Hi Alan,
I know very little about the flex radios, and up until now have tried to
pretend they're mainly about graphics... But, I know Adam believes future
performance radios are almost certainly going to have an SDR architecture,
and if they are wrapped up in an ergonomically designed unit, we might have
a chance at tactile accessibility out of the box!
BTW, I have a panel layout for the 7800 if you need it.
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Alan R. Downing
Sent: 19 August 2013 23:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Finding a new dual RX 200 watt rig
Hello Kelvin, Adam also just ran a series of tests on the new Flex 6700. He
and Rob share data as I understand it, and another good friend of mine, Ken
Long, also works with Rob, as well as at Alpha. Between Adam, Rob, and Ken,
there is some serious brain power there. Adam and I have been good friends
for perhaps 8 years or so.
Fine business on the 7800. I have several local friends here that have
them, perhaps I should go over to one and spend a few hours at the controls.
I do a fair amount of split operating, so I am glad that it is easy on the
7800. It is also easy on my 775DSP.
73
Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2013 3:29 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Finding a new dual RX 200 watt rig
Hi Alan,
Yes, Adam runs the 7800 and PW1 reflectors, and is definitely the person
with the knowledge. You are blessed to have him as a friend. He owns the
7700 himself, and I saw a post where he had recently tested the Mark 2 7800
RX with favourable results.
It will be interesting to seek his advice on the issues we've mentioned.
The only comment I can make categorically, is that the 7800 can be very
comfortably used by a blind operator. The split operation is as smooth as
silk, and working Dual Watch on CW and SSB DX is an absolute pleasure. I
worked over 270 entities in 2012 and never needed to change any setting that
did not have a control on the front panel!
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Alan R. Downing
Sent: 19 August 2013 21:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Finding a new dual RX 200 watt rig
Adam Farson, VA7OJ, is a good friend of mine, and I will talk about the 7800
issues. As you likely know, Adam is very tight with Icom senior management.
He also tests them from stem to stern. He called me last night on the
phone, and told me that he was in the midst of giving the new 7100 a good
wringing out.
If I learn anything, I'll get back to you on it.
73
Alan R. Downing
Phoenix, AZ
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kelvin Marsh
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2013 1:08 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Finding a new dual RX 200 watt rig
Hi Again Alan,
I've found some messages about the 7800 PSU. Again, I don't think it's a
common problem, but if it happens to you... Ouch!
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----Original Message-----
From: Kelvin Marsh [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 19 August 2013 15:44
To: 'For blind ham radio operators'
Subject: Finding a new dual RX 200 watt rig
Hi Alan,
I deleted your original post, but I think your friend has been unlucky with
his internal PSUs. I have been on the 7800 reflector for years and never
heard of the 7800 having this problem, and I deduce it must be fairly
uncommon. But there have certainly been several cases of the IC-PW1 having
PSU problems requiring a replacement.
I believe the K3LR contest station uses 7800s exclusively, and despite the
numbers of different operators and the many 7800s in use, I recall reading a
post last year on their bullet proof reliability.
On the radio itself, although first released in 2004, there have been many
updates, and the 7800 should certainly not be considered an old radio.
Since the Mark 2 version which replaced the RX boards, there have been other
refinements, with the most recent in 2012. If you think you would be buying
a 9 year old radio design, you could not be further from the truth.
I've had both the 7800 and Kenwood TS990 on the bench side by side, and
whilst the 990 has many more accessible features, in my opinion the 7800 is
as easy to use for DX, and I would venture to say I personally find the
layout is better.
I would be very happy with either radio. Now the 990 has gone, I don't miss
it at all, which is perhaps all I can say <smile>. Would I be happy with a
new 990, you bet! If my 7800 went bad and I needed to buy a new rig, it
would have to be a dual RX radio, and like you, I would have a tricky and
expensive decision to make. I suspect that many owners trading in their
7800s are after the improved graphics, the reliability that comes with a new
radio, and perhaps fancy a change! The kenwood has more bells and whistles
and costs less, but I personally find the 7800 is almost operating
perfection <big smile>.
Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
www.active-elements.org
For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
-----
No virus found in this message.
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Version: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6590 - Release Date: 08/19/13
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No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2013.0.3392 / Virus Database: 3211/6590 - Release Date: 08/19/13
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