Icom 7400 Review

[Randell Magtoto]

Thepoint is that I was so happy and satisfied with my IC-7000 that when the IC-7100 came out I thought that if it were at least as good as the IC-7000, it would be a cracking rig. Further, I once heard a radio amateur talking on the 40 metres with one of these radios and its kit microphone, I was impressed by the sound of the audio, so much so that I listened to his QSOs for about one hour. So I put my radios on the market and once both they were sold I went to buy the IC-7100.

In Europe, the radio is advertised to cover the 70 MHz band. It does indeed take you there if you want to, but it looks as if this feature has just been added by means of modification and there is no provision in the software to select the 70 MHz as a band in the same way as you would do with 7 MHz or 144 MHz. So to go there you have to go to another band such as 50 MHz and then scroll up in 1 MHz increments (unless you want to get old by turning the wheel forever) or directly input the desired frequency. It could be better, although I have to say that with the touch screen what I just described is not too difficult to achieve.

On TX, it looks as if people are impressed by the sound of the modulation of the IC-7100. This feedback is similar to what I used to receive when using the IC-7000. However, whereas the IC-7000 required some transmit bandwidth adjustments through the menu if you wanted it to achieve its best performance, the IC-7100 seems to be already adjusted to its optimal level in the factory. During the week I owned the radio and used it in SSB, I have been asked by several people what microphone I was using and what radio. They seemed to be impressed by the sound. I only use the microphone that came with the radio HM-151 and the menu adjustments, with no external compressors or amplifiers, so this is a big plus.

hi just purchased the icom ic-7100 can u tell me does this radio let u monitor psk31 and cw as well as rtty as did the 7000 enjoyed the review thanks also having a job getting it to work reflectors thanks in advance 2e0aui 73s

Thank you for your note. The only digital mode that the IC-7100 decodes natively is RTTY. You can operate RTTY without having to link a computer to the radio but you would be somewhat limited by the TX memories. I never tried to operate this way as I find working on a computer with a proper keyboard more convenient and efficient. To decode CW, PSK31 and other digital modes, you also need something external. There is freely available software on the web and in the end I believe this is the best way of decoding digital.

Working D-STAR reflectors is an entirely different matter, for this you have to send a connection command via the UR/Your field once e.g. REF001CL, and then set the radio back to [CQCQCQ ]. Note that you also need to have the local repeater / access point parameters RPT1 and RPT2 correctly set for this to work. Also and a DUP +/- has to be set. In case the access point is a simplex system DUP +/- has to be activated with 0.0 MHz frequency split.

The only current shortwave tabletop competitors with the Alinco DX-R8T ($500), are the Icom IC-R75 ($600-700) and the Palstar R30A ($740 US). The Icom IC-R75 is a fine receiver and one I have recommended to many web readers in search of a multi-function tabletop. It has been on the market for years in many versions (some more successful than others), and is generally a solid performer. The Palstar R30A is also an excellent receiver, though it lacks the bells and whistles of its Japanese counterparts. People who buy a Palstar want bare-bones simplicity and performance.

The tuning knob gets my seal of approval and scanning with it is a pleasure. Admittedly, I wish it were a little more adaptive to tuning speed (i.e., turning quickly speeds up the frequency steps) or that it could be adjusted somewhat. You can tell that the Alinco DX-R8T derives from amateur radio, as its tuning knob speed is perfect for finding ham radio stations.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to admit that I was very skeptical of the Alinco DX-R8T before reviewing it. The price point was almost too attractive for a tabletop radio, and to offer the versatility of a detachable faceplate and control as an SDR receiver seemed too good to be true. I thought there must be a compromise somewhere. Fortunately, it seems I was wrong.

Hi, I have been thinking about getting this radio as I find scanning on HF an invaluable feature but in the end opted for the cheaper Tecsun S2000. However when the S2000 scans there is a kind of chuff sound as it moves onto the next frequency which can be quite fatiguing after 20 minutes or so. How is the Alinco in this respect? Thks. 73 Adam M6RDP

The IF shift does work in AM mode, however, the Murata 455G type AM bandpass filter is too wide to notice it. I replaced mine with a 455I type which is available from Mouser but listed as a 455J in their on line catalog for some reason. The IF shift works great with this filter and the overall audio degradation is not that much due to the narrower bandwidth (about 5 kHz). Just be damn careful if you try to replace it, because the surrounding surface mount parts are very tiny and fragile.

Still toying with the Alinico vs Icom R75, both seem very good. I want it for MW . SW listening , and HF Aero. Is the AM filter as bad as I hear on all the reviews. or are icom fans nit picking ?

an otherwise ok modern R75 replacement? The r75 is not available new here in the UK any longer,

but the R8500 is ?

Also can other software such as HDSDR control the radio, as from what I can tell if

the IQ output is chosen then the controls and speaker are disabled, if not can you tune the rx normally are use HDSDR at the same time? KGSDR looks pretty basic, and does nothing to sell the SDR aspect of the rx

I like to scan with RF attenuator. I check QRN, bring it down to S1 and then look out for any pop out on the S-meter or that thump when RF amp works when using headphones. With the R75, it does not work that way.

I fully agree with this test report! But if you dont want to do DRM-receiving I strongly recommend to change the wide AM-Filter with a Murata CFK 455I (4KHz) or CFK 455H (6KHz) or equivalent. The Alinco DX-R8 has enough space (and drilled holes) for the Collins mechanical filters! With the 6KHz Collins my Alinco does a great job!

My tuning knob is pretty firm, but it was a very early model of the radio. I think the knob (and I rarely say this) is a little too large (especially compared with the size of the keypad). Thanks for your feedback.

Thank you, I would be interested in other peoples feed back, I often think of getting the radio again but rearly put off by that wobbly axis I had on the tuning knob, I was told thay are all like that? A good few mil of play up and down, Maybe its not the case?

I have an ICOM 7400 and excaliber SDR I now use for SW, but looking for a simple switch it on and listen set for the shack\

Maybe the Eton Satilite 750 ?

But please note that we will never create a post and product link explicitly to receive a commission. Additionally, we always try to include links to other retail options if they are available, as we support and freely advertise independent ham radio retailers. Thank you, too, for your support of these sites.

3a8082e126