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Posted by: Steve W9HC Posted On: 06/09/03 Subject: Re: IC 703 Product Review Message Posted: In Reply to: Re: IC 703 Product Review posted by Bill, N4QA on 06/09/03 While I can set the delay short enough to constitute semi-QSK, it isn't like the full QSK of the Ten Tec 515, for example. I haven't set mine short, as I think it makes it harder to work weak signals, and my favorite QRP activity is working 2-X QRP CW. The delay can be set from 2 to 13 dots. That should make most people mostly happy, unless they want true QSK. It seems to have a T/R relay, which I found a bit odd too, but ICOM did a number of things to get the power saving features to work in harmony. It may be "kick-out" relay for the tuner or something. The tuner uses a series of relays. I am not conversant enough with the circuitry to be sure. The manual does not include a schematic. But when I turned the AF off and keyed the rig, only then could I hear it. So yes, there's a relay in there somewhere! Many a good roundtable will be had comparing the three or four (or is it five?) factory-built rigs designed especially for us who are into QRP. The Icom gets my vote right now, but who knows what's coming down the road? Yes, I too think the filter should be built in and standard (just because they are so bloody expensive). But if I'm Icom, I'd reply by asking, "Which filter do you mean?" There's only room for one, or at most two. If they put the 500 hz filter in as standard equipment, and raised the price of the radio say, fifty bucks, I'd be ticked. I want the 250hz filter. And what if I'm a phone freak and want no CW filter, instead preferring the improved SSB filter, etc? So Icom says "name your tune and pay the band." BTW: I have a lot of power line hash in my neighborhood, and the IC-703 puts the hurt on my 707 for getting rid of that junk. The receiver in this rig will disappoint none (or very few). Thanks for the feedback... 73
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