[Icom] Any IC-2720H Users Out There?
Edwin W. Senior
[email protected]
Sun, 12 Jan 2003 13:19:28 -0800
Hi Steve -
Well, it looks like the IC-2720 users on this reflector are few
and far between. So I won't try to do the full eHam review bit
here. (But when I DO post a review, I'll mention it here for
those who might be interested.)
The short-form version:
Strengths of the radio (i.e., reasons I bought it):
1. USB programmability, software available (albeit overpriced).
2. Class leading panel layout and overall ergonomics.
3. Good basic feature set, with dual receive.
Weaknesses and problems:
1. According to the Icom manual, the radio is shipped with its
brains a little bit scrambled, because Icom can't be bothered
to unscramble them before shipment. So they say Job One
for the user is a CPU reset! This is a bit hard to believe, but
if that's the QC image they want to project, OK. No biggie.
2. In order to save a few pennies--OK, maybe a dollar--Icom
used IDENTICAL, cheapie, RJ-45 type connectors for the
control panel AND the mike; so they can be inadvertently
swapped. (This is bad design practice, and would not be
allowed on military-type equipment.) And to further trip up
guys like me who didn't read the manual CAREFULLY before
start up, they CROSS OVER these connections. If you expected
the hookup to be left-side to left-side, and right-side to right-side,
(as I did), you'd get it wrong. Then nothing works, not even
power up. But I got this sorted out, after re-reading the manual,
slowly.
3. Next you get to battle the bad defaults. Example: The mike gain,
accessible through a setup menu, has two settings: High (Normal),
and Low (Doesn't Work). Naturally, they default to Doesn't Work.
(Why do they even HAVE this choice???) But I was prepared for this
one, after reading other guys bitching about it in the eHam reviews.
What I wasn't prepared for was the (apparently default) operation
of the Weather Alert function, which causes your receive audio to
mysteriously tank every few seconds. I thought something was
wrong with the squelch operation, and fought this one for quite a
while before a diagnosed it and switched off the Weather Alert.
4. Important features are missing:
There is apparently no mute-while-transmit function available.
So you get to listen to Tx-induced birdie noise from the other
receiver when you transmit. I couldn't believe this one.
There is no VOX function available, built-in or as an accessory!
What the hell??? Where was I when safety and convenience went out
of style? My 17-year-old HT has built-in VOX, for crying out loud!
Apart from the above, the radio is performing quite well, with acceptable
IMD. I'm enjoying the nice ergonomics, and the USB programming worked
flawlessly.
73, Ed, W6LOL
From: "Steve Jones" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Icom] Any IC-2720H Users Out There?
Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 19:53:29 -0500
Reply-To: [email protected]
Good gosh, how many bad problems does the radio have? No offense, but please
advise and how you fixed them. 73, Steve
----- Original Message -----
From: "Edwin W. Senior" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 11:34 AM
Subject: [Icom] Any IC-2720H Users Out There?
> Hello -
>
> I have finally worked through the bad defaults and other assorted
> teething problems on my new IC-2720H, and it's starting to look
> pretty good.
>
> Are there any other 2720 users that read this list, and who might
> want to swap a few tips?
>
> 73 to Icom Land,
>
> Ed, W6LOL
>
----- Original Message -----
From: <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2003 1:01 AM
Subject: Icom digest, Vol 4 #13 - 9 msgs
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>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. 746PRO PC software anywhere? (Raul Pla)
> 2. RE: 746PRO PC software anywhere? (Dave - N1PC)
> 3. Re: IC-765 tuner problem (Floyd Sense)
> 4. RE: 746PRO PC software anywhere? (Dave, AA6YQ)
> 5. Re: IC-765 tuner problem (Tony Hwang)
> 6. Re: Any IC-2720H Users Out There? (Steve Jones)
> 7. RE: IC-765 tuner problem (Adam Farson)
> 8. Re: DC Power Connectors (Original Subject was Icom] IC-706 Power
Cable) (Mark Smith)
> 9. Re: IC-765 tuner problem ([email protected])
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 1
> From: "Raul Pla" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 17:47:19 -0500
> Subject: [Icom] 746PRO PC software anywhere?
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> I have a used 746PRO on the way and selling the 746. Im looking for the =
> control software program demo or affordable priced. Any one have any =
> info on this.? Thanks es 73 W4AWI
>
>
> --- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts ---
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> The reason this message is shown is because the post was in HTML
> or had an attachment. Attachments are not allowed. To learn how
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> --__--__--
>
> Message: 2
> From: "Dave - N1PC" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Subject: RE: [Icom] 746PRO PC software anywhere?
> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 18:43:15 -0500
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> I'm not aware of any software specifically written for the 746Pro. I
> use DX4WIN and am gonna bbe getting around to hooking up my 746Pro to it
> this weekend. But all it really does is change Freq and Mode.
>
> By the way you'll love the 746Pro, I do!!!
>
> 73,
>
> Dave, N1PC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On
> Behalf Of Raul Pla
> Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 5:47 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Icom] 746PRO PC software anywhere?
>
>
> I have a used 746PRO on the way and selling the 746. Im looking for the
> control software program demo or affordable priced. Any one have any
> info on this.? Thanks es 73 W4AWI
>
>
> --- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts --- multipart/alternative
> text/plain (text body -- kept)
> text/html
> The reason this message is shown is because the post was in HTML or had
> an attachment. Attachments are not allowed. To learn how to post in
> Plain-Text go to: http://www.expita.com/nomime.html---
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected] Icom
> Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 3
> From: "Floyd Sense" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 19:27:04 -0500
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Check out the 765 tuner adjustment procedure under Icom 765 at this site:
> http://www.mods.dk/
>
> K8AC
> Floyd Sense in Angier, NC
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 4:13 PM
> Subject: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
>
>
> > Hello,
> >
> > I've noticed that my IC-765 seems to have a problem with its tuner.
> > I was trying a new antenna and noticed that the tuner seemed to
> > stop at an SWR greater than 3:1 (on the 765's meter) with the
> > WAIT LED off and the TUNER LED on indicating a satisfactory match!
> > I switched to a dummy load and the same thing happened.
> > I thought that perhaps one of the motors had jammed so I removed
> > the cover and discovered that both capacitor gears were turning
> > but C17's gear (on the right when viewed from the front of rig)
> > was moving very slowly. So slowly that if I waited 45 seconds
> > it would eventually match the dummy load. No motor noise was
> > evident, so I had assumed that the tuner really had stopped
> > as the LED's indicated. After that I tried switching bands and
> > found that both motors turned at about the same speed. I went
> > back to my old antenna and found that everything seemed to work
> > properly. However, if I switch to the new antenna I can start
> > the whole problem sequence over again!
> >
> > So it seems that the tuner gets into a state where some of it's
> > logic thinks it got a match (even though it doesn't) and C17
> > turns so slowly that it's imperceptible unless directly viewed.
> > That state persists even after a dummy load is connected.
> >
> > The main external symptoms are the WAIT LED going off when the
> > SWR meter still indicates an SWR greater than 3:1. At this
> > point the tuner motor noise stops. The SWR then slowly drops
> > over a period of about 30 to 45 seconds.
> >
> > Before I start taking things apart and adjusting things (i.e.
> > breaking things) has anyone else encountered this problem or
> > does anyone have any suggestions?
> >
> > Thanks and 73,
> >
> > Don
> >
> > ve3hur
> > [email protected]
> > ----
> > Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> > Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> > Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> >
>
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 4
> From: "Dave, AA6YQ" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Subject: RE: [Icom] 746PRO PC software anywhere?
> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 19:42:06 -0500
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Commander supports the 746Pro, but does not take advantage of its extended
> CI-V interface. Its free, and available via www.qsl.net/dxlab .
>
> 73,
>
> Dave, AA6YQ
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
> Behalf Of Raul Pla
> Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 17:47 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Icom] 746PRO PC software anywhere?
>
>
> I have a used 746PRO on the way and selling the 746. Im looking for the
> control software program demo or affordable priced. Any one have any info
on
> this.? Thanks es 73 W4AWI
>
>
> --- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts ---
> multipart/alternative
> text/plain (text body -- kept)
> text/html
> The reason this message is shown is because the post was in HTML
> or had an attachment. Attachments are not allowed. To learn how
> to post in Plain-Text go to: http://www.expita.com/nomime.html---
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2003 17:52:21 -0700
> From: Tony Hwang <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
> To: [email protected]
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Hi,
> Worth going thru the tuner alignment but if you replace those two adj.
> pots with multi-turn ones
> it'll be much easier to adjust. Pots in there are too jumpy. Do you
> have a noise bridge or dip meter?
> Handy items when working on antennas. What is your new antenna?
> 73,
> Tony, VE6CGX
>
> Floyd Sense wrote:
>
> >Check out the 765 tuner adjustment procedure under Icom 765 at this site:
> >http://www.mods.dk/
> >
> >K8AC
> >Floyd Sense in Angier, NC
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: <[email protected]>
> >To: <[email protected]>
> >Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 4:13 PM
> >Subject: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >>Hello,
> >>
> >>I've noticed that my IC-765 seems to have a problem with its tuner.
> >>I was trying a new antenna and noticed that the tuner seemed to
> >>stop at an SWR greater than 3:1 (on the 765's meter) with the
> >>WAIT LED off and the TUNER LED on indicating a satisfactory match!
> >>I switched to a dummy load and the same thing happened.
> >>I thought that perhaps one of the motors had jammed so I removed
> >>the cover and discovered that both capacitor gears were turning
> >>but C17's gear (on the right when viewed from the front of rig)
> >>was moving very slowly. So slowly that if I waited 45 seconds
> >>it would eventually match the dummy load. No motor noise was
> >>evident, so I had assumed that the tuner really had stopped
> >>as the LED's indicated. After that I tried switching bands and
> >>found that both motors turned at about the same speed. I went
> >>back to my old antenna and found that everything seemed to work
> >>properly. However, if I switch to the new antenna I can start
> >>the whole problem sequence over again!
> >>
> >>So it seems that the tuner gets into a state where some of it's
> >>logic thinks it got a match (even though it doesn't) and C17
> >>turns so slowly that it's imperceptible unless directly viewed.
> >>That state persists even after a dummy load is connected.
> >>
> >>The main external symptoms are the WAIT LED going off when the
> >>SWR meter still indicates an SWR greater than 3:1. At this
> >>point the tuner motor noise stops. The SWR then slowly drops
> >>over a period of about 30 to 45 seconds.
> >>
> >>Before I start taking things apart and adjusting things (i.e.
> >>breaking things) has anyone else encountered this problem or
> >>does anyone have any suggestions?
> >>
> >>Thanks and 73,
> >>
> >>Don
> >>
> >>ve3hur
> >>[email protected]
> >>----
> >>Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> >>Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> >>Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >----
> >Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> >Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> >Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --- StripMime Report -- processed MIME parts ---
> multipart/alternative
> text/plain (text body -- kept)
> text/html
> The reason this message is shown is because the post was in HTML
> or had an attachment. Attachments are not allowed. To learn how
> to post in Plain-Text go to: http://www.expita.com/nomime.html---
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 6
> From: "Steve Jones" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: [Icom] Any IC-2720H Users Out There?
> Date: Thu, 9 Jan 2003 19:53:29 -0500
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Good gosh, how many bad problems does the radio have? No offense, but
please
> advise and how you fixed them. 73, Steve
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Edwin W. Senior" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 11:34 AM
> Subject: [Icom] Any IC-2720H Users Out There?
>
>
> > Hello -
> >
> > I have finally worked through the bad defaults and other assorted
> > teething problems on my new IC-2720H, and it's starting to look
> > pretty good.
> >
> > Are there any other 2720 users that read this list, and who might
> > want to swap a few tips?
> >
> > 73 to Icom Land,
> >
> > Ed, W6LOL
> >
> > ----
> > Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> > Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> > Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
> >
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Thu, 09 Jan 2003 17:21:32 -0800
> From: Adam Farson <[email protected]>
> Subject: RE: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
> To: [email protected]
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Hi Don,
>
> There are several possibilities: either the reflectometer or its
associated
> phase comparator may have failed, or the tuner control processor may be
off
> in never-never land. There is also a service bulletin for correction of
> tuner hunting by adjusting R5 and R7 on the tuner controller board (SB
03).
>
> The IC-765 service manual , and an archive containing a number of IC-765
> documents, including your IC-765 Notes and the service bulletin
> (765sb03.pdf), are downloadable on the Icom FAQ site. You may wish to try
> realigning the tuner, then performing the adjustment described in SB 03.
>
> http://www.qsl.net/icom/manuals.html
>
> Best 73,
> Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ
> North Vancouver, BC, Canada
> http://www.qsl.net/ab4oj/
> Icom FAQ site:
> http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]On
> Behalf Of [email protected]
> Sent: Thursday, January 09, 2003 13:14
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
>
>
> Hello,
>
> I've noticed that my IC-765 seems to have a problem with its tuner.
> I was trying a new antenna and noticed that the tuner seemed to
> stop at an SWR greater than 3:1 (on the 765's meter) with the
> WAIT LED off and the TUNER LED on indicating a satisfactory match!
> I switched to a dummy load and the same thing happened.
> I thought that perhaps one of the motors had jammed so I removed
> the cover and discovered that both capacitor gears were turning
> but C17's gear (on the right when viewed from the front of rig)
> was moving very slowly. So slowly that if I waited 45 seconds
> it would eventually match the dummy load. No motor noise was
> evident, so I had assumed that the tuner really had stopped
> as the LED's indicated. After that I tried switching bands and
> found that both motors turned at about the same speed. I went
> back to my old antenna and found that everything seemed to work
> properly. However, if I switch to the new antenna I can start
> the whole problem sequence over again!
>
> So it seems that the tuner gets into a state where some of it's
> logic thinks it got a match (even though it doesn't) and C17
> turns so slowly that it's imperceptible unless directly viewed.
> That state persists even after a dummy load is connected.
>
> The main external symptoms are the WAIT LED going off when the
> SWR meter still indicates an SWR greater than 3:1. At this
> point the tuner motor noise stops. The SWR then slowly drops
> over a period of about 30 to 45 seconds.
>
> Before I start taking things apart and adjusting things (i.e.
> breaking things) has anyone else encountered this problem or
> does anyone have any suggestions?
>
> Thanks and 73,
>
> Don
>
> ve3hur
> [email protected]
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 8
> From: "Mark Smith" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> Subject: Re: [Icom] DC Power Connectors (Original Subject was Icom]
IC-706 Power Cable)
> Date: Mon, 6 Jan 2003 23:15:36 -0500
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Glad to see all of you discovering Anderson Powerpoles.
> I bought mine cheaper from www.westmountainradio.com=20
> Also, they work with rigrunners. Check them out.
>
>
> =A0
> 73 de NG5L=20
> SSG Mark Smith
> =A0
> [email protected]
> =A0
>
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> Message: 9
> From: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: [Icom] IC-765 tuner problem
> To: [email protected]
> Date: Fri, 10 Jan 2003 01:45:41 -0500 (EST)
> Reply-To: [email protected]
>
> Hello,
>
> I have tried the adjustment procedures found on the various mods
> sites. However the problem is not one of tuner hunting.
>
> I've been using a multi-band dipole and wanted to compare it
> to a longwire with a tuner. The 765's tuner worked fine on the
> dipole. When I switched to the longwire it started acting up.
> Once I get it to actually tune with the longwire, it then
> behaves normally and quickly. If I then switch back to the dipole
> the problem will again occur.
>
> I recently aquired a dip meter and do realize that my antennas
> are not perfectly tuned.
>
> 73,
>
> Don
>
> On Thu Jan 9 19:52:21 2003 [email protected] (Tony Hwang) wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> > Worth going thru the tuner alignment but if you replace those two adj.
> > pots with multi-turn ones
> > it'll be much easier to adjust. Pots in there are too jumpy. Do you
> > have a noise bridge or dip meter?
> > Handy items when working on antennas. What is your new antenna?
> > 73,
> > Tony, VE6CGX
> >
> > Floyd Sense wrote:
> >
> > >Check out the 765 tuner adjustment procedure under Icom 765 at this
site:
> > >http://www.mods.dk/
> > >
> > >K8AC
> > >Floyd Sense in Angier, NC
>
>
> --__--__--
>
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD, [email protected]
> List Archives : http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/icom/
> List Control : http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/icom/
>
> End of Icom Digest