[Icom] IC-271, 471 vs IC-275, 475 vs Yaesu FT-726, 736 ??

Sat, 25 Jan 2003 16:29:09 -0800

Hi Mike,

The most significant difference between the IC-x71/551 and IC-x75 series of
monoband VHF/UHF radios was the synthesiser. Whilst the older series
(IC-x71/551) used a conventional PLL synthesiser typical of the IC-745/751
era, the IC-x75 radios employed the same DDS chipset as the IC-781. This
made for a significant improvement in phase noise, and thus in reciprocal
noise mixing. The effect was a noticeable improvement in sensitivity and
BDR. I had an IC-575A and an IC-275A in my station in the early 1990's, and
were very pleasantly surprised by their clean, quiet receivers.

The Yaesu FT-726 and FT-736 were also designed around a conventional PLL
synthesiser, which is quite noisy by current standards.

If you are shopping on the used-equipment market, I would heartily recommend
the IC-575, 275 and 475 (A or H) - if you can find them. The rarest of the
lot are the IC-375 (220 MHz) and IC-1275 (1200 MHz); these also command the
highest prices.

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 W8DN
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2003 16:15
To: [email protected]
Subject: [Icom] IC-271, 471 vs IC-275, 475 vs Yaesu FT-726, 736 ??

Just wondering if someone can give me any insight into the differences
between the last two generations of Icom single-band rigs mentioned above. I
have printed the reviews from the ARRL website but am really interested in
any user comments.

Also would be interested in any comments from those who have had a chance to
compare any of these rigs against the Yaesu FT-726 or 736.

Why do I ask? Well, I presently have a Yaesu 726 with the 6, 2, and 432
modules installed. I just purchased an IC-575A (don't have it yet) and have
always been fascinated by the Icom single-band rigs. The Yaesu 736 seems to
be going for more reasonable prices now too. Add to that the fact that I
should probably be looking at DEM transverters with something like the Radio
Shack or Uniden 10 meter transceivers for IFs and I am suddenly having
trouble deciding which way to turn. Hell, maybe I should just keep my 726...

Not interested in EME, strictly terrestrial for now. Will be putting up an
FO-25-432 at about 75ft, FO-12-144 at 70ft, and a 6M5X at 65ft. A Force12
C4-XSL will sit just above the top of the 60ft tower.  Pigtails will be
Bury-Flex and may use some 3/4inch, 75ohm CATV hardline on the 432 and
possibly 144 runs to the shack.

Any and all comments, thoughts, suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Mike / W8DN
EN70rn