Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 14:37:47 -0600 From: "K Van Horn" Subject: Re: Transmit Audio Problem Hi Randy, Your IC7000 is the same as everyone elses. I have a friend who figured out how to make his 7000 sound normal while overcoming the lack of treble or bass boost. He advises to set the MIC gain to 50 and the compression to 5 and to use 100 HZ as the Low freq cutoff and 2900HZ as the High freq cutoff. I tried his settings and sure enough, he was right on the money(as always). Thanks Art!! 73 es Merry Christmas, Kirby, K7EC On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 13:27:09 -0600, randy_best wrote: > Hello all, > > Once again, one of the major required features has been left off plus I > heard a weird hollowness on transmit audio. I would appreciate some > feedback to determine if my 2 day old IC-7000 is defective. > > 1. There is no transmit EQ, only high and low cut. All sophisticated DSP > radios should have user control to support treble boost at least. I get > nothing but bad audio reports with the stock mic (too many lows and > mushy). > > 2. When I change the LO cut from 100 to 300 to attempt to tailor for my > lack-of-highs-voice, there is an awful hollow, talking through a tube > effect injected. > > Has anyone else noticed this? > > When I use my HM-103 mic, there are more highs but not quite enough. It > took ICOM 3 tries to get the 706 transmit audio perfect. I was hoping I > didn't have to buy 3 radios again > > Thanks in advance, > > W7CPA ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 20:58:57 -0000 From: "randy_best" Subject: Re: Transmit Audio Problem Hello Kirby, Since they appear to all be the same (too bad), I plan to get the schematic for the HM-151 and explore EQ possibilities like I did with the original 706. The OP AMP feedback resistor provided the required control. There appears to be a large number of active devices inside the MH-151 so there is hope for a fix. It is flat stupid of ICOM to require an external AUDIO CHAIN to make audio play up to 706 MKIIG quality. Maybe it's the Japanese male desire to have low guttural sounds like Samurai Sam. I am not impressed with transmit audio so far - especially the hollow effects when I change low cut to 300 Hz. The receive audio and all other features are most excellent! 73 Randy W7CPA ========================================================================= --- In ic7000@yahoogroups.com, "K Van Horn" wrote: > > Hi Randy, > > Your IC7000 is the same as everyone elses. I have a friend who figured out > how to make his 7000 sound normal while overcoming the lack of treble or > bass boost. He advises to set the MIC gain to 50 and the compression to 5 > and to use 100 HZ as the Low freq cutoff and 2900HZ as the High freq > cutoff. I tried his settings and sure enough, he was right on the money(as > always). Thanks Art!! > > 73 es Merry Christmas, > > Kirby, K7EC > > > On Sat, 24 Dec 2005 13:27:09 -0600, randy_best wrote: > > > Hello all, > > > > Once again, one of the major required features has been left off plus > > I heard a weird hollowness on transmit audio. I would appreciate some > > feedback to determine if my 2 day old IC-7000 is defective. > > > > 1. There is no transmit EQ, only high and low cut. All sophisticated > > DSP radios should have user control to support treble boost at least. > > I get nothing but bad audio reports with the stock mic (too many lows > > and mushy). > > > > 2. When I change the LO cut from 100 to 300 to attempt to tailor for > > my lack-of-highs-voice, there is an awful hollow, talking through a > > tube effect injected. > > > > Has anyone else noticed this? > > > > When I use my HM-103 mic, there are more highs but not quite enough. > > It took ICOM 3 tries to get the 706 transmit audio perfect. I was > > hoping I didn't have to buy 3 radios again > > > > Thanks in advance, > > > > W7CPA ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 16:35:23 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Transmit Audio Problem Hi Randy, Last month I evaluated an IC-7000 at Icom America HQ in Bellevue WA. During the evaluation, I held an on-air QSO with Marty KA7GKN, who is very knowledgeable in matters of HF audio and has a critical ear to match. Here is the relevant excerpt from my evaluation report: In the course of a 20m SSB QSO with Marty, we determined that the "best-sounding" settings (using the HM-151) were WIDE TBW with compression off. (At my home IC-756Pro III station, I normally use a Heil GM-5, with MID TBW and 5 to 6 dB compression.) Other group members have also reported very satisfactory transmit audio quality. It is possible that your IC-7000 has a defect; you may wish to try the settings suggested by Kirby, as well as those I used during the evaluation. There should not be any need to make circuit modifications, as the DSP permits adjustment of the lower and upper -6dB points in the transmit audio response. On the issue of equalisation, I assume that this feature was not included due to the expectation that the supplied HM-151 microphone will invariably be used with the IC-7000. There may also have been concerns about bringing the IC-7000's feature set too close to that of the IC-746Pro and IC-7400, which are in the same price class. Still, I must say that I would like to see the "EQ" menu added, so as to accommodate other microphones. I might add that derogatory references to Icom, and to the Japanese people, are notably unhelpful. Civil discourse is a requirement in this group. Best 73, Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 17:48:41 -0700 From: "Randy Best \(COX\)" Subject: RE: Transmit Audio Problem The audio is awful especially when one attempts any low cut delta from defaults. I did not pay $1,500 to sound like I am holding a toilet tissue tube in front of my mic. It is TRUE that the low frequencies ARE very important in Japanmese male speech world - fact, live with it. The Mark V has 2 useless XMT EQ seetings, FACT. My IC-7000 is truly awaful. I hope this an anomaly. I will be requesting a return on Monday. This is a piece of junk in its current state. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 17:16:25 -0000 From: "randy_best" Subject: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data As previously posted, I was extremely disappointed with the transmit audio. I have experienced superb performance from my IC-706MKIIg and was hoping for equal or improved features/performance on the IC-7000. Putting an engineering hat on, I offer the following data after some in depth testing in my lab: 1. As noted by most reviewers, the new form factor, display, menus and receive quality are superb! The new tuning knob with the rough- road click stop is way cool. The radio is going into a new off-load vehicle (a Hummer H3) so this is greatly appreciated. 2. AM transmit mode can actually produce 100% positive peak modulation if I use my W2IHY EQPlus to get the mic levels up. The stock HM-151 "mic" does not generate enough level unless you yell/whistle with emotion . 3. All notch and noise reduction features are superb. 4. The HM-151 microphone is not up to the audio quality of the HM-103 microphone too many lows, mushy, totally insufficient highs for SSB. This can be fixed as soon as I get my hands on the HM-151 schematic. The element is soldered to the back of the board and is placed in front of the hole. The HM-103 had a better design to reduce breath pop as well. 5. DSP LOW and HIGH cut control has a major flaw I will be discussing with ICOM. Currently the only way to make good audio is to set to WIDE with 100-2900 bandwidth, turn compressor off or barely on and use a non-ICOM microphone with an external equalizer. It looks like Bob Heil has yet another product opportunity here. You might say, even with the lack of a proper bass and treble control, you can use the LOW cut to whack the lows and effectively accomplish the same thing. Unfortunately, if you set the LOW cut-off off of the 100 peg, say to 300, the design flaw rears it ugly head. a) The PTT switch is now very audible with a distinct BOINK sound. b) The audio now has distortion/effects so bad that most on air reports ask if you are holding a cardboard tube between your mouth and the microphone. I dearly hope ICOM has an answer for this major problem (IMHO). This renders the HIGH and LOW cut features totally useless and forces the user to deploy non-ICOM microphones and external EQ. W7CPA ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 16:31:37 +0100 From: "Tilman D. Thulesius" Subject: TX audio problem Hi there fellow IC-7000 -pilots- I have seen various reports on bad audio from the IC-7000. Very interesting, this as I have now being given numerous reports where I get resports on bad audio with descriptions like: "sounds like you are sitting in a tin-can" I have found that most of the time the rig sound best with no compression and the mid equalizer setting - This with the HM-151 -mike. I agree to that it would be nice if we could get similar TX-setting-solutions like there is with Kenwood TS-480, TS-570 and TS-2000. 73 de SM0JZT Tilman IC-700 0 S/N 0201255 ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 10:23:39 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: IC706MKIIG et al Hi Cliff, The IC-7000 DSP runs at 16.1 kHz vs. 36 kHz in the 756Pro series, the 7800 and the 7400/746Pro. All these radios allow selection of different upper and lower -6dB points in the TX AF response, as well as bass/treble equalisation. These functions are in the digital domain. The IC-7000 allows upper/lower -6 dB point selection, but has omitted the bass/treble equalisation. I operated an IC-7000 on the air in the course of an evaluation session at Icom America HQ, and received excellent audio reports using the HM-151 with the default [WIDE] occupied-bandwidth setting and no compression. Enquiries on the Icom Users' Net (Sundays, 1700Z, 14316 kHz), as well as other sources, have indicated widespread satisfaction with the "stock" IC-7000 transmit audio. On BDR: I did not measure it, but measured close-in reciprocal mixing noise at the Icom engineering lab; the results I obtained were surprisingly good. They are in my evaluation report. The report is in the Files section of this group, or here: http://www.qsl.net/ab4oj/icom/ic7000/ic7000_trip.pdf Season's greetings. Best 73, Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 10:32:08 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Transmit Audio Problem Hi Robert, Not to enter into a sterile DSP-vs.-analogue debate here, but DSP has found its way into virtually all branches of the electronics industry today - including the mil/gov radio comms, professional broadcast and music-recording industries. With proper hardware design and skilled programming, a DSP can be made to model any analogue design so well as to be virtually indistinguishable to measuring instruments, let alone the mere human ear. There is a cutoff point dictated by cost. Doubtless there was only so much allocated for the modulation and demodulation processes in the IC-7000 R&D budget. One of the nice things about DSP is that the weakness you addressed can usually be corrected by programming, without extensive and costly hardware revisions. Suffice it to say that DSP in modern amateur radio gear has put such powerful signal-management tools into my hands that I am utterly spoilt. Except for my little IC-703, I do not see myself ever owning an analogue HF radio again. Best 73, Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ Owner, Yahoo! ic7000 Group -----Original Message----- From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Robert John Sent: 25 December 2005 10:00 To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [IC-7000] Transmit Audio Problem This rig is basically a DSP in a box. Radios of this type typically lack the sound quality of an analog design. Glad we get to know the weakness of this radio before we spend big bucks for something that appears to require a little more engineering. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 11:36:20 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data Hi Randy, It is possible that you have received either a defective HM-151, a defective IC-7000 or both. As I have mentioned previously, other IC-7000 owners appear to have had very satisfactory on-air audio reports - as did I during my evaluation session last month. I transmitted SSB with default [MID] and [WIDE] TOBW settings. The distant station gave me a good report in the [MID] setting, but a better one in [WIDE]. As Icom use basically the same modulation and demodulation algorithms in all their DSP-based transceivers, I did not expect (or encounter) any surprises in that area. Have you tried the radio on the air with a different microphone (such as the HM-103 or HM-154), and if so, what sort of reports did you receive? I would recommend that you let the Icom service centre check your IC-7000 and HM-151 before you draw any conclusions. The next step may be to exchange either or both units. If after all that, you decide that the IC-7000 is not for you, fair enough...you should be able to return it. Best 73, Season's Greetings, Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 16:30:15 -0000 From: "tthulesius" Subject: Software uppgrade for TX Audio Equaliser Hi there !! Reading all e-mails in this group about the terrible TX audio quality....... Just comes to my mind that ICOM just have to do something about the missing feature of a proper TX audio equalizer like they have in the Kenwood TS-480, TS-570 and TS-2000. I take it that the IC-7000 must be software upgradeable from a PC like with all modern equipment. I also take it that ICOM now must be udner pressure to do something about fixing this problem. I heard from a friend that the original spec for the IC-7000 would include a proper audio-eq for TX....... Is there somebody out there that has heard about a fix och feedback from ICOM ?? 73 de Tilman SM0JZT ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 15:20:31 -0000 From: "randy_best" Subject: Transmit Audio - More Testing I made a claim that the TBW LO CUT feature was useless due to added ringing, toilet tube sound etc. I have now verified this is not unique to my unit - 5 others have now been tested. The radio MUST be set to 100-2900 to sound right without heavy, undesireable effects. A quick test is to transmit in TBW==NAR and monitor on another receiver. The internal Monitor always sounds fine since it must be just an audio sample before RF stages. The PTT switch BOINK that results is not real special! While waiing for an ICOM response, I decided to take a closer at the HM-151 since the HM-103 sounds better. The audio path is through a small hole with two 90% bounces off the soft rubber keypad matrix material. The HM-103 does this with hard plastic. I suspected that the lack of highs was due to the rubber material absorption. I enlarged the hole slighly to achieve a direct path and added a wee bit of Heil blue breath pop foam between the font plastic and the rubber keypad matrix hole. I hear slightly more highs now, however, there are still too many lows for good SSB articulation. In general, this mod was not worth the effort and not suggested. Mind you, I run an Alpha 87A so this isn't a weak signal, can't hear me situation. I look forward to hearing ICOM's response. W7CPA ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 25 Dec 2005 12:53:34 -0700 From: "Randy Best \(COX\)" Subject: RE: RE: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data Greetings, I have tried the HM-103 mic and it is a major improvement. This tends to support my claim that the HM-151 is poorly designed. Please understand that I have owned all three 706's and I have modified the early 706's using the OP AMP feedback resistors to make good USB audio. The MKIIg and HM-103 finally got it right. I just ran some further tests. When I use the IC-7000 monitor function, I hear no undesireable effects !!!! When I monitor on TS-850S and Mark V I hear the problem. Since I have 4 other reports WRT the same problem I reported, I doubt it is my unit. Try this yourself. Turn on the COMPRESSOR, set to a low setting of 25%, change you LOW cut to 300 or 500 and monitor your transmissions. It is AWFUL! The PPT switch BOINKS and the sound is cardboard tube quality. I will get the bottom of this. Mind you, I hope I'm wrong !!! Cheers, _____ From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Adam Farson Sent: Sunday, December 25, 2005 12:36 PM To: IC-7000 Reflector Subject: [IC-7000] RE: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data Hi Randy, It is possible that you have received either a defective HM-151, a defective IC-7000 or both. As I have mentioned previously, other IC-7000 owners appear to have had very satisfactory on-air audio reports - as did I during my evaluation session last month. I transmitted SSB with default [MID] and [WIDE] TOBW settings. The distant station gave me a good report in the [MID] setting, but a better one in [WIDE]. As Icom use basically the same modulation and demodulation algorithms in all their DSP-based transceivers, I did not expect (or encounter) any surprises in that area. Have you tried the radio on the air with a different microphone (such as the HM-103 or HM-154), and if so, what sort of reports did you receive? I would recommend that you let the Icom service centre check your IC-7000 and HM-151 before you draw any conclusions. The next step may be to exchange either or both units. If after all that, you decide that the IC-7000 is not for you, fair enough...you should be able to return it. Best 73, Season's Greetings, Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 11:07:17 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Transmit Audio - More Testing Hi Randy, There may be a specific run of IC-7000's with transmit audio issues. I received a report on a unit with S/N 050103XX which has an SSB transmit audio problem similar to the one you describe. What is the S/N range of your radio, and do you recall the S/N range of the other units you tested? This information could be helpful in nailing down a specific run. Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 11:35:46 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Software uppgrade for TX Audio Equaliser Hi Tilman, I agree with your comment about equalisation. All the other Icom DSP-based radios have bass and treble equalisation in the DSP. As this function is in the digital domain, no additional circuitry is required. I assume that this feature was not included in the IC-7000 due to the expectation that the supplied HM-151 microphone will invariably be used with this radio. . There may also have been concerns about bringing the IC-7000's feature set too close to that of the IC-746Pro and IC-7400, which are in the same price class. Still, I must say that I would like to see bass/treble EQ added, so as to accommodate other microphones. The IC-7000 is not software-upgradeable from a PC. Several EPROMs need to be changed out to perform an upgrade. Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ -----Original Message----- From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tthulesius Sent: 26 December 2005 08:30 To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: [IC-7000] Software uppgrade for TX Audio Equaliser Hi there !! Reading all e-mails in this group about the terrible TX audio quality....... ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 12:38:41 -0700 From: "Randy Best \(COX\)" Subject: RE: Transmit Audio - More Testing Adam, I did not collect the SNs from the other chaps. Mine is 0501607. I'll try to collect a few more SNs. There are 2 excellent sounding IC-7000s on every night but they both have to have external 8 band EQs and a differnet mic. I'm hoping this is one of those situations where the SMD parts picker was loaded with the wrong resistor and this is a simple LEVEL problem vs. a DSP firmware problem. If the input to DSP land to too hot ..... etc. Those of us with no highs in our voices need HIGH BOOST of some sort - like my TS-850S has. TREBLE and BASS control like my IC756Pro III had would be optimal. LO CUT would be OK if it just didn't distort/add major hollowness. The rest of the radio is excellent to say the least. Thanks,Randy W7CPA ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2005 20:41:19 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Another 746 Pro Fiasco? Hi Bob, Could you do me a favour and let me have the S/N of your IC-7000? You can e-mail me privately if you prefer. I am attempting to build up a small database of radios with "known good" and "known bad" TX audio, in the hope of isolating a bad production run. Randy (W7CPA), could I trouble you to try and get the S/N's of the 5 other radios you reported as bad? Best 73, Adam, VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 05:04:02 -0000 From: "biff_jackson2000" Subject: Re: Another 746 Pro Fiasco? I have made about 10 ssb qso's on my IC-7000. I have received nothing but compliments on the audio. I don't use the DSP on transmit. Based upon the comments i've read everywhere, the perceived problem with transmit audio is user setup error and nothing more. My rig performs extremely well and is one of the all-around best rigs i've ever owned. I think some people are selling due to "buyers remorse". I have not heard one case of blown finals, etc. When I purchased an IC-703 a few years ago, I and dozens of other folks promply blew their rigs up just basically letting them sit and glow warmly.... If you like the advanced Icom rigs, and you want a small, elegant package with real filtering options, dual notch filters, great DSP, etc, etc; this may be the best rig ever of it's type. The ONLY rig i've ever had to send to the factory more than once is my 703. If this rig breaks once - fine. As long as it stays fixed, i'll be happy. Buy one if you like what you see. I think you'll be happy. Just don't let reports of audio problems scare you. Some people like to fiddle around with their settings, and screw things up. There are obobviously settings that sound good. Basically, use very little compression and about 40 percent mic gain. I'm using 50, and get great reports. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 11:55:08 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: FW: Transmit Audio - More Testing Hi Randy, Many thanks - it will be great if you can collect the other S/N's. The unit I evaluated at Icom HQ was S/N 0501264. Yesterday, 6 stations checked in on IC-7000's; all sounded fine. A friend of mine also informed me that he had heard "nice-sounding" IC-7000's on a 40m traders' net. If the baseband level at the ADC input is hot, the whole process will fall apart. Perhaps this was an incorrect parts choice. The service manual should be out before too long. This will permit some level checking. If we can identify the suspect radios by S/N, and forward this info to Icom, they may be able to zero in on a particular production run. Glad you like the radio otherwise. The unusually good reciprocal mixing noise I measured at the Icom lab bodes well for excellent strong-signal performance. I would also love to see TX bass/treble equalisation included, though. Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ -----Original Message----- From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Randy Best (COX) Sent: 26 December 2005 11:39 To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [IC-7000] Transmit Audio - More Testing Adam, I did not collect the SNs from the other chaps. Mine is 0501607. I'll try to collect a few more SNs. There are 2 excellent sounding IC-7000s on every night but they both have to have external 8 band EQs and a differnet mic. I'm hoping this is one of those situations where the SMD parts picker was loaded with the wrong resistor and this is a simple LEVEL problem vs. a DSP firmware problem. If the input to DSP land to too hot ..... etc. Those of us with no highs in our voices need HIGH BOOST of some sort - like my TS-850S has. TREBLE and BASS control like my IC756Pro III had would be optimal. LO CUT would be OK if it just didn't distort/add major hollowness. The rest of the radio is excellent to say the least. Thanks, Randy W7CPA ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 12:05:10 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: RE: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data Hi Jeff, There is a solid scientific reason why approx. 6 dB of compression is desirable in SSB. The following article is a collaborative effort by an old friend (an ex-Racal colleague) and myself. It goes back to work we did in the 1960's. http://www.qsl.net/ab4oj/icom/ssbcomp.html Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 18:47:15 -0500 From: "Jeff Griffin" Subject: Re: RE: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data It must be my voice. broke out the dummy load again, and here's what get... com off = 7000 alc scale 80 % com = 1 7000 alc full, com scale 10 com = 2 7000 alc full, com scale 15 At com = 1 audio is getting a little distorted. At com = 2 audio starts to take on the hollow through a toilet paper tube sound described by Randy. So it looks like my ears are telling me a com of 1 is good, and my test results agree? I have a pretty good feel for my audio, and I still think a com of 1 is good for me. This is very subjective, and has a lot to do with user preferences, mic gain, etc. I usually set my audio up, then get on the air with a good friend, that also has good hearing, and get him to help me adjust my transmitted audio so it sounds like me. On the other hand, If I'm really trying hard to work a DX station portable with a low wire antenna or something, I might as a last resort turn the compression up. I might get the contact because I'm being heard, or I might get it because my audio is so bad the DX station wants to get rid of me ;>) 73 Jeff kb2m ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 26 Dec 2005 16:07:18 -0700 From: "Randy Best \(COX\)" Subject: RE: Re: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data The manual has to be wrong WRT compression setting. My problem with lo cut distortion has nothing to do with compression. My unit it totally useless if I use any setting other than WIDE, 100-2900. If I dial in 300 - boom, I'm talking though a cardboard tube. _____ From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of dietmarfichter Sent: Monday, December 26, 2005 3:08 PM To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: [IC-7000] Re: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data Strange that the operation of the IC-7000 states to adjust the COMP LEVEL so that the ALC meter must peaks above the ALC zone as compared to my IC-706MKII, IC703+ and IC746PRO which all state to adjust the comperssion level so as "NOT' to exceed the ALC zone, otherwise your transmitted voice may be distorted. To adjust the speech compressor so the the ALC must peak above the ALC zone so as not to distort the transmitted voice is news to me. I think there is a miss print in the IC-700 manual and it should read: NOTE: When the ALC meter peaks above the the ALC zone, your transmitted voice may become distroted. Adjust >COMP LEVEL so that the ALC meter peaks below the ALC zone. Dietmar VE3CG - In ic7000@yahoogroups.com, "Leland Cox" wrote: > Please read the Manual, Page 90. You are setting the compression too > low! > From the manual...... > > NOTE:When the ALC meter peaks below the ALC > zone, your transmitted voice may be distorted. > Adjust `COMP LEVEL' so that the ALC meter > peaks above the ALC zone. > Thanks, > Les, AA4F ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2005 00:00:56 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Software uppgrade for TX Audio Equaliser Hi Tilman, On the equalisation, I can confirm your friend's information. In the pre-release product brochure 05WK0070 C 2005 Icom Inc. under "Other Features", we see: . Bass and treble audio equalizer . Adjustable SSB transmit bandwidth . Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ -----Original Message----- From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of tthulesius Sent: 26 December 2005 08:30 To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: [IC-7000] Software uppgrade for TX Audio Equaliser Hi there !! Reading all e-mails in this group about the terrible TX audio quality....... Just comes to my mind that ICOM just have to do something about the missing feature of a proper TX audio equalizer like they have in the Kenwood TS-480, TS-570 and TS-2000. I take it that the IC-7000 must be software upgradeable from a PC like with all modern equipment. I also take it that ICOM now must be udner pressure to do something about fixing this problem. I heard from a friend that the original spec for the IC-7000 would include a proper audio-eq for TX....... Is there somebody out there that has heard about a fix och feedback from ICOM ?? 73 de Tilman SM0JZT ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 27 Dec 2005 08:37:17 -0000 From: "stetch46" Subject: Re: TX audio problem Hello, Yestarday I heard the forst local IC-7000 on 80' here in Oslo. It sounded great I think. I dont know how it was set up. I wasen't in the QSO. But it had a nice sharp sound with also elements of bass. I was listening with my "ESSB-receiver" TS-870S with HIFI- speaker at rather wide bandwith. It gave me a good first impression, thats for sure. Regarding testing with or without the processor. My first weeks with my IC-746PRO I didnt use the processor because I got reports of bad thin sound. My bandwith was set to wide normally. Later I discovered that the bandwith changed to narrow when I turned on the processor. I didnt know it had its own setting of bandwith. :-( Please check this out on the 7000 when testing and comparing TX-audio. Maybe the bandwith changes when turning on the processor? 73's from Stig, LA4WAA ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 03:40:09 -0000 From: "Rich" Subject: Transmit audio problems. I too have had transmit audio problems. I have the "talking through a cardboard tube" audio like most of the others I have talked to that just bought the IC-7000. I agree with some other hams on the net that the low cut is the culprit. You have to use 100-2900 (wide). Everything else sounds terrible. I hope Icom will fix this problem and offer a free fix to us guinea pigs! Dick, WV4M ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 03:17:29 -0000 From: "Rich" Subject: Re: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Problem - Some Data In regard to the bad transmit audio, I have also experienced the "cardboard tube" audio if I use anything other than 100 - 2900 (wide). Everything else sounds worse. The 100 - 2900 setting seems to be OK, but it could be better. So far this is my only complaint about the radio. It is too bad that Icom could not have got it right before shipping these radio. WV4M. ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 13:14:34 -0000 From: "Karl Geng" Subject: microphone "enhancement" Examining the IC-7000 stock microphone closely I noticed that the opening in the plastic housing was not in line with the opening in the membrane underneath thus blocking the audio path to the microphone capsule on the board. I enlarged the hole in the plastic housing and elongated the hole in the membrane. There is now a direct path and most of the hollowness of the audio has gone. Maybe my mike isn't the only one with this misalignment. 73 Karl N1DL ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2005 15:31:19 -0000 From: "Leland Cox" Subject: Re: ICOM IC-7000 and Heil Headsets Funny you should ask! This is a reply to a letter I sent to Bob Heil last night! I asked him which Microphone we needed for the new IC-7000. Les, AA4F ps: Leland is my first name ------------------- Hi Leland Any of the 706 product will work.... http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/icom_fix.htm The Traveler 706 works terrific. The HM-iC or iCM also works perfect. iCOM sent one of the 7000 units in last week so we could work out some better microphone for it. The stock microphone is very hollow sounding. You will set the WIDE transmit filter 200 Hz on the low end and 2900 on the top end. The iC 7000 has one of the best digital noise reduction systems and the receiver is terrific. Using it in the lab through our 4410 JBL studio monitors rivals just about anything placed beside it. Glad to help, Leland. Best to call direct 618-257-3000 Thank you BOB HEIL, K9EID www.heilsound.com --- In ic7000@yahoogroups.com, "David Johnson" wrote: > Hello and Season's Greetings. Has anyone interfaced the Heil series of > headsets with this radio? Looking on the Heil web page, it confirms that > the earlier ICOM radios were lacking in preamp gain, but also comments > that the more recent ICOM models have improved in this respect. With > this in mind, I want to interface my Heil BM-10 (HC5 Insert) with the > radio. If this is not possible, are people using the secified BM-10 > (ICOM series), as specified by Heil, where the DC cap in line with the > mic is missing? What are peoples' thoughts? > > 73, David, G4DHF ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 31 Dec 2005 01:35:37 -0000 From: "Jim Flannery" Subject: Heil interface to 7000? I have S/N 502067 and am VERY IMPRESSED with the receiver. Very nice and quiet. NB and NR work very well. Reports from on-air QSO's bear out what has been stated on this reflector: use the WIDE TBR and it gets rave reviews. When raising the low filter to 300 or 500, sounds like a tube. This is with the stock HM-151. I have a Heil ProSet that I've used on a 706 MK II G. Do I understand correctly that the modular plug is wired differently, so I would need some other kind of interface? I don't want to blow anything up. One further comment: I expected the radio to get hotter from the reports I've read. I'm not concerned about heat after using it in actual QSO's for several hours. Matter of fact, it is kind of chilly in my basement shack, and it gives me a place to warm my fingers. ;^D Happy New Year, from Jim, K0UNX unixman@mac.com ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 8 Jan 2006 22:15:19 -0500 From: "KK8ZZ" Subject: Heil Microphones with the IC-7000 I found this statement on the Heil website and thought it might be of interest to the group: HEIL MICROPHONES WITH THE iC 7000 All of our products built for the 706 will work well with the sensational new Icom iC 7000. The Traveler 706, the iCM with the HSTA 706 adapter and the favorite is the HM-iC HANDI MIC with the Ch -1 iM cable. For the ultimate headset operation any of our iC headsets (BM-10 iC, PRO SET iC, PRO SET PLUS iC, PSQP iC) with the AD-1 iCM modular adapter and HS 2 or FS2. Set the Transmit bandwidth in the WIDE position 200 Hz and 2900Hz. For extreme articulation, contest or DX pileups ups use the MID or narrow bandwidth filters. The iC 7000 has extreme audio capabilities. Here in the Heil lab we have been VERY successful in using the 8 band W2IHY EQ into pins 2 and 11 of the rear accessory socket. Using the PR 40 with this set is absolutely stunning. Transmit Bandwidth set at 100 Hz and 2900 Hz. Cheers.... Bob KK8ZZ Solon, Ohio 44139 ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 17:25:12 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: It looks as if Bob Heil has a solution for the IC-7000 mic. Just received: ************************************************************************* For all Heil Dealers PLEASE pass this to all sales personnel The Icom 7000 continues to be the hot topic around the bands these days. Truly a sensational receiver with incredible DSP noise elimination effects - HOWEVER - the transmit audio quality continues to tarnish this great piece. The main problem is the 25 button hand microphone. The Teenie tiny 1/8" diameter element ( 1/16" thick!) is mounted on the pc card. The Small hole you speak into is at least 1/4" to the RIGHT of that element so you are not addressing the element straight on, therefore the voice goes into the hole, hits the pc card, reflect back to the top of the mic, reflect back down to the element - thus MAJOR phase distortion and the 'hollow' boxy sound that this gives the radio. Since 'It All Starts At The Microphone" the 7000 is NOT receiving good 100% reviews. I have discovered a very interesting thing over the past 3 or 4 days on the air. I am able to use one of our VERY articulate HC 5 elements STRAIGHT into the RJ connector I use the HM-5 (Handi Mic) with the CH-1 iM cable [which presumably includes a blocking capacitor]. Here's the secret --- Transmit Bandwidth WIDE 200 - 2900 COMPRESSION on - ALWAYS set to 4 Mic Gain at 50% (or where you need for proper ALC action) Let me tell you ladies and Gentlemen.....THIS brings the 7000 into compliance with the 706 audio ! ....it is terrific! I have MORE surprises we are working on in the lab but for now...PLEASE PLEASE - do your customer a favor and sell them an HM 5 with CH-1iM. Don't you dare let ME hear you sold one of these without this combination. The difference is stunning....please listen....Don't believe me? Take a 7000 out of the box. Hook it up. Listen in another receiver and headphones to that dizzy 25 button hand mic. This is ONE incredible piece of technology. Now with the great audio problem solved you are on target for even more profit this year...! See you on the air ! BOB HEIL, K9EID ************************************************************************** ========================================================================== Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 01:31:04 GMT From: "D C (Mac) Macdonald" Subject: Re: It looks as if Bob Heil has a solution for the IC-7000 m ic. FOr a whole lot less than Bob's dealers get for his HM 5, you might be able to "CAREFULLY" make a more direct path for your voice to reach the mic element of the stock mic. Keep in mind that I don't have a 7000 or mic to check this out, but others have mentioned taking a similar path to improved audio with minimal cost. I will have to keep my IC-706 Mk II for quite awhile. I just had my truck smashed into and the 2720H stolen. I guess the thief/thieves must have gotten itchy as they left the 706 and Garmin GPS Map!!! 73 --- Mac, K2GKK/5 =========================================================================== Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 19:41:03 -0000 From: "k6htm" Subject: Install Heil HC-5 or HC-4 element ON the HM-151 Bob Heil K9EID has successfully fit an HC-5 element into the hanger space on the back of the stock mic with excellent results. He also has in the lab a prototype of an EQ installed inside the case, to be revealed later. Here in his words is the modification: "I had to shave just a bit of the 'bar' of plastic for the HC 5 to slide into but the HC 4 fit perfectly. Drill one hole and install a short small diameter shielded wire down to the two points where the original electret was installed. Don't forget the 1 mf non polar decoupling cap. There is some kind of plastic 'fence' molded on the inside of the back plate...they even left a small cut out to run our wire to the original element location ! I attach some audio files for you to hear. Interesting....because of the +6dB of 3K rise of the HC 5, I back the transmit bandwidth down to 2700 and 100 on the low end becuase it rolls off at 300, thus NOT allowing the internal preamp to be hit with a lot of low end as the stock iC did causing that horrible hollow sound. Use the COMPRESSION - always to get the needed gain and that sets at 4. NOW, the iC 7000 in my statioin lab finally has some articulation." He advises fastening a foam blast screen over the element. I will add that if you don't use the buttons on the mic, the HM-103 that comes with the 706 MKII-G sounds excellent on the 7000. -- Charlie K6HTM ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 12:00:42 -0800 From: Adam Farson Subject: RE: Install Heil HC-5 or HC-4 element ON the HM-151 Hi Charlie, The HC-5/HC-4 retrofit for the HM-151 is described and illustrated on the Heil Sound site. http://www.heilsound.com/ Click "Details for the ic 7000" Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2006 18:03:12 -0000 From: "oe1mww" Subject: a HM-151 mod in 5 minutes Hi all, after reading all the messages about 'hollow' sound and similar reports I got on the air I decided to open and look 'inside' the HM-151... Remove the 2 screws on the back and open the mic. Next, remove the lver for PTT by pulling it carefully out of the mic. Remove the 3 little screws that hold the print. Now you can remove the print out of the mic shell. Grab it on the RJ-45 housing. In the shell you will see a white plastic assembly for all the buttons on the front. This plastic assembly can be removed by using a tweezers. Go carefully round and round to lift it. Don't pull just on one corner. Don't touch the black spots in the middle of the buttons. They make contact on the printed circuit board. After you have removed the palstic assembly with the buttons (don't worry, they will not fall apart, like I have seen on phones or calculators) you will see the hole for the mic on the front shell of the HM-151 and you will see this tiny little hole in the white plastic assembly. First step: look into th mic shell. The mic hole is on one side of a sink. Drill carefully a hole from the inside with a 1,5 or 2mm drill beside the original hole. Now your HM-151 will have 2 mic holes, side by side. Drill from the front side through the original hole, so both will be 1,5 or 2mm in diameter. Remove all chippings from drilling the holes. Punch with a perforator a 4mm hole into the white plastic assembly, so the original mic opening has 4mm in diameter. Assembly the stuff - and you will have a much better sound. I tested this with local stations! It's a pitty that we have to do this on our own. Apparently Icom engineers having a special frequency range in their voices that does not produce this hollow sound ;-) Enjoy your IC-7000 - it's a great radio! Wolfgang OE1MWW ========================================================================= From: "JIMI MADMAX" kw2w007@yahoo.com Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 2:25am(PDT) Subject: Re: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Quality Contrary to what i am hearing, the 7000's audio is changable. Look at the bottom of page 84 in the instruction manual.There you will find info about the Xmit filter with setting for SSB.These are the defaul settings. You can set both the lower audio limit (100)hz and the upper limit (2900)hz by momentarily pressing the set buton, then press the Qs button, press either the down arrow or up arrow to get to the mic gain menue, then hold that button for one second and you will see SSb TBW (wide) L......look atthe right corner of the display, just above the DEF(default) setting button. You will see 100. that is the low end audio setting, turn the main tunning knob to set in the value you want, up to 500. When your finshed ,push the down arrow again, now your looking at the hi end audio setting, SSB TWB (wide) H ....keep repeating this untill you set all 3 ranges to what you want....By pushing the DEF button all settings will return to the default settings.T get out of the menue just press the menue button twice.....Looking at the 7000 service manuel, the schematic of the main unit shows the Xmit audio going through a Ts462 opamp, ic 2007, I guess one could play around here to some what change the audio freq, responce. However, the rig and componente are very small and a microscope at least for me, would be the only way i could see the parts.After this op amp, the audio goes through several more opamps, making up the low pass filter.Up to here the audio is still analog. The next thing the audio see's is the A to D converter, this is where the problem starts IC 551 and only gets worse when the audio hits the D.S.P unit .The audio shaping in the 7000 does not do as much as some of the other icom rigs so called EQ's..SO, i have been using a W2Ihy, EQplus to help the rig out.Yes, this is mic only audio shaping and not done in the transmitter, where it should be done,However it is quite effictive. good expermintation de KW2w Ray wrote: First I should mention there is a QST Product Review of the IC-7000 in May QST. I am really concerned about the transmit audio quality. I have heard very little of anything good about the audio quality from amateur radio community and the QST review also notes that the audio is nothing to write home about. The QST article also says that ICOM does not plan to do anything with the audio. So I figure that this will go like everything else from ICOM they will eventually come out with the NEXT generation in the future which will have the NEW and IMPROVED audio. There was also a comment about the supplied mike being customized for low-noise mobile operation - but it seems that even with a HIEL mike that the audio is not all that good. Some of the listeners claim that they could not tell the difference between the stock mic and a Hiel HC-5 and that says something is really going on in the electronics. Just wondering what sme of the IC-7000 owners in our group are experiencing with the SSB transmit audio. Ray, N0FY ========================================================================= From: "Lnk3d Lnk3d" lnk3d@yahoo.com Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 8:34am(PDT) Subject: Re: Two Microphones I distintly remember reading something on this subject that 2 mic's was a big no-no and would ground or short the 8v+ I may be wrong here, just working on my first cup of coffee today Charles Scott wrote: All: Today I implemented my plan to connect two microphones to my IC-7000 and all went well. I've located the stock remote control microphone at the back of the center console for users in the back seat and have that connected to the radio using an extension cable to the connector on the back of the radio. For the front seat where the radio is I have one of the 154T touch tone mics plugged into the front of the radio. No perceivably problems at this point other than both mics being active when either transmits. I can probably fix that and may look at something to mute the audio in each microphone when they aren't keyed but reports so far don't indicate a problem with extra background noise from the opposite microphone. All control functions work normally.0 Last part of this project is slated for this weekend when I connect video and audio from the IC-7000 to the aux inputs on the overhead entertainment system. I've already tested video into it and it looks great. Still need to sort out what audio I'm going to take from the radio. It would be nice to have constant level squelched audio since there's audio level control for users on the entertainment system in back (it uses wireless headphones with individual level controls). Haven't looked at the radio yet to see what's available for this. Hope to have this all set and working for the back-seat Hams on the trip to Dayton next month. Just thought I'd post this that dual mics works fine, at least with this configuration. I'll let you know if there's any delayed smoke. Chuck - N8DNX ========================================================================= From: "Charles Scott" cscott@gaslightmedia.com Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 9:35am(PDT) Subject: Re: Two Microphones Lnk3d: There is a comment in the manual about running two mics. I had thought it might either be due to load on the 8V line or control confusion. I checked the schematic to see how that 8V line is wired, and it comes directly off the 8V buss, which should be very adequate to run these two mics. When I get a chance I'll have to measure the current. Don't think there's anything that would result in that buss being "shorted" either. The second mic is not a remote control mic, so I didn't think that would be a problem either. Seems it just works. Chuck - N8DNX ========================================================================= From: "Brian Howell" kc4qh@yahoo.com Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 5:19pm(PDT) Subject: Re: IC-7000 Transmit Audio Quality I used a Heil PR 780 on mine. The Xmit filter was set to wide. Always received excellent audio reports. I have not really used the hand mike, although when I did I also got doog audio reports. A hand mike is just that -- a hand mike. Acoustics are never very good. I am thinking about putting the rig in the car, so I guess if I do I'll see how noise cancelling it is. Also helps to keep compression off or low. ========================================================================= From: "Craig Simmons" cfsimm2004@yahoo.com Date: Fri Apr 14, 2006 6:53pm(PDT) Subject: Re: Two Microphones Every two microphone trial I did had feedback or noise due to both microphones being connected at the same time! ========================================================================= From: "Charles Scott" cscott@gaslightmedia.com Date: Sat Apr 15, 2006 6:50am(PDT) Subject: Re: Two Microphones Craig: I had mentioned my concern about the second microphone picking up additional noise but it appears in my installation that there are no significant noise issues. I suppose if I had the FM radio blasting in the front seat and someone in the back was using the second microphone, there may be a problem. If that does become a problem I'll do surgery on the microphones to mute the mike audio when the PTT button isn't depressed on them. What feedback? Chuck - N8DNX ========================================================================= From: "Dean Gibson AE7Q" yahoo1@ae7q.net Date: Sun Apr 16, 2006 9:24am(PDT) Subject: Re: 8K Mod - Completed Have you considered just trying PART of the mod, where you just remove all but the capacitor that you would otherwise move? My initial glance at the schematic suggested to me that this was going to be just a bandaid, but if your results show the tone is gone, that's good. Any ideas as to how this works? Removing bypass capacitors always seems to me to be a bad idea. Perhaps they were the source of radiation on one side of the board? -- Dean ========================================================================= From: "Ray" rcostell3@att.net Date: Sat May 6, 2006 11:28am(PDT) Subject: Re: News from Heil Sound Well Folks, In regards to needing help for the SSB modulation it looks like Bob Heil is coming to the rescue. this is a full snip from an email I received from Bob. Many - not all have discovered that the 700 has very little articulation. Many of them have a very 'hollow' sound. The receiver is fantastic. I am working on building a microphone with a two band EQ built in. THIS is the answer. Until then - later this summer, the HC 5 has helped many straighten out the audio. Our HM-5 HANDI Mic works well. CH-1 iM cable. A lot of fellows are using our Traveler 706 for the 7000 with good results. Pay attention to the transmit BW. The 7K falls on it's noise when allowed to transmit below 200Hz. Hope that you can get things worked out. 73 BOB HEIL ============================================================================== From: "Stefan Björn" stefan@skalbaggar.se Date: Sat May 6, 2006 1:13pm(PDT) Subject: SV: [IC-7000] Follow up on my letter to Icom regarding serial number To change the modulation characteristics the Swedish Radio Supply (SRS) have changed C2203 and C2168 to 0.1 uF. ============================================================================== FM-Modulation Posted by: "Ben hatheway" n6fm@oregonfast.net n6fm Date: Wed Jun 14, 2006 3:43 pm (PDT) USe 15khz fm bandwidth and set mic gain to at least 50% Ben Hello! What do you think about the FM-Audio quality? I compare the IC-7000 with several other TRX (IC-706MKIIg, IC-910H, TM-D700, FT-857). The modulation of my IC-7000 is very fuggy. I found no way to get a clear and bright modulation in FM on VHF/UHF with the original mike. vy 73 de Gerhard ============================================================================== IC-7000 ,13.8v (runs hot no more) Posted by: "Tom@madisound" tom@madisound.com xr7p47 Date: Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:40 am (PDT) Hi Adam: I'll take a picture this weekend and shoot in off to you. I got the AM modulation up by gong into the "service menu" and did a ALC adjust. I had screwy ALC on SSB and AM, so that's what lead me there. The modulation now looks fine on the scope and SA now. 95% with speech 100% with a whistle or test tone. Actually the envelope does look a bit weird, because there is the lack of lows, see below. (folks don't go into the service menu unless you really know what you doing) That being said I don't feel the AM will every be as good as the 706 is (have one). The reason is, Icom seems to be using the same pre-emphasis for AM as is for the FM in the DSP. In the 706 and the 756 series SSB, AM and FM all had separate pre-emphasis ckrts. The low audio is chop off a 300hz, what a shame it could sound much better if it was 100hz or so. I modeled all the analog crkts in Spice and there was nothing strange going on there, all this is from the DSP. If you pipe in white or pink noise and look and listen to the recovered audio from a receiver on a SA you see almost a comb-filter effect and hear a hollow sound at certain levels. Also if you try and boost any of the lows (say 300-500hz) the DSP will compress harder than at other freqs say 800 to 2khz. And boosted lows will push down the highs as well. i.e. more aggresive compression at low freqs. I've thought of using a NJM1496 to modulate and use the DSP's other channel for audio, but where to get the 16.15khz carrier etc. etc. Tom ============================================================================== IC-7000 ,13.8v (runs hot no more) Posted by: "Adam Farson" farson@shaw.ca va7oj Date: Fri Jun 30, 2006 12:37 pm (PDT) Hi Tom, Interesting - I do not own an IC-7000, so am not in a position to do any testing. Some time ago, though, I ran a fairly exhaustive AM transmit test on an IC-756Pro2. The results are documented here: http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/pro_notes.html#am I found that at 25W resting-carrier output, the AM signal was excellent. At the 40W level recommended by Icom, carrier starvation occurred, with resultant harmonic distortion (as observed on the SA). I used the stock ALC setting for the test. The pre-emphasis is a DSP process; there is no frequency-sensitive analogue baseband circuitry except for an HPF in the speech amplifier. http://www.ab4oj.com/icom/pro_notes.html#acc1 My AM career in ham radio ended rather abruptly at the end of 1963, never to resume, a year after I was first licensed (as ZS1ZG). "Kilowatts from Heaven" were impossible to walk away from. (Our university lecturer in Electrical Communications coined that phrase to describe the 9 dB S/N advantage and 50% bandwidth reduction of SSB as compared to AM.) Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ ============================================================================== IC-7000 ,13.8v (runs hot no more) Posted by: "Tom@madisound" tom@madisound.com xr7p47 Date: Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:05 pm (PDT) Yep Adam, with most all SS 100w rigs out there un-mod 25w carrier will do the trick. But with (my) 7000 it didn't matter where you set the carrier, the % of modulation was always poor on AM, in SSB the ALC was always acting odd, not to mention try get the compressor to work well. I really think something was a miss during the factory set up for ALC. And the HPF filter is basicly what I'm talking about, its way too high for a natural sounding audio on AM, fine for FM but not AM. The analog input in the has -3dB points at about 100hz and 4khz. With the typical rise at 2kz. Then in the DSP they chop and I mean chop off the lows at 300hz+ on AM & FM, SSB gets to keep the audio to 100hz. In the 706 there is 3 seperate ckrts for pre-em so I was able to taylor mine for what I liked, flat from 100 to 700 then as rise to 2kHZ. As stock was just a peak at 2khz almost. In glancing at the 756xx schematics and seeing 3 separate analog circuits I presumed the same.( I know assume nothing) When I have time I might model those in Spice also. 9dB S/N yep, bandwidth reduction OK, still AM sounds sooo goood.... ** Also that AD chip number is SSM"2166" (not 1266) sorry. ** Cheers Tom KC9GMF ========================================================================= Question on microphne connector "M8V SW Posted by: "Tom@madisound" tom@madisound.com xr7p47 Date: Wed Jul 12, 2006 12:52 pm (PDT) It lets the 7000 know that the HM-151 is connected to it. -----Original Message----- From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Of dk5ew Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2006 2:28 PM To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: [IC-7000] Question on microphne connector "M8V SW Hi all, can anybody tell me what on pin No.3 on the microphone connector the "M8V SW" does mean ? At my old IC-706MKIIG it was AF output but I don#t understand the meaning of the M8V SW. Would be nice if anybody could explane it for me. TNX ! vy73 de Erwin/DK5EW ========================================================================= Question on microphne connector "M8V SW Posted by: "Oliver Dröse" droese@necg.de dh8bqa Date: Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:39 pm (PDT) Hi Erwin, > can anybody tell me what on pin No.3 on the microphone connector the > "M8V SW" does mean ? At my old IC-706MKIIG it was AF output but I don#t > understand the meaning of the M8V SW. It's an "identity" contact for the TRX to recognize if an HM-151 microphone or an HM-103 (or any other) is connected to the rig. If pin 3 is grounded it indicates the HM-151 to the '7000 ... 73, Olli - DH8BQA ========================================================================= Disgusting VHF/UHF FM Audio Posted by: "Adam Farson" farson@shaw.ca va7oj Date: Thu Jul 27, 2006 8:14 pm (PDT) Hi Mac, Right - selection of the 15 kHz filter sets the peak deviation to 5 kHz (16K0F3E) as used in North America. The 10 and 7 kHz filter choices set the peak deviation to 2.5 kHz (11K0F3E). Cheers for now, 73, Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ -----Original Message----- From: ic7000@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ic7000@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of D C *Mac* Macdonald Sent: 27 July 2006 20:05 To: ic7000@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [IC-7000] Disgusting VHF/UHF FM Audio From what I can determine, you have to set the FM TX bandwidth to 15 kHz for "normal" FM audio in the USA. The other available bandwidths are for "narrowband" FM where lesser channel separations are used. Mac, K2GKK/5 ========================================================================= Disgusting VHF/UHF FM Audio Posted by: "Scott Schoemann" sschoemann@wi.rr.com n9tgw Date: Sat Jul 29, 2006 2:20 am (PDT) I am yet to hear a properly set 7000 with anything less than excellent transmitted audio, from my own to the numerous units that are in operation on the local repeaters around here, as well as the units I have heard dx. It sounds like someone took a proverbial golden screwdriver to your friends unit. If possible, download all the memory contents to a computer for future editing, and do a cpu reset on that 7000 so that everything is cleared and reset to factory defaults. Now manually tune to one of your vhf or uhf frequencies and test it out. REMEMBER, you WILL get distorted sounding audio if you are trying to receive with in the near field emission area of the 7000 as the RF will overdrive the receiver. If all is well, then simply reload the memories ensuring that you are not reloading any other settings than the freqs and settings for that specific frequency. If this is a(n) European rig from the start, it will reset to the European setup based on the country it was set for at the factory. If it is a North American rig it will default to our settings. The only exception to this would be any diode changes made internally to the radio which would take over. I hope this helps simplify things, as I get the impression that this problem is the result of more than one setting being altered, And this will take you back to the baseline as it came out of the box. There is however, the chance that someone got into the service menu and if so I would recommend it going to ICOM for service as that requires specialized test equipment to ensure proper settings. Scott N9TGW ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= ========================================================================= =========================================================================