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Author Topic: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?  (Read 295 times)

K4BDA

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Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« on: December 21, 2022, 02:55:24 PM »

I've been offered a used...
- Icom IC-746 by one guy...
- and an Icom IC-738 by another guy.

They both look good and both guys say they are in perfect condition.

Thie Icom IC-746 is not the Pro model.

1 - I think both came on the market abut the same time but the 746 remained available for a couple of more years... is that correct?

2 - What are some common issues with either of these two radio's?

3 - Which would you choose or would you spend a few hundred dollars extra to get a new Icom, Yeasu, or  Kenwood?

Thanks for any help.


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AF5CC

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2022, 03:18:36 PM »

The 746 came out several years after the 738.  It can have the display backlight go out, and on some units the driver IC fails which reduces the power to nothing.  Compared to the 738 it gives you 6 meters, 2 meters, and a memory keyer.  The 738 has a built in keyer, but no memories with it.

Depending on how much more, a new Icom wouldn't be a bad deal unless you really wanted 100 watts on 2 meters.

73 John AF5CC
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AK5B

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2022, 09:43:47 PM »

I've hung onto my IC-746 since I bought it new in 1998.  The display usually goes out due to an inadequate transistor---easy fix with a heavier duty one, search for it and it's bound to turn up.  The 746 Pro is the one to avoid otherwise---more prone to failure than the 746 is always what I've heard...

73,

Jeff, AK5B
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K7JQ

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2022, 06:00:27 AM »

Well, first a FT-1000MP and now IC-746 or IC-738. All used, out of production old radios. It seems you’re intent on saving a few bucks and buying used. In that case, I’d advise buying local, from someone you know and trust, and get to test it out before you buy. Otherwise, you don’t know how they were used (or abused), and if the sellers aren’t telling you about some hidden defect/problem. They’re all old enough to have been operated for a long time.

I know many on here promote the savings by buying used, and they’ve been successful doing that. Especially if they’re current production radios. But buying old, discontinued stuff is another story, and you should be extra cautious.

Again, my advice is to consider buying one of the current Icom or Yaesu radios in that $1,000-$1,500 price range, either new or a recently used one if you want to save a few extra dollars. Good luck!
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K4BDA

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2022, 06:25:33 AM »

Thanks Folks.
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KF4HR

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #5 on: December 22, 2022, 10:22:10 AM »

Assuming the sellers are being straight up about the condition of the radio's, the next issue you need to be concerned about is, if it were to fail (it happens!), could you get it repaired? 

My suggestion is, if you've decided to save money and buy a used rig, at least buy a model that is still serviceable by the manufacturer.
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K4GTE

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #6 on: December 22, 2022, 12:22:48 PM »

I would not buy a used older radio that is no longer supported by the manufacturer. Unless it's something collectible, and these are not, they decline in value and performance quickly. I'd save and get something newer or something in current production.
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K4BDA

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Re: Buy used Icom IC-746 or Icom IC-738?
« Reply #7 on: December 22, 2022, 04:21:30 PM »

I'm going with a brand new rig. Visiting the candy store at Ham Radio Outlet tomorrow.
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