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Author Topic: ICOM R-70  (Read 443 times)

K1QQQ

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ICOM R-70
« on: December 21, 2019, 07:15:23 PM »

Just wondered if anybody knows of anybody or a group that still uses/exchanges info on the ICOM R-70 ?

I just picked up one today. I guess much of this stuff is from everybody dying away.  (I'm getting there)

This receiver looks almost brand new and by specs wonderful.

The options problem. Narrow Filters. A little confused as there are 3 in there with a space for a fourth.


Everybody going SDR but I still think somebody on earth will still enjoy old stuff.


https://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php?topic=16945.0


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ALPARD

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Re: ICOM R-70
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2019, 02:55:22 AM »

I still enjoy the old stuff. I got IC71E and IC751A.
I don't have the VCO  trimmer going wrong problems with both rigs.

I also use SDR, but not my own, but WEB SDRs on the internet.

SDRs are good, but I don't believe that will last many years like the old rigs, because my MacPro Desktop, which I got new 10 year ago for 3K, now is obsolete in hardware and OS. All the stuff attached to the MAcPro is also obsolete and useless these days.

Mechanically the Mac works perfect, but due to so many software update on the Mac OS, and Internet Browsers, nothing is compatible with today's software. It is only fit for print server.

Your SDR will only last as long as your PC and its OS.
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N8YX

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Re: ICOM R-70
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2019, 07:42:30 AM »

Just wondered if anybody knows of anybody or a group that still uses/exchanges info on the ICOM R-70 ?

I just picked up one today. I guess much of this stuff is from everybody dying away.  (I'm getting there)

This receiver looks almost brand new and by specs wonderful.

The options problem. Narrow Filters. A little confused as there are 3 in there with a space for a fourth.
What does the manual say?

Occasionally I use an R-70 in conjunction with an IC-745, PS-30, AT-100 or AH-2B and other Icom peripherals. It's a neat little package and the choice of tuners allows me to use a coax-fed or random-wire/flat-top antenna arrangement.
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KQ4O

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Re: ICOM R-70
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2020, 07:09:37 PM »

Congratulations!  That is one awesome receiver. I bought one a number of years ago as a cheaper alternative to the Drake R7. Still regret selling it despite the hiss in the audio and band-edge tuning quirk but I had to raise money for the R7A.  Unbelievable ears on the Icom, and no dead battery issue like the R71 to shut it down.

The fourth filter slot is for a CW filter. They weren't stock but an option (FL32/500 hz or FL63/250hz).  Of those already there, one is the 6 kHz AM filter and the other two are narrow SSB filters, one is used for the PBT.  If your R70 has the FL44 and FL80 (I believe those were stock) you've got the best PBT around outside of maybe the later Twin PBT on later models (never used one).

Groups.io has the ICOM Classic Equipment Enthusiasts and ICOM R71 (A,E,D) General Coverage Receiver groups. I'm sure either one will have users who will be more than helpful.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2020, 07:21:42 PM by KQ4O »
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N8YX

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Re: ICOM R-70
« Reply #4 on: March 30, 2020, 07:53:37 AM »

Congratulations!  That is one awesome receiver. I bought one a number of years ago as a cheaper alternative to the Drake R7. Still regret selling it despite the hiss in the audio and band-edge tuning quirk but I had to raise money for the R7A.  Unbelievable ears on the Icom, and no dead battery issue like the R71 to shut it down.
I have several R7s and one R70. Per the bolded, I'm looking at doing the Kiwa mods to the Icom and see if that solves the AF noise issue. If not I'll start my own investigation of the audio chain and see about reducing it.

The Icom is nice in the fact that it has an all-mode squelch and can receive FM - albeit with an optional board. I designed a dual-mode squelch for the R7 (two of mine have it installed) and one of my cohorts - a former Drake engineer - mentioned that FM demod capability for the R7 was being considered but was omitted from the production runs due to cost.

Either will serve an SWL very well.
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