Had the radio 24 hours and some first impressions from using it. Next video will compare RX performance against the IC-7300 and TS-590. Like us on Facebook and Instagram at Ham Homestead
Got the 7610 recently as an upgrade from a 7300. And it is an upgrade .. It receives better than the 7300 on the same antenna, the RF gain almost works miracles, but that goes for the 7300 as well. The dual watch is fantastic but I guess not everybody's cup a tea. I love the lay out of the knobs not having to switch bands only from the screen and so on, That and other setting by turning knobs, I love that. The display is big and it makes sure you see what you need, or want to see. The firmware is now at 1.20 since august 2018 so I guess Icom is done improving the firmware. It is an awesome rig and far from cheap, but it delivers .. Is it worth the money? Well, people still buy cars with lot's of power despite of the speed limits, do you use it all the time? Nope, but it is sure nice to have.
Nice, practical and useful video presentation. I enjoyed watching it and it was beneficial. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your new rig. Still getting used to my IC-7300, but I can see a trip to the candy store again soon hihi
Greetings from W3CV. Still hamming the old way. Modest set up. Ten Tec Omni 6 plus, 1kw, Force 12 8el multi-monobander 50ft. Twin slopers 50ft., Gap 45ft vertical. Best Regards
Great review, btw, I was using my Tempo One last night after comparing receive to my 7300 with a Clearspeech DSP on it. Fun factor still there on the old tube rigs :-)
nice. if you do a comparision do a left/right recording of the same signal optimised so that you can hear the diff. I also am fully with you on the scope. If you have had one time a good scope/waterfall, it's really hard to go back.
Great rig, congrats. Can't wait to have your comments on RX performance comparison between the 590 (SG ?) which i actually plan to buy, and the 7610. Also considering the 7610, so curious about its close-in signal behavior compared to Kenwood and the 7300 (which is worse, i do have a 7300). So any comment welcome how this new beauty performs against your current rigs. Keep up the good job. 73, Chris ha7wx PS: just seeing your Carhartt tee-shirt, i too have some of their stuff, great quality :)
Great info and thanks for your quick reply. Not surprised, after all the 7300 is an entry level radio and performs pretty well for what it is. Now curious about the 7610 against the 590S in a contest environment when the opportunity shows up for you. I look forward to watching your vids. Have fun ! 73, Chris
Low band DXers know that even a couple of db signal to noise improvement can make all the difference. They will gladly pay for that kind of improvement. Not so much for the general rag chewer. Will be interesting to see who buys this radio.
One could get that improvement or more by upgrading their antenna system and not have to pay 4 grand for a new radio. Just saying. A ham on a 7300 into a great antenna system will blow away someone on a 7610 into a crappy antenna all day every day.
He plugged the usb plug into his rig while it was on and it somehow fried the usb ports in his computer. Lucky he didn't take out the rig too. That's scary.
For casual ragchewing, the 7300 is more than adequate. One of the guys in my ragchew group has a new 7610, beautiful rig, but he can't copy anyone I don't also hear fine on my FTdx1200. Even under very adverse band conditions. These new rigs are all so good, that you're splitting hairs in performance these days. It's just a matter of personal preference anymore, nobody has Sherwoods lab in their shack as a rule. I seriously doubt the average ham can hear or tell a couple db difference one way or the other, most of it is imagination and ego. Nobody wants to admit they spent a fortune on a rig that is just barely better than the last one.