[CQ-Contest] Icom 746 as contesting rig

[Mark Steven Williams]

Jim,

You're right on regarding the two antenna ports. I've used that feature 
during contests like the NAQP to automatically switch signal paths 
(tribander/ 2 el 40 vs low band wires with tuner, etc) with my 746. Very 
handy. Actually I wish the FT1000 had two "T/R" antenna ports.

Built in CW keyer. Love it.

6m/ 2m..and available features/$$$$. Good value.

I'm keeping my 746...it's now the "VHF" radio here...and is backup radio 
#2...still.

Mark, K9GX

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Jimk8mr at aol.com>
To: <CQ-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 2:55 AM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Icom 746 as contesting rig


>
> If you have the space available in your car, IMHO the IC-746 is perhaps 
> the
> best rig available for mobile contesting.
>
> It has an internal antenna tuner with memory for 100 KHz segments, so one
> can QSY instantly from the phone to CW ends on 40 meters with one button 
> push.
> (on the higher bands this is not much of a challenge, and it is impossible 
> on
> 80/75 meters.
>
> It has two HF antenna outputs, so again band switching between 2 antennas 
> is
> automatic.
>
> The display is large and bright enough to be easily seen in pretty bright
> daylight.
>
> It is big enough to dissipate the heat a 100 watt radio generates.
>
> It has a built in memory keyer.  It is not easy to program on the fly, 
> but a
> few simple messages like  "CQ OQP DE K8MR/M" or "QRX NEW CTY" are  handy
> while the computer is booting up with a new county file.
>
>
>
> Beyond mobile considerations, you get the two most active VHF bands, 
> opening
> up a whole new realm of contesting.
>
> It lacks provisions for things like switchable 500 and 250 Hz CW filters 
> and
> dual receive, but my general impression is that there is not a great
> difference in performance between it and the 1000MP, at least in the MP's 
> stock
> configuration.
>
> In short, it is a very fun radio.
>
>
> 73  -  Jim   K8MR
>
>
>            Check  out my IC-746 in the Ohio QSO Party, Saturday August 
> 26.
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