IC-7600

The ICOM IC7600, HF/50 all mode transceiver, use two separate 32-bit DSP units for power the transmitter/receiver functions and the spectrum scope with a waterfall display that captures signal strengths over time. This allows you to see weak signals that may not be apparent on a normal spectrum scope. The combination of the spectrum and waterfall screens give you a better view of weaker signals as band conditions change. These processors give the IC-7600 high performance allows you to build your own digital IF filter. You can quickly choose bandwidth, shape factor and center frequency. Three built-in first IF roofing filters, at 3 / 6 / 15 kHz, especially effective in CW/PSK/SSB modes allows you to eliminate overloading caused by strong signals just outside the passband.

IC-7600 in comparison with IC-756PRO-III :

Icom's long years of analog RF circuit experience combined with the latest digital technology results in an astonishing 104 dB receiver dynamic range and +30 dBm IP3 in the HF bands without sacrificing receiver sensitivity. Even a weak signal adjacent to strong signals is clearly received by the IC-7600.

ICOM IC-7600 inband dynamic range characteristics compared to the IC-756PRO III

The IC-7600 employs a double-conversion superheterodyne system which has an image rejection mixer for the 2nd mixer stage. When compared to a typical triple-conversion system, the double-conversion system is more difficult to implement but it dramatically reduces signal distortion and provides a high-fidelity RF signal to the DSP processor.

IC-7600 upgrade model :

In 2015 the ICOM IC-7600 was upgraded with enhanced functions and features. New functions are a free download for all existing IC-7600 owners: Spectrum Waterfall display function for more detailed spectrum analysis. Mouse operation provides Click-and-Listen control. Audio Peak Filter AF level setting effective for weak CW signals. TX Delay function to control an external Linear Amplifier. New CI-V commands link with external antenna controller and logging software.

IC-7600 dual AGC loops :

The IC-7600 has dual AGC loops, one analog and one digital, both under DSP control. This architecture prevents strong adjacent signals from "pumping" the Automatic Gain Control system and allows maximum dynamic range in the DSP.

ICOM IC-7600 Dual AGC loops controlled by DSP

IC-7600 other features :

Double-conversion superheterodyne system with image rejection mixer for improve inband IMD. Dual AGC loops, one analog and one digital, both under DSP control. This architecture allows maximum useful dynamic range. Two Tx/Rx antenna connectors with automatic antenna selector. Digital twin-PBT, digital notch filter, noise reduction, noise blanker. Dualwatch function allows you to receive two signals in the same band simultaneously. Digital voice memory, built-in memory keyer, RF speech compressor, microphone equalizer, adjustable transmit bandwidth. Built-in high-speed automatic antenna tuner. Large 14.8cm (400 x 240 pixels) TFT display with high contrast ratio. Multi-function meter, triple band stacking register, PSK and RTTY operation with built-in decoder/encoder (PC not required, only a USB keyboard), CTCSS tone encoder and decoder, voice operated transmission. High stability TCXO unit. Built-in voice synthesizer.

IC-7600 IF filter selection :

The transceiver has 3 passband width IF filters for each mode. For SSB / CW / PSK modes, the passband width can be set within 50 to 3600 Hz in 50 or 100 Hz steps. A total of 41 passband widths are available. For RTTY mode, the passband width can be set within 50 to 2700 Hz in 50 or 100 Hz steps. A total of 32 passband widths are available. For AM mode, the passband width can be set within 200 Hz to 10 kHz in 200 Hz steps. A total of 50 passband widths are available. For FM mode, the passband width is fixed and 3 passband widths are available. More, the type of DSP filter shape for each SSB / SSB data / CW can be selected independently from Soft and Sharp.

IC-7600 twin PBT operation :

The PBT (Passband Tuning) narrows the intermediate frequency passband width by shifting the IF slightly outside of the filter passband to reject interference. The IC-7600 uses DSP for the PBT function. Moving both [Twin-PBT] controls to the same position shifts the IF both above and below the received frequency. The LCD display shows the passband width and shift frequency graphically.

ICOM IC-7600 twin PBT operation example

The variable range depends on the passband width and mode. The edge of the variable range is half of the passband width, and PBT is adjustable in 25 (SSB / CW / RTTY / PSK modes) or 100 Hz (AM mode) steps.

IC-7600 receive functions :

The IC7600 has auto and manual notch functions. The auto notch function uses DSP to automatically attenuate beat tones, tuning signals, etc., even if they are moving. The manual notch can be set to attenuate a frequency via the NOTCH control. The auto notch can be used in SSB, AM and FM mode. The manual notch can be used in SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK and AM modes. Also, the automatic tuning function tunes the displayed frequency automatically when an off-frequency signal is received within the range ±500 Hz (CW) or ±5 kHz (AM). You can also choose three shape factors for the manual notch filter, to optimize interference rejection.

ICOM IC-7600 manual notch and noise reduction characteristics

The processing power of the 32-bit DSP produces results you can hear! The 16-step viariable noise reduction can significantly enhance the receiver's signal-to-noise ratio, giving you a clean audio signal that may make the difference between making the contact or not.

Dualwatch allows you to receive two signals in the same band simultaneously. For example, you can listen to a DX station transmitting on 7.099 MHz while also listening to the pileup calling him on 7.156 MHz.

ICOM IC-7600 dualwatch function

IC-7600 PSK encoder/decoder :

A high-quality PSK encoder and decoder is built-in to the IC-7600. When connecting a PC keyboard, PSK operation can be performed without a dedicated software on your PC. The PSK window show TX buffer screen, RX contents screen, FFT scope, waterfall scope, and for your convenience a Vector tuning indicator.

ICOM IC-7600 PSK vector tuning indicator indication example

BPSK and QPSK modes are available for PSK. BPSK (Binary Phase Shift Keying) mode is the most commonly used mode. QPSK (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying) mode has error correction capability to provide better decoding than BPSK mode in marginal condition. However, more accurate tuning is required with QPSK mode, due to the tight phase margin of signal.

IC-7600 RTTY encoder/decoder :

A DSP-based high-quality Baudot RTTY encoder/decoder is built-in to the IC-7600. When connecting a PC keyboard, RTTY operation can be performed without an external terminal, TNC or Computer.

ICOM IC-7600 RTTY decode window

Received characters are occasionally garbled when the RTTY received signal is reversed between Mark and Space tones. This reversal can be caused by incorrect TNC connections, setting, commands, etc. Receive a reversed signals correctly is easy, just select RTTY-R mode. More, the Twin Peak Filter feature changes the audio frequency response by boosting the mark and space frequencies for better reception of RTTY signals.

IC-7600 digital voice recorder :

The transceiver has digital voice memories, up to 4 messages for transmit, and up to 20 messages for receive. A maximum message length of 30 seconds can be recorded into receive memory (total message length for all channels of up to 209 sec.) and a total message length of up to 99 seconds can be recorded in transmit memory. The transmit memory is very convenient for repeated CQ and exchange transmissions in contests, as well as when making repeated calls to DX'peditions.

ICOM IC-7600 digital voice recorder, example recording received audio

Push [REC] momentarily within 30 seconds after pushing and holding [REC] for 1 sec., records the all contents. Push [REC] momentarily after passing 30 seconds from pushing and holding [REC] for 1 sec., records the 30 seconds before canceling the record (see figure). This voice recorder records not only the received audio, but also the information such as set operating frequency, mode, and the recording time for your future reference.

IC-7600 antennas :

The transceiver covers 0.03-60 MHz over 10 bands. Each band key has a band memory which can memorize a selected antenna (ANT1, ANT2, ANT1/RX antenna and ANT2/RX antenna). When you change the operating frequency beyond a band, the previously used antenna is automatically selected. This function is convenient when you use 2 or 3 antennas. Also, located between the transmit/receive switching circuit and receiver's RF stage 2 x RCA connects an external unit, such as preamplifier or RF filter, if desired. Useful for upgrade the system with accessories and/or other RF equipment. More, when the transverter operation is activated the SO239 antenna connectors do not receive or transmit any signals. While receiving, the transverter connector can be activated as an input terminal from an external transverter. While transmitting, the connector outputs signals of the displayed frequency at -20 dBm (22mV) as signal for the external transverter.

ICOM IC-7600 antenna connections

IC-7600 mouse operation :

Connect a USB mouse to select various spectrum scope features. You can point and click the mouse for "Click and Listen" receiver control. For example: Left-click to select a signal or operating frequency. Right-click to temporarily select a different frequency, release the mouse button to return to the original frequency. Click and hold a button (either left or right) and move to the right or left to increase or decrease the operating frequency (similar to rotating the main dial).

ICOM IC-7600 Click and Listen mouse operation

IC-7600 photo gallery :

ICOM IC-7600 photo

IC-7600 price

We have collected for your convenience the ICOM IC-7600 sale price (US Dollar) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
USD 1990.00 (1690EUR)	2021-oct	Second Hand Mint condition. 12 months warranty
USD 2097.00 (1789EUR)	2018-oct	Second Hand Excellent condition, as new. With manual and original box
USD 2013.00 (1499GBP)	2018-oct	Second Hand Very good condition. With manual, power lead, microphone
USD 1880.00 (1399GBP)	2018-sep	Second Hand Boxed and good condition overall