Best settings for IC-7610 receiving
Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2023 9:47 pm
There's a fine article on a really good website, particularly for Icom 7610 and 7300 at https://k0pir.us/icom-7610-and-elecraft ... -settings/. There are lots of good recommendations, and if only there was space in the original posting, I suspect that some more suggestions could be added:
The Twin-PBT is useful, but maybe the Digisel preselector also needs a mention. By default it tunes to center on the rig's tuning, but if one side or other of the desired frequency needs enhancing or attenuating, it can do that too. Works best on the lower frequency bands.
The NR noise reduction button if given a long press, brings up a menu, allowing you to choose just how much noise reduction is best.
The NB noise blanker for pulse noise like ignition QRM also works well, and if long-pressed, allows you to set level, depth and width of blanking.
There are a couple of other features I use for SSB reception, though not so much to do with the actual receiver. First, is the Memory Pad, as distinct from the rig's main memories for frequency storage. This little pad of 5 memories in a rotor allows one-button storage of interesting ongoing QSO frequencies for rapid recall, without changing anything in the main memories for long-term useful settings. Cool.
Did we remember that the IC-7610 has two receivers which may be operated simultaneously? You can enjoy a QSO with one receiver while simultaneously monitoring another channel, maybe for a net or planned sked. At any time you can change the main/sub receivers, or operate easy split.
Then there's the recorder. The digital recorder to a flash card works as you expect, with the usual REC and PLAY buttons, if you just heard an indistinct much wanted callsign, tap the REC button. Regular recording continues but you just captured the last few seconds of audio before the button press. A tap of the PLAY button gives you the callsign few seconds as many times as you need to copy it. The main recording can be played with a long PLAY press, but until then the recording continues. Almost like having two recorders.
And then there's the very flexible waterfall for mode id, and finding a vacant frequency for careful listening before putting out your CQ.
The IC-7610 is a very capable rig that contains a lot in one box. You should buy some!
The Twin-PBT is useful, but maybe the Digisel preselector also needs a mention. By default it tunes to center on the rig's tuning, but if one side or other of the desired frequency needs enhancing or attenuating, it can do that too. Works best on the lower frequency bands.
The NR noise reduction button if given a long press, brings up a menu, allowing you to choose just how much noise reduction is best.
The NB noise blanker for pulse noise like ignition QRM also works well, and if long-pressed, allows you to set level, depth and width of blanking.
There are a couple of other features I use for SSB reception, though not so much to do with the actual receiver. First, is the Memory Pad, as distinct from the rig's main memories for frequency storage. This little pad of 5 memories in a rotor allows one-button storage of interesting ongoing QSO frequencies for rapid recall, without changing anything in the main memories for long-term useful settings. Cool.
Did we remember that the IC-7610 has two receivers which may be operated simultaneously? You can enjoy a QSO with one receiver while simultaneously monitoring another channel, maybe for a net or planned sked. At any time you can change the main/sub receivers, or operate easy split.
Then there's the recorder. The digital recorder to a flash card works as you expect, with the usual REC and PLAY buttons, if you just heard an indistinct much wanted callsign, tap the REC button. Regular recording continues but you just captured the last few seconds of audio before the button press. A tap of the PLAY button gives you the callsign few seconds as many times as you need to copy it. The main recording can be played with a long PLAY press, but until then the recording continues. Almost like having two recorders.
And then there's the very flexible waterfall for mode id, and finding a vacant frequency for careful listening before putting out your CQ.
The IC-7610 is a very capable rig that contains a lot in one box. You should buy some!