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The new Icom IC-7700

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ANNOUNCING THE CONTESTER'S RIG

Hot News! New IC-7700 V2.20 Firmware was released on 20 July 2018.

The IC-7700 has been honoured with the 2007 Japan Good Design Award.
IC-7700 front panel
Fig.1: IC-7700 front panel.
IC-7700 overall view
Fig.2: IC-7700 overall view.
IC-7700 rear panel
Fig.3: IC-7700 rear panel.
IC-7700 1st IF roofing filters
Fig.4: IC-7700 1st IF roofing filters.
IC-7700 RF BPF bank
Fig.5: IC-7700 RF BPF bank.
IC-7700 200W PA board
Fig.6: IC-7700 200W PA board.
IC-7700 spectrum scope
Fig.7: IC-7700 spectrum scope, ±2.5 kHz span, SLOW sweep.
Corrected direct frequency-entry procedure.

IC-7700 Overview

The new IC-7700 is a self-contained, top-performance HF/6m transceiver closely related to its "bigger brother", the IC-7800. Its main features are:

  1. Two independent DSP units.
    • One DSP (TI TMS320C6727B) is dedicated to the transmitter and receiver, and the other (TI TMS320C6720B) to the spectrum scope. These are of a later generation than the TMS320C6713 used in the IC-7800.
  2. HF/6m transmitter with a MOSFET PA delivering 200W output at full duty cycle.
    • The PA utilizes a pair of MRF150 MOSFET power devices.
    • The new Rev. 12/13 PA employs a single ST Micro STAC2942 output device.
  3. Quiet, built-in switch-mode mains power supply.
  4. Single HF receiver with I/Q second mixer, offering +40dBm 3rd-order intercept point*.
    • The single receiver should be seen not as a disadvantage, but as a plus. The single receiver allows no-compromise RX performance at a reasonable price; BNC sockets on the rear panel, and CI-V, allow easy connection and synchronization of a second Icom transceiver such as the 756Pro3 as a secondary receiver. Many prospective IC-7700 buyers already own an IC-756Pro3. Add the IC-7700 to your existing Pro3 for the perfect contest station; use the IC-7700 as your main transceiver, and the IC-756Pro3 as a spotting receiver.
    • Upgrade from your IC-765 or IC-775DSP, and get the benefits of a spectrum scope.
  5. Built-in "Digi-Sel" automatic tracking RF preselector.
    • The built-in tracking preselector, and relay-switched front end, offer unrivalled strong-signal HF performance.
  6. Built-in high-speed automatic antenna tuner.
    • The tuner covers the HF and 6m bands.
  7. Selectable 15, 6 and 3 kHz roofing filters (refer to Fig. 4 above.)
    • As provided in the IC-7800. The filters are optimized for lowest IMD. Each filter is mounted on a plug-in daughterboard.
  8. Precision OCXO with ±0.05ppm frequency stability and 10 MHz Reference I/O jack
    • The precision OCXO with 10 MHz REF I/O allows the IC-7700 to clock other equipment, or to be clocked from a higher-level master clock source.
  9. 7" color TFT LCD display.
    • The display includes a simulated analogue multi-function meter.
    • Rear-panel VGA socket for external video monitor.
  10. Multi-function spectrum scope with configurable resolution bandwidth (RBW).
    • RBW is configurable by selecting scope span and sweep rate.
    • The adjustable RBW permits spectral analysis of received signals. IMD products and spurs can be displayed.
    • Fig. 6 is a typical scope screenshot. The green trace is the real-time spectral display; the blue trace is the peak-hold display. Note the low "grass" level in the absence of signals.
  11. Built-in RTTY/PSK31 modem requiring only a USB keyboard.
    • The built-in RTTY/PSK31 modem allows use of the IC-7700 as a complete digimode terminal, requiring only a keyboard. This is great for semi-portable operation (e.g. Field Day) or when shack space is at a premium.
  12. IF-DSP notch filter with adjustable parameters.
    • The notch filter shape factor is selectable in 3 steps, and its maximum stopband attenuation is 70 dB.
  13. Multi-function noise blanker implemented in DSP.
  14. Separate, high-performance 6m receiver front end.
  15. Digital voice recorder.
  16. Front-panel USB ports for USB memory drive and keyboard.
    • The USB memory drive socket permits use of pocket USB memory drives. No CF card is required.

* at 50 kHz test-signal spacing.

User Manual Erratum

Contrary to the statement on p. 3-5 of the earlier IC-7700 user manual, the numerical keypad is not backlit and does not light when the F.INP key is pressed. This has been corrected in all newer editions of the manual, from ENG_1 onwards. The correct procedure reads as follows (see image above).

Rev. 12 IC-7700:

This IC-7700 version was released in April 2011. It incorporates redesigned PA200W and FILTER Units. The new PA200W uses a single STMicroelectronics STAC2942B dual MOSFET power device in its output stage. The serial number prefix begins with "1" e.g. 1201234 (US/Canada), 1301234 (EU), 1701234 (UK).

The previous serial number ranges begin with "0" e.g. 0201234 (US/Canada), 0301234 (EU), 0701234 (UK), and have the earlier PA200W (2 X MRF150) and FILTER Units.

Q: Why was Dual Watch omitted?

A: Provision of Dual Watch would most likely have pushed the price well above the USD 6K target.

Q: Then how can I monitor my transmit frequency in split operation?

A: By pressing the XFC (Transmit Frequency Check) button.

The IC-7700 received FCC certification on February 11, 2008. FCC ID: AFJ300900