Wow! 17 reviews on the IC-7800 on eHam

[KD4LEI]

These guys who now own this expensive rig have all given rave reviews so far. Sounds like Icom did their homework throughly before getting this out on the market.

Most of the owner's also have overseas callsigns. But there are some from here in the states. I guess if you got the money, shell it out for something that will be your station rig. To me it would be my first and probably my only HF rig for that amount of money.

[k9kjm]

If you had just spent 10K on a rig that did not have any
serious problems, Wouldn't you also give it a good review?
This is all relative. To some, (like government agencies)
10K is chump change.
To others, 1K (That many have spent on ham radios) is much more than can ever be spent on a hobby.
Even if I had a pocket full of "mad money" I would buy two good used Icom 756PRO radios, And spend the balance of over 7K on towers and antennas.........
But that is just me........ # More power to those who have worked hard and can afford top of the line rigs. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[KG4ZQZ]

- $10K for a rig wouldn't be a squeeze (especially since i've consolidated my-too-many-hobbies), but i wouldn't pop for a 7800 for several reasons:

1. that's a log of 'eggs' in one basket; imagine if it does crap out and you have to send it in? for $10K i'd want an on-site maintenance agreement...

2. i'd rather have at least two good-performing rigs with one as a backup

3. my personal tastes are towards portable ops, and i don't think the 7800 is in that category?

4. for $10K i'd expect more than 200W output

5. i don't have an antenna system to justify the expense; i don't think an expensive rig is going to make my poor antenna perform better

6. i'm new to the hobby so i'm still learning; i doubt i'd exercise all the features of the rig

7. i don't use all the features of the rigs i do have

8. it's a 'first-generation' of a model line, isn't it? perhaps there will be some 'trickle down' technology in lower-line models? i don't mind being an early adopter (have done this with computer stuff), but a $10K computer isn't something i'd pop for in light of what we all know happens in that industry; IOW, how much is that $3K computer system you bought three years ago worth now? (i know, i know, the used amateur radio gear market is different)...

9. don't have the desk space

10. i want to see what Yaesu comes up with

- but i'd still like to see a hands-on demo of the 7800... it's amazing that we spend ungodly amounts of money on our vehicles without the blink of an eye, but $10K for a transceiver seems like a lot of money!

just my US$0.03 (adjusted for inflation)

[ai4ep]

wonder when they will come out with a mobile version of the 7800 ?

[ai4ep]

If YOU spent that much money for a rig, would you find any fault with it ?

Of course it is perfect.

Wonder how long it will be till we see a USED one for sale...

or has it already occurred ?

[K6UEY]

KD4LEI,
CHAD, I don't think you are going to run out and buy one this week, based on the 17 reviews. I have not read the reviews,but I am willing to bet they are in the same vein as other equipment reviews on that board.
That is to say they are not technical reviews taken in a modern lab by qualified technicians. The reviews I have seen over there are no more than personal opinions of those who own the rig. I am sure the price of the rig narrows down the number who are willing to make comment,but I have seen many who have lots of dollars but no sense.

Caveat emptor!!

BTW it is my understanding that the rig is not a new one,it has been in use by the Japanese Military for 2 or 3 years,I'm told. Could be this model for Amateur use has a face lift or a model number change,but I'm told it is the same rig.
If you are an ARRL member then you are aware of the testing that is done in the ARRL Lab,that data is available on line, for members.
I don't think this rig has been put through it's paces as yet but they will.That's the data you want to consider when spending money on a new rig,not the biased personal opinion of some one who bought one.

Now there are some serious Hams out there,who have the knowledge and the equipment to do the testing,but just calling CQ on the air is not a valid test. good luck, best DX es 73, #ORV

[AG3Y]

I've always heard "Put the money in the antenna and tower" ! Now just think, what kind of tower could you put up for 8,500 dollars, and still have enough money left over to get a very decent, more "normal" type of rig to feed it with ? DXCC here we come !

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif 73 , Jim

[K3UD]

I have a neighbor who purchased one and got to spend an afternoon using it at his QTH. My first impressions bring to mind the word "Awesome". It would take me several months the learn all the features (If I had the 10 Large needed to buy one that is)

73
George
K3UD