Icom 746 vs 746 PRO

KD4ZDQ · #1 11-04-2009, 11:32 PM

Ok, I have been doing some research and am wondering if someone can give me a breakdown of the major differences between the 746 and 746 PRO. I am thinking about upgrading my rig and have used the 746 at a field day. I liked the feel of it, but what is the differnce in features?

Thanks for any input that you can provide

73s

Josh
KD4ZDQ

WB2WIK · #2 11-04-2009, 11:44 PM

There are a lot of differences, mostly in favor of the PRO model, as detailed (one by one) in the ARRL Product Review, available on line as a free download for members:

http://www.arrl.org/members-only/prodrev/bymfg.html

Just scroll down the list to IC-746PRO, in the May 2002 issue of QST.

They do positively rave about some of the improvements.

AI4OF · #3 11-04-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD4ZDQ

Ok, I have been doing some research and am wondering if someone can give me a breakdown of the major differences between the 746 and 746 PRO. I am thinking about upgrading my rig and have used the 746 at a field day. I liked the feel of it, but what is the differnce in features?

Thanks for any input that you can provide

73s

Josh
KD4ZDQ

The IC-746Pro has a digital IF chain, which has the effect of having a nearly infinite number of filter combinations without buying any crystal or ceramic filters.

It's a very good radio.

Also, take a look at the Yaesu FT-950, which is very feature competitive with the IC-746Pro and is a newer design. Icom has announced that the IC-746Pro is being retired.

I have an IC-746Pro and I like it a lot.

K7MH · #4 11-05-2009, 02:57 AM

I have had then both. The 746Pro may look the same but there really isn't any comparison. It has a far better receiver. If you are a ragchewer and just work S9 signals then it doesn't much matter which one you get. If you like weak signal DXing the 746Pro has it all over the older model.
The "No Pro" is an analog receiver. The Pro has 32 bit DSP.

WB2WIK · #5 11-05-2009, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K7MH

I have had then both. The 746Pro may look the same but there really isn't any comparison. It has a far better receiver. If you are a ragchewer and just work S9 signals then it doesn't much matter which one you get. If you like weak signal DXing the 746Pro has it all over the older model.
The "No Pro" is an analog receiver. The Pro has 32 bit DSP.

The ARRL lab agrees with you. They rated the PRO as having a far better receiver in a variety of ways. They did specifically point out in their review that it's not "more sensitive" at all -- but it is better (dynamic range, etc) and anyone with a good antenna would notice the difference.

LABATTMAN · #6 11-05-2009, 03:10 AM

But I'm looking for the software for programming my radio.(Icom)IC-2100H, I hope someone could help me out finding it or sending it to me Thanks.

KD4ZDQ · #7 11-14-2009, 04:47 PM

Thanks to everyone for their responses! I will be looking for a Pro....as soon as I get some money and approval from the XYL!!! I will also look at the Yaesu. I have always been a big fan of thiers as all of my current rigs are Yaesus....still use a dual band HT almost everyday that I got for Christmas of 94!!!

Thanks again

73 and good DX!

KD4ZDQ