Have you ever heard back from Icom about the drive issue you had on the first IC-7610? Interestingly Rob Sherwood's main radio is the Kenwood TS-990, which doesn't score at the top of his own ratings. It's more about the ergonomics or the radio, and what's personally important to the individual operator.
Wrong, Robs TS-990 was struck by lightning a long time ago. With the insurance payout, he bought an Icom IC-7300 which he used as his main radio for the past year and a half - he used it in all the contests the past 18 months. He bought the IC-7610 in December last month, which he is now using, but he still has the IC-7300.
Yes, but it's interesting to note that when Robs TS-990 got struck by lightning that he didn't replace it with another TS-990, but chose to move over to Icoms direct sampling rigs. The TS-990 is a lot of radio for the money, but I think it's a pity Kenwood chose to go the analogue route when they built the TS-990. It would be one heck of a radio if it was direct sampling. I would certainly have bought one if they had, and they would have been miles ahead of Icom if they did - it would be a much better rig than the new IC-7610, as it's packed with way more features. I come from owning 3 Flex rigs, and to move to a rig that had a spectrum scope that was not real time would be like watching a video with a frame rate of 1 or 2 frames per second compared to watching a video with a frame rate of 60 frames per second. The earlier band scopes in the IC-756 PRO had a ridiculously slow sampling of the spectrum - you could watch the rig scanning the spectrum and dumping the results onto the screen. The TS-990 is faster at scanning and sampling the band than these earlier rigs, but it is still very slow and horrible to look at when you come from direct sampling rigs where the spectrum scope and waterfall is buttery smooth and high resolution. Sadly this is a hardware problem with the TS-990, so the only way for Kenwood to catch up, would be for them to bring out a new model with direct sampling, and we know how slow Kenwood are to bring out new models, so this is not likely to happen for many years. I certainly hope I'm wrong, as they make solid rigs.
The spectrum scope on the Yaesu line is painful to watch as well, although the FT-991A is an improvement, but still nowhere close to the real-time spectrum display of a SDR radio.
I had to chime in. OK, I'm decadent- I have both...and my observations are: Neither my Flex 6300 or TS-990s sound as clean and clear on RX as the 7610. The Flex takes Real adjustment to make a good SSB signal. The 7610 sounds real clean and darn good on SSB TX. The 990s TX sounds magnificent and has 200 watts. the scope is 3X as good on the 7610 as the 990s. The Flex scope is better than the 7610. The Flex is a radio lab in a box. The 7610 has trouble being heard on SSB. Why? It's so clean and mellow. That means you don't get through any pile-up. The 990s gets the catch every time. Neither of these rigs are a good value. The Flex is the best value in the lot. So, each has it's strength. There is no perfect radio.
Oh boy. I got the linear amp, the antenna tuner and the meters. Now I had to order a 7610!!! 😁 Ok, the external speakers is still missing (although already know which one to buy) in the meanwhile I use a Heil Pro 7 Headset. At the moment I´m working with a 7300 and still glad I bought it. What I want is the capability to pull out a really weak signal, between stronger ones. My 7610 is coming next week. Looking forward to find out how good the audio, filters etc. really are.
Simply put, we were 'new to youtube' when this video was made. Please let me know if it isn't useful anymore, and I can 'take it down' as such. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
No other radios have failed to my knowledge :). Mine is still under analysis by the Icom Quality Control / Engineering team; I have informed them I am happy with the loan unit whilst they undertake such a review :)
Hi Jarrad, Very nice video. I have the 7300 and thinking about the 7610. I was wondering what brand and model of speakers you have on your top shelf? Thanks and 73
They’re KRK Rokit 5 G2 powered studio monitors :). They’re fed with balanced TRS or XLR, which keeps out all the RF. We hope to have all the radios running thru them shortly; at the moment we are using a Yaesu SP-2000, which has been modified to include damping material; aka pillow stuffing. It helps reduce resonance. We really like the analogue filters in the Yaesu, so it will be missed. :)
Maybe OT, but since you brought it up, I agree on the HPSDR platform to be more addressed to experimenters, given the unique set of features, instead, this does not prevent at all its hard-core use in what ever critical DX situation, actually, diversity will enhance low band reception (given the appropriate spaced receiving antennas), separate RX for split operation with even better view on individual pileup signals, allowing a sight tuning on picked up stations. As to the 30 minutes to start it up, this might to be done once, after which is as fast as your PC booting time. 73 Clay
Point taken about the ANAN 100D being somewhat of an experimenter's radio. Two questions though, do you find yourself missing any of the features the ANAN radios offer (like pre-distortion, diversity phasing control)? Also, when you were able to get the ANAN sounding like the 7610, was that just a one-time task or specific to a particular QSO, point-in-time?
I just watched your last two videos - very interesting - Thank you. I noticed you have a IC-7100 in the middle of your desk. What are your thoughts on that radio. I'm a new HAM and have not made my first shack purchase and am looking for some guidance.
I think its a fantastic radio - very versatile! A few Hams have asked about it so I will try and cover it soon. I use it mainly in the ‘horizontal shack’ and for 2M & 70CM SSB Work. Can’t go wrong with one :)
The dual receivers in the IC-7610 are a unique treat, but we agree budget has to come into it. We also await the IC-9700 with great interest and hope it is fairly priced for a ‘small box’ radio. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
It appears to me the IC-7300 is a much better value (although admittedly, I have never touched one), but for my operating (mostly DXing and some S&P contest work), I am glad I waited for the IC-7610. Jarrad shows you some of the reasons why here. This video is a great compliment to your "5 Ways the IC 7300 is BETTER than the IC 7610" video. Thank you for posting it. 73! de WX0V
Just like a toyota is much better value than a horse and cart, a lexus is nicer again :). The IC-7300 is very well placed in a modest shack; there is simply no challenger for that space. But as a shack grows, the time comes to upgrade to something with dual receivers, and thats where the IC-7610 shines. No other modern knobbed radio on the market today in its price class comes close to its refinement and technical abilities.
I’m in the frame for the ICOM and reviews like this help. Waffle away lad, I bet you hold a great natter on the air and when I’m set up maybe I’ll catch you, hopefully, and we can solve the problems of the universe 😊. I like ICOM … I just do,,, ??? Must be Jungian hihihi. There are things that could be tweaked as you say, the notch filter is one that you and others have pointed out. I’ve just come back to radio after a massive absence and guys like you are part of my re education. BTW just as an info, I follow everyone using the transcript on the video,,, it really didn’t like your accent…hahaha, thing is, it would bust if it tried to translate mine 😮. Thanks for the review… mind how you go. g0uvl 73.
Hi Jarrad...well done, but more radio action!!! Shoot the screen when you hear the Tassie station and you are talking about comparing antennas. Talking heads is a good band but a boring video ;) Oh, and if you do shoot the screen...please patch in the radio's audio rather than hanging mic near the speaker...73 de Rod, VK5KFB.
Dear Rod, We totally agree! :). We've actually gotten a bunch of audio patching gear and mixes, but given the video was recorded around the Christmas season we just didn't have time to get them all going :) We're just getting the chance now - expect our videos and audio to improve greatly over the next few months :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL & The Rate My Radio Team :)
Plenty, I once bought a $1000 computer to mine 10 bitcoins, then sold them for $30 each. Now they're worth $20,000 USD. But clearly, I can keep the tears back :)
I have sold IC 7700 and I want to buy IC 7610, but I still think if I buy. I see there are more discontented owners of IC 7610. I'm waiting. Maybe I'm wrong. Now I use IC 7300. It's good this small.TNX.YO8TK
Being patient on this shows you're a wise man. In time, the bugs will get worked out, and the price will drop. You'll pay *less* for a *better* product! In the meantime, enjoy the videos that Jarrad is producing. 73! de WX0V
Laughs, I don't think there are any left in VK at the moment, so I could easily move It on for top dollar if that were the case :). We like to think the 'warts and all' approach shows commitment to impartial journalism :)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #30 ДВА В ОДНОМ [Один человек]• Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nrXy15orKhY/mqdefault.jpg)
Have you ever heard back from Icom about the drive issue you had on the first IC-7610? Interestingly Rob Sherwood's main radio is the Kenwood TS-990, which doesn't score at the top of his own ratings. It's more about the ergonomics or the radio, and what's personally important to the individual operator.
Wrong, Robs TS-990 was struck by lightning a long time ago. With the insurance payout, he bought an Icom IC-7300 which he used as his main radio for the past year and a half - he used it in all the contests the past 18 months. He bought the IC-7610 in December last month, which he is now using, but he still has the IC-7300.
Well technically it's not wrong, as he did use one as his main radio for a long time.
Yes, but it's interesting to note that when Robs TS-990 got struck by lightning that he didn't replace it with another TS-990, but chose to move over to Icoms direct sampling rigs. The TS-990 is a lot of radio for the money, but I think it's a pity Kenwood chose to go the analogue route when they built the TS-990. It would be one heck of a radio if it was direct sampling. I would certainly have bought one if they had, and they would have been miles ahead of Icom if they did - it would be a much better rig than the new IC-7610, as it's packed with way more features. I come from owning 3 Flex rigs, and to move to a rig that had a spectrum scope that was not real time would be like watching a video with a frame rate of 1 or 2 frames per second compared to watching a video with a frame rate of 60 frames per second. The earlier band scopes in the IC-756 PRO had a ridiculously slow sampling of the spectrum - you could watch the rig scanning the spectrum and dumping the results onto the screen. The TS-990 is faster at scanning and sampling the band than these earlier rigs, but it is still very slow and horrible to look at when you come from direct sampling rigs where the spectrum scope and waterfall is buttery smooth and high resolution. Sadly this is a hardware problem with the TS-990, so the only way for Kenwood to catch up, would be for them to bring out a new model with direct sampling, and we know how slow Kenwood are to bring out new models, so this is not likely to happen for many years. I certainly hope I'm wrong, as they make solid rigs.
The spectrum scope on the Yaesu line is painful to watch as well, although the FT-991A is an improvement, but still nowhere close to the real-time spectrum display of a SDR radio.
I had to chime in. OK, I'm decadent- I have both...and my observations are: Neither my Flex 6300 or TS-990s sound as clean and clear on RX as the 7610. The Flex takes Real adjustment to make a good SSB signal. The 7610 sounds real clean and darn good on SSB TX. The 990s TX sounds magnificent and has 200 watts. the scope is 3X as good on the 7610 as the 990s. The Flex scope is better than the 7610. The Flex is a radio lab in a box. The 7610 has trouble being heard on SSB. Why? It's so clean and mellow. That means you don't get through any pile-up. The 990s gets the catch every time. Neither of these rigs are a good value. The Flex is the best value in the lot. So, each has it's strength. There is no perfect radio.
Oh boy. I got the linear amp, the antenna tuner and the meters.
Now I had to order a 7610!!! 😁
Ok, the external speakers is still missing (although already know which one to buy) in the meanwhile I use a Heil Pro 7 Headset.
At the moment I´m working with a 7300 and still glad I bought it.
What I want is the capability to pull out a really weak signal, between stronger ones.
My 7610 is coming next week. Looking forward to find out how good the audio, filters etc. really are.
Why didn’t you connect the radio to the external monitor so as to have us see what you were talking about?
Simply put, we were 'new to youtube' when this video was made. Please let me know if it isn't useful anymore, and I can 'take it down' as such. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
Hi Jarred, is your radio back? Have you heard of any other IC-7610's failing like yours did? Thanks for the vids. Great radio!
No other radios have failed to my knowledge :). Mine is still under analysis by the Icom Quality Control / Engineering team; I have informed them I am happy with the loan unit whilst they undertake such a review :)
Hi Jarrad, Very nice video. I have the 7300 and thinking about the 7610. I was wondering what brand and model of speakers you have on your top shelf? Thanks and 73
They’re KRK Rokit 5 G2 powered studio monitors :). They’re fed with balanced TRS or XLR, which keeps out all the RF. We hope to have all the radios running thru them shortly; at the moment we are using a Yaesu SP-2000, which has been modified to include damping material; aka pillow stuffing. It helps reduce resonance. We really like the analogue filters in the Yaesu, so it will be missed. :)
Jarrad, thank you for taking the time to answer my question and for the additional information. I'm going to look into all of that. 73 Vern
Thanks for the video Jad and I think you will miss the 7300 but I,m sure the 7610 will keep you entertained, keep the vids coming mate.
Maybe OT, but since you brought it up, I agree on the HPSDR platform to be more addressed to experimenters, given the unique set of features, instead, this does not prevent at all its hard-core use in what ever critical DX situation, actually, diversity will enhance low band reception (given the appropriate spaced receiving antennas), separate RX for split operation with even better view on individual pileup signals, allowing a sight tuning on picked up stations. As to the 30 minutes to start it up, this might to be done once, after which is as fast as your PC booting time.
73 Clay
Its just that I'm not really a 'computer radio guy'. My fine motor skills suck to be honest, so precise motor skills i.e. mouse usage is not my forte.
Point taken about the ANAN 100D being somewhat of an experimenter's radio. Two questions though, do you find yourself missing any of the features the ANAN radios offer (like pre-distortion, diversity phasing control)? Also, when you were able to get the ANAN sounding like the 7610, was that just a one-time task or specific to a particular QSO, point-in-time?
I just watched your last two videos - very interesting - Thank you. I noticed you have a IC-7100 in the middle of your desk. What are your thoughts on that radio. I'm a new HAM and have not made my first shack purchase and am looking for some guidance.
I think its a fantastic radio - very versatile! A few Hams have asked about it so I will try and cover it soon. I use it mainly in the ‘horizontal shack’ and for 2M & 70CM SSB Work. Can’t go wrong with one :)
Keep the video up :) Thank you.
I not upgrading for 7300 to 7610... we c about 9700 will have more bands .. for same radio in bugger box with over 3k price tag? No thanks
The dual receivers in the IC-7610 are a unique treat, but we agree budget has to come into it. We also await the IC-9700 with great interest and hope it is fairly priced for a ‘small box’ radio. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)
It appears to me the IC-7300 is a much better value (although admittedly, I have never touched one), but for my operating (mostly DXing and some S&P contest work), I am glad I waited for the IC-7610. Jarrad shows you some of the reasons why here. This video is a great compliment to your "5 Ways the IC 7300 is BETTER than the IC 7610" video. Thank you for posting it. 73! de WX0V
Just like a toyota is much better value than a horse and cart, a lexus is nicer again :). The IC-7300 is very well placed in a modest shack; there is simply no challenger for that space. But as a shack grows, the time comes to upgrade to something with dual receivers, and thats where the IC-7610 shines. No other modern knobbed radio on the market today in its price class comes close to its refinement and technical abilities.
Well done and thanks.
I’m in the frame for the ICOM and reviews like this help. Waffle away lad, I bet you hold a great natter on the air and when I’m set up maybe I’ll catch you, hopefully, and we can solve the problems of the universe 😊. I like ICOM … I just do,,, ??? Must be Jungian hihihi.
There are things that could be tweaked as you say, the notch filter is one that you and others have pointed out. I’ve just come back to radio after a massive absence and guys like you are part of my re education. BTW just as an info, I follow everyone using the transcript on the video,,, it really didn’t like your accent…hahaha, thing is, it would bust if it tried to translate mine 😮.
Thanks for the review… mind how you go.
g0uvl 73.
KC1JQX I just purchased a icom 7610 should be here Friday I only have a dipole Antenna I made up so far
Hi Jarrad...well done, but more radio action!!! Shoot the screen when you hear the Tassie station and you are talking about comparing antennas. Talking heads is a good band but a boring video ;) Oh, and if you do shoot the screen...please patch in the radio's audio rather than hanging mic near the speaker...73 de Rod, VK5KFB.
Dear Rod,
We totally agree! :). We've actually gotten a bunch of audio patching gear and mixes, but given the video was recorded around the Christmas season we just didn't have time to get them all going :) We're just getting the chance now - expect our videos and audio to improve greatly over the next few months :)
73, Jarrad VK3BL & The Rate My Radio Team :)
You seem upset. Why? Did not you make a good purchase ???
Plenty, I once bought a $1000 computer to mine 10 bitcoins, then sold them for $30 each. Now they're worth $20,000 USD. But clearly, I can keep the tears back :)
I have sold IC 7700 and I want to buy IC 7610, but I still think if I buy.
I see there are more discontented owners of IC 7610.
I'm waiting.
Maybe I'm wrong.
Now I use IC 7300. It's good this small.TNX.YO8TK
Being patient on this shows you're a wise man. In time, the bugs will get worked out, and the price will drop. You'll pay *less* for a *better* product! In the meantime, enjoy the videos that Jarrad is producing. 73! de WX0V
Just seems like you have desperate buyer remorse and are trying to justify the expense.
Laughs, I don't think there are any left in VK at the moment, so I could easily move It on for top dollar if that were the case :). We like to think the 'warts and all' approach shows commitment to impartial journalism :)
Bad modulation, so digitalised...
Why do you say that? The DAC is more than capable of surpassing the Nyquist Limit.