I've been a ham for just over a year now.  I'm taking my general next month, and will be purchasing a HF rig shortly.  I enjoy the hobby and have decided to purchase a "new" rig.  I'm leaning towards the Icom 7200.  
I'm going to keep my dual band, and set up a HF rig in addition down in the shack.

Can anyone either talk me into or out of this radio for any particular reason?  I've asked this question to some of the local hams, many of whom run older rigs.  They try to convince me into getting a good deal on a used rig.  I have learned to buy once, cry once.  Price is a factor, and this rig is right at the threshold.  I'm also factoring in a tuner, and an antenna of some sort.  I've read many reviews, and have come to the conclusion that Icom has a loyal fan club.  Anyhow, comments are welcome.

molon labe
bigohio

73's

I moved-up to the IC-7200 from an IC-718, which I consider to be the quintessential beginner's rig.  Though the 7200 is considerably more expensive, it has many additional features that result in a significant improvement in the user experience compared to the 718 (and other entry level rigs too I expect).  First and foremost, the 7200 has DSP filtering in the IF stage rather than the audio stage.  This means that, coupled with the roofing filter on the 7200's front end, it has much higher selectivity.  It therefore does a better job of reducing the effects of unwanted signals that are close to the signal you want to hear.  The IF DSP provides selectable "windows" that can limit the interference from nearby signals as well as the ability to independently adjust the position of either side of the bandpass window.  I've found this to be extremely useful already and I expect it to be more valuable as the solar cycle improves and the bands become more crowded.  There are lots of other great features too, 6M operation, automatic notch filtering (courtesy of the IF DSP), and selectable AGC settings.  In addition, the ability to connect the radio to a computer directly through a USB interface is huge; it greatly simplifies using digital modes.  I also find Icom radios much more intuitive to operate than Yaesus (YMMV).  For me the weather resistance wasn't a deciding factor, I do essentially all my operating from home.

I highly recommend it.  A contest-quality rig it ain't, but it's a superb value and offers a worthwhile step-up in functionality over an entry-level radio.

I was at a hamfest last weekend that ICOM was at in force.

Had everything on display including repeaters.

The 7200 looks to be a fine radio. They had 3 on display, one black, one FDE, and one desert camo.

For me, the only thing that jumped out at me was the small display.

I have had, and like, both the 706IIG and 7000. (Especially the 7000).

In moving up from an Icom 718, I had considered the 7200, among other radios.  I ended up buying a Ten-Tec Jupiter.

The small display is what moved me away from the 7200, but otherwise, it looks to have some great specs and features.

Thanks for the input guys.  Yeah, the smaller display is a bit of a drawback, but it doesn't bother me that much.  This may sound stupid, but I really like the looks of this radio.  I live about 1hr from AES cleveland.  I've been there a few times for odds and ends.  I'll be taking a trip up there next weekend to play around with it.  

Thanks again
Molon Labe

bigohio

73's

They sure are nice looking, IMHO.  

Neat!  I want the one in the middle.




I understand these radios, while they don't claim them to be "waterproof", do have rubber O-ring gaskets here and there and will take a sprinkle without problem.

Now if they'd only actually sell them that way!!!  I saw those at Dayton, and from what I saw there and then read here and on other boards––- They had a guy paint the chocolate chip and OD versions, and they really only make them in black.  I want OD damnit!!!  I think their water resistance was only really on the front end also.  I'd still like to have one though... (and may get one yet, I dunno...).

I bet if Icom offered these in the OD and camo colors, they would sell twice as many.  

Yep, that's the same display at the Williams hamfest.  

Also keep in mind that the rack handles are optional @ about $80. The normal side handle is $30.

As there is only about $230 difference between a 7000 and 7200, I'd lean towards the 7000.

The IC-7000 includes the 2M and 70 cm bands which the 7200 doesn't but the 7200 has a real front panel

I could have sworn that all compartments on this radio were sealed with gaskets.  I could be wrong.



I'm selling my XTS5000 to pick one of these up.





 

<snip>
I could have sworn that all compartments on this radio were sealed with gaskets.  I could be wrong.
<snip>

They are, see here.

The front panel is great but I run my IC7000's via computer so the front panel is mostly a mute point to me.  



For portability, general features, and time proven design....I'll keep my IC7000's.



YMMV

Does anyone have info on where to get the custom camo paint job done?  That OD is calling to me.  

Sort of.  See here

Thanks, ALKVA.  I saw that one, and a similar one on the IC-7200 Yahoo group.  I may did email to find out more info, like $$$ and availability.

ETA:  I did email for info.  Will post results when I receive.  

IMO there are better options for the price of a 7200.

I've been eyeballing a 7000 and 7200 lately, since I just cant justify getting a crippled SINCGARS for hobby/show use for my m35a2 im restoring. seems like a solid radio to me
for you guys who want a painted radio, remember.... if you can break down to just the front face and body casing, you can send it out for a $200ish wet transfer job of just about any camo or color option you want.  

Gamma,  I remember the recent thread where you noted some of the shortcomings of the 7200, and what it could/should have been.  I agreed with most of what you said there, and I do respect your opinion in this matter.  I'll try to find that post and re-read it.  But, there's just something that I find very attractive about this model.  Especially when it's all camo'd out!  I'm still shopping around for my 100w base radio.  Maybe in the next couple of months.

ETA:  For the OP and anyone else (including me) considering the IC-7200, here is the archived post I was referring to above with its pros and cons.  Good points of view in both directions, IMHO.
Icom IC7200 PORN (warning: not work/wife safe)

cliff notes for those of us without memberships?



 

Pros:  
* IF DSP
* Twin passband tuning
* Adjustable AGC
* 6 kHz roofing filter
* Manual notch filter
* USB interface for audio and control
* 6M operation

Cons:
Needs a wide-range HF tuner, a larger display and built in digital mode encode/decode with on screen display using a USB keyboard, as well as sub-band VHF/UHF FM operation.

I understand completely, and I agree.  I really want it to be what it appears to be.  Maybe I ask too much of manufacturers in genenal, I dunno.  I'm probably more "down" on the IC-7200 than it deserves, just because of what I view as missed opportunity.

I think the Kenwood TS480 is probably a better deal for example, as are a lot of radios on the used market. Or for just a little more $ the IC-7000 has a lot more capability, and it's plenty small enough to fit in an ammo box if you want protection. Or a 706MkIIG while they last, and spend the $220 on an LDG tuner and a filter, or case.


I'd add lower current consumption, trade IF DSP for filters and switchable audio DSP, and more flexible interfacing for mics and headsets.

Hmmm... I wonder... Molyresin?

That's what I was thinking.  I have some black right here on the bench with an airbrush....

Switch to OD, add a brand new $1050 radio, take it apart The units had to be completely disassembled and masked. (6 hours) , paint it, put it back together....that $250 is sounding not so bad after all.  

The real question you have to ask yourself is.....would you throw it down the driveway for that battle worn look?

It's mine.

It's been a while, but life has its moments.

Picked it up today as AES.  


73's

bigohio

that rig is totally unsuitable for you.... you need to send it to me.  
oh,  congratulations,  nice rig
 
 
 

I wish it had 2m & 440.

I meant to post this last week... what ever you do, don't buy an IC-7200 now.  Icom is about to introduce an IC-7200 Mk II that is much better and $500 cheaper too.....

J/K    Congrats on a fine radio!

Make it a 7200 Mk IIG, plzkthnx

Dayton is less than a month away.  That's when the big sales and new model introductions happen.