Key Measurements

PRODUCT REVIEW Summary

ICOM IC-7200 HF and 138

137

6 Meter Transceiver 20 70 140

20 kHz Blocking Gain Compression (dB)

82

70 83 140
2
2 kHz Blocking Gain Compression (dB)

100
I3
99 110
20 50
20 kHz 3rd-Order Dynamic Range (dB)

I3
50 67 110
2
2 kHz 3rd-Order Dynamic Range (dB)

20
Reviewed by Steve Sant Andrea, AG1YK complexity beneath. Most of the buttons I3
ARRL Assistant Editor serve two functions. The primary function 23 +35
20 -40
is selected with a short press of the button; 20 kHz 3rd-Order Intercept (dBm)
The IC-7200 combines some of the IC- the secondary function by holding it down
7000’s brains with the IC-718’s brawn.1,2 for about a second. Each action, press or
With the ’7200, ICOM has created a trans- hold, activates a different set of functions. I3
ceiver with many of the digital features users This control philosophy has been used on
-40 -11 +35
expect in a modern radio, but packaged in a ICOM radios for quite a while and quickly 2
2 kHz 3rd-Order Intercept (dBm)
compact, rugged IC-718 size case that just becomes second nature.
begs to be taken along for the ride. With re- Additionally, ICOM has made the front
ceiver coverage from 30 kHz to 60 MHz and panel water resistant. While not waterproof, I3
transmitter coverage from 160 to 6 meters it will tolerate an occasional blast of spray
-32
at 100 W in SSB, CW and RTTY and 25 W on your boat or a spilled coffee cup during TX -20 -35
in AM, the IC-7200 will keep you on the air Transmit 3rd-Order IMD (dB)
a contest.
whether from home, car or boat.
Rear Panel I9
Front Panel The ’7200 runs on 13.8 V dc and requires -58
TX -20 -70
The IC-7200’s front panel is neat and about 20 A. A fused power cable is supplied.
Transmit 9th-order IMD (dB)
uncluttered. On the left are the front-firing The radio incorporates an electronic keyer pr037
speaker, microphone and headphone jacks with the KEY jack on the rear panel. The Key: 80 M
and two dual function knobs. The center external speaker jack accepts a 3.5 mm plug. Dynamic range and intercept
section contains the display, six function A single SO-239 UHF connector is provided values with preamp off.
20 M
buttons and the main tuning dial. The right for the antenna connection. The rear panel Intercept values were determined
hand section contains a group of 17 buttons has a bumper that protects the connectors using -97 dBm reference
and a dual function knob. from rough handling.
As with all microprocessor controlled Here’s a new feature: a universal serial
radios, the number of controls belies the bus (USB) interface. Transmit and receive Bottom Line
audio can be sent over the USB interface,
along with CI-V commands for transceiver The IC-7200 is a compact, easy-
1M. Wilson, K1RO, “ICOM IC-7000 HF/VHF/ control. In order to use the USB interface, to-operate HF and 6 meter trans-
UHF Transceiver,” Product Review, QST, ceiver that offers many features for
May 2006, pp 64-71. QST Product Reviews you must download free driver software
voice, CW and digital mode operat-
are available on the Web at www.arrl.org/ from ICOM, and a detailed manual is avail-
members-only/prodrev/. ing. Rugged, water-resistant pack-
able too. This driver looks like a standard
2S. Ford, WB8IMY, “ICOM IC-718 HF Trans­ aging makes it attractive for portable
ceiver,” Product Review, QST, Jul 2000, sound card to applications software, so your and emergency stations.
pp 63-67. existing digital mode software should work

Mark J. Wilson, K1RO    Product Review Editor    k1ro@arrl.org

    June 2009    51
with this interface — eliminating the need Table 1
for an external computer/radio interface for ICOM IC-7200, serial number 0201073
digital modes such as PSK31 or RTTY.
A traditional ICOM REMOTE jack Manufacturer’s Specifications Measured in the ARRL Lab
provides another means for control of the Frequency coverage: Receive, 0.03-60 MHz; Receive and transmit, as specified.
’7200 from your computer if you have the transmit, 1.8-2, 3.5-4, 5.3305, 5.3465, Reduced receiver sensitivity below
appropriate CI-V interface and software. 5.3665, 5.3715, 5.4035, 7.0-7.3, 10.0-10.15, 500 kHz.*
14.0-14.35, 18.068-18.168, 21.0-21.45,
Jacks for ALC (automatic level control) and 24.89-24.99, 28.0-29.7, 50-54 MHz.
SEND (TR relay control) are available for
Power requirement: 13.8 V dc ±15%; receive, At 13.8 V dc: 1.15 A receive (max audio),
connection to a linear amplifier. A TUNER 2 A (max audio); transmit, 22 A (100 W out). 16.5 A transmit (100 W out). Operation
connector provides an interface to control confirmed at 11.7 V (max 75 W out).
an optional external antenna tuner. Modes of operation: SSB, CW, AM, RTTY. As specified.
The ACC jack is a 13-pin connector
Receiver Receiver Dynamic Testing
that provides a transmit control line, a data
SSB/CW sensitivity, preamp on, filter shape Noise Floor (MDS), 500 Hz bandwidth:
line and keying line; ALC voltage line; a sharp,10 dB S/N: 1.8-29.7 MHz, <0.16 µV; Preamp off Preamp on
1 A, 13.8 V dc output; RTTY keying control; 50-54 MHz, <0.13 µV. 1.0 MHz –121 dBm –131 dBm
a modulation input; an audio line output and 3.5 MHz –131 dBm –141 dBm
a squelch control output. A matching plug 14 MHz –132 dBm –141 dBm
50 MHz –135 dBm –142 dBm
is supplied with the ’7200, providing a set
Noise figure: Not specified. 14 MHz, preamp off/on: 15/6 dB
of color-coded pigtails for the accessory
connector inputs and outputs. AM sensitivity, 10 dB S/N: 10 dB (S+N)/N, 1-kHz, 30% modulation:
0.5-1.799 MHz, <13 µV; 1.8-29.7 MHz, Preamp off Preamp on
<2 µV; 50-54 MHz, <1 µV. 1.0 MHz 4.8 µV 1.5 µV
Band Selection 3.8 MHz 1.6 µV 0.5 µV
The ’7200 includes a stacking register for 50 MHz 0.9 µV 0.4 µV
each band, selected with the numeric keys. Blocking gain compression: Not specified. Gain compression, 500 Hz bandwidth:
Holding the BAND button activates stacking 20 kHz offset 5/2 kHz offset
Preamp off/on Preamp off
register selection and the word BAND is dis- 3.5 MHz 137/133 dB 101/82 dB
played. Pressing the numeric key for the band 14 MHz 138/135 dB 102/83 dB
you want will automatically set the active 50 MHz 135/125 dB 89/76 dB
VFO to that band with the same configuration Reciprocal Mixing (500 Hz BW): Not specified. 20/5/2 kHz offset: –103/–92/–85 dBc.
(frequency, mode, filter, preamplifier, and so ARRL Lab Two-Tone IMD Testing**
on) that you last used on that band. Measured Measured Calculated
The ’7200 has two separate VFOs (A/B) Band/Preamp Spacing Input level IMD level IMD DR IP3
3.5 MHz/Off 20 kHz –31 dBm –131 dBm 100 dB +19 dBm
and a 7 + 1 digit frequency display (a 1 Hz –19 dBm –97 dBm +20 dBm
digit is displayed in some situations). Fre-
quency can be set manually with the main 14 MHz/Off 20 kHz –33 dBm –132 dBm 99 dB +17 dBm
tuning dial or entered directly using the –17 dBm –97 dBm +23 dBm
0 dBm –51 dBm +26 dBm
numeric keys. A one button equalizer copies
VFO A into VFO B. 14 MHz/On 20 kHz –44 dBm –141 dBm 97 dB +2 dBm
While using the main tuning dial, there –25 dBm –97 dBm +11 dBm
are three methods of controlling the tuning
14 MHz/Off 5 kHz –49 dBm –132 dBm 83 dB –7 dBm
step (rate) of the main dial: tuning step, –34 dBm –97 dBm –2 dBm
auto tuning step and 1⁄4 tuning function. 0 dBm –28 dBm +14 dBm
The dial can also be locked by holding the
14 MHz/Off 2 kHz –65 dBm –132 dBm 67 dB –31 dBm
SPCH button. The default is a 10 Hz step.
–36 dBm –97 dBm –11 dBm
Pressing the TS button activates the tun- 0 dBm –20 dBm +10 dBm
ing step, which is indicated by a    
symbol.
Holding the button gives you the choice of 50 MHz/Off 20 kHz –34 dBm –135 dBm 101 dB +17 dBm
–22 dBm –97 dBm +16 dBm
five tuning steps: 0.1, 1, 5, 9 and 10 kHz.
The auto tuning step function senses Second-order intercept: Not specified. Preamp off/on: +78/+78 dBm.
when you are rotating the main dial rap-
idly and increases the tuning step. This is
convenient, for example, to move from the
CW to the phone portion of the band more frequency and pressing the F-INP ENT again whenever you cross the edge of the current
quickly. The auto tuning step speed varies to set the active VFO to the entered fre- amateur band.
between two and five times the normal rate, quency. If you make an error, pressing SET
depending on its settings. returns you to the previous frequency. Modus Operandi
Finally, the ’7200 includes a 1⁄4 tuning The receiver incremental tuning (RIT) The ’7200 has seven mode choices:
function used in the SSB data, CW and RTTY feature permits you to “trim up” the sound LSB/USB, CW/CW-R (CW Reverse; shift
modes. While 1⁄4 tuning is active, the tuning of a received signal to maximize readability. to the opposite sideband), RTTY/RTTY-R
step of the main dial is reduced to about 370 The RIT control is located at the lower right and AM; FM is not included. Pressing the
Hz per turn. This permits the precise tuning and can adjust the receive frequency about MODE button changes the operating mode
required by some digital modes. ±10 kHz. in a circular fashion, LSB-CW-RTTY-AM-
Direct frequency entry is activated by A final tuning aid is a band edge marker. LSB and so on. To access USB and the
pressing the F-INP ENT button, entering the When activated, the ’7200 will issue a beep reverse modes, press MODE to select LSB,
52   June 2009   
 QS0906-Prodrev01

Receiver Receiver Dynamic Testing

DSP noise reduction: Not specified. Variable, 10 dB maximum.
Notch filter depth: Not specified. Manual notch: > 75 dB, Auto notch:
50 dB†; attack time 168 ms.
S-meter sensitivity: Not specified. S9 signal at 14.2 MHz: preamp off,
67.8 µV; preamp on, 14.3 µV
Squelch sensitivity; SSB: Not specified. At threshold, preamp on: SSB, 1.0 µV 0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08
TIME
Receiver audio output: 2.0 W into
8 Ω at 10% THD. 2.3 W at 10% THD into 8 Ω. Figure 1 — CW keying waveform for
the IC-7200 showing the first two dits in
IF/audio response: SSB BW = 2.4 kHz: Range at –6 dB points, (bandwidth):‡ full-break-in (QSK) mode using external
>2.4 kHz/–6 dB, 3.6 kHz/–60 dB; CW (500 Hz): 384-816 Hz (522 Hz); keying. Equivalent keying speed is  
CW BW = 500 Hz: >500Hz/–6 dB, Equivalent Rectangular BW: 486 Hz 60 WPM. The upper trace is the actual
<900 Hz/–60 dB. USB: (2.4 kHz) 279-2756 Hz (2477 Hz); key closure; the lower trace is the RF
LSB: (2.4 kHz) 273-2750 Hz (2477 Hz); envelope. (Note that the first key closure
AM: (6 kHz) 188-3049 Hz (2861 Hz). starts at the left edge of the figure.)
Spurious and image rejection: HF and 50 MHz: First IF rejection, 14 MHz, 113 dB; Horizontal divisions are 10 ms. The
50 MHz: >70 dB. 50 MHz, 94 dB; image rejection, transceiver was being operated at 100 W
14 MHz, 62 dB; 50 MHz, 76 dB. output on the 14 MHz band.
Transmitter Transmitter Dynamic Testing
Power output: HF and 50 MHz: SSB, CW; SSB/CW, 1.4-103 W typical;
2-100 W; AM carrier power, 1-25 W. AM, 0-28 W typical.
QS0906-Prodrev02
Spurious-signal and harmonic suppression: HF, >57 dB; 50 MHz, 68 dB. 0
>50 dB on HF, >63 dB on 50 MHz. Meets FCC requirements.
SSB carrier suppression: >50 dB. >70 dB. -20

Undesired sideband suppression: >50 dB. >70 dB. -40

Third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD) 3rd/5th/7th/9th order (worst case band):
products: Not specified. HF: –32/–31/–43/–58 dB PEP; -60
50 MHz: –30/–36/–44/–61 dB PEP.
CW keyer speed range: Not specified. 6 to 58 WPM. -80

CW keying characteristics: Not specified. See Figures 1 and 2. -100

14015 14017 14019 14021 14023 14025
Transmit-receive turnaround time (PTT release S9 signal, 30 ms. Freq.
to 50% audio output): Not specified. Unit is suitable for use on AMTOR.
Receive-transmit turnaround time (tx delay): SSB, 13 ms. Figure 2 — Spectral display of the IC-
Not specified. 7200 transmitter during keying sideband
Composite transmitted noise: Not specified. See Figure 3. testing. Equivalent keying speed is  
60 WPM using external keying. Spectrum
Size (height, width, depth): 3.8 × 9.5 × 12 inches, incl protrusions, without rack handles. analyzer resolution bandwidth is 10 Hz,
Weight: 12.1 pounds. and the sweep time is 30 seconds. The
transmitter was being operated at 100 W
Price: $1100. PEP output on the 14 MHz band, and this
*Preamp off/on: 505 kHz, –121/–128 dBm; 137 kHz, –116/–95 dBm; 30 kHz, –77/–66 dBm. plot shows the transmitter output ±5 kHz
The preamp does not improve sensitivity below approximately 250 kHz. from the carrier. The reference level is  
**Receiver testing was performed with the bandwidth set to 500 Hz and the filter shape to sharp. 0 dBc, and the vertical scale is in dB.
ARRL Product Review testing now includes Two-Tone IMD results at several signal levels.
Two-Tone, 3rd-Order Dynamic Range figures comparable to previous reviews are shown
on the first line in each group. The “IP3” column is the calculated Third-Order Intercept Point.
Second-order intercept points were determined using –97 dBm reference. QS0906-Prodrev03
†Single beat note. Reduces two beat notes by 40 dB with attack time of 230 ms. 0
‡Default values, medium filter, sharp setting. Bandwidth is variable; smooth setting is available. -20
CW bandwidth varies with PBT and pitch control settings. -40
-60
-80
-100
CW or RTTY and then hold MODE to access ample, if your operating style doesn’t include -120
the alternate mode. RTTY, you can disable it and it will not be -140
For CW operation, pitch, sidetone level, included when stepping through the modes. -160
key type, break-in type, keyer speed and CW The ’7200 also has a data mode for SSB and -180
sideband (LSB/USB) can all be configured. AM. When activated, the modulation for SSB 1x10 2 1x10 3 1x10 4 1x10 5 1x10 6
For RTTY, the ’7200 includes a twin peak and AM is taken from the MOD input of the
­filter, preset for 2125 Hz and 170 Hz shift; accessory connector or the USB interface. Figure 3 — Spectral display of the IC-7200
transmitter output during composite-noise
three FSK mark tones, four shift widths and CW-R and RTTY-R, once selected, will testing. Power output is 100 W on the  
selectable keying polarity are also available. remain selected even after changing modes; 14 MHz band. The carrier, off the left edge
To further improve the flexibility of the SSB mode defaults to the normal mode, LSB of the plot, is not shown. This plot shows
composite transmitted noise 100 Hz to  
’7200, each mode (SSB, CW, RTTY and on 160, 75/80 and 40 meters, USB elsewhere 1 MHz from the carrier. The reference level
AM) can be separately disabled. So, for ex- for each go-around. is 0 dBc, and the vertical scale is in dB.

    June 2009    53
Keeping Track below your receive frequency,
The IC-7200 is equipped with rotating both knobs cw will move
201 memory channels. Channels the passband higher in frequency,
1 through 199 are memories that eliminating the interfering sig-
can store the transmit and receive nal.
frequencies and the operating The width of the passband can
mode. The remaining two (P1, P2) be changed by adjusting the knobs
are band edge channels used as separately. If you turn the inner
upper and lower frequency limits (high edge) knob cw you are raising
for the scanning feature. the upper frequency limit — widen-
Programming the memory chan- Figure 4 — The rear panel of the IC-7200 includes ing the passband. If you turn the outer
nels is simple. In VFO mode, set antenna and power connectors, ALC and TR control (low edge) knob cw you are raising
your frequency, rotate the M-CH for a linear amplifier, provisions for digital modes and the lower frequency limit — narrow-
knob to select a channel and hold computer control. ing the passband.
the MW (memory write) button. The
’7200 will respond with three beeps
Notch Filters
when the frequency is stored. That’s it! Now is where you find those items that change The automatic and manual notch filters
you never have to look up that net frequency often, RF power output or keyer speed for are DSP functions used to notch out a very
again. Programming memory channels in instance. QSM items vary according to the narrow sliver from within the IF passband.
memory mode is similar except you first operating mode in use. Pressing SET opens This allows you to remove an interfering
select the channel to program and then set the QSM, and holding SET opens the SM. carrier that is too close to your desired signal
up the frequency. for PBT manipulations to eliminate. The
Recalling the channel is just as simple
Interfering with Interference digital notch filters are more useful against
— press the V/M button to activate the The ’7200 has many interference fighting heterodynes, CW and digital signals than
memory mode; MEMO will display. Use features, most of which use its digital signal voice modulation.
the M-CH knob to select the channel you processing (DSP) system. The IF passband The automatic notch filter (ANF) scans
want and you’re there. In less time than it width is DSP controlled, according to the the IF passband, detects up to two interfering
takes to say DX, the selected frequency is operating mode, from 50 Hz to 8000 Hz. signals and notches them out with between
transferred to the active VFO and you are Each mode has three filter widths — narrow, 40 and 50 dB of attenuation. The ANF will
ready to radio! middle and wide. Each width is separately also track interfering signals as they move
Once you have 201 frequencies stored, adjustable. I’m primarily a phone operator across the passband.
a scanner becomes a necessity. The ’7200 and found the default phone widths of 1800, The manual notch filter (MNF) is op-
is equipped with two scanning modes: pro- 2400 and 3000 Hz to be very good choices. erator controlled using the MNF knob at the
grammed and memory. The programmed For those CW folks out there, the narrow CW lower right. You rotate the knob, moving
scan uses the band edge channels ( P1 and filter default is 250 Hz. This is thoroughly a stationary notch of 75 dB attenuation
P2) as its lower and upper limits, scanning up to date compared to the IC-718 with its across the passband, until the interfering
each frequency between those two points. limited selection of optional crystal filters signal is removed. The MNF can only notch
The memory scan steps through only those and DSP add-on for notch filter and noise one signal at a time and will not track a
frequencies stored in memory channels. It reduction moving signal, but it provides a noticeably
starts from the lowest programmed channel deeper notch. The width of the MNF can
and continues to the highest, then jumps back Passband Tuning be adjusted. The ANF and MNF cannot be
and starts over. The DSP passband tuning (PBT) feature used together.
When it reaches an active frequency, it allows you to shift the entire IF passband
stops. The scan resume function controls slightly higher or lower in frequency or to Noise Reduction
the stop time. With scan resume OFF, the narrow and enlarge the passband width. The DSP noise reduction (NR) feature
scan stops at the first active frequency and PBT is controlled by the TWIN PBT dual distinguishes between noise and a signal
the scan is canceled. If scan resume is ON, knob located on the upper left of the front and then acts, digitally, to reduce the noise
the scan will stop on the active frequency panel. The inner knob adjusts PBT1 (the with minimal effect on the signal. It will
and wait. If the frequency remains active for high frequency edge of the passband) and only take one evening of operating on 80 or
10 seconds or goes quiet for 2 seconds, the the outer knob PBT2 (the low frequency 160 meters to appreciate its usefulness. With
scan will resume. edge). The manual’s description of the PBT a signal tuned in, just press the NR button
is somewhat thin, so some clarification is to activate the feature, and then hold NR to
Configuring the Radio in order. open the adjusting menu. Turning the dial
There are many aspects of the ’7200’s The neutral position for the PBT is with will vary the NR value between 0 and 15.
operation that can be customized to meet both the inner and outer knobs at detent. In Don’t be tempted to crank the NR up to 15
your operating style. The Set Mode (SM) this position the IF passband is centered on and just leave it there, though. At low levels
menu is where you convert the stock radio the IF frequency and the width is set to the of NR, audio quality is not affected, but at
into your radio. The Set Mode includes 41 filter passband width setting. If you move the higher levels some audio quality will be
items that are of the set-and-forget type. both knobs simultaneously counterclock- lost. Begin with the lowest level of NR and
This is where you adjust settings such as wise (ccw), you move the passband lower raise it to get the best balance between noise
LCD backlighting, meter peak hold and the in frequency without changing its width. and readability.
internal keyer’s dot/dash ratio. Moving both knobs clockwise (cw) shifts Last but not least is the noise blanker
There is also a Quick Set Mode (QSM) the entire passband higher in frequency. (NB) This is the great granddaddy of all
in addition to the regular set mode. QSM So if an interfering station appears slightly noise controls and limits pulse type noise.
54   June 2009   
The NB will act on any strong signal and had the rig operating fairly quickly. A “cheat
will distort a loud, nearby station so it should sheet” of basic procedures in the hands of an
only be used when needed. The ’7200’s NB operator experienced with modern transceiv-
has two adjustments, level and width. These ers should allow them to get to their mission
can be accessed directly from the NB key. quickly. I must stress, however, that the
NB level sets the level above which the DSP ’7200 should have its settings configured be-
blanks out the noise spike; NB width sets the fore the emergency as these settings greatly
Figure 5 — The IC-7200’s amber display is  
time the attenuation is applied. small but very readable. It includes indi- impact the rig’s operation.
cators for often-used features and settings. Thermal issues need to be kept in mind
Lab Testing when operating the ’7200. When operating
The bar for receiver performance in high duty cycle modes, the heat sink on the
transceivers at all price points has been on the microphone accidentally changing rear panel will get quite hot. The fan is audi­
raised in the nine years since we reviewed the frequency; this is further complicated ble but quiet and produces a brisk air flow.
the IC-718. Although test procedures and by the fact that the dial lock doesn’t lock ICOM says it is normal for the radio to get hot
reporting have changed as well, checking the UP/DN buttons, although if set to act as during high duty cycle modes and the radio
comparable numbers in Table 1 against a keyer, they will not do anything except in does not require a reduction in power output.
the IC-718 lab tests shows significant im- CW mode. The transceiver includes thermal protection
provement in the IC-7200’s dynamic range When trying CW I was flummoxed since so that if the radio senses it is getting too hot,
performance. The transmitter’s third-order keying the transmitter produced a sidetone the drive is reduced automatically.
IMD is improved as well. but no output. I checked my cabling to be
ARRL Test Engineer Bob Allison, sure no problem had developed and found The Hard Stuff
­WB1GCM, took this opportunity to visit none. A few minutes digging in the manual The IC-7200 includes a hardcopy manu-
Synergy Microwave and check the accuracy revealed the solution. The default mode for al, which gives you a firm grounding in the
of the Lab’s HP-3048 Phase Noise Test CW is break-in OFF. With break-in OFF, transceiver’s operation. The manual is of the
System against newer instrumentation. Dr an outboard TR switch (such as a foot cookbook variety that explains how to wire
Ulrich Rohde, N1UL (Synergy Microwave switch) is required. The switch connection up the ’7200 for various types of operation
founder and chairman), and Michael Tracy, is prominently displayed in the manual’s and options, basic operating procedures for
KC1SX (former ARRL test engineer and “Connections for CW” section. Having getting on the air, advanced procedures to
now on the Synergy staff) found good cor- used the rig on SSB, I just plugged in a key guide you with its finer points and general
relation between their equipment and the expecting to configure the CW later. Lesson information about programmable features
ARRL Lab test results shown in Figure 3. learned — read your manual. and troubleshooting. The manual includes
Regular readers of this column will The ’7200 will accept straight key, bug or little snippets of theory but primarily con-
remember that Dr Rohde donated the HP- paddles. It has an internal keyer adjustable sists of the step-by-step operating proce-
3048 to ARRL to replace the Lab’s original from 6 to 60 WPM, or you can use your fa- dures. The procedures are straightforward
setup, which was nearly 20 years old. (See vorite external keyer or computer software. and include illustrations of the controls used,
May 2006 QST, page 70, for details.) ARRL While operating in either break-in mode, the the displays that should appear and, in some
greatly appreciates the technical assistance, clatter of the TR relay is quite noticeable. cases, additional diagrams to help explain a
consultation and equipment that Dr Rohde If you enjoy operating CW at speeds over particular function.
has provided over many years. 20 WPM in full break-in (QSK), I would It does lack directions for the initial setup.
suggest using headphones and closing the I would suggest that once wired up, you start
Operating Experience shack door. by reviewing the “Basic Operations” chapter
My HF station uses a wire antenna and For DXing, split frequency operation is to get a quick feel for the rig. When you are
manual antenna tuner for multiband opera- accomplished using two buttons. Just tune comfortable, hook up a dummy load and go
tion. I set the IC-7200 output to 20 W during in the DX station on VFO A and hold the to the “Receive and Transmit” chapter, then
adjustment, and the radio didn’t seem to be SPLIT button to copy VFO A to VFO B. follow the referenced procedures to set up
disturbed by the momentary high SWR my Then press the A/B button to display VFO B such basics as microphone gain, compressor
antenna presents on some bands. and tune it to the transmit frequency. That’s level, CW pitch and other necessary adjust-
I began operating using the supplied hand it — you’re split. ments for the modes you operate. This will
microphone. I set the internal meter to ALC The 1 × 2.5 inch amber LCD is similar to make your initial excursions onto the bands
and found the audio was very low at the the IC-718’s display. It’s definitely not the much more enjoyable.
default setting of 50%. Ultimately I found dazzling full color screen found on the IC-
that I needed to raise the microphone gain 7000, but it’s readable without difficulty and Last Thoughts
to 100% in order to get reasonable audio contrast is very good using the LO backlight The IC-7200 is a rugged, compact rig that
reports. At this point I decided to try using setting. I found the HI setting too bright for is packed with more digital flexibility than
the internal speech compressor. I adjusted indoor use, but for outdoor, bright sun venues can be discussed here. It is well suited for
the compressor per the manual instructions it would probably be fine. The front-firing portable operations and will make a good HF
operating into a dummy load and found that speaker produces unusually clear sound for solution for your EmComm group. It should
audio reports were much improved. a small, internal speaker. As an added aid, also be considered for recreational vehicle or
This issue also affects the voice operated pressing the SPCH button generates a female apartment locations where its solid perfor-
transmitting (VOX) feature. Even with the voice that recites the radio’s frequency, re- mance and small footprint will be an asset.
VOX GAIN at 100% I still had to hold the ceived signal strength and mode. Manufacturer: ICOM America, 2380
hand microphone within a few inches of The IC-7200’s utility as a portable rig will 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004;
my mouth for reliable operation. I also make it a good fit for emergency operations. tel 800-872-4266, fax 425-454-1509,
noted a tendency to hit the UP/DN buttons I found its controls easy to understand and www.icomamerica.com.
    June 2009    55