[pskmail] Re: IC-7200 Questions

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Von: "Josh Housey" <kg9bo@xxxxxxxxx>
Gesendet: Oct 7, 2011 3:46:14 AM
An: "pskmail@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <pskmail@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Betreff: [pskmail] Re: IC-7200 Questions

John/All,

 

I just remembered from the "mode" list that there were some that were over 300khz.

 

Good to hear that about the Yaesu. I sensed its DSP and other options were "limited". This is not the case with the 7200 and not with the 7000. I have a 7000 for "portable" purposes and it is an awesome radio in my opinion. I am sure the 7200 closely resembles it and that is mostly why I am considering it... It has plenty of options and may include other "improvements" as well.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

73

Josh, AB9FT

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From: John Douyere <vk2eta@xxxxxxxxx>
To: pskmail@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:03 PM
Subject: [pskmail] Re: IC-7200 Questions

Hi Josh,

 

I have an FT-450 and I would NOT recommend it for Pskmail activities.

 

Two issues I have with it:

 

1. I can't get a 500Hz passband for digital modes used in Pskmail (PSK250 is ok in a 300Hz filter, but not THOR22, MFSK32 and PSK500/500R).

 

The FT-450 requires some convoluted set up using split modes (CW RX on VFO A / USB TX on VFO B) to do this. Therefore it is not manageable from the server without significant code change. I am then stuck with using it in USB Data mode which means using the IF shift and the notch to achieve a resemblance of proper filtering, but it is far from adequate.

 

2.  It locks itself up from time to time. I have had to perform a full reset to get to work again once. I have put toroids on all data and control cable in/out of the unit and that seems to reduce the lockups but not completely (If I do an auto-beacon I have to reset it every week or so).

 

I also note that it resets itself from time to time when using it manually too.

 

So I am not impressed with the robustness of FT-450 and I am disappointed when the DSP is capable of doing what we need but it is deliberately limited by Yaesu. 

 

I prefer my FT-857 (would have been better with an FT-897) for running the Pskmail server.

Just my experience.

 

Sorry I can't comment on the IC-7200.

 

All the best,

 

73, John

 

On Fri, Oct 7, 2011 at 10:46 AM, Josh Housey <kg9bo@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

All,

 

I might have a buyer for my IC-718 and the IC-7200 is my top choice. However, I still keep looking at the Yaesu FT-450D. It has an automatic antenna tuner, but I am unsure it has the options (usable) to help the RX and fight interference over here on 30m and other bands (eventually). It claims to have a "300khz" filter (Digital mode) but I don't know if that will work or how effective it would be for PSK250 or other modes vs what it is available for the IC-7200 (custom options).

 

There are a few things I want to clarify before I decide on the HF radio upgrade. Please bear with me with these possibly easy questions...

 

The first is that when it is hooked up to the computer, it will detect a sound card to use for Fldigi? I am using the recent version FLDigi on Debian 6.0 (Squeeze). I almost think it does, but just want to be sure.

 

Second, I would like to know which port does the IC-7200 for rig control for Hamlib? Can it use the USB or does it require the "REMOTE" end? If it can use USB, that is absolutely terrific. Otherwise, I can still use my Rigtalk interface for rig control like I am doing now with the IC-718.

 

Third, I thought I read somewhere there has to be a modification for it to key the radio when using its "USB" sound-card for PSKMail? What was that? Also, I was just curious, what does it use, VOX or is a "straight PTT" keyup?

 

Lastly, is there anything else I need to know about the IC-7200? Reviews of the radio are pretty good in my opinion.  How well does the IC-7200's "internal" soundcard work and/or any opinions about either radio?

 

Any responses will be appreciated.

 

73

Josh, AB9FT