Update to my prior posting: I now have the ICOM IC-7200, and have operated it for the past 4 months. The advantage and convenience of the built-in USB port on the 7200 for digital modes and rig control with only a USB cable from the rig to the PC required FAR outweighs the lack of FM mode. To run soundcard modes like PSK-31 requires NO additional interface. I've sold the Kenwood TS-870SAT, and keeping the 7200!
FM requires an addition conversion stage in the IF mixer. Every conversion stage increases the complexity of the receiver. In the IC-7200 (and IC-718) FM is neglected in order to preserve receiver performance while keeping the price relatively low.
I'm thinking about buying the IC-7200. I've only been on HF as General since June when I upgraded, but I've operated in FM mode on HF bands a grand total of "0" times since then! The lack of FM mode seems a minor consideration. I have an IC-706 MKII and Kenwood TS-870S if I want to do FM.
Useless on 10 and 6 meter with no FM for repeater operation. What was iCom thinking when they built a radio without even including an optional FM board for those who want it? IF they want to sell this radio on a large scale they have better rethink this design.
I think I can remember using FM once in 15 years on 10 meters because someone asked me too...a basically useless mode nowadays on the HF bands.
IronManXXX 3 months ago
Update to my prior posting: I now have the ICOM IC-7200, and have operated it for the past 4 months. The advantage and convenience of the built-in USB port on the 7200 for digital modes and rig control with only a USB cable from the rig to the PC required FAR outweighs the lack of FM mode. To run soundcard modes like PSK-31 requires NO additional interface. I've sold the Kenwood TS-870SAT, and keeping the 7200!
Larry
KG4GPJ
ljford 1 year ago
Really nice audio on this little rig.. i want one :-)
5p1cc 2 years ago
FM requires an addition conversion stage in the IF mixer. Every conversion stage increases the complexity of the receiver. In the IC-7200 (and IC-718) FM is neglected in order to preserve receiver performance while keeping the price relatively low.
xxmrrickxx 2 years ago
Thanks for the demo, it helps explain the useful DSP filtering. Nice CW rig.
73 NG9D
NG9D 2 years ago
I'm thinking about buying the IC-7200. I've only been on HF as General since June when I upgraded, but I've operated in FM mode on HF bands a grand total of "0" times since then! The lack of FM mode seems a minor consideration. I have an IC-706 MKII and Kenwood TS-870S if I want to do FM.
KG4GPJ
ljford 2 years ago
This is NN3RP. I bought mine with the understanding that it had no FM....I am 100% satisfied with it.
pinoleronica 2 years ago
Nice! I only operate in CW. This hamradio makes me happy.
Marsgeist 2 years ago
Hi Hans. I operate in 10 and 6 meters and don´t use FM at all. Maybe not everybody´s cup of cofee, but the radio serves me well.
cividinom 2 years ago
Useless on 10 and 6 meter with no FM for repeater operation. What was iCom thinking when they built a radio without even including an optional FM board for those who want it? IF they want to sell this radio on a large scale they have better rethink this design.
peace,
haans :)
haansgruber 2 years ago