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
