[Icom] Icom 740 comments/impressions

Mon, 20 May 2002 23:07:15 -0000

> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
> Behalf Of John Geiger
> Sent: Monday, May 20, 2002 7:28 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Icom] Icom 740 comments/impressions
> 
> 
> I am interested in any comments or experiences that
> reflector members might have about the Icom 740.  

Hi John,

	I just recently chopped one up and sold all the parts.  It was a
great radio.  I just didn't need it anymore.   I offered it up for sale,
and was promptly told it was too old and I wanted too much.  So
I removed all the accs, sold them, then sold the radio.  I actually got 
more for it as parts than I was asking for the whole thing.

	I had the radio, the internal P/S, the 2.8 and 2.4 SSB filters,
the 270hz CW filter, the FM unit, and the internal keyer.  I still
have the keyer.  Coupled with the IC-2KL, IC-SP3, and the IC-AT500, 
it was one fine station 20 years ago.

	It had a fine RX, maybe one of the best ever.  The ham-band
only RX, and with the accy filters, I never had reason to fault it.  While 
the TX was nothing special, it was very reliable.  

	I had one problem in the internal PS (bad cap) and I had
to replace the COMP switch once.  Otherwise, no problems.  I never
did experience the VCO problem that others complain about.  I also
fixed a regulator problem in another one for a local ham.

	I stopped using it 7 years ago when my XYL bought me an
IC-781 as a retirement gift after 20 years in the army.  The 740 got
pushed aside, and eventually it was in the way.  <grin>

	I will probably regret selling it, but someone has a good rig,
several others got some good accy parts, and I don't need to dust it 
off anymore.  OTOH, since it isn't a PRO-II, it should be easy to find 
another if I ever decide I want one.

	Overall, and IMHO, it is a very fine radio.  Good luck with yours.

Mike.  KD9KC