The new Icom IC-7700
ANNOUNCING THE CONTESTER'S RIG
Fig.1: IC-7700 front panel.
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Fig.2: IC-7700 overall view.
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Fig.3: IC-7700 rear panel.
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Fig 5. IC-7700 RF BPF bank. Note the large toroidal coils.
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Fig 6. IC-7700 spectrum scope, ±2.5 kHz span, SLOW sweep. Photo courtesy ON6SAS.
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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:
-
Two independent DSP units.
- One DSP (TI TMS320C6727) is dedicated to the transmitter and receiver, and the other
(TI TMS320C6720) to
the spectrum scope. These are of a later
generation than the TMS320C6713 used in the IC-7800.
HF/6m transmitter with a MOSFET PA delivering 200W output at full duty
cycle.
- The PA utilizes a pair of MRF150 MOSFET power devices.
-
Quiet, built-in switch-mode mains power supply.
-
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.
-
Built-in automatic tracking RF preselector.
- The built-in
tracking preselector, and relay-switched front end, offer unrivalled
strong-signal HF performance.
Built-in high-speed automatic antenna tuner.
- The tuner covers the HF and 6m bands.
- 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.
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.
7" color TFT LCD display.
- The display includes a simulated analogue multi-function meter.
- Rear-panel VGA socket for external video monitor.
-
Multi-function spectrum scope with adjustable resolution bandwidth (RBW).
- 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.
-
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.
-
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.
Multi-function noise blanker implemented in DSP.
-
Separate, high-performance 6m receiver front end.
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Digital voice recorder.
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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 IC-7700, the numerical keypad is
not backlit and does not
light when the
F.INP
key is pressed. Icom have confirmed that the text is in error and will be
corrected shortly. The procedure should read as follows:
Q: What are the projected price &
availability?
A: Projected retail price: USD 6K range.
Projected US availability: March 2008.
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-7000 received
FCC certification on
February 11, 2008.
FCC ID: AFJ300900
The official
Icom Japan IC-7700 page
and
brochure
(in English)
Icom America's IC-7700 page 
The Icom
Canada IC-7700 page
The comprehensive
IC-7700
brochure mirror
Dayton 2007 pre-release
brochure
(PDF).
Icom Japan IC-7700 pre-release
brochure
(in English)
Download the IC-7700
User
Manual mirror
AGC in the IC-756Pro3, IC-7700 and IC-7800
The IC-756Pro3 as 2nd receiver with the IC-7700
View or download the 15-minute Icom Japan
IC-7700 Preview Movie
(in English)
Visit Lidio, IØGEJ's
IC-7700 Page (including a short
A/V show
from Dayton 2007)
The IC-7700 at the
Pescara Ham
Fair, Italy, Nov. 2007 (courtesy IØGEJ)
My friend Matt KK5DR's
IC-7700
User Review
How close were we with the "IC-7X00"?
Copyright © 2007, A. Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJ. IC-7700 information courtesy Icom Inc. Images courtesy Icom Inc. except where noted.

