I first heard that "hollow, blowing across the top of a soda pop bottle" sound on my Dad's IC-7000, many years ago, and I can usually identify those same audio characteristics during my frequent Wyoming Contesting and POTA activation Pile-Ups 99% of the time. It ALWAYS is a ICOM IC-7000 set on "narrow", and after the other Op says "How did you know I was using a 7000? ", I have them get off of "narrow" and then compliment them on now having crisp and articulate audio. Works every time! 😂😂😂
Despite the “narrow” TBW setting having that anomaly it’s very effective and doesn’t hinder the effectiveness of narrow DX audio. It isn’t glamorous like any narrow DX audio but it does make an advantages difference. So yes, I’ve seen and done the same as you every time. 😂 Funny, the IC7000 sounds great in the “wide” TBW setting with the right mic and settings etc with out that hollow sound being detected, but between older hams practically deaf and most who FAIL to use or understand HOW and WHEN to use their own receive filters prevents the receiving station from enjoying the quality of sound the IC7000 can produce. With these modern rigs you can take anyone’s audio and make it effective to your own needs. What do we need receive filters today for if we don’t know how to use them? 😂
It depends so my much on your flavor, can afford, and needs. I have it on the bench because it's an ICOM and for VHF/UHF weak signal. To answer first, I've had four of them over the years and never had any problem with neither of them. Second, I love the display and wide range of capability. If my IC-7600 went bad I know the IC-7000 is a second fine receiver I'd be happy with. It's also the radio of choice if I had to grab and go mobile no other mobile could beat. 73!
Thanks for your comments and question. The AB5N modification is absolutely a wise and good decision for your HM-151 stock microphone. I feel the modification is worth having if you've decided to use the stock mic and non other. With the transmit filters you can get any microphone to sound great if not better than the HM-151. Your decision to buy a ICOM 7000 is a wiser decision over a FT-897 or any other. You'll love it! I will make more vids on how too use each feature. 73!
I just acquired one of these. It still does not fully function. But, I have the schematic and service manual. I traded it for a completely dead Yaesu FT-991a. It has a lot more wrong with it than the Icom IC-7000. The guy I traded it for needed the screen and I got the IC-7000. It already turns on and receives. I should be able to fetch a fair sum after I am done repairing it.
Just got a 7000....first new rig in a long long time for me....been a ham for over 50 years now and these new rigs scare the hell out of me with all the gadgets on them....but I took the chance of getting this recommended by my ham friends....I am a CW guy, and do you have any input review for CW mode on this thing?....(good or bad) :) ...nice video de K8ESE Harold.....thanks 73
looking to get the 7000 as my 1st radio? think it wise? like that it has all the FREQS, the graphics are great. going to use as a base station. heard there are overheating issues. have you had any?
The transmit bandwidth CHANGING when engaging the compressor is not a flaw it's a design feature that allows the user to have different TBW settings for compressor or non compressor operation. You only need to be 10 percent smarter than the equipment you're using and in this case all you need to do is select the TBW setting you want to use when using the compressor and then again for when your not using the compressor. I don't understand why people insist of fooling around with the TBW settings attempting to use them as some sort of mic EQ when that's not what the setting is intended for. The wide setting should be used for 99.99 percent of operations as very few circumstances require using the mid or narrow settings. Narrowing the occupied TX bandwidth using eth TBW settings without using a matching mic element is what cause's the perceived poor audio quality. The Microphone that comes with the IC7000 is designed to use the wide filter end of story. if you're a contester who wants to use a narrow bandwidth filter while contesting then your going to have to invest in a matching microphone element like the HC5
Let's start with your first comment Dan. I figured the TBW was designed that way and I utilize it they way it was intended often depending on band conditions. As far as ICOM's menu it is designedto be idiot proof and yet many have a hard time with it. Talk about only needing 10 percent brain power to understand what seems obvious let me help you understand why people need to play with the TBW option. ICOM designed it so you can play with it while using the stock mic or any other. Another thing you don't understand is that the TBW is a EQ with limited frequency response range, but indeed changes the quality of audio as needed. Trick is finding what works best for you. As I mentioned I agree the Narrow TBW setting is least desirable. In my case I find the Mid range the most desirable with proper "EQ" setting as instructed in my video. Which brings me to my next point in case to make you understand is that just adjusting the EQ in each TBW mode is crucial because it's "Not" set properly for each setting from factory. I'm thinking now if you even owned an IC-7K you would know that, but if you don't own one why comment? I can think of better mic's than an HC-5, or even PR30 for a IC-7K.
N2RRAny Good afternoon and thanks for taking teh time to respond to my comment. While its possible to use the TBW setting as a simple EQ it's not its intended purpose. The intended purpose of the TBW is to reduce QRM by narrowing the occupied transmitted bandwidth during crowded band such as during contesting. It works for both TX and RX you can increase the signal to noise ratio by matching your RX bandwidth to the other stations transmitted bandwidth, For example If one station is transmitting at 1.9khz occupied bandwidth and the other is receiving at 3khz then there wont be nearly as much improvement in SN ratio as if both stations were using 1.9 khz filtering. BTW I own an IC-7000, a Pro-3 and a 7800 I don't use any expensive audio gear in fact I use a simple computer headset with all of them and yet I get unsolicited complements on my audio. Every time I get on the air I have other stations complement my audio telling me that I have "broadcast quality audio" whats funny is they seem disappointed when I tell them I'm using nothing more than a cheap computer headset I found at Goodwill and not $1000's of dollars worth of HEIL and W2IHY gear. Unfortunately as time marches on It's becoming more difficult to differentiate between CBr's and their golden screwdrivers and ham radio operators and their need to play with settings they don't understand once again proving how quickly ham radio is dumbing down. This is supposed to be a hobby based solidly on science and engineering and not subjective personal opinion. I agree that the manual is well written and simple yet there is no shortage of hams on eham complaining about it once again demonstrating the dumbing down of ham radio. Another example of the dumbing down of ham radio is all the hams complaining about how hot the IC7000 gets. Once again this is a hobby based on science and engineering. I've actually pulled up datasheets on many of the components used in the IC7000 and I've taken direct temperature measurements and the rig is operating well within the temperature specification for those components. The fact is the IC7000 doesn't operate any hotter then any other consumer electronics device utilizing LCD's that I've tested. I have 15 year old LCD monitors which operate much hotter dispelling the myth that the IC7000 runs too hot. When it comes to modern Solid State devices if you lack the expertise to read data sheets and take measurements then the general rule of thumb is that if you can place your hand on the device for at least 10 seconds without having to pull it away then its not running too hot. Once again this hobby is supposed to be based on science and engineering and not subjective personal opinion and I have yet to see anyone back up the claim that the IC7000 runs too hot with anything other than subjective personal opinion. Oh BTW I also own an FT857D and think it's also a great little rig. While the FT857 lacks the IF DSP and filter customization of the 7000 it does have a much more complex menu system loaded with a lot more features. For example transmit and receive SSB intercept audio points as well as digital VOX, digital gain not to mention dedicated customization digital modes separate from the normal USB and LSB settings. By comparison the IC7000 is a very basic rig with a colorful display and very basic features using a simple and easy to navigate menu structure. Personally I love the way the menu system of the 7000 is laid out, it's very intuitive and very easy to use Anyhow nice job on the video and explanation, I'm sure its helped a lot of IC7000 users. 73 and good DX
Many great points made and agree with both the technical aspect and unfortunate deterioration of the hobby. That being said my goal is to help them understand by starting with the basics and that's navigating through their menus and helping them understand what this particular features does. Don't remember pointing out the purpose of reducing interference through adjusting your TBW and its relation to frequency band width in the video, but used references to which why their getting poor audio reports and how to get to the feature to adjust. Even though your point made as to the main purpose of the TBW feature is accurate the goal is to educate also why they should make these adjustments and stop the inaccurate reports pertaining to the rig. During contests operators don't use the TBW out of courteous operating procedures to reduce QRM. It's adjusted to reduce the lower frequency response so that it helps cut through QRM due to weak propagation and other stations who do not have the luxury of additional receive filters. Not to mention not having the luxary of purchasing more than one microphone to suit their operating needs to produce various qualities in their audio to please both party's, or choice of what their wanna sound like. I own two IC7000's currently and have owned a third and never has the heat been an issue for me let alone anything else. As for recieve IF DSP adjustments, power output and various other adjustments can also be made by going into the radios hidden menu. Owning a copy of the service manual helps as well. On the IC-7K I'm using an ICOM SM8 desk mic and along with my adjustments and. It the factory's adjustment once it was one I don't normally touch it, but I have the option to do so when and if. Thanks for watching the video and adding your comments. 73!
Sorry OM this is perhaps the most confusing video I have ever seen. To much talking and never getting to the point. Do a video and just tell us the settings to use.
Kevin Elliott - then people will have questions and you wouldn't be able to explain why certain settings are being instructed for particular modes when manual doesn't specify to use them. Everyone else seemed to have no problem. Ever think the problem is your comprehension level OM? Just saying, but thank you for watching and commenting. 73
I first heard that "hollow, blowing across the top of a soda pop bottle" sound on my Dad's IC-7000, many years ago, and I can usually identify those same audio characteristics during my frequent Wyoming Contesting and POTA activation Pile-Ups 99% of the time. It ALWAYS is a ICOM IC-7000 set on "narrow", and after the other Op says "How did you know I was using a 7000? ", I have them get off of "narrow" and then compliment them on now having crisp and articulate audio. Works every time! 😂😂😂
Despite the “narrow” TBW setting having that anomaly it’s very effective and doesn’t hinder the effectiveness of narrow DX audio. It isn’t glamorous like any narrow DX audio but it does make an advantages difference.
So yes, I’ve seen and done the same as you every time. 😂
Funny, the IC7000 sounds great in the “wide” TBW setting with the right mic and settings etc with out that hollow sound being detected, but between older hams practically deaf and most who FAIL to use or understand HOW and WHEN to use their own receive filters prevents the receiving station from enjoying the quality of sound the IC7000 can produce. With these modern rigs you can take anyone’s audio and make it effective to your own needs. What do we need receive filters today for if we don’t know how to use them? 😂
Thank you for this video. 👍
I’m glad it was helpful. 73
Always liked the display on the 7000. K2STS
It depends so my much on your flavor, can afford, and needs. I have it on the bench because it's an ICOM and for VHF/UHF weak signal.
To answer first, I've had four of them over the years and never had any problem with neither of them. Second, I love the display and wide range of capability. If my IC-7600 went bad I know the IC-7000 is a second fine receiver I'd be happy with. It's also the radio of choice if I had to grab and go mobile no other mobile could beat. 73!
Thanks for your comments and question. The AB5N modification is absolutely a wise and good decision for your HM-151 stock microphone. I feel the modification is worth having if you've decided to use the stock mic and non other. With the transmit filters you can get any microphone to sound great if not better than the HM-151. Your decision to buy a ICOM 7000 is a wiser decision over a FT-897 or any other. You'll love it! I will make more vids on how too use each feature. 73!
I just acquired one of these. It still does not fully function. But, I have the schematic and service manual. I traded it for a completely dead Yaesu FT-991a. It has a lot more wrong with it than the Icom IC-7000. The guy I traded it for needed the screen and I got the IC-7000. It already turns on and receives. I should be able to fetch a fair sum after I am done repairing it.
@William849 - BTW! In some cases the AB5N is not needed. I would run through these adjustments first and experiment.
Just got a 7000....first new rig in a long long time for me....been a ham for over 50 years now and these new rigs scare the hell out of me with all the gadgets on them....but I took the chance of getting this recommended by my ham friends....I am a CW guy, and do you have any input review for CW mode on this thing?....(good or bad) :) ...nice video de K8ESE Harold.....thanks 73
looking to get the 7000 as my 1st radio? think it wise? like that it has all the FREQS, the graphics are great. going to use as a base station. heard there are overheating issues. have you had any?
@Conor Turton - not long at all. For me the radio had been user friendly.
Thanks and your welcome.
How long has it taken you to find all these little quirks with the settings?
@oklagos - Gracias!!
Thank you.
Noooooo problem. Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy the rest. 73
The transmit bandwidth CHANGING when engaging the compressor is not a flaw it's a design feature that allows the user to have different TBW settings for compressor or non compressor operation. You only need to be 10 percent smarter than the equipment you're using and in this case all you need to do is select the TBW setting you want to use when using the compressor and then again for when your not using the compressor.
I don't understand why people insist of fooling around with the TBW settings attempting to use them as some sort of mic EQ when that's not what the setting is intended for. The wide setting should be used for 99.99 percent of operations as very few circumstances require using the mid or narrow settings.
Narrowing the occupied TX bandwidth using eth TBW settings without using a matching mic element is what cause's the perceived poor audio quality. The Microphone that comes with the IC7000 is designed to use the wide filter end of story. if you're a contester who wants to use a narrow bandwidth filter while contesting then your going to have to invest in a matching microphone element like the HC5
Let's start with your first comment Dan.
I figured the TBW was designed that way and I utilize it they way it was intended often depending on band conditions. As far as ICOM's menu it is designedto be idiot proof and yet many have a hard time with it. Talk about only needing 10 percent brain power to understand what seems obvious let me help you understand why people need to play with the TBW option. ICOM designed it so you can play with it while using the stock mic or any other. Another thing you don't understand is that the TBW is a EQ with limited frequency response range, but indeed changes the quality of audio as needed. Trick is finding what works best for you. As I mentioned I agree the Narrow TBW setting is least desirable. In my case I find the Mid range the most desirable with proper "EQ" setting as instructed in my video. Which brings me to my next point in case to make you understand is that just adjusting the EQ in each TBW mode is crucial because it's "Not" set properly for each setting from factory. I'm thinking now if you even owned an IC-7K you would know that, but if you don't own one why comment?
I can think of better mic's than an HC-5, or even PR30 for a IC-7K.
N2RRAny
Good afternoon and thanks for taking teh time to respond to my comment.
While its possible to use the TBW setting as a simple EQ it's not its intended purpose. The intended purpose of the TBW is to reduce QRM by narrowing the occupied transmitted bandwidth during crowded band such as during contesting. It works for both TX and RX you can increase the signal to noise ratio by matching your RX bandwidth to the other stations transmitted bandwidth, For example If one station is transmitting at 1.9khz occupied bandwidth and the other is receiving at 3khz then there wont be nearly as much improvement in SN ratio as if both stations were using 1.9 khz filtering.
BTW I own an IC-7000, a Pro-3 and a 7800 I don't use any expensive audio gear in fact I use a simple computer headset with all of them and yet I get unsolicited complements on my audio. Every time I get on the air I have other stations complement my audio telling me that I have "broadcast quality audio" whats funny is they seem disappointed when I tell them I'm using nothing more than a cheap computer headset I found at Goodwill and not $1000's of dollars worth of HEIL and W2IHY gear.
Unfortunately as time marches on It's becoming more difficult to differentiate between CBr's and their golden screwdrivers and ham radio operators and their need to play with settings they don't understand once again proving how quickly ham radio is dumbing down. This is supposed to be a hobby based solidly on science and engineering and not subjective personal opinion.
I agree that the manual is well written and simple yet there is no shortage of hams on eham complaining about it once again demonstrating the dumbing down of ham radio. Another example of the dumbing down of ham radio is all the hams complaining about how hot the IC7000 gets.
Once again this is a hobby based on science and engineering. I've actually pulled up datasheets on many of the components used in the IC7000 and I've taken direct temperature measurements and the rig is operating well within the temperature specification for those components. The fact is the IC7000 doesn't operate any hotter then any other consumer electronics device utilizing LCD's that I've tested. I have 15 year old LCD monitors which operate much hotter dispelling the myth that the IC7000 runs too hot. When it comes to modern Solid State devices if you lack the expertise to read data sheets and take measurements then the general rule of thumb is that if you can place your hand on the device for at least 10 seconds without having to pull it away then its not running too hot.
Once again this hobby is supposed to be based on science and engineering and not subjective personal opinion and I have yet to see anyone back up the claim that the IC7000 runs too hot with anything other than subjective personal opinion.
Oh BTW I also own an FT857D and think it's also a great little rig. While the FT857 lacks the IF DSP and filter customization of the 7000 it does have a much more complex menu system loaded with a lot more features.
For example transmit and receive SSB intercept audio points as well as digital VOX, digital gain not to mention dedicated customization digital modes separate from the normal USB and LSB settings. By comparison the IC7000 is a very basic rig with a colorful display and very basic features using a simple and easy to navigate menu structure.
Personally I love the way the menu system of the 7000 is laid out, it's very intuitive and very easy to use
Anyhow nice job on the video and explanation, I'm sure its helped a lot of IC7000 users.
73 and good DX
Many great points made and agree with both the technical aspect and unfortunate deterioration of the hobby. That being said my goal is to help them understand by starting with the basics and that's navigating through their menus and helping them understand what this particular features does. Don't remember pointing out the purpose of reducing interference through adjusting your TBW and its relation to frequency band width in the video, but used references to which why their getting poor audio reports and how to get to the feature to adjust. Even though your point made as to the main purpose of the TBW feature is accurate the goal is to educate also why they should make these adjustments and stop the inaccurate reports pertaining to the rig. During contests operators don't use the TBW out of courteous operating procedures to reduce QRM. It's adjusted to reduce the lower frequency response so that it helps cut through QRM due to weak propagation and other stations who do not have the luxury of additional receive filters. Not to mention not having the luxary of purchasing more than one microphone to suit their operating needs to produce various qualities in their audio to please both party's, or choice of what their wanna sound like.
I own two IC7000's currently and have owned a third and never has the heat been an issue for me let alone anything else. As for recieve IF DSP adjustments, power output and various other adjustments can also be made by going into the radios hidden menu. Owning a copy of the service manual helps as well.
On the IC-7K I'm using an ICOM SM8 desk mic and along with my adjustments and. It the factory's adjustment once it was one I don't normally touch it, but I have the option to do so when and if.
Thanks for watching the video and adding your comments. 73!
Only way to find out really is to jump in and find ou for yourself. If you listen to other people your screwed.
Who told you to be a narcoleptic? Take your Meth and next time it won't happen. ;)
me gusta
Fantastic Video! 73 K6WYO
Thanks for these IC-7000 tips. We're on the same page too re: guns. Check out my channel, maybe you'll find something you like. 73
Sorry OM this is perhaps the most confusing video I have ever seen. To much talking and never getting to the point. Do a video and just tell us the settings to use.
Kevin Elliott - then people will have questions and you wouldn't be able to explain why certain settings are being instructed for particular modes when manual doesn't specify to use them. Everyone else seemed to have no problem. Ever think the problem is your comprehension level OM?
Just saying, but thank you for watching and commenting. 73