Disappointment with the new Icom IC-7760 unveiled this Saturday

This Saturday, at the "Tokyo Ham Fair" in Japan, Icom unveiled its new IC-7760 transceiver, a device that had generated high expectations among amateur radio enthusiasts since its announcement. Many hoped it would be a bestseller like the IC-7300, known for its combination of good features and affordable price. However, the presentation of the IC-7760 has left many users deeply disappointed.

The device was developed based on the Icom 7610 platform, to which larger transistors were added to allow a 200 W output power. It also features a large internal power supply necessary to support the device's 40-amp consumption. The transceiver has a closed-box design similar to Flex radios and includes an external console, following the same approach as the Flex and the Maestro.

The new equipment, which aimed to position itself as a direct contender in the high-end transceiver market, has been met with criticism for its design and apparent attempt to compete with Flex transceivers, known for their focus on remote operation and "shoe box" designs. Enthusiasts who expected an innovative design at an accessible price instead found a device that, in the words of one user, "looks more like a shoe box than a radio station," leading to a wave of negative comments on social media and specialized forums.

The IC-7760 features a modular design that includes a separate control head and an RF unit, connected via a LAN cable. Although this configuration offers flexibility in installation, many consider it sacrifices aesthetics and functionality in a device that may not justify its high market price. Additionally, the IC-7760 includes advanced features such as a direct RF sampling system, dual independent receivers, and a 200 W output with digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology, but these technical improvements do not seem to outweigh the criticism.

The device also incorporates a robust internal power supply capable of delivering up to 40 amps, which is seen as a power advantage but adds bulk and weight to the device, reinforcing the negative perception of its design.

Among the criticisms, one of the most notable comments was, "For a shoe box, I'd rather buy a low-cost Hermes Lite," referring to a low-priced transceiver that, according to some users, could offer similar performance without the high cost and questionable design of the IC-7760.

Despite technological innovations such as remote operation without the need for a PC and an integrated antenna tuner, many feel that the IC-7760 does not meet the expectations of those who were hoping for a worthy successor to the IC-7300. In comparison, competitor brands like Yaesu might be celebrating, as this new release does not seem to represent a significant threat in the market.

In summary, the Icom IC-7760 comes with an interesting set of technical features, but its design and price have generated a cold reception among amateur radio enthusiasts, leaving Icom with a significant challenge ahead to convince users of the advantages of its new transceiver.

IC-7760 Technical Specifications

RX Antenna

• BNC type RX IN/OUT connectors for a receiver antenna or external BPF/preamplifier connection.

CW Mode

• FPGA-controlled CW keying waveform shaping.
• Multi-function electronic keyer.
• CW pitch control from 300 Hz to 900 Hz (in 5 kHz steps).
• Auto repeat function.
• Normal or short Morse number style.
• Double key jack system.
• Full break-in and semi break-in operation.
• CW auto-tuning.
• APF (Audio Peak Filter) function with adjustable filter shape, width, and AF level.
• 136 kHz band operation (EUR version only).

Receiver

• 30 kHz to 60 MHz reception (Some frequencies are not guaranteed).
• Two types of preamps:
  • Preamp 1: Improves intermodulation.
  • Preamp 2: High gain preamplifier.
• 3 dB to 45 dB variable attenuator (in 3 dB steps).
• IP+ function that improves third-order intercept point performance.
• Main/Sub band tracking function for diversity reception.
• Twin peak audio filter for RTTY mode.
• RTTY/PSK encoder and decoder.
• Adjustable AGC time constant from 0.1 to 6 seconds (FM mode is fixed).

Transmitter

• TX monitor function.
• All mode power control.
• Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) capability.
• BNC type transverter connector.
• Microphone equalizer.
• Adjustable transmit bandwidth.
• 50 CTCSS tones.
• Transmit Power Limit function for each band.

Operation

• Memo pad that stores up to 10 operating frequencies and modes.
• Quick split function.
• Quick Dualwatch function.
• RF gain and squelch control with a knob.
• RIT and ?TX variable up to 9.999 kHz.
• UTC/local clock and timer function.
• 1 Hz pitch tuning and display.
• Dial lock function.
• Adjustable main dial brake.
• External speaker jacks for Main and Sub receivers.
• Screen saver function.
• Multi-function meter (S-meter, Power, ALC, COMP, SWR, Id, Vd, and TEMP).
• Auto tuning step function.
• AH-730 external antenna tuner control (When the AH-730 is connected, the output power of the specified antenna terminal is automatically set to 100 W or less).
• MAIN/SUB AF mute.
• Adjustable LCD/LED backlight.
• USB port for optional RC-28, keyboard, mouse, and USB flash drive connection.