[Icom] Decision time and request for advice (long)

[Eric Wilson]

Thank you for all your replys about the Icom 756 Pro II, I am also a potential
customer and from what I have been able to learn I am also strongly leaning
twards the Pro II.  I even called Icom tech support today and got some
information from them and have contacted the ARRL and talked with some of their
staff and they all really like the Pro II.  I will make my final decision up in
Dayton where I hope to be able to get a good deal on one.  Yes I have tried the
rig and was very impressed with it, I feel that there is a learning curve with
operateing the rig but that's half the fun of getting a new rig is learning how
to use it.  Does anyone have any comments with a comparison with the origional
pro and the Pro II ?

Eric  N4HGZ


WA9ALS - John wrote:

> > I have a PROII and a MarkV. I find that 80% of the time I use the PROII.
> > It's just easier to use and the band scope is addictive. Probably the Mark
> V
> > is better for the hard core contester and on paper has better receiver
> > specs. But for general use the PROII has it beat.
>
> I agree.  MAYBE the hard core CW contester would prefer a loaded MP, but
> after having both side by side, I prefer the PROII.  The knobs are small
> compared with the MP, but it's smaller, doesn't need a special PS (MARKV),
> and the scope is great.  I like the way it handles split audio with a
> balance control - allows easy printing of the QSX in digital modes.  Yaesu
> changed the way filters are selected in the MARKV, and it's very confusing
> to know what filter(s) you are using at a given time.  The PRO has easy
> filter display, and essentially unlimited choices - I found this awesome
> after having been confined to whatever physical filters were installed in
> the MARKV, not to mention the cost of fully-filtering it!
>
> I have also admired the ability of Icom rigs to "take the heat" of RTTY
> contesting.  The Yaesu line always recommends 50% power for continuous duty
> modes like RTTY.  The 706MKIIG and PRO(I or II) will run all day at full
> output in RTTY contesting without a complaint.  I haven't noticed the fan in
> the PROII at all, but I probably have noisier things in the shack.  HI
>
> Have fun - You no doubt will have fun with either.  If you decided on an
> MP-variety, I'd look for a used, fully-filtered MP rather than the MARKV.  I
> traded my MARKV and a PRO in toward a PROII and PW-1!  73
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, icom-owner@mailman.qth.net
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/