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To Amateurs That Share An Appreciation of Design and Value.
110dB dynamic range and +40dBm 3rd order Intercept Point (IP3)
The IP3 performance of a radio can be improved by sacrificing
sensitivity, but Icom considers this a poor choice. To achieve
REAL high-performance, Icom reviewed all of the analog receiver
circuitry. The IC-7700 employs mechanical relay BPF
switching, a digitally tuned pre-selector, and three Hi-spec 1st
IF filters (roofing filter) in a
clean and simple double-conversion
superheterodyne design.
By balancing the analog
and DSP functions, the IC-
7700 provides superior sensitivity
simultaneously with a
superb dynamic range of 110
dB, and +40 dBm IP3 (even in
USB mode with 2.4 kHz filter
bandwidth).
Better than +110dBm 2nd order intercept point (IP2)
An IP2 point of more than +110 dBm* means the 2nd order distortion
from strong broadcast stations will be completely eliminated.
The endless pursuit of leading analog circuit engineering
makes it possible to achieve this leading edge level of performance.
* Measurements were made using
custom equipment, due to the
limits of normal signal generators
(SG) and duplexers to +85 dBm.
The IP2 figure is a typical value.
Double conversion superheterodyne system
While multiple IF stages can become a source of distortion products and spurious responses, the IC-7700 utilizes Icom's original image-rejection mixers in a simple double conversion superheterodyne. This reduces distortion and produces a much cleaner audio signal compared to triple or quadruple superheterodyne receivers.
High specification inband IMD
In-band IMD (Intermodulation Distortion) creates undesired spurious signals as a consequence of non-linear processing of multiple signals. All (2nd, 3rd or even higher) orders of IMD performance are superior in the IC-7700. The improvement will be especially evident in CW mode. You'll notice the difference as you copy weak signals without internal distortion or noise.
Inband IMD characteristics
Band pass filter
While some may lead you to believe that coils and capacitors
are all created equal, at Icom we know design excellence.
Rather than using switching diodes that can introduce distortion,
the IC-7700 design utilizes high-grade mechanical relays
along with large capacitors and
toroidal coils; resistant to magnetic
saturation, providing superior
linearity, and greatly
reducing distortion.
DIGI-SEL (Digital pre-selector)
The DIGI-SEL (digital pre-selector) is a very narrow, user adjustable,
pass band filter designed to automatically track the operating
frequency, attenuating interference from out-of-band
signals. While the pre-selector's pass-band remains centered
on the operating frequency, on the fly adjustments are possible
via front panel controls. The DIGI-SEL is especially useful for
multi-transmitter operation and near strong broadcast stations
by reducing the 2nd, 3rd, and even higher order IMD components
from other stations.
Pre-amplifiers
The IC-7700 has a total of 4 pre-amplifiers, two for the HF bands and two for the 50MHz band. The purpose of pre-amplifiers is to improve receiver sensitivity for the pursuit of higher gain and a better noise figure. The IC-7700 employs a noiseless feedback design with pushpull amplifiers. Using feedback transformers, the pre-amplifiers provide a high IP3 while keeping a low noise figure.
1st mixer
The 1st mixer stage is driven with a signal from the high-drive Local Oscillator with excellent C/N. A 16V p-p of high-level LO signal is applied to the mixer to improve intermodulation characteristics while avoiding a parasitic oscillation or noise.
Three Hi-Spec 1st IF filters (Roofing Filter)*1
The IC-7700 employs three Hi-Spec 1st IF filters (roofing filters)
of 15kHz, 6kHz and 3kHz before the 1st IF amplifier. Icom ordered
special customized high specification devices to improve
IMD and achieve better impedance characteristics. As a result,the 3kHz 1st IF filter provides approximately 134dB*2 of blocking
dynamic range and allows you to pull out a weak signal in
the presence of strong adjacent signals.
*1 Icom calls the roofing filters “Hi-spec 1st IF filters”, because their performance
is much better than regular IF filters.
*2 At 14.1MHz receive, with 5kHz separation of interference signal.
2nd-stage image rejection mixer
The 2nd-stage image rejection mixer processes signals to reject spurious image responses. In conjunction with the Hi-spec 1st IF filters (roofing filters), image rejection of greater than 100dB is realized. The analog image rejection mixer's linearity makes it possible to use a simplified receiver design. This improves the distortion performance of the receiver.
50MHz band preamplifier and mixer
The IC-7700 was designed with the 6m aficionado in mind. Rather than sharing circuits used for HF, a separate preamplifier and mixer was designed especially for 6m. This greatly improves the receiver sensitivity by reducing intermodulation characteristics, enabling weak signal works without distortion or interference from strong signals in the band.
Two 32-bit floating point units
Two independent DSP units are built-in: One for the transmitter and receiver; and one for the spectrum scope. The IC-7700 ex-
Two AGC Loops
The IC-7700 has two AGC loops. The AGC voltages detected in
front of and behind the digital IF filter in the DSP unit. The first
AGC loop prevents the saturation of the 1st IF amplifier from
strong signals outside the pass-band filter, and improves the
dynamic range in the presence of strong adjacent signals. The
other AGC loop detects the AGC voltage at the digital IF filter
output which has only passed the intended signal and draws
the full potential from the digital IF filter.
The IC-7700 accommodates both the "on-the-fly" operator as
well as the most avid "tweaker" operator by providing tunable
AGC preset and manual AGC level controls. The AGC time
constants can be set in the 3 presets (slow, medium and fast), adjustable
from 0.1-6 sec. (0.3-8 sec. in AM) delay. Then the addition
of the AGC VR control enables the user to "tweak" or fine
tune the AGC reaction time.
High stability OCXO unit
Frequency control of the IC-7700 is maintained by the high stability
Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator. The OCXO achieves
frequency stability of ±0.05ppm across the specified temperature
range, meaning that the frequency will deviate only 5Hz
out of every 100 MHz! This
specification is equivalent
to that of specialized measuring
equipment such as
signal generators or spectrum
analyzers.
Also, a 10MHz reference
signal can be input to the
IC-7700 or output for use
by external equipment.
The well-selected components provide premium performance
Mechanical relays
Mechanical relays using gold
contacts have excellent deterioration
resistance and superior
conductivity.
Hi-spec 1st IF filter
The IC-7700 uses custom made
Hi-spec 1st IF filters (roofing filters),
selected especially for excellent
IMD characteristics.
Large coils
To reduce secondary distortion,
large coils and capacitors are
used in the high-amplitude filter
switching circuits. The use of
non-linear semiconductors is
minimized.
DSP
The transmitter and receiver use
a 32-bit floating point DSP, offering
the high performance of
1800 MFLOPS processing. Also,
the spectrum scope DSP
achieves 1200 MFLOPS of peak
performance.
Power amplifiers
The power amplifiers use a
combination of push-pull final
with two MRF150 transistors,
having proven reliability in ultra
professional communications.
These devices generate a stable
200W of output power from HF
to 54MHz.
7-inch wide color TFT LCD
While Icom's RF engineering team reviewed receiver designs for how the IC-7700 hears a signal, close attention was also paid to how the operator sees a signal. Details such as response time, color, resolution, and visibility were extremely important. Thus, an active matrix 7-inch (800 × 480 pixels) TFT color display was selected as the IC-7700's display. The display provides superior performance in response time, color, resolution, visibility and more. The large display shows operating frequencies, various settings and operating conditions as well as the spectrum scope, S-meter and RTTY/PSK31 decoded messages. The S-meter shows an analog-like swinging needle that is smooth and accurate. In addition to the analog like-style meter, the IC-7700 has a digital multi-function graphic meter and edgewise meter - chose your favorite style! Further more, the IC-7700 has a VGA connector for an external monitor and an S-meter connector for an external analog S-meter.
USB ports on the front panel
Two USB ports on the front panel allows you to easily connect
a USB type keyboard or USB memory stick to save transceiver
settings, update firmware, or transfer settings to other IC-7700.
Making big scores means keeping your team fresh on those
long DX-peditions or Multi-Operators contests. Swapping out
operators usually involves time-wasting radio tweaks, because
each operator has their own favorite settings to best match their
operating style. This all changes with the USB drives! Prior to a
contest, operators may record their preferred IC-7700 settings
such as filter, Digital Voice Recorder (DVR) memories, antenna
settings, etc. When it's their turn to operate, simply insert their
USB Drive into the IC-7700. In a flash, the IC-7700 is now "their
rig", and there's nearly zero down time!
RTTY /PSK31 operation without PC connection
The IC-7700 has a built-in RTTY and PSK31 modulator/demodulator.
By simply connecting a USB key-board, you can immediately
start enjoying these modes. In addition, you can
pre-program transmit messages in the internal message memory
or a USB memory stick and transmit them even without typing a
message from a USB keyboard. Also, received messages can be
stored to a USB memory stick and transferred to your PC.
4 antenna connectors
The IC-7700 has 4 antenna connectors (ANT1 to ANT4) with
an automatic antenna selector. Once you program the operating
bands in each antenna memory, the IC-7700 will automatically
select the antenna as you change the operating band. The
usage type for each antenna can be set for Tx/Rx use, Rx only*
use and off line. The antenna switch button allows you to
change the operating antenna temporarily.
* Rx setting is available for ANT4 only.
Real time spectrum scope
With a dedicated DSP unit, the IC-7700 spectrum scope
achieves 80dB of dynamic range at the signal input level. It also
improves the scope response time and signal resolution, so
that it is possible to accurately tune to the intended signal as
you see it on the spectrum scope screen.
The spectrum scope range can be set independently from the
receiving frequency. You can monitor band conditions between
the selected sweep edges (Fixed mode), as well as sweep a selected
band width centered on the receiving frequency (Center
mode).
In addition, the scope has useful functions including scope attenuator
(10dB/20dB/30dB), 2 types of marker (Transmit, Receiver)
and Max hold function. The mini scope function is convenient
for continuous monitoring even while adjusting the set mode.
Digital twin PBT
The digital twin PBT eliminates interference and noise from signals above and below your frequency by changing the IF filter bandwidth. The IF shift function allows you to shift or move the IF passband to either side to more accurately receive the signal. The passband width, shift direction and steps (50Hz) are graphically displayed on the LCD. You can reproduce the signal as you like to hear it.
Digital IF filter
The DSP-based digital IF filter of the IC-7700 rejects signals
out of the pass band, and keeps the desired signal free of any
distortion or degradation of quality. Depending on the operating
situation, for example handling a pile-up or receiving a very
weak signal, you can flexibly change sharp and soft filter
shapes or reduce or shift the filter width, even while receiving a
signal.
Manual notch filter and auto notch filter
The manual notch filter controlled by the DSP has extremely
sharp characteristics and provides more than 70dB of attenuation.
The notch filter width is selectable from 3 types, allowing
you to select the suitable filter width for the operating mode and
band. It eliminates persistent beat tones without affecting the
AGC loop function. In addition, the automatic notch filter tracks
and eliminates two or more interfering signals such as beat signals
and carriers or tones from digital signals.
Variable noise blanker
The noise blanker provides significant reduction of pulse-type noise. The noise blanker allows you to change the threshold level as well as blank duration parameter and attenuation level.
Noise reduction
The noise reduction separates the target signal from random noise components. By using the excellent performance of the 32-bit floating point DSP, this separation is made immediately without a delay and extracts signals from noise components. The noise reduction suppression level is variable in 16 steps to adjust the balance between the S/N ratio and clarity.
Digital voice recorder
The digital voice recorder (DVR) is a convenient function for
contests, DX-peditions, portable operation and even regular operation.
Record your callsign, CQ, or other station information
into a memory. Easy-to-access independent "Record (REC)"
and "Play" buttons are on the front panel.
RX audio HPF/LPF setting
The IC-7700 has a separate RX HPF/LPF setting for each
mode. The high-pass filter and low-pass filter are adjustable for
each mode.
S/P DIF interface
The IC-7700 has the S/P DIF optical digital interface for audio
output and modulation input. By connecting an external digital
device* through a connecting
cable, flexible audio tuning is
possible, while keeping good
sound quality.
* Third party connecting cable,PC with sound card supportingS/P DIF, and software are required.
SSB data mode
When you narrow the IF filter passband to 500Hz or less in SSB mode or SSB-data mode operation, the IC-7700 automatically selects special band pass filters (BPF). The BPF has a very sharp edge like a CW filter for better rejection of interfering signals. Along with the BPF setting, the IC-7700 has a 1/4-tuning step function for easier tuning operation.
Firmware upgrade for maintaining the best performance
Icom will always provide the latest firmware for keeping the
radio up to date. Just download the latest firmware from the
Icom web site whenever a new version has been uploaded, and
update your IC-7700 via the USB memory.
Please check;
http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/firm/index.html
200W output power at full duty cycle, full power operation
The IC-7700 uses two MRF150 power amplifiers connected in
push-pull configuration. The power amplifiers provide a reliable
200W of output power up to 54MHz. The effective quad cooling
fan system makes it possible to generate 200W full power output
even during full duty cycle operation.
The digital PSN modulator
using a DSP unit consistently
reproduces an outstanding
signal-to-noise ratio, providing
clean and clear transmission.
The PA amplifier uses a 48V
DC supply to provide output
power with low IMD on all
bands.
Microphone equalizer and adjustable transmit bandwidth
The built-in audio equalizer has separate bass and treble adjustments for a total of 121 combinations, so you can adjust the tonal quality of your voice as your want. In addition, the transmit bandwidth is selectable from 100, 200, 300, 500Hz at the lowpass edge, and 2500, 2700, 2800, 2900Hz at the high-pass edge, respectively. Three types of high and low combinations can be stored in the memory as favorite settings. With this flexibility of DSP-based waveform shaping, transmit audio quality is adjustable to your preference.
High speed automatic antenna tuner covering HF to 50MHz band
The high speed automatic antenna
tuner automatically performs
tuning operations and
memorizes the setting in
100kHz steps. Once the tuner
memorizes the setting depending
on frequency, the
tuner recalls the setting and
matches the antenna instantly.
In addition, high-voltage parts
allow you reliable, continuous
200W operation even at high
duty cycles.
Memory keyer
The IC-7700's memory keyer has 4 channels with 55 characters
for CW, 8 channels with 70 characters for RTTY and 8
channels with 70 characters for PSK31 operation. The memory
keyer is convenient for programming station information, calling
CQ and call sign for a DX-pedition or contest. Also, the CW
memory keyer has other time saving functions such as automatic
repeat, serial contest number auto-counter, and Morse
cut number functions.
Other features
[Antenna line]- BNC type RX IN/OUT connectors for receiver antenna or external attenuator
- General coverage receiver covers from 30kHz to 60MHz
(* Some frequency bands are not guaranteed, depending on version)
- 4-step attenuator (6/12/18dB and OFF)
- Twin peak audio filter for RTTY operation
- Low distortion RF speech compressor
- Tx monitor
- 50 CTCSS tone encoder and decoder
- All mode power control
- VOX capability (Voice operated transmission)
- Multi-function electronic keyer with adjustable keying speed, dot-dash ratio and paddle polarity and bug key function
- DSP controlled CW keying waveform shaping
- Frequency lock function for split operation
- The normal (default) CW carrier point is selectable from USB and LSB
- APF (audio peak filter) function with soft/sharp filter shape
- Double key jack system
- Full break-in function
- CW pitch control from 300 to 900Hz
- CW/AM auto tuning function
- Set mode function for flexible and speedy setting
- Memory pad stores up to 10 (or 5) operating frequencies
- Quick split function enables split operation with a single action
- SSB/CW synchronous tuning/li>
- Single knob control from squelch volume to RF gain
- RIT and ∂Tx variable up to ±9.999kHz
- Quick RIT/∂TX clear function
- UTC/Local Clock and timer function
- 1Hz pitch tuning and 1Hz indication
- 101 memory channels with 10-character comment
- Built-in voice synthesizer announces operating frequency, mode and receiving signal strength
- Programmed scan, memory scan, select memory scan, VSC scan and ∂F scan
- Auto tuning step function
- Band edge beep
- Main dial tension control and dial lock
- CI-V interface capability and RS-232C connector for PC connection
- BNC type Transverter connector
- Triple band stacking register
- FFT scope wave averaging function
- Screen saver function
Rear Panel View
- Antenna Connectors
- Ground Terminal
- Breaker Switch
- External Display Connector
(D-SUB 15-pin, VGA) - Ethernet Connector
- CI-V Remote Control Jack
- RS-232C Connector
- Main Switch
- AC Power Cord Receptacle
- Receive Antenna Connector
- Transverter Jack
- External DC Output Jack
- S-meter Output Jack
- External Memory Keypad Jack
- External Speaker Jack
- ACC Sockets A/B
- Tx/Rx Control Jack (Relay)
- ALC Input Jack
- ALC Level Pot
- Key Jack
- S/P DIF In/Out Jacks
- Reference Frequency In/Out Jack