IC 7200

[dougdoug]

I have been saving for and researching information prior to purchasing a new transceiver. Currently using a FT 101EE I bought new in the mid 70’s. I had narrowed my choices to either the TS 590 or the IC 7410. For some reason I keep coming back to take a look at the IC 7200. I know it doesn’t have all the features of the other two but it looks like it would be a big step up from the 101 and probably do all I need. I realize there is no FM but I just can’t see that being an issue, what with all the other modes. I am not a contester and only do a little rag chewing and DX when I hear it. Just like to hear from and meet people in other states or countries. I’m a pretty casual user. What do you think? Will the 7200 fit that bill?

Thanks

 

[AK9R]

I don't own either radio and I'm somewhat of an Icom fan when it comes to HF radios, but I'm pretty sure that the TS-590 has a better receiver than the IC-7200. That can be a plus if you are trying to pull out a weak DX station or find yourself in the middle of a crowded band.

That said, any of the radios you mentioned are going to be a world of difference from your FT-101EE. Digital signal processing has taken HF radios well beyond what you currently have.

 

[N0IU]

Well only you know what your budget will bear and it is none of our business. The main thing is that the IC-7410 is about $600 more than the IC-7200 and only you can make that call.

I have an IC-7410 and I am very biased in its favor so I would say that if you can afford one, get one!

But not only does the IC-7200 not have FM (and I agree that this isn't a deal breaker, for me anyway), but it also does not have a built-in automatic antenna tuner... which the IC-7410 does have. If you already have some sort of tuner, then this might not be a deal breaker for you either.

 

[dougdoug]

Thanks for the replies.

This question is moot at this point as today I just spent my Christmas money on a new TS 590, Samlex power supply, and Kenwood desk mike.

Hope it is nice as I expect.

 

[N0IU]

That's a nice rig too and I am sure you will enjoy it.

We had a lightning hit about a year and a half ago and it took out my Ten Tec Jupiter. I know it is heresy to say this, but I did not want to replace it with another Ten Tec. My 3 choices were the IC-7410, TS-590 and the Yaesu FT-950 since they were all pretty much the same price. My last Icom rig was a 756Pro so I decided to stay with a brand I knew.

Good luck and Happy New Year!