The 756’s PRO-fessional Debut
Icom’s latest HF base station the IC-756Pro has made its operational debut at the prestigious Amateur radio station, Project Echo. This unique station, marking the start of the new millennium has been broadcasting from Rangers House an 18th Century property owned by English Heritage situated on London’s Blackheath Common. One of the very first models of the IC-756PRO in the UK was specially delivered for this event. Since then it has been used as one of the prime operating transceivers and has provided a vital contribution to the operation of the millennium station.
The IC-756PRO HF+50MHz, 32 bit DSP transceiver was used as the main operating rig on Station 2. Over the last two months the IC-756PRO has played an important part in the stations attempt to achieve its target of 50,000 QSL contacts and its extensive range of features has made it a must for all amateurs to work on. Together with its other major Icom counterparts, it has made a vital contribution to the overall success of the event.
The IC-756PRO contains a whole range of new and improved features that will be of great interest to all serious HF operators and DX enthusiasts everywhere. Amongst it features are a 32-bit, floating-point, IF DSP which improves noise reduction and provides auto-notch functions. A 5-inch TFT colour LCD, which is a first in a HF transceiver, which presents essential operating information in a clear uncluttered way. The wider viewing angle afforded by this LCD display increases its visibility.
The IC-756PRO was just one part of Icom’s sponsorship of the station. In addition, Icom provided an extensive range of operating equipment including two IC-746 HF/VHF all mode transceivers, a IC-775 DSP HF all band transceiver, a IC-706 MKIIG HF/VHF/UHF all mode transceiver and a IC-PW1 HF 1kw linear amplifier. A IC-PCR1000 computer receiver which was used as a interactive exhibit. Icom also supplemented their sponsorship by providing exhibition display equipment and hundreds of give-aways. Icom (UK) Ltd also provided specialist assistance with the installation of the equipment and its maintenance.
Remarking on the IC-756PRO, Owen Cross G4DFI, Project Echo's Station Manager said,' there was great excitement over the airwaves when they knew we were using the PRO. Everyone kept on asking us questions about its performance. It has been the flagship of the Icom equipment at the station.'
Dave Lawley G4BUO, HF manager for Project Echo commented on the IC-756PRO's performance:' It has performed extremely well and our operators all found it easy to use. The DSP was the best I have used, and I very much liked the band scope feature. '
Ian Lockyer, Marketing Executive at Icom (UK) Ltd, on the introduction of the IC-756PRO to the UK said, ' I had no doubts that the IC-756PRO would be a resounding success. I was only too happy to have it launched at such a prestigious event.'
Icom UK Marketing -
marketing@icomuk.co.uk
14/03/2000
