[Icom] IC 756 Pro II vs FT1000MP MKV vs K2

[Siu Johnny]

Hi Roy,

I built two K2 in the past and have the chances to compare with my IC756
(original version with IF filter upgrade).  My IC756 (S/N 039XX) is ahead
(not miles apart) of K2 in terms of overall RX performance.  My observation
is based on A/B comparison between the rigs when using the same antenna and
receiving the same DX signal among local big guns.  Regrettably, I do not
have advanced test equipment to prove my views (I am not a radio man by
profession).

Adding the facilities such as Twin PBT, DSP, all-mode operation and
bandscope etc, I decided to keep my IC756 and disposed of the K2.  Since
IC756 proII is better than my 756 original, the choice of proII against K2
seems logical (I do not have a MKV).

Having said that, I must emphasis that K2 is a very good little radio and
with RX performance close to the top analogue performers.  It is not cheap
at all if you purchase all the options such as SSB board, Noise blanker, ATU
etc.  The price premium should reflect the fun of kit building.  Since it is
a kit, the rig should serve you forever because you know what are the
problems and how to fix it.  This is the merit of building a kit by your
own.  The power consumption of K2 during RX is remarkably low and it is good
for portable QRP operation.

As it is an ICOM reflector, please email me direct if you want to know more
about K2 or my kit building experience.

Happy holidays and 73

Johnny Siu VR2XMC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Adam Farson" <farson@shaw.ca>
To: <icom@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 28, 2002 9:37 AM
Subject: RE: [Icom] IC 756 Pro II vs FT1000MP MKV


> Hi Roy,
>
> Those are different "animals". The FT-1000D was an excellent radio, but I
> would prefer an IC-781. The 781 has a quieter synthesiser (its reciprocal
> mixing noise "numbers" are 5 dB better than those of the 1000D. The 781
also
> has the spectrum scope.
>
> The K2 is a tremendous little radio. It has one of the strongest front
ends
> around.
>
> The major down-side of the IC-781 is its power-supply heat problem,
although
> this can be minimised by dropping the mains voltage to 100 ~ 105V. The
> IC-781 also delivers an initial RF power spike of up to 200W to the load,
> due to excessively long ALC attack time. There is a mod to correct this
> phenomenon, which can cause grid-overcurrent trip in some amplifiers.
>
> Cheers for now, 73, Happy New Year,
> Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ
>