and cannot be removed by signal processing. The IC-756PROIII uses low distortion diodes with wide frequency characteristics that prevent formation of distortion components in the BPF stage.

Fundamental-type 64MHz roofing filter
The IC-756PROIII uses a fundamentalmode monolithic crystal filter for the roofing filter. Although it’s more expensive than overtone-mode filters, the fundamentalmode filter has a better shape factor and is less susceptible to intermodulation distortion under strongsignal conditions. This is the same 15kHz crystal filter used in the IC-7800 roofing filter circuit.

Two newly designed preamplifiers
To minimize distortion and maximize dynamic range, the IC-756PROIII preamplifiers use the same basic circuit design as the IC-7800 preamplifiers. Preamp-1 is a noiseless feedback design, with push-pull amplifiers. This design has a high intercept point and covers a wide frequency range. Preamp-2, which uses bipolar transistors for higher gain, is ideal when you use separate low-efficiency receiving antennas such as small loops or Beverages.

Real time spectrum scope with mini scope function
The real time spectrum scope is now an indispensable tool for top performing HF radios. The IC-756PROIII’s spectrum scope adds a mini scope function, as requested by many PROII users. The mini scope allows you to monitor the scope screen while you use other function menus. For example, you can monitor the scope screen even while you are changing the IF filter shape and passband width. The scope range can be set in 4 steps ±12.5 kHz, ±25 kHz, ±50 kHz and ±100 kHz, centered onthe receiving frequency. In addition, the spectrum scope has 3 attenuator levels (10dB, 20dB and 30dB).

IC-756PROIII Product Images

IC-7600HF/50MHz All Mode Transceiver

Push Performance to the Pinnacle

The latest DSP technologies developed for the IC-7800/7700 plus over 45 years of analog circuit expertise give the IC-7600 the performance advantage. The flagship's lineage: dual DSP units, 3kHz 1st (roofing) filter, double-conversion superheterodyne, all direct descendents of the IC-7800/7700.

¦Dual DSP: Separate DSP units for transmitter/receiver and spectrum scope.
¦Ist IF Filter: Three built-in 1st IF (roofing) filters – 3, 6 and 15 kHz.
¦Receiver System: The double-conversion superheterodyne system and the image rejection mixer improve inband IMD.
¦Display: 5.8-inch WQVGA (400×240 pixels)ultra-wide viewing angle TFT display with long-life LED backlighting.
¦Spectrum Scope: High-resolution real-time spectrum scope using a dedicated DSP unit.
¦USB Connectors: Easily connect keyboards, flash memory drives and PCs.
Download the USB driver now!

¦PSK Operation: Built-in PSK and RTTY operation with a USB keyboard - PC not required.
¦Compare the IC-7600 to the IC-756PROIII, IC-7700 and IC-7800!
Dual DSP for transmitter/receiver and spectrum scope
Two separate 32-bit DSP units power the transmitter/receiver and spectrum scope. These processors give the IC-7600 high performance comparable to our top-of-the-line IC-7800 and IC-7700, thanks to the combination of dual DSP and our analog RF design expertise.

104dB dynamic range and +30dBm third-order intercept point (IP3)
Icom's long years of analog RF circuit experience combined with the latest digital technology results in an astonishing 104dB receiver dynamic range and +30dBm IP3 in the HF bands without sacrificing receiver sensitivity. Even a weak signal adjacent to strong signals is clearly received by the IC-7600.

Double conversion superheterodyne dramatically improves inband IMD
The IC-7600 employs a double conversion superheterodyne system which has an image rejection mixer for the 2nd mixer stage. When compared to a typical triple-conversion system, the double conversion system is more difficult to implement but it dramatically reduces signal distortion and provides a high-fidelity RF signal to the DSP processor.

Dual AGC loops controlled by DPS
The IC-7600 has dual AGC loops, one analog and one digital, both under DSP control. This architecture prevents strong adjacent signals from "pumping" the AGC and allows maximum dynamic range in the DSP.

Three built-in 1st IF (roofing) filters, including 3kHz
The IC-7600 has three built-in 1st IF filters ahead of the 1st IF amplifier stage. The 3kHz filter is especially effective in CW and SSB modes to eliminate overloading caused by strong signals just outside the passband.

Digital IF filter
The IC-7600 DSP allows you to "build your own" digital IF filter. You can quickly choose bandwidth, shape factor and center frequency, so that you can work that rare DX station while your competition's still tweaking their transceiver controls. There filter memories allow you to change filter settings instantly, a great help during contesting or other high-rate operating.

Digital twin PBT
After "building your own" digital IF filter, you can use digital twin Passband Tuning (PBT) to shift and narrow the IF passband until the interference is gone and you can clearly hear that weak signal.
Digital notch filter
Signals such as heterodynes and AM carriers can be eliminated with automatic notch filter technology, making interference from RF sources such as beat signals and RTTY signals a thing of the past. You can also choose three shape factors for the notch filter, to optimize interference rejection.

Noise reduction
The processing power of the 32-bit DSP producers results you can hear! The 16-step variable noise reduction can significantly enhance the receiver's signal-to-noise ratio, giving you a clean, clear audio signal that may make the difference between making the contract or not.

Noise blanker
A 100-step digital noise blanker reduces interference from pulse-type noise sources such as engine ignition systems.

Dualwatch function
Dualwatch allows you to receive two signals in the same band simultaneously. For example, you can listen to a DX station transmitting on 14.025MHz while also listening to the pileup calling him on 14.030MHz.

IC-7600 Product Images

IC-7700HF/50MHz Transceiver

The Pattern of Perfection Continues

110dB dynamic range and
+40dBm 3rd order Intercept Point (IP3)
The IP3 performance of a radio can be improved by sacrificing sensitivity, but Icom considers this a poor choice. To achieve REAL high-performance, Icom reviewed all of the analog receiver circuitry. The IC-7700 employs mechanical relay BPF switching, a digitally tuned pre-selector, and three Hi-spec 1st IF filters (roofing filter) in a Dynamic range characteristics (in 14MHz band) clean and simple double-conversion superheterodyne design. By balancing the analog and DSP functions, the IC-7700 provides superior sensitivity simultaneously with a superb dynamic range of 110dB, and +40 dBm IP3 (even in USB mode with 2.4 kHz filter bandwidth)..

Better than +110dBm 2nd order intercept point (IP2)
An IP2 point of more than +110 dBm* means the 2nd order distortion from strong broadcast stations will be completely eliminated. The endless pursuit of leading analog circuit engineering makes it possible to achieve this leading edge level of performance.
* Measurements were made using custom equipment, due to the limits of normal signal generators (SG) and duplexers to +85 dBm. The IP2 figure is a typical value.

Double conversion superheterodyne system
While multiple IF stages can become a source of distortion products and spurious responses, the IC-7700 utilizes Icom’s original image-rejection mixers in a simple double conversion superheterodyne. This reduces distortion and produces a much cleaner audio signal compared to triple or quadruple superheterodyne receivers.

High specification inband IMD
In-band IMD (Intermodulation Distortion) creates undesired spurious signals as a consequence of non-linear processing of multiple signals. All (2nd, 3rd or even higher) orders of IMD performance are superior in the IC-7700. The improvement will be especially evident in CW mode. You’ll notice the difference as you copy weak signals without internal distortion or noise.

Inband IMD characteristics

Band pass filter
While some may lead you to believe that coils and capacitors are all created equal, at Icom we know design excellence. Rather than using switching diodes that can introduce distortion, the IC-7700 design utilizes high-grade mechanical relays along with large capacitors and toroidal coils; resistant to magnetic saturation, providing superior linearity, and greatly reducing distortion.

DIGI-SEL (Digital pre-selector)
The DIGI-SEL (digital pre-selector) is a very narrow, user adjustable, pass band filter designed to automatically track the operating frequency, attenuating interference from out-of-band signals. While the pre-selector’s pass-band remains centered on the operating frequency, on the fly adjustments are possible via front panel controls. The DIGI-SEL is especially useful for multi-transmitter operation and near strong broadcast stations by reducing the 2nd, 3rd, and even higher order IMD components from other stations.

Pre-amplifiers
The IC-7700 has a total of 4 pre-amplifiers, two for the HF bands and two for the 50MHz band. The purpose of pre-amplifiers is to improve receiver sensitivity for the pursuit of higher gain and a better noise figure. The IC-7700 employs a noiseless feedback design with push-pull amplifiers. Using feedback transformers, the pre-amplifiers provide a high IP3 while keeping a low noise figure.

1st mixer
The 1st mixer stage is driven with a signal from the high-drive Local Oscillator with excellent C/N. A 16V p-p of high-level LO signal is applied to the mixer to improve intermodulation characteristics while avoiding a parasitic oscillation or noise.

Three Hi-Spec 1st IF filters (Roofing Filter)*1
The IC-7700 employs three Hi-Spec 1st IF filters (roofing filters) of 15kHz, 6kHz and 3kHz before the 1st IF amplifier. Icom ordered special customized high specification devices to improve IMD and achieve better impedance characteristics. As a result, the 3kHz 1st IF filter provides approximately 134dB*2 of blocking dynamic range and allows you to pull out a weak signal in the presence of strong adjacent signals.
*1 Icom calls the roofing filters “Hi-spec 1st IF filters”, because their performance is much better than regular IF filters.
*2 At 14.1MHz receive, with 5kHz separation of interference signal.

IC-7700 Product Images

IC-7800HF/50MHz Transceiver

From 40 Years of RF Design Expertise Comes the Masterpiece Ham Radio Transceiver

Icom is a pioneer in the amateur radio world. Starting with the first analog PLL circuit in the IC-200 to the ground-breaking 32- bit DSP technology used in the IC-756PRO, Icom’s developed some of the most innovative radio equipment ever made. Continuing with this tradition, Icom announces the groundbreaking IC-7800!

The IC-7800’s somewhat familiar looks will remind many HF operators of the IC-781. The IC-781 set benchmarks back in the 1980’s as that generation’s ultimate HF transceiver. Some of today’s operators still feel the IC-781 is the pinnacle in amateur radio design. They have not seen the IC-7800. It takes amateur radio to a whole new level of performance. The IC-7800 will be viewed as the pinnacle radio for years to come.

The IC-7800 is an artistic fusion of over 40 years analog RF circuit development expertise and cutting-edge digital technology. The result is TWO identical receivers with 110dB dynamic range, +40dBm 3rd order intercept point, and unmatched DSP technology in the HF bands something that has never been achieved in Ham radio! Simply put, Icom has developed the ultimate Amateur HF transceiver. No one else comes close!

+40dBm IP3
(3rd order Intercept Point) Icom’s considerable analog RF circuit experience combined with cutting-edge digital technology results in an astonishing 110dB receiver dynamic range and a +40dBm IP3 in the HF bands. A first in Ham radio! To achieve this superior receiver performance, Icom’s engineering team completely re-engineered the whole analog circuit and matched it to the DSP units. This allowed us to explore new technical dimensions.

Internal distortion reduction
The IC-7800 uses durable mechanical relays for BPF switching instead of non-linear semi-conductors, like switching diodes which can cause distortion. The mechanical relay reduces secondary distortion at the primary stage of signal processing.

Improved blocking
Contesters know how frustrating it is to experience a strong adjacent signal that’s blocking the receiver from pulling out a weaker signal. Before the 1st amplifier, the IC-7800’s three roofing filters block strong adjacent signals. You can select the filter widths from 15kHz, 6kHz and 3kHz, depending on operating mode.
(FM mode is fixed to 15kHz.)

Icom’s DIGI-SEL
The pre-selector works between 1.5MHz and 30MHz and rejects distortion components derived from out of band interference such as multimulti operation or strong broadcast stations. It automatically tracks the intended signal keeping the pre-selector’s bandwidth centered on the operating frequency. The center frequency of the pre-selector is manually adjustable from the DIGI-SEL tuning knob on the front panel.

Less internal phase noise
Simple receiver system configuration is the best way to eliminate sources of the spurious signals and distortion from transceivers. The IC-7800 uses a double conversion system composed of a DMOS FET 1st mixer and a newly developed image rejection mixer for the 2nd stage. The 1st mixer stage is driven with a signal from the high-drive Local Oscillator with excellent C/N. The image rejection mixer for the 2nd stage reduces signal distortion through IF processing and provides a high-fidelity signal to the DSP unit. This system provides wide dynamic range, reducing the distortion from strong signals and lower intermodulation.

Multiple AGC loops
The IC-7800 has multiple AGC loops. The AGC voltages detected in front of and behind the digital IF filter in the DSP unit. The first AGC loop prevents saturation of the 1st IF amplifier. The other AGC loop detects the AGC voltage at the digital IF filter output which has only passed the intended signal and draws the full potential from the digital IF filter. Combining the digital IF filter, manual notch, and the 1st IF stage, these are all controlled by the DSP unit. 110dB of ultra wide dynamic range in the receiver means the IF amplifier is distortion free from strong signals.

Full AGC controls
The IC-7800 accommodates both the “on-the-fly” operator as well as the most avid “tweaker” operator by providing tunable AGC preset and manual AGC level controls. The AGC time constants can be set in the 3 presets (slow, medium and fast), adjustable from 0.1–6 sec. (0.3–8 sec. at AM) delay. Then the addition of the AGC VR control enables the user to “tweak” or fine tune the AGC reaction time.

Digital IF filter
The IC-7800 incorporates the “build your own” filter. This allows the operator to adjust filter shaping (sharp or soft), filter bandwidth, and center frequency characteristics, without missing the action. Multiple filter memories store the last used filter settings by using operation mode. This allows the operator to quickly switch filters for constant operating conditions, such as in a contest. Icom’s digital IF filters give you performance that is not possible with crystal or mechanical filters.

Digital twin PBT (Passband Tuning)
Once the IF filters have been “tweaked”, the operator has additional control with the digital twin PassBand Tuning (PBT). The digital twin PBT allows flexibility of both the IF shift and narrowing of the digital IF passband by moving the IF passband. With the digital IF filters, PBT performance allows you to cut away all the interference and noise to hear the actual signal. In addition to the filter preset menu, the LCD indicates the twin PBT conditions across the top of the screen, so you can still use the lower portion of the TFT display for other radio operations.

Digital manual notch filter
In recent years, HF operators have marveled at how well DSP reduces interfering signals and noise. Signals such as heterodynes and AM Carriers can be eliminated with Automatic Notch filter technology. Making interference from RF sources such as beat signals and RTTY signals is a thing of the past. Additionally, the filter shape of the Manual Notch can be adjusted in three steps, with more than 70dB of attenuation!

Variable level noise reduction
The 32-bit DSP processing power of the IC-7800 produces real results by separating a signal component from the noise with the variable noise reduction. By suppressing the noise components, an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio is achieved, providing clean, clear audio in all modes without distortion of the target signal.

Adjustable noise blanker
A newly designed, digital noise blanker significantly reduces pulse type noise. As part of the 32-bit DSP function, there are three adjustments: threshold level, blank time parameter, and attenuation level.

50MHz band preamplifier and mixer
The IC-7800 was designed with the 6m aficionado in mind. Rather than sharing circuits used for HF, a separate preamplifier and mixer was designed especially for 6m. This greatly improves the receiver sensitivity by reducing intermodulation characteristics, enabling weak signal work without distortion or interference from strong signals in the band.

Quad processing
The IC-7800 incorporates four independent, 32- bit floating DSP units and 24-bit AD/DA converters. By having four independent DSP units, the radio will respond to operator changes in an instant, as each DSP unit has a dedicated function. While there is one for each receiver, this includes the AGC and Filter controls, there is a DSP unit for transmit as well as a DSP unit for the Spectrum Scope.

Two completely independent receiver circuits
The IC-7800 incorporates two completely independent receivers, from the antenna inputs all the way though to the stereo headphone or individual external speaker outputs. All the performance of the first receiver is duplicated for a perfectly matched set of “Twins”. When connected to external stereo headphone, main and sub receiver audio can be mixed or separated to right and left.

Real time spectrum scope
With its introduction in the IC-781, having a spectrum scope in an HF radio changed the way HF operators “see” the band! Due to the DSP unit for the scope, the IC-7800’s spectrum scope provides excellent sensitivity, with 80dB of dynamic range. While the scope rivals many of today’s commercial test sets, there are 7 steps, ranging from ±2.5 to ±250kHz. This is up to 500kHz of spectrum! Also, there is a setting to allow for specific scope edges or center the span on the receiving frequency. In addition to these features, the scope has 3 levels of attenuator (10dB, 20dB, 30dB), 3 types of reference markers (main receiver, sub receiver, transmit), 3 levels of sweep speed (slow, mid, fast), peak hold and main/sub band one touch switch.

IC-7800 Product Images

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