Tuesday 25 March 2014

Icom IC-7600 inc a free mini USB key board.







HF/50MHz Transceiver
The IC-7600 HF/50MHz transceiver is enhanced with some of the main features tried and tested on our flagship IC-7700/7800 models, highly regarded by Amateur operators world-wide. Add over 45 years of analogue RF circuit expertise and the result is the IC-7600, a new rig with outstanding performance and a multitude of innovative features including a newly employed double conversion superheterodyne system and dual DSP units and 3kHz IF (roofing) filter.
Free USB Keyboard with IC-7600, For a Limited Time Only!
To celebrate the launch of the IC-7600 HF+50MHz Transceiver, Icom UK will be giving a free USB Black keyboard with each IC-7600 sold, for a limited time only! The IC-7600 enables users to send RTTY/PSK31 messages directly entered by a connected USB keyboard. This promotion will emphasise this capability and encourage CW/phone enthusiasts to try this method.
Dual DSP for transmit/receive and spectrum scope
The IC-7600 is powered by two 32-bit floating point DSP units for Transmit/Receive and spectrum scope. The DSP units provide high performance comparable to Icom's top-of-the-line transceivers IC-7800 and IC-7700. The IC-7600 achieves similar performance for high speed digital signal processing combined with Icom's analogue RF technologies.

104dB dynamic range and +30dBm third order intercept point (IP3)
Icom's long years of analogue RF circuit experience combined with the latest digital technology results in an astonishing 104dB receiver dynamic range and +30dBm IP3 in the HF bands without sacrificing to the receiver sensitivity. Even a weak signal adjacent to strong signals is received by the IC-7600.
Double conversion superheterodyne dramatically improves inband IMD
The IC-7600 employs a double conversion superheterodyne system, which has an image rejection mixer for the 2nd mixer stage. When compared to the triple conversion system, the double conversion system is technically difficult to achieve a stable mixer operation but it dramatically reduces signal distortion through IF processing and provides a high-fidelity signal to the DSP unit. As a result, the IC-7600 provides a clearer, more distinct signal.
The AGC loop management controlled by the DSP unit
The IC-7600 detects the AGC voltage from the signal which has passed the digital IF filter. That means the IC-7600 prevents the AGC blocking from a nearby strong signal to bring out the full potential of the digital IF filter. The digital IF filter and manual notch filter are also processed in the AGC loop.
Three 1st IF filters, including 3kHz bandwidth
The IC-7600 has three 1st IF filters (roofing filters) in front of the 1st IF amplifier stage. You can select an appropriate filter width from 3kHz, 6kHz and 15kHz filter depending on operating mode. (15kHz fixed for FM mode). The 3kHz 1st IF filter protects the subsequent stage from the influence of nearby strong stations.
Digital IF filter
The IC-7600 incorporates the 'build your own' filter feature. This allows the operator to adjust filter shaping (sharp or soft), filter bandwidth, and centre frequency characteristics, without missing the action. Multiple filter memories store the last used filter settings by used operation mode. This allows the operator to quickly switch filters for constant operating conditions, such as in a contest.
Digital twin PBT
Once the IF filters have been tweaked, the operator has additional control with the digital twin Passband Tuning (PBT). The digital twin PBT allows flexibility of the IF shift and narrowing of the digital IF passband in moving the IF passband. With the digital IF filters, PBT performance allows you to cut away all the interference and noise to hear the actual signal.

Digital manual notch filter
Signals such as heterodynes and AM carriers can be eliminated with automatic notch filter technology, making interference from RF sources such as beat signals and RTTY signals a thing of the past. Additionally, the filter shape of the manual notch can be adjusted in three shapes, with more than 70dB attenuation.
Noise reduction
The 32-bit DSP processing power produces real results by separating a signal component from the noise with the 16-step variable noise reduction. By suppressing the noise components, an outstanding signal-to noise ratio is achieved, providing clear, clean audio in all modes without distortion of the target signal.
Noise blanker
The noise blanker reduces pulse noise such as engine ignition, with the fully adjustable 100 steps noise blanker.
Dualwatch function
The dualwatch function allows you to receive two signals on the same band simultaneously. The main and sub-receivers can be toggled easily as the main and sub-receivers have identical components.
High stability TCXO unit
The IC-7600 provides 0.5ppm frequency stability using a high stability temperature compensate crystal oscillator (0XC to +50XC). This high stability TCXO unit offers stable operation even during RTTY mode or PSK 31 mode operation.
5.8 inch ultra-wide viewing angle TFT display
The IC-7600's display features ultra-wide viewing angle providing excellent colour gradation reproducibility and a high contrast ratio at virtually any viewing angle. This improves the readability of the screen, regardless of installation position. In addition, as the response time is almost constant at all colour gradations, the display provides smooth and natural movement in the spectrum scope. The white LED backlighting offers faster start-up time, stable brightness and relatively longer lifetime.

Spectrum scope
The DSP unit dedicated for the spectrum scope greatly improves dynamic range, response time and frequency accuracy. The spectrum scope of the IC-7600 also uses the digital IF filter incorporated with the DSP unit. The optimum resolution bandwidth is automatically selected according to the sweep bandwidth. In addition, the spectrum scope range can be set independently from the receiving frequency. You can monitor band conditions between the selected sweep edges (Max. 500kHz) in the fixed mode, as well as sweep a selected band width centred on the receiving frequency in the centre mode.

Digital voice memory
The digital voice memory allows you to record incoming signal and replay the audio, a must-have item for DX hunting and contesting. The IC-7600 has dedicated "Rec" and "Play" buttons on the front panel for immediate access. The time-shift playback function allows you to start saving the incoming signal from the immediate preceding 15 seconds before pushing the button (useful for checking a call back). The IC-7600 has a 4 channel transmit memory (max 90 seconds per channel) and 20 channel receive memory (Max 30 seconds per channel, total 200 seconds with 20 channels). In addition, the recorded incoming signal can be saved on a USB flash drive.
Multi-function meter
The multi-function meter allows you to grasp the transmit/receive conditions at a glance. In addition to the signal strength, transmit power level, ALC, compression level and SWR meters, the IC-7600 shows the drain terminal voltage of the final amplifier (Vd), the drain current of the final amplifier (Id) and temperature of PA circuit (TEMP).
RF speech compressor
The digital RF compressor boosts average RF output power, whilst improving signal strength and readability.

RTTY/PSK31 operation with a USB keyboard
By plugging in a USB keyboard, the IC-7600 allows you to start transmitting RTTY and PSK31 modes as well as receiving. The digital twin peak filter reduces interference from other signals between the receiving tones. The tuning indicator helps you to zero in on a signal. In addition, a total of 8 channels of RTTY and PSK transmit memory stores up to 62 characters of often-used messages for each channel.
User programmable band edge beep
You can program the band edge not only according to the amateur radio band plan but also more specific frequencies like contest frequencies, CW operating mode, etc. If you try to operate on the OFF band, the band edge alerts you with a beep sound. You can also set to inhibit the transmission in the OFF band.
Triple band stacking register
The triple band stacking register quickly memorises and calls up the operating frequency and mode for 3 channels on each band. Just push the band key button (ten-key pad), and you can call up the last operating frequency and mode. This function is convenient especially when switching bands during contests, etc.
Built-in memory keyer
A built-in memory keyer provides 4 channels for CW mode and 8 channels each for RTTY and PSK31 modes, capable of storing up to 70 characters for each mode. The memory keyer is useful for sending CQ or exchanging numbers during contests, even during regular operation, it stores your rig name, antenna, etc. When connecting a USB keyboard, memory keyer (including RTTY and PSK memory) can be sent with a Function button on the keyboard.
USB connectors on the front and rear panel
The IC-7600 has USB connectors, one each for the front and rear panel. You can connect a USB keyboard or USB flash drive on the front panel (type A plug) and your PC on the rear panel (type B plug). The IC-7600 can be controlled by a PC through a USB cable using the CIV data format. In addition, modulator and received audio can also be transferred over the USB cable. By using appropriate external software, you can remotely control and operate the IC-7600 from your PC.
*Software is not supplied from Icom at this time.

Microphone equalizer and adjustable transmit bandwidth
The built-in audio equaliser has separate bass and treble adjustments for a total of 121 combinations, so you can adjust the tonal quality of your voice as your want. In addition, the transmit bandwidth is selectable from 100, 200, 300, 500Hz at the low pass edge, and 2500, 2700, 2800, 2900Hz at the high-pass edge, respectively. Three types of high and low combinations can be stored in the memory as favourite settings. With this flexibility of DSP-based waveform shaping, transmit audio quality is adjustable to your preference.
High power final amplifiers
High-power FET transistors, RD100HHF1, are used in the PA unit providing excellent signal quality and low IMD characteristics. With a large heat sink and cooling fans, a reliable 100W with high duty cycle operation is offered during contests or data mode operation.

IC-7600 Additional Features

  • [Antenna line]
  • Two Tx/Rx antenna connectors with automatic antenna selector
  • Rx antenna In/Out connector for receiver antenna or external attenuator
  • [Receiver]
  • General coverage receiver covers from 30kHz to 60MHz
  • (* Some frequency bands are not guaranteed, depending on version)
  • Two types of receiver preamplifiers:
  • Preamp 1- Increases low level signal improving intermodulation characteristics
  • Preamp 2- High gain preamplifier
  • Built-in 3-step RF attenuator (6, 12 and 18dB)
  • [Transmitter]
  • Tx monitor
  • 50 CTCSS tone encoder and decoder
  • VOX capability (Voice operated transmission)
  • All mode power control
  • [CW mode]
  • DSP controlled CW keying waveform shaping
  • Multi-function electronic keyer with adjustable keying speed, dot-dash ratio, paddle polarity and bug keyer
  • CW pitch control from 300Hz to 900Hz
  • Double key jack
  • Full break-in function and semi break-in function
  • [Operation]
  • Digital meter indicates output power, ALC level, SWR, COMP (compression level), Id (drain current of the final amplifier) and Vd (voltage of the final amplifier)
  • Built-in voice synthesiser announces the frequency, mode and S-meter level in English.
  • Set mode function for flexible and speedy setting
  • Memory pad stores up to 5 or 10 operating frequencies
  • Quick split function and frequency lock function
  • Single knob control from RF gain to squelch
  • RIT and delta Tx variable up to 9.999kHz
  • Two clocks to show local and UTC time
  • 1Hz pitch tuning and indication
  • 101 memories with 10-character name
  • Program, memory, select memory and scans
  • Auto tuning step function
  • Adjustable tuning dial tension
  • Dial lock
  • Band edge beep (Can be disabled)
  • AH-4 control circuit
  • Automatic tuning speed for data mode operation
  • CI-V interface with optional CT-17
  • Screen saver function

Trans Atlantic Balloon Communications Flight Sponsored by LAMCO UK & Icom UK.

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