Icom IC-7610 HF Plus 50 MHz All Mode Transceiver

RF Direct Sampling takes you to the next level with advanced dynamic range performance and true dual receivers in the Icom IC-7610 transceiver.Whether it is poor band conditions, or battling to pick out a call in a large pile-up, faint signals have always been a challenge for DXers and Contesters around the world. The difference between putting the QSO in the log or having to try another time is the combination of your skill as an operator and the capability of your receiver. One key factor, measured as RMDR, Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range, is the receiver's ability to pick out a faint signal in the presence of stronger, adjacent signals.The IC-7610 introduces dual RF direct sampling receivers that achieve 110dB RMDR, rivaling the performance of top-of-the-line transceivers. This model transmits on the Amateur bands 160 through 6 meters with 100 watts output on all modes, except 25 watts on AM, with full dual receiver coverage from 30 kHz to 60 MHz.

Superior Receiver Performance and High-Purity Transmitter Innovative RF Direct Sampling introduced with the Icom IC-7300 has made SDR performance affordable. Direct Sampling means incoming RF signals are digitized by the Analog-to-Digital Converter and immediately processed by the FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). This process greatly reduces distortion that naturally occurs in the various mixing stages found in traditional Superheterodyne receivers.

Astonishing 110 dB* RMDR is made possible with the RF Direct Sampling System built into the IC-7610. This performance give you the ability to pull weak signals out of the noise of strong adjacent signals. There is a difference you can actually hear as the desired signal comes out of the pileup! *Representative value at 2 kHz frequency separation at 14.2 MHz, CW mode, IF BW 500 Hz.

Reducing phase noise is always a challenge as it is a natural characteristic of a receiver. The master clock of the IC-7610 utilizes a low phase noise VCXO (Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator). This superior VCXO, combined with years of Icom technical expertise in the design of a common power supply for the VCXO and the FPGA, and the result is ultra-low phase noise in this radio. Additionally, the IC-7610 transceiver provides a special input for a 10 MHz reference signal, for higher frequency precision.

Independent Identical Dual Receivers with DIGI-SEL Preselectors

Whether listening to both sides of a the exchange with a rare DX station running split, or looking for a multiplier on a different band or mode, independent dual receivers in the IC-7610 have you covered.  Two separate DIGI-SEL preselectors with two separate Band Pass Filter networks feed two separate A/D converters into the FPGA. DIGI-SEL preselectors are RF filters with sharp, narrow passband characteristics that prevent Analog-to-Digital Converter overflow from large out-of-band signals when direct sampling RF signals. Additionally, third and higher order IMD (Inter-Modulation Distortion) components are reduced. This is ideal when strong signals are received in a contest pile-up or from broadcast stations on adjacent frequencies or bands.

Large Color Touch Screen

The large 7 inch Color TFT Touch Display offers intuitive operation of functions, settings, and various operational visual aids such as dual spectrum scope, simulated analog meters and digital mode messages. The combination of the touch screen and the multi-dial knob offers quick and smooth operation. Push the multi-dial knob and menu items are shown on the display. Select an item by touching the screen and adjust the level with the multi-dial knob.

A high quality speaker is built into a separate internal cabinet, which is tuned to reproduce clear, natural sounding audio. The cabinet is insulated from the radio chassis to prevent noise from vibration and panel resonance.

The built-in automatic antenna tuner memorizes its settings based on your transmit frequency, so it can recall the tuner setting when you switch bands. The emergency tuner function, which may reduce power level automatically, enables you to operate for short periods with an antenna that has a high SWR.

Breaking with the tradition of mixing a carrier signal with a local oscillator, a Digital-Up-Conversion (DUC) method is used to generate the required signal from the Digital-to-Analog Converter. This chart shows the difference made by the new design for high-purity transmissions.

The Audio Scope screen shows the transmit and received signal in FFT spectrum and waterfall modes simultaneously. Plus, the built-in oscilloscope displays the waveform envelope. These advanced tools make it easy to monitor audio characteristics such as microphone compressor level, filter width and notch filter response. In CW you can monitor the received signal keying waveforms. 

Dual Receivers provide reception on different bands as do the Dual Spectrum Scopes on the IC-7610. Whether watching for a band opening, working a rare DX station operating split, or searching for a multiplier, the ability to watch each receiver separately allows the operator to concentrate on pulling in a weak signal. These scopes provide class-leading performance in resolution and sweep speed, all with an amazing 100 dB of dynamic range. To navigate around the band more easily, plug in a PC mouse into a USB port for point and click tuning on each receiver.

The optional RC-28 Remote Encoder enables you to add a second VFO knob for simultaneous independent control of the Sub band receiver. Plus, Main band and Sub band control can be switched with the function keys on the RC-28. LEDs above each function key illuminate to show the active VFO under control of the Remote Encoder. This allows the operator to enjoy VFO control with a second tuning knob right along side of the transceiver or next to the keyboard for efficient contest operation, either at the radio or by Remote Control.

Whether from a remote part of your home QTH, or from a remote location anywhere in the world, the optional RS-BA1-V2 Remote Control Software enables you to operate your IC-7610 remotely. Not only do you have control of the radio settings with both receive and transmit audio paths, you are able to display a single band spectrum scope with waterfall. Complete control of the IC-7610 transceiver is possible with only a single high-speed Ethernet connection to the Internet or an LAN Intranet... a base station computer at the IC-7610 location is not required!

External display of the IC-7610 TFT screen is supported with a rear panel DVI-D connection for a user supplied flat screen monitor. Operating frequency, radio setting information and the dual spectrum scope can be displayed on a large external screen, without the need for an extra device or PC.

Two front panel USB connectors and the SD Card Slot provide multiple methods of connecting and saving information. Plug in a USB mouse for point-and-click tuning on the IC-7610 screen. Save on a USB flash drive or SD card a variety on contents including firmware updates, memory channel programming, captured screen images, and personal transceiver settings can be saved and loaded. TX/RX audio, voice memories, CW/RTTY keyer memories and RTTY decode logs can be save and used on the SD card.

Many more important details about this transceiver can be found at Specifications and at the Documentation link above, where you can download the Icom IC-7610 manuals and product brochure.

With hundreds of great features you will be amazed at the capabilities of this phenomenal transceiver. A truly outstanding HF experience is yours with the Icom IC-7610... order yours from DX Engineering today!