Icom 746 Pro Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The icom 746 pro is a reliable and well-regarded amateur radio transceiver. It offers an extensive range of features, impressive frequency coverage, and intuitive functionality.

With strong build quality and top-rated performance, this radio is an excellent choice for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking a high-end device. The icom 746 pro has been around for over a decade, and it is considered one of the best radios in its class.

With a robust build and exceptional functionality, this transceiver boasts a range of features that have made it popular among amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide. In addition to its broad frequency coverage, it offers intuitive operation that allows for quick and easy access to its many functions. Whether you’re interested in dxing, contesting, or regular operations, the icom 746 pro is a reliable and high-performing radio that deserves serious consideration.

Key Features Of Icom 746 Pro

The icom 746 pro is a high-end transceiver that offers a range of impressive features. Below, we’ll explore the key features of this device, from its dual dsp to its user-friendly interface. Each section will be marked with an h3 heading (###) to ensure ease of reading.

Dual Dsp

One of the primary selling points of the icom 746 pro is its dual dsp system. This feature allows for improved filtering and signal processing, which results in clearer audio and better performance overall. With dual dsp, you can expect a marked improvement in your ability to pick up weak signals and reduce interference.

In terms of practical application, this translates to a smoother, more reliable signal. Whether you’re chatting with friends on a local repeater station or trying to get in touch with someone on the other side of the world, the dual dsp system of the icom 746 pro will work hard to ensure that your communications are as clear as possible.

Large Display With Led Backlight

Another standout feature of the icom 746 pro is its large, clear display. Measuring in at 4. 9 inches, this screen offers ample space for displaying your current settings and frequency information. The led backlight is especially helpful for low-light situations, making it easy to see the display even when conditions are less than optimal.

With a large display, you’ll be able to keep track of your current operating status and make changes on the fly as necessary. And thanks to the brightness of the led backlight, you won’t have to fumble around in the dark to do so!

All-Mode, All-Band Transceiver

The icom 746 pro is an all-mode, all-band transceiver, meaning that it can handle a wide range of operating frequencies and modes. Whether you’re looking to operate on hf, vhf, or uhf frequencies, this device has you covered. And with modes ranging from ssb to cw to rtty, you’ll be able to experiment with a variety of modes to find the one that best suits your needs.

This flexibility is especially useful for those who enjoy trying out new operating modes or who want to take advantage of the unique propagation characteristics of different frequency bands. And with the icom 746 pro, you won’t have to sacrifice performance for versatility—it offers top-notch performance across all modes and frequency bands.

Built-In 20Db Attenuator

The icom 746 pro also comes equipped with a built-in 20db attenuator. This feature is particularly useful for those who operate in high-power situations or who need to reduce their signal strength for any reason. With the built-in attenuator, you can easily reduce your signal strength without having to worry about adding extra equipment or making manual adjustments to your setup.

This feature can also come in handy when tuning your antenna or making other changes to your setup. By reducing your signal strength temporarily, you can avoid interfering with other operators or causing unnecessary disruptions on the airwaves.

User-Friendly Interface

Finally, the user-friendly interface of the icom 746 pro deserves a mention. With clearly labeled buttons and an intuitive layout, this device is easy to use and navigate. And thanks to the included manual and quick-reference guide, even those who are new to the world of amateur radio will be able to get up and running in no time.

The interface is designed with the user in mind, offering easy access to frequently used functions and clear feedback on your current settings and operating status. And with the ability to customize many of the settings and menu options, you can tailor the interface to your specific needs and preferences.

The icom 746 pro is a feature-packed transceiver that offers a range of impressive capabilities. From its dual dsp to its user-friendly interface, this device is sure to satisfy even the most discerning operator. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a relative newcomer to the world of amateur radio, the icom 746 pro has something to offer.

Design And Build Quality Of Icom 746 Pro

The icom 746 pro has been a trusted radio model for ham operators worldwide for many years, thanks to its exceptional features that deliver optimum performance. In this review, we’ll focus on the icom 746 pro’s design and build quality.

Aesthetics Of The Radio

The icom 746 pro is an attractive-looking radio with a sleek and modern design that makes it a standout in any ham shack. Moreover, it has an excellent display that’s easy to read – it displays clear, crisp, and bright colors.

Some key points about the radio’s aesthetics are:

• The front panel displays all essential information about the radio clearly, such as frequency, modes, and power levels.
• The knobs and buttons are well-placed, making it easy to use and adjust while operating the radio.
• The radio’s color scheme provides a professional and sleek feel that sets it apart from other radios in its class.

Durability Of The Icom 746 Pro

Durability is a crucial factor when it comes to selecting a radio, and the icom 746 pro is no exception. This radio is constructed using high-quality materials that guarantee durability and long-term use. Here are some key points about the icom 746 pro’s durability:

• The radio’s casing is made from top-of-the-line materials that are rugged enough to withstand the toughest conditions, making it ideal for field work.
• The icom 746 pro’s internal components are built to be strong and durable, ensuring that the radio performs well for years.
• The radio is built to withstand moisture, making it resistant to water damage.

Ergonomic Design

The icom 746 pro’s ergonomic design makes this radio stand out from others in its class. The radio’s design is well thought-out, making it easy and enjoyable to use. Some aspects of the radio’s ergonomic design are:

• The radio’s design ensures that the buttons and knobs are easy to reach, making it simple to operate.
• The radio is lightweight, making it easy to handle and move around, which is critical when operating it for extended periods.
• The radio’s display is well-positioned and angled so that it’s easy to read without straining your eyes.

The icom 746 pro’s design and build quality is top-notch. The radio is built to last, with a modern design, and an ergonomic design that makes it easy and enjoyable to use. Whether you’re a seasoned ham operator or a beginner, the icom 746 pro is an excellent choice for your ham shack.

Performance Of Icom 746 Pro

The icom 746 pro is a top-of-the-line transceiver that offers unmatched performance, whether transmitting or receiving. This section will break down the radio’s capabilities in terms of transmitting, receiving, audio quality, and sensitivity.

Transmitting Capabilities

The icom 746 pro boasts an impressive set of transmitting capabilities, which include:

• Output power of up to 100 watts, providing strong signals to reach far distances.
• Multiple transmit modes, including usb, lsb, cw, rtty, am, and fm, giving you flexibility when choosing how to communicate.
• Adjustable speech processor, allowing you to control and enhance your voice for clear and clean transmissions.

Receiving Capabilities

The icom 746 pro is equipped with a state-of-the-art receiver that provides remarkable sensitivity and selectivity. Here’s what you need to know:

• Frequency coverage ranges from 1.8 to 54 mhz, ensuring you can receive communications from a wide range of frequencies.
• Twin passband tuning, enabling you to fine-tune your receiver’s selectivity to reduce the noise clutter and hone in on distant signals.
• Digital signal processing (dsp) capabilities, enabling you to clean up noisy signals and enhance weaker ones.

Audio Quality

One of the most noteworthy elements of the icom 746 pro’s performance is its superb audio quality. Here are some of the key reasons why:

• Adjustable dsp filtering, which allows you to customise your audio’s tone, contour, and bandwidth.
• Noise reduction, which helps to eliminate unwanted background noise, creating a clear and crisp communication experience.
• Built-in automatic notch filter, removing strong interference signals, resulting in clear audio.

Sensitivity

The icom 746 pro’s sensitivity capabilities are vital when it comes to receiving communications. This radio is among the best that you can find, thanks to:

• Variable bandwidth digital filtering, which optimizes your radio’s sensitivity to surrounding signals, reducing noise and improving overall audio clarity.
• Adjustable agc, which helps to maintain your radio’s gain and optimise sensitivity, ensuring you can receive even weak signals.
• Triple conversion superheterodyne receiver, enabling you to receive signals with clarity and reliability.

The performance of the icom 746 pro is exceptional, providing a comprehensive array of transmitting and receiving capabilities, superb audio quality, and excellent sensitivity. If you are searching for a high-performing transceiver, then the icom 746 pro is an option worth considering.

Comparison With Similar Models

The icom 746 pro is a popular amateur radio that has been on the market for quite some time. With so many other similar models available, it’s crucial to know how the icom 746 pro compares. We’ll compare the icom 746 pro with three other popular models in the same category: the icom ic-756pro iii, yaesu ftdx1200, and kenwood ts-590sg.

Icom Ic-756Pro Iii

The icom ic-756pro iii, released in 2004, is a natural upgrade of the icom ic-756pro ii. Here are some of the pros and cons of the icom ic-756pro iii:

Pros

• Dual antenna inputs
• Six meter coverage
• Great audio quality
• Wide range of filters

Cons

• Heavyweight
• Short on screen space
• The faceplate is not detachable

Yaesu Ftdx1200

The yaesu ftdx1200 was released in 2011 and is often praised for its phenomenal digital signal processing (dsp) feature. This is how it compares:

Pros

• Wide dynamic range receiver
• Terrific dsp
• Dimmable exit panel backlight
• Great user interface

Cons

• Lacks a built-in antenna tuner
• No internal battery backup
• Caters to upper-range budgets

Kenwood Ts-590Sg

The kenwood ts-590sg was released in 2014, catering mostly to audio enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Affordably priced
• Good digital signal processor

Cons

• Lacks a high-stability clock
• No built-in antenna tuner
• The receiver could have a better dynamic range

All of the above models have their pros and cons. It’s up to the user to determine which one will offer the best balance of features for their specific needs. The icom 746 pro review shows that it’s a solid choice with a great track record, but it’s always a good idea to compare it against other available options.

Frequently Asked Questions Of Icom 746 Pro Review

What Are The Features Of Icom 746 Pro?

Icom 746 pro is packed with features such as dsp filtering, noise reduction, dual watch, and if shift. It also has a built-in automatic antenna tuner, digital voice recorder, and spectrum scope.

What Bands Does The Icom 746 Pro Cover?

Icom 746 pro is designed to cover all hf bands (160m-10m), plus 6m, 2m, and 70cm bands in all modes. This makes it an excellent choice for both hf and vhf operation.

What Is The Output Power Of The Icom 746 Pro?

The icom 746 pro has a maximum output power of 100 watts on hf, 50 watts on 6m, and 20 watts on 2m and 70cm. It has been designed with a built-in automatic antenna tuner.

Is The Icom 746 Pro Easy To Operate?

Yes, the icom 746 pro is easy to operate. It has a large lcd display, intuitive menus, and button layout that simplifies navigation. The radio also includes programmable function keys and an adjustable noise blanker.

What Is The Price Of The Icom 746 Pro?

The icom 746 pro is currently discontinued and it’s only available as a used radio from various sources such as ebay, craigslist, and other ham radio classifieds. The price varies depending on the condition and accessories included.

Conclusion

After taking a closer look at the icom 746 pro, it is clear that this radio has a lot to offer for amateur radio operators. Its user-friendly interface coupled with its advanced features makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced radio enthusiasts.

The radio’s excellent receiver performance and stable transmitter output power are particularly noteworthy. Moreover, the build quality of this radio is impressive, ensuring that it can withstand heavy usage over extended periods. Some may find the radio’s price point to be too high, but its performance justifies the cost.

The icom 746 pro is a reliable and versatile radio that is well worth considering for those who are serious about amateur radio.