IC-R7100

The ICOM IC-R7100 is a desktop scanner with many search functions and is particularly simple to use having a rational layout of all the front panel controls. The receiver is divided into two parts, a complete section dedicated to frequencies below 1025 MHz and a part, in practice a conversion module, for higher frequencies up to 2000 MHz. Two options for selectivity being able to select 6/15 KHz for AM and narrowband FM, this allows you to adapt the listening modes or effectively contrast interference from active signals on adjacent channels. The tuning uses an ergonomic knob, whose friction is adjustable, as well as the direct input from the keyboard and also the fast movement in steps of 1 MHz.

Multiple search options: alternate listening between the two VFO, between band limits, within the memories, based on the channel designation (numeric type, 1~9), according to the mode (LSB, USB, AM, FM, WFM), finally with auto-memory write. The IC-R7100 uses two VFO, called Window, that can be combined during the scans with absolute freedom. For example, while a window (VFO) is programmed to scan a band between frequency limits, the other window alternating with the first can be programmed to scan a memory bank. Altogether there are over 40 different combinations to choose from, for every imaginable scenario the ICOM scanner offers the user the possibility to monitor the radio spectrum in an exemplary way. The scanning speed can be set between slow / fast, the pause time on an active frequency is also programmable between 5/10/15 seconds, then four options on the periods of alternating reception between the windows. It should be emphasized that a bank of 100 memory locations is dedicated to the skip channels, ie the frequencies to be ignored during the scans.

IC-R7100 other features :

VSC function to unlock the search in the presence of an unmodulated carrier. Automatic frequency control (AFC) in FM mode, active both broadband and narrowband, with tuning indication on the display. Noise-blanker in SSB and AM, squelch, 20 dB RF attenuator, internal clock with five on / off timers, keypad lock. LCD display with all the functions, analog type S-meter and therefore allows to recognize even minimal variations in the intensity of the signal. Remote from PC through CI-V standard connection. Optional UT-36 synthesizer for frequency voice announcement in English.

IC-R7100 performance and practical notes :

Let's start with a global opinion: this ICOM model is certainly an excellent purchase for anyone who wants to have a serious scanner for functions and performance. Having gone out of production for some time, it is not rare to come across offers for sale at an honest price. The motivations of this judgment reside particularly in three elements. Meanwhile, a good sensitivity that remains substantially stable from 25 to 1025 MHz, where specifications are guaranteed, with a parallel good resistance to intermodulation. This leaves the user ample space for experimentation by combining the receiver with low or high gain antennas. A second aspect resides in the behavior of the squelch, this command - otherwise trivial - in the ICR7100 has been sized in an excellent way becoming a reason to relax during long listening sessions or scans. In fact, in addition to operating in the traditional way, by setting a defined threshold on the signal, the command also has a noise squech position that is particularly effective in FM mode. In practice, the release occurs when the noise changes in the radio channel allowing to recognize weak transmissions even if they can not deflect the S-meter. The ability to positively discriminate very minimal signals is not common to many receivers, with this option you can simultaneously silence the background noise - very boring in frequency modulation - without fear of losing the sound of a very weak emission.

Lastly, the presence of spurious or RF components generated within the same IC R7100 is really very small. This aspect is basic since it greatly affects the scanning functions. To make sure of this performance we performed a test to measure the frequencies and amplitude of spurs that fall in the entire band between 25-1000 MHz manually tuned the scanner within this range. This is the list of channels where signal appear worth mentioning:

We specify that the tests were performed with a 50 ohm dummy load at the antenna input, FM mode, 1 KHz tuning step, attenuator off. The result is excellent, only 6 frequencies show the presence of spurious signals that corrupt reception. Above the GHz the situation proves quite different with numerous, and also strong, unwanted components. The IC-R7100 overcomes the test with full marks when used below the limit mentioned, the overall opinion that appears in the following table takes into account the entire range of 25-2000 MHz.

IC-R7100 price

We have collected for your convenience the ICOM IC-R7100 sale price (US Dollar) and its trend over time. Useful to guarantee a cheaper purchase of this radio and to put it for sale in the second-hand market. Of course offers, accessories, warranty terms and conditions can lead to different figures.

Price	Date	Condition
USD 747.00 (599GBP)	2021-oct	Second Hand Comes with power lead and manual
USD 510.00 (450EUR)	2019-may	Second Hand With shop warranty
USD 365.00	2018-oct	Second Hand