[ICOM] Icom IC-706 MK II G vs. IC-7000

[Dave Shirk]

On May 21, 2008, at 10:20 PM, Eric Wilson wrote:

> Ok here is one for you, I have an Icom IC 706 MK II G and I am  
> considering upgrading it up to the IC - 7000.  What is everyone's  
> evaluation for this upgrade.   What does everyone think of the 7000  
> compared to the 706 MK II G ?   I know the 7000 has IF DSP but what  
> else would I be getting for the increase in cost besides the obvious  
> eye candy color screen.   I know the MK II G is still a popular  
> radio and I would be able to sell it pretty easy,  Is the 7000 worth  
> the extra money to upgrade.   This radio would primarily be used for  
> mobile communications.
>
> Thank you,
>
> Eric

Eric,

I had the 706 MK II G for about 15 months. I liked the radio a lot. I  
ended up selling it, and getting the 7000, mainly because I write my  
own computer/radio control software, and the computer controlled  
features on the 7000 include every single parameter, including AF and  
RF gain.

I have used the 7000 for 16 months now, and in my opinion, the 7000 is  
in a different class than the 706. The receiver and transmitter are  
many steps above the 706, and the feature list is extremely extensive.  
The 7000 is a much closer relative to the 756Pro3 than the 706 MK II G.

Reported problems with the transmit audio seem to be divided evenly  
among two groups. Those that will not turn on compression and set to 3  
( a low value), the mic gain needs to be turned to max, and audio  
reports are not great. The other group turns on the compressor (set to  
3) and the mic gain get set between 40 and 50%. I get great audio  
reports with the stock hand mic and those settings. (If there was a  
design problem in the arly serial numbers, I am not aware of that  
situation).

One word of caution. For really bad audio, set the transmit bandwidth  
to narrow. Ouch! ;-)

I love the 7000, and your mileage may vary.

73 - Dave - KI4KQ