[Icom] 756proII General operation and Bandscope

[Scott Manthe]

Tom,
As someone who has owned both rigs, I might be more help to you than some
others on this list. There seems to be the assumption on this list and
elsewhere that the TS2000 is somehow flawed because it wears so many hats.
This is not the case- unless you've used a TS2000 and have real world
experience with it, you should hold your commentary. The TS2000 is a TERRFIC
rig, even on HF, easily as good as the TS-870 and better in many respects.
It will hold it's own against all but the best HF rigs around (the FT1000
series, the Pro and the ProII), but it is not quite the HF performer that
the IC-756Pro is. It specifically lacks some close-in dynamic range that the
Pro does have. Aside form this specific case, they are very close in
performance. This is not terribly noticable, but can be a factor on very
crowded bands with very strong signals on SSB. This is not the case on CW,
where I would rate the TS2000 and Pro as even, although the Pro has a better
electronic keyer, but inferior QSK. The TS2000 does however have features
that the Pro series doesn't have, is very, very versatile and doesn't lag
terribly in the performance department.

You will have to decide for yourself whether the bandscope feature and  size
factors are that important to you. As I said, I've owned both rigs and been
happy with both. The bandscope, along with the dual recieve, can be very
useful and the 756Pro is a very nice rig. The TS2000 is more compact, but it
is a very solidly made radio and can even double as a feature rich mobile
rig, if you desire. The computer control capabilities, as well as the
additional VHF/UHF coverage make it a VERY attractive rig. If you're a
contester in a multi-multi situation, the TS2000 might not be your best
choice, but otherwise it's a fine rig.

If you've got any other questions, drop me a line.

73,
Scott, N9AI
n9ai@arrl.net

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Crawford" <TMCsail@sbcglobal.net>
To: <icom@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, April 25, 2003 2:28 PM
Subject: [Icom] 756proII General operation and Bandscope


> Hello to the list,
>
> I don't want to start a war here but...... :)
> The 756 ProII and the TS-2000 are on my short list for a new state of the
> art rig.
>
> The TS-2000 sure seems to offer a lot of capability for the money but the
> controls seem cramped.
> I really like the idea of the ICOM's band scope and my general impression
is
> that the ICOM control panel is less crowded.  (I've never had a hands on
> opportunity with either instrument.)
>
> I am questioning whether or not I'll be able to discern a performance
> difference between these two instruments.  But I've witnessed a lot of
> experience on this list so, any opinions are appreciated.
>
> Specifically - DOES the bandscope really work as claimed and do you really
> find it useful?
>
> thanks in advance,
> tom
> W3TMC
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