[ICOM] Re: Opinions wanted

[Paul Gates, KD3JF]

If you have that kind of money you are correct possibly...
I purchased the 706MKIIG about a year ago for $640.00. It
was brand new and I have enjoyed using it. Used it
yesterday for  SKN.

Paul Gates
--- "Frank N. Haas" <kb4t at arrl.net> wrote:

> 
> 
> If I were considering a choice between the IC-718 and the
> IC-706MkIIG, I 
> would choose to buy the IC-756ProII instead.
> 
> The ProII can be had these days for $1200-$1400 in
> excellent condition from 
> various classified lists. I own 2 of them. Both run
> circles around the 718 
> and 706 in many ways. Of principal interest is the
> Spectrum Scope. Far and 
> away the most useful and interesting feature for the
> "band-scanning" 
> operator, the spectrum scope roped me in and has held me
> ever since I first 
> saw it.
> 
> Of course, the twin passband tuning, the many degrees of
> personalization 
> and versatility of this gem far exceeds that available in
> either of the 
> lesser choices.
> 
> My only caution would be in connection with full break-in
> CW. When set to 
> run Full Break-in CW, the ProII chops off the first
> milliseconds of every 
> code element. To work around this design flaw, one must
> use a keyer with 
> compensation like the LogiKey series of electronic
> keyers. If one likes to 
> use a straight key or bug, then one must listen to one's
> output on a second 
> independent receiver to insure that one's sending is
> indeed clean and correct.
> 
> Semi-Breakin chops off only the first elements sent when
> the radio 
> transitions to transmit. This is less noticeable but a
> purist would not 
> want to force an unsuspecting receiving operator to have
> to deal with such 
> code.
> 
> In all other respects, the ProII is an excellent
> performer. On SSB I have 
> gotten outstanding reports on my audio quality. The radio
> is rock stable 
> and is a steady and reliable performer. No issues with
> the display or 
> anything else. In fact, the only problem I have ever had
> was a small issue 
> with the screws where the DC power connects to the
> internals of the rig. A 
> simple fix and the problem has never returned.
> 
> So, if I were looking for a base rig and had only $1200
> or so to spend and 
> I wanted an Icom rig, I would choose a 2nd hand
> IC-756ProII.
> 
> Good luck in making your choice.
> 
> 73 & Happy New Year,
> 
> Frank KB4T
> Florida
> 
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan K7VC,
> icom-owner at mailman.qth.net
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>