Note
The Icom IC-7700 is a high-performance, single-receiver HF and 6-meter transceiver designed for serious contesters and DXers. It offers a massive physical presence and "gravitas," featuring a built-in AC power supply and a 200W power amplifier.
The IC-7700 underwent a notable internal redesign that helps distinguish earlier units from later ones:
– Original Version (2008–2011): Power Amplifier (PA): Utilized a pair of MRF150 MOSFET power devices.
** Serial Numbers: Typically begin with "0" (e.g., 02XXXXX for US/Canada).
– Revision 12/13 (Released April 2011):
Power Amplifier (PA): Redesigned to use a single STMicroelectronics STAC2942B dual MOSFET power device in the output stage.
Filter Units: These were also redesigned to accommodate the new PA layout.
** Serial Numbers: Typically begin with "1" (e.g., 12XXXXX for US/Canada).
Key Features
– High-Power Transmitter: Utilizes MRF-150 MOSFET (or single STAC2942B dual MOSFET) power amplifier transistors running at 48V DC, providing 200W output at a 100% duty cycle on all modes except AM (50W carrier).
– Single Receiver Architecture: Unlike its larger sibling (the IC-7800), the IC-7700 is a single-receiver design with two independent VFOs. While it lacks "Dual Watch," it features an XFC button to quickly check the transmit frequency.
– Advanced Front End: Incorporates a DigiSel automatic tracking preselector to minimize out-of-band interference, alongside selectable crystal roofing filters (15 kHz, 6 kHz, and 3 kHz).
– DSP Power: Uses independent, high-speed DSP units—one for transmit and receive functions and another dedicated to the spectrum scope.
– Display and Connectivity: Features a 7-inch TFT LCD display with a simulated analog multifunction meter. It includes a VGA video port for an external monitor and front-panel USB ports for a keyboard or flash drive.
– Audio Peak Filter (APF): A resurrected and improved feature from the IC-756, offering narrow, mid, and wide settings for CW operation.
Firmware Version 2.00 Enhancements (2014)
– The Version 2.00 firmware significantly expands the radio's capabilities:
– Waterfall Display: Adds a waterfall display to the spectrum scope for better signal visualization.
– USB Mouse Support: Enables the use of a USB mouse to operate the spectrum scope and menus.
– Audio Scope Function: Adds an FFT scope with a waterfall and an oscilloscope to analyze received or transmitted audio.
– QSO Recording: Allows recording of both transmit and receive audio directly to a USB flash drive.
– Remote Operation: Includes a server function for remote control via the optional RS-BA1 software.
– TX Delay: Adds adjustable transmission timing for HF and 50 MHz bands to protect external equipment.
Production phased out between 2014 and 2017, depending on the global region. By late 2014, Icom America had moved the IC-7700 to its "Discontinued Product" list, although firmware support continued through July 2018.
Technical Specifications
– Frequency Coverage
Receive: 0.03–60.00 MHz
Transmit: 1.8–54.0 MHz (Amateur bands)
– Power Output: 200W (SSB, CW, RTTY, PSK, FM); 50W (AM carrier)
– Modes: SSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY, PSK31
– Sensitivity (Typical)
SSB/CW (2.4 kHz BW): 0.16 µV (1.8–30 MHz)
AM (6 kHz BW): 2 µV
FM: 0.32 µV
– Dynamic Range:
2 kHz 3rd-order DR: 95 dB (Measured)
20 kHz 3rd-order DR: 103–106 dB
– Intercept Point (IP3): +35 dBm to +40 dBm
– Selectivity: Variable DSP PBT; Crystal Roofing Filters (3/6/15 kHz);
– Audio Output: 2.6W into 8Ω at 10% THD
– Spurious Rejection: More than 70 dB
Power Requirement: 85–265V AC (internal power supply)
