More Likes and Dislikes for the Icom IC-7610
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- Опубликовано: 28 дек 2017
- Here is a follow up to my original "Likes and Dislikes" video for the Icom IC-7610. This new video begins with 5 minutes of follow-up from the first video, and then goes into new Likes and Dislikes.
Links mentioned in this video are:
Icom IC-7610 - Likes and Dislikes from WX0V
• Icom IC-7610 - Likes a...
The IC-7610 unwanted tone issue video:
• Unwanted tone issue wi...
VK3BL's "Rate my Radio" channel:
/ @ratemyradio
AB5N's look at the Icom IC-7610:
• IC 7610 - Should you ... 
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Re: RTTY Decode Window -- What happens if you tap the EXPAND soft button? Seems like on my IC-7600 that I could expand the decode window to show more lines in the decoder. Granted, that would shrink the meters, but there's only so much screen real estate available.
BTW, I notice that the memorized strings (1 through 4) are shown below the RTTY waterfall. That's a nice addition.
Thanks for the video. I like your up-beat attitude and balanced presentation.
Hello Robert,
Good suggestion! Yes, you *can* expand the screen, and that *will* give you a larger decoding window. However, then you lose the mini band-scope. It goes away totally.
I'm bettin' Icom can add a scroll feature with a firmware update, but until then, I'll be quick with the HOLD button. :-)
>BTW, I notice that the memorized strings (1 through 4) are shown below the RTTY waterfall. That's a nice addition.
Yes. I should have noted that in this video. It certainly helps when using a keyboard. Thank you for pointing that out.
Thanks for your input and positive feedback...73! de WX0V
Thanks for all the enriching videos about ic 7610..!! I am with you for all the details listed, especially about your most important dislike of customer service! Bringing a product to the market is one thing, bringing it to the customer is another, but keeping the customer satisfied is quite another! After sales is the most important thing in business. In 2019 I made it very clear to the representative at the icom stand in Firedrichshafen that the company thinks very small on some points and is far from customer satisfaction.. that's how it looks at least.
Thank you for your kind words about my videos. Icom did resolve the issues I had with the IC-7610 so that was good. Whether or not they will address suggestions given by owners of this rig in the next version remains to be seen, of course. Bottom line? I remain mostly satisfied with the IC-7610...I am intrigued by the Elecraft K4, however! 😀 Again, thanks again and 73! de WX0V
Thanks for your review on this. Many radios will have their faults, likes and dislikes. Most of the dislike features you talked about to me personally are not that big of a deal. The antenna socket protection I do agree with you on, and why didn't Icom put this in the 7610. And for the customer service, I will call them everyday to get results. Kenwood's customer service I have alot of trouble with and I hope I pissed them off because I can care less about their feelings. Its my radio equipment they are servicing and that I bought from them!...Again thanks for the review...KC4V
Thank you again for your comment. Also be sure to see my mea-culpa video on the scope...I love it now. 73! de WX0V
Not sure if you figured it out yet (I haven't gone back and read ALL the comment, just a quick scan), but there is a second menu for the band scope. Menu2 has an RBW and VBW BW adjustment. If you look at the display, there is a little orange line below both the RBW and VBW. Touching the softkeys cycles through wide/mid/narrow (wide/narror for VBW), and as you cycle through the settings, the orange line changes to indicate set value. -de N3JI
Hello Joe...I was aware of those settings at the time of this video, but I do appreciate you pointing them out. I did a "mea-culpa" video on the bandscope...hopefully you will see it on this channel. I thank you for your comment...73! de WX0V
I watched 2 reviews of this radio one showing rounded peeks on the scope the other showed sharp crisp peeks is it because of different settings ?
the video here showed rounded peaks
Sorry for the delay in responding. You Tube doesn't always notify me. Yes, there are options in the IC-7610 to adjust the look of the signals on the scope to your liking. There are not that many options, but they are there. You can even do a line only option like the Flex radios have (I have video on how to do that on my channel). Thanks for your questions and 73! de WX0V
From your description of the spectrum display at different bandspreads it appears as if Icom GENERATES a representation of the signal. In other words, what is displayed is not a true representation of the actual signal but rather one that is generated by software. This might make sense if the main use of the display is to locate signals rather than to analyze the spectral purity of them. For example, could you zoom in on one particular cw signal and tell if it was wide, due to key clicks? It doesn't appear so. A Flex it ain't !
Points well taken. Thank you for your input, and 73! de WX0V
Someone posted that Icom is coming out with a 200 watt SDR radio. That is what I've been
waiting for. The alternative would be the Yaesu FTDX-101MP. I will wait until they both come
out and compare the two.
That sounds interesting...maybe that'll be the IC-7700 replacement? Or maybe the IC-7851 replacement? We'll see. 73! de WX0V
No RX antenna button??? It would have been nice to have a 200W PA on it at this price range as well.
To access the RX antenna, you hold the ANT button down until it appears. A separate, stand alone button would have been useful. However, the glaring omission is the Notch button.
I wonder if a 200W version would have boosted this to $5,000 (US). I'll bet Icom is saving that for the next version of the 7700.
Thank you for your comment, and 73! de WX0V
@@SuburbanDXing They are making a SDR 200 watt rig. Should be out next year. 😉
@@radioman6489 Ok...cool. 73! de WX0V
Wav was the correct choice. MP3 is designed for voice only, and would introduce errors in data transmissions that were recorded with the radio.
Interesting...that is something I did not know. Thank you for that information. 73! de WX0V
Great video! I own the 9700 and I always take snapshots of my setups via the Power button so I can use the pics in documenting setups....that I think is a nice feature...you just touch the power button (not hold it) and it takes the snapshot...the radio never turns off. A different button would have been just as nice too, I agree. Page 77 of the Advance manual fully explains the setup of the receiving antenna when using either Ant1 or Ant2....fully protecting RX antenna. 73 // NN3RP // Rafael
Ok, that is good to know. I appreciate the input. 73!
i know I am kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream new tv shows online ?
@Myles Ernesto Meh I would suggest flixportal. Just google for it =) -mark
@Mark Raphael Thanks, signed up and it seems to work :) I appreciate it!!
@Myles Ernesto you are welcome :)
I wonder if the 7300 has the tone issue? The fact that it goes away after a power cycle is proof of some issue with the radio.
While I have zero experience with the IC-7300 (haven't even sniffed one) I doubt it has the tone problem. That radio looked rather bullet-proof to me. Interesting thought, though. Thanks for your comment and 73 de WX0V
WX0V why buy a 7610 when you could buy three 7300 for the same price?
Because I struggle enough with ONE radio on the bench; let alone THREE! :-)
A better question is 2 of the 7300 versus 1 of the 7610. I'll still take the latter. Both receivers in 1 box (SO2R is NOT my forte; I'll leave that to N6MJ...he's a machine), and no matter how many 7300s you have, the band scopes will always be smaller (a larger screen on the 7610). I greatly prefer the 7800 series style meters on the 7610, and the 7300 doesn't have physical band stack buttons on it. Although I don't use it that much, I do like the external monitor; also absent on the 7300.
Judging by how many I hear on the air, the *7300 is a great radio for a lot of people*; it's clearly a better value (let's admit it; Hams are cheap), but for me, I had no interest in it. I wanted a radio with more, and the 7610 gave me that...
...*except the damn NOTCH button!*
Icom under-priced the 7300 and over-priced the 7610. I'm bettin' if the 7300 was say, $2,000 and the 7610 was say, $3,300 or so, we wouldn't be having this many 7300 versus 7610 discussions.
Thank you for your comment and 73 de WX0V
Half the reason to upgrade from a 7300 to a 7610 is for the dual antenna, dual receive capability. If it's truly not protected, I'll wait for the 7620 or whatever. There are ways to deal with dual radio interface and not blow up a receiver.
It is possible that the IC-7610 is protected, but I am unsure, and have not found out. I might find the answer the hard way!...we'll see. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V
what was the outcome of your customer support issue?
Icom came out with a series of Firmware Updates; it appears the most recent of these, Version 1.06, has taken care of the "Unwanted Tone" and RX issues. Icom's communication with me was weak, however. Very weak. I had a contact for a while and then he vanished. Not good. As long as my rig is working, however...73! de WX0V
thanks
Wow there are several key things you point out that are negatives. The bandscope/bandwidth issue is very strange. I think I like my Elecraft P3 display much better. No CW paddle jack on the back...come on Icom! And I agree 100% with you on the lack of a notch button. Looks like there are several poor choices for buttons and jacks, and that can't be fixed with firmware updates.
There are certainly some frustrations with this radio. Not only what you just mentioned, but try working split on RTTY using the onboard decoder...not fun (see my other videos on this). Despite the drawbacks, it's still a neat radio, and I like it. I do hope Icom can fix the "unwanted tone" and dead RX issues. We'll see. By the way, I do have an Elecraft KPA500, so I have some of their line, as well. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V
Thanks for all the great videos. I don't own a 7610, not yet anyway. There is alot to like though.
73, DE N4KH
I just found out Icom is coming out with a 200 watt SDR radio in the future. From what I hear going to be around $5,000.00 give or take. US money.
If valid, that sounds like an IC-7700 replacement...but who knows? We shall see. Thanks for the comment and 73! de WX0V
WX0V , I heard this from someone that owns or should say sold his IC-7851 radio. Maybe he knows someone on the inside.
WX0V , then again the 7700 is a great Radio. Hihi
My FT-2000d is 12 years old and has 200 watt pa
Why isnt the 7610 200w, or at least 150w.
I was told that the RX antenna ports isolate when you TX - that IS full front end protection contrary to what is stated into the video. Has someone found this to be otherwise?
I am uncertain. I have not received a clear and definitive answer to that. I decided to use ANT 2 for my RX, versus the RX antennas (so far, so good). Your question is valid, and I would like to know with certainty, but have been too lazy to pursue it further (one should contact Icom directly). There's honesty for you. Thanks for your question and 73! de WX0V
Record functions are definitely better than on the 7300 but not being able to playback is a definite minus. Furthermore, it appears as though ICOM has intentionally defeated the ‘cheat’ of renaming the file and placing it in the VoiceTx folder for playback. Never knew I would have a Japanese nanny.
It does seem strange they would limit those options. Oh well. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V
Waiting for the Icom 8810.
Me, too...but that Elecraft K4D is damn tempting! 73! de WX0V
No new icoms for me. I've always preferred icom and would already have purchased a 7610 but icom has stopped producing radios with an RF gain and instead misrepresent the *_variable attenuator_* by *misnaming it* "RF gain".
I don't want a radio without a true RF gain. I am buying a like new pre-owned Yaesu FTdx-5000 instead.
Understood. You will be happy with that FTDX-5000...that's a great rig. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V
@Nunya Bidness It's personal preference here but I tend to agree with you...it doesn't mean that Vounu K is wrong, it's just a difference in what we prefer. 73! de WX0V
@Nunya Bidness A little unfair to the FTDX-5000 to call it a "boat anchor" but I tend to prefer Icom over Yaesu...both are good brands. Thanks again for your thoughts and 73! de WX0V
Super bon TX le ic 7610, Willy !! 73's mon ami.
Yes, and we hope the MN Vikings go to the *Super Bowl*. :-)
Merci and 73! de WX0V (SKOL, Vikings!!)
Good thing about SDR is that a lot of non hardware issues can be fixed with a software update. I love my 7300. Rather than get a new 200W Icom for $5000 I think I’ll just get an amp for the 7300. ;-)
That's an excellent decision. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V
Having more power is always good, regardless of what the antenna guru's say, and I agree with having a good antenna system.....with more power ( -:
Dear Scott, just to confirm - you don't mind us mentioning your experiences and findings in one of our upcoming videos? We'll definitely reference your channel and personally give credit to yourself :)
73 from your friend Jarrad VK3BL & the Rate My Radio team :)
Hi Jarrad! Please do. While I appreciate the plug, to me it is more important to bring these to Icom's attention so they can address these issues. Take care and 73! de WX0V
Set the waterfall hold function to no and you will like the waterfall way better .. 73
Good suggestion....thank you and 73! de WX0V
I was looking at reviews of the IC-7610 until I looked up the price! WOW, I could buy 3 IC-7300s for the same price.
While the 7610 may have some great new features but it becomes a question of a 500hp car vs 525hp car, is an additional 50 grand worth a whole 25hp? Nope!
Same with acoustic guitars. You reach a point where the tone quality doesn't equate to the price increase...
73s
It's pretty clear that the IC-7300 is the better value. That's easy. However, for me, the IC-7610 was a better fit. I use the scope a lot, and the IC-7300 scope is just too small for my use. The flexibility of the 2 receivers in one package is a real plus for me as well (especially when I'm using a low band receive antenna and a separate transmit antenna). However, as we both agree on, the IC-7300 just kicks ass for $1K. Wonderful radio, to be sure. Enjoy whichever you choose, and 73! de WX0V
@@SuburbanDXing the two receivers is quite appealing for sure! I guess that could justify the price! Two radios in one frame? LOL
The key with the 2 receivers is, many would not use that feature. I do, regularly, but many would not. That makes the IC-7300 far more attractive; particularly in regards to the price! 73! de WX0V
@@SuburbanDXing I would use that feature alot myself. Unfortunately, price will be the deciding factor. I could do wonders with the 1,500 to go towards another radio for monitoring as well as other things for the shack.
I love the added feature but I could use the funds for other needed items,.. If it wasn't for the price, it would be a no brainer...
73s
KE8EXL
The extra $1,500 would be better spent on antennas or an amp, so I'm with you.
To many Con's for a high priced rig. Button ergonomics are a crap shoot for a start. I wouldn't want a 7610 after seeing your video.
All valid points, to be sure. One positive is the IC-7610 has dropped nicely in price, but it clearly is not the value the IC-7300 is. Thanks for your comment and 73! de WX0V
Yep. I cannot drink beer anymore (with age I have developed a case of alcohol intolerance; much to my chagrin), so I have some extra (formerly) beer money to work with. :-) 73! de WX0V
the price is not for all hams. i dislike.
The radio did come in a little high, price wise. Many were likely expecting $3,500 or so. However, in time, the prices will drop. Also, there is the IC-7300 to consider, and I saw the IC-7600 selling for around $2,000 or so.
Thank you for your comment and 73 de WX0V
Call Icom Redmond wa Ham Radio Communication Eng Director
I did, on 12/22. The guy I spoke to told me to fill out a form on-line and submit it (I did that minutes after we spoke). Again, to be very clear, *he was polite and professional*, but he didn't believe me (at least, that's what I felt).
Right now, the issue isn't critical with my radio, but 3 others have had it. More probably will.
Clearly, I'm pissed about no follow-up, but, if Icom *is* looking into this, then my goal is achieved. Right now, I have no clue what they are doing in regards to this.
Thank you for your comment/suggestion and 73! de WX0V
I had another more serious issue with the radio. I did another on-line tech request (12:00am CST) with a link to an Unlisted video showing the issues live as they were happening. I hope Icom responds sometime in the upcoming week. I understand that another is now having the unwanted tone issue. This needs to be addressed. 73 de WX0V