[ICOM] Thoughts on the Icom 7700

[Joe - WDØM]

Having now had the time to spend some hours in front of the 7700, I'm 
deeply impressed with the quality of construction, the aesthetics and 
performance of the transceiver. Icom has produced an excellent, 
nonpareil engineering masterpiece.

Packaging is excellent - the boxes weigh half as much as the 7700! It 
may help to have two people move and unpack it. I left the rack mount 
handles on the rig, as it makes it easier to position it on the desk.

Compared to my 756 Pro that served me well for nearly 8 years, the 
7700's performance is light years ahead. The noise reduction feature 
works very well, dramatically reducing "ear fatigue", while making 
signals pop out of the background. The 756 Pro's similar feature left 
you with the "head in a barrel" noise that was disconcerting. That 
doesn't happen with the 7700.

The Audio Peak Filter is an especially welcome function that also helps 
bring weak signals to the forefront in the CW mode. Most impressive!

I may become more active on the low bands - dreaded QRN is significantly 
reduced, and at times, 40M can "almost" sound like FM with the noise 
reduction and noise blanker functions engaged.

Ergonomics are excellent. The knobs and buttons fall easily to hand, and 
are placed with aforethought so the most commonly used functions are 
easily engaged with minimal movement. Users of the 756 Pro series will 
adjust quickly to the 7700.

Much has been said about the display screen - and it's all true. It's 
exceptionally crisp, easily modified to your taste, and the band scope 
is superb. Having become addicted to using the one on the 756 Pro, I'll 
never have a rig without one.

73

-- 
Joe Hannigan - WDØM
Pagosa Springs, CO

http://www.WD0M.com
http://www.pagosarocks.com
http://www.quiltqueen.net