Icom IC-7760 HF/50 MHz Transceiver

The Icom IC-7760 is a state-of-the-art HF/50 MHz transceiver designed for amateur radio enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, flexibility, and advanced features. Introduced in 2024 to commemorate Icom’s 60th anniversary, this transceiver combines cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, making it a standout choice for both contesting and DX hunting

Innovative Design and Remote Operation

One of the defining features of the IC-7760 is its modular architecture, comprising a separate control head and RF deck. Furthermore, these components connect via a standard LAN cable, allowing users to position the RF deck closer to the antenna feed point. Additionally, this reduces signal loss and minimizing noise from the deck’s cooling fan. This separation not only enhances installation flexibility but also contributes to a quieter operating environment.​

Furthermore, the IC-7760 supports in-house remote operation through a wired home LAN network. This configuration enables operators to control the transceiver from various locations within the home without the need for a PC, provided a LAN connection is available. Such flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who wish to operate the radio from different rooms or remote locations within their residence.

Dual Display System

The IC-7760 features a dual-display system to enhance user interaction and information visibility.

• Main Display: A 7-inch wide touchscreen (800 × 480 pixels) serves as the primary interface, displaying essential operational information such as main and sub frequencies, spectrum scope, S-meter readings, and decoded messages for modes like RTTY and PSK31/63.​
• Sub Display: Complementing the main display is a 2.4-inch touchscreen (320 × 240 pixels) that provides additional information, including filter settings, various meters, and band stacking register keys. This sub-display enhances operability by offering quick access to frequently used functions and settings. ​

Advanced Receiver Capabilities

At the heart of the IC-7760’s receiver system is a direct sampling superheterodyne architecture, which directly converts RF signals into digital form using an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). This design minimizes distortion and enhances signal clarity.​

The transceiver boasts dual independent receivers, allowing simultaneous reception on different bands and modes. This feature is particularly advantageous for monitoring multiple frequencies during contests or DX operations.​r

To further improve reception quality, the IC-7760 incorporates a Digital Preselector (DIGI-SEL) and a preamplifier that can operate concurrently. DIGI-SEL effectively suppresses out-of-band signals, preventing overmodulation, while the preamplifier enhances sensitivity, ensuring clear signal reception even in challenging conditions. ​

Robust Transmitter Performance

The IC-7760 delivers a maximum output power of 200 watts with a 100% duty cycle, making it suitable for demanding modes like FT8. The transmitter employs Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) technology to compensate for non-linear distortion in the power amplifier, resulting in clean and efficient signal transmission.​

Additionally, the transceiver includes a built-in automatic antenna tuner with a mechanical relay type design. This tuner offers faster tuning compared to conventional variable capacitor types and automatically recalls matching information for previously used frequencies, facilitating smooth band changes and multi-band operation. ​

Comprehensive Feature Set

The IC-7760 is equipped with a suite of features designed to enhance the user experience:​

• Dual Spectrum Scope and Waterfall Display: Monitor two different bands simultaneously with high-resolution spectrum scopes and waterfall displays, aiding in the detection of weak signals and overall band conditions.​
• Audio Scope: Visualize transmit and receive signal characteristics through FFT and oscilloscope displays, enabling precise adjustments to microphone compression, filter width, and notch filters.​
• Automatic Contest Serial Numbering: Streamline contest operations by automatically incrementing serial numbers in CW and RTTY modes.​
• Preset FT8 Menu: Quickly configure settings for FT8 operation using preset memory functions, simplifying transitions between digital modes and standard operations. ​

Connectivity and Expansion Options

The IC-7760 offers extensive connectivity options to accommodate various operating preferences:​

• Antenna Connections: Four SO-239 connectors for transmitting antennas and two BNC connectors for receive-only antennas, providing flexibility in antenna configurations.​
• External Display Support: A DVI-D output allows connection to an external monitor for enhanced visibility of operational information.​
• USB and LAN Ports: Facilitate firmware updates, remote control, and integration with external devices such as keyboards, mice, and flash drives.​
• SD Card Slot: Enable storage of settings, logs, and other data for convenient access and backup.​
• Transverter Connector: A BNC type transverter connector allows for frequency expansion and integration with other equipment.​

Technical Specifications

General:

• Frequency Coverage (USA version):
  • Receive: 0.030–60.00 MHz
  • Transmit: 1.800–1.999, 3.500–3.999, 5.255–5.405, 7.000–7.300, 10.100–10.150, 14.000–14.350, 18.068–18.168, 21.000–21.450, 24.890–24.990, 28.000–29.700, 50.000–54.000 MHz​
• Modes: USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, PSK31/63, AM, FM
• Number of Channels: 101 (99 regular, 2 scan edges)
• Power Supply Requirement:
  • RF Deck: 90–264 V AC
  • Control Head: 15.0 V DC ±0.75 V
• Power Consumption:
  • Transmit: 800 VA
  • Receive: 150 VA typical (Stand-by/Max.
• Operating Temperature Range: 0°C–50°C (32°F–122°F)​
• Frequency Stability: Less than ±0.5 ppm​i
• Frequency Resolution: 1 Hz​
• Dimensions (W×H×D):
  • RF Deck: 425 × 149 × 442 mm (16.7 × 5.9 × 17.4 in)
  • Control Head: 340 × 118 × 103.5 mm (13.4 × 4.6 × 4.1 in)​
• Weight:
  • RF Deck: 15.8 kg (34.8 lb)
  • Control Head: 2.3 kg (5.1 lb)​

Transmitter:

• Output Power (HF/50 MHz):
  • SSB/CW/FM/RTTY/PSK: 1–200 W
  • AM: 0.25–50 W
• Modulation System:
  • SSB: Digital P.S.N. modulation
  • AM: Digital Low power modulation
  • FM: Digital Reactance modulation​
• Spurious Emission:
  • HF Bands: Less than –50 dB
  • 50 MHz Band: Less than –66 dB​

Receiver:

• Direct Sampling Superheterodyne​ Receiver
• Intermediate Frequency: 12 kHz
• Sensitivity:
  • SSB/CW (10 dB S/N):
    • 135 kHz: 1.41 μV typ.
    • 1.8–29.999 MHz: 0.16 μV typ.
    • 50 MHz Band: 0.13 μV typ.
  • AM (10 dB S/N):
    • 0.5–1.799 MHz: 6.3 μV typ.
    • 1.8–29.999 MHz: 2.0 μV typ.
    • 50

Icom IC-7760

The Icom IC-7760 stands out as a versatile and powerful HF/50 MHz transceiver, combining advanced technology with user-friendly features. Its modular design, dual-display system, robust receiver and transmitter capabilities, and comprehensive feature set make it an excellent choice for amateur radio operators seeking high performance and flexibility in their communications setup.