[ICOM] RE: Icom 7000 question

[Scott Honaker]

You'll probably see two answers because it has two modes.  It doesn't have a
dedicated receiver so it uses the main receiver in either mode.  In slow
sweep mode it takes a couple seconds to complete a sweep and creates an
audio cut similar to a "Priority mode" on an FM receiver.  Voice is audible
but admittedly irritating.  You can still easily tune a signal when in this
mode.

In fast sweep mode, it can sweep several times a second and it will cut the
audio 10dB or completely out (menu selectable).  I generally don't use fast
sweep but I suppose you could still use it to identify a signal (desired or
simply noise) but I suspect it would be so choppy, you couldn't accurately
tune it.

In either sweep mode, pressing the hold button will freeze the display on
the screen and return the audio to normal.

The IC-7000 spectrum scope does offer a few features that make it more
useful than the IC-706/746/TS-2000.  The biggest thing to me is that the
display is "calibrated" (not necessarily the best term).  By that I mean
there is a grid and you can easily see how far up or down the dial your
target signal is.  

The IC-7000 also has the ability to set a span +- 250kHz.  That's much more
spectrum visible at once than most radios.  It also has a Fixed and Centered
mode.  This allows your scope display to stay centered on your signal or
lock the display and simply move a cursor within the spectral display
(Fixed).  I prefer the Fixed mode and it isn't available even on the IC-756
family (you'll find it on the IC-7700/7800).

You can find more information in the manual starting on page 69.  It's
available for download from www.IcomAmerica.com.  I find the most limiting
part is actually the size of the screen.  Displaying it on a larger screen
is helpful but there are only so many pixels available.  I do use the option
to make the scope a bit larger (Scope Size Wide).

There's no mistaking it for the scope on the IC-7800 but given the size of
the screen and size of the rig, it seems quite competent.

Scott N7SS

Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 19:06:37 -0700 (PDT)
From: John Geiger <n5ten at yahoo.com>
Subject: [ICOM] Icom 7000 question

How useful is the bandscope on the Icom 7000-can it be
in real time (like the 756/781/7800) only with
somewhat lowered audio, or is the receiver completely
muted during a sweep (like the 746/706/TS2000) making
it essentially useless.

I have read the different reviews on the 7000 but seem
to get conflicting answers about this.

73s John AA5JG