Icom IC-728 – Review of the Popular Amateur Radio Transceiver

The Icom IC 728 is a powerful and versatile amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Whether you’re a seasoned ham radio operator or just starting out, this radio has everything you need to communicate with others around the world.

One of the standout features of the IC 728 is its impressive power output. With a maximum power output of 100 watts, you can be confident that your signal will be heard loud and clear. This makes it ideal for long-distance communication and DXing.

In addition to its power, the IC 728 also offers a wide range of frequency coverage. It supports the HF bands from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, allowing you to communicate on multiple bands with ease. Whether you’re interested in voice communication, Morse code, or digital modes, this radio has you covered.

Another notable feature of the IC 728 is its advanced DSP technology. This technology helps to reduce noise and interference, ensuring that you receive clear and crisp signals. It also includes a built-in automatic antenna tuner, making it easy to match your antenna to the frequency you’re operating on.

Overall, the Icom IC 728 is a reliable and feature-packed amateur radio transceiver that is sure to impress. With its powerful output, wide frequency coverage, and advanced DSP technology, it’s no wonder that this radio has received rave reviews from operators around the world. Whether you’re a casual operator or a serious DXer, the IC 728 is a radio that you can rely on.

Overview of the Icom IC 728

The Icom IC 728 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It is designed for both experienced and novice operators, providing an intuitive user interface and advanced functionality.

The transceiver also offers a high output power of up to 100 watts, ensuring strong and reliable signal transmission. This makes it ideal for long-distance communication and DXing.

Another notable feature of the Icom IC 728 is its advanced DSP technology, which provides superior signal processing and noise reduction capabilities. This allows for clear and crisp audio quality, even in challenging operating conditions.

The Icom IC 728 also comes equipped with a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which simplifies the tuning process and ensures optimal performance. It supports a wide range of antenna types, making it versatile and adaptable to various setups.

In terms of design and build quality, the Icom IC 728 features a compact and durable construction. It has a robust chassis and a clear, easy-to-read display, making it suitable for both mobile and stationary use.

Overall, the Icom IC 728 is a reliable and feature-rich transceiver that offers excellent performance and versatility. Whether you are a seasoned operator or just starting out in amateur radio, this transceiver is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Key Features of the Icom IC 728

The Icom IC 728 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a range of impressive features. Here are some of its key features:

1. Frequency Coverage: The IC 728 covers a wide frequency range, from 1.8 to 30 MHz, allowing you to communicate on various amateur radio bands.

2. Modes: This transceiver supports multiple modes, including SSB (Single Sideband), CW (Continuous Wave), and AM (Amplitude Modulation), giving you flexibility in your communication.

3. Power Output: With a maximum power output of 100 watts, the IC 728 provides a strong and clear signal, ensuring reliable communication even in challenging conditions.

4. DSP Technology: The IC 728 features Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, which enhances the quality of received and transmitted signals, reducing noise and improving overall performance.

5. Noise Blanker: This transceiver is equipped with a noise blanker function, which helps to eliminate unwanted noise from the received signal, allowing for clearer and more enjoyable communication.

6. Notch Filter: The IC 728 includes a notch filter, which can be used to suppress interference from nearby strong signals, ensuring that you can focus on the desired signal without distractions.

7. Built-in Antenna Tuner: This transceiver has a built-in antenna tuner, which allows you to easily match your antenna to the desired frequency, optimizing the efficiency of your communication.

8. Memory Channels: The IC 728 has a generous number of memory channels, allowing you to store frequently used frequencies for quick and easy access.

9. Backlit Display: The transceiver features a backlit display, making it easy to read and operate in low-light conditions.

10. Compact and Durable Design: The IC 728 has a compact and rugged design, making it suitable for both portable and stationary use. It is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities and offers long-lasting performance.

Overall, the Icom IC 728 is a feature-packed transceiver that offers excellent performance and versatility for amateur radio enthusiasts. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a beginner, this transceiver is sure to meet your communication needs.

Specifications of the Icom IC 728

The Icom IC 728 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Here are the specifications of this impressive device:

Frequency Range: The IC 728 covers the HF bands from 1.8 to 30 MHz, including the 160-meter band.

Mode: This transceiver supports various modes, including USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, and AM.

Power Output: The IC 728 can deliver up to 100 watts of power, allowing for reliable long-distance communication.

Receiver Sensitivity: With a sensitivity of 0.2 µV, the IC 728 can pick up weak signals with ease, ensuring clear and crisp reception.

IF Shift: This feature allows for precise tuning and interference rejection, making it easier to isolate and focus on the desired signal.

Notch Filter: The built-in notch filter helps eliminate unwanted interference, ensuring a cleaner and more enjoyable listening experience.

AGC Control: The automatic gain control feature adjusts the receiver’s gain to maintain a consistent audio level, even when the signal strength varies.

Memory Channels: The IC 728 has a total of 99 memory channels, allowing users to store frequently used frequencies for quick and easy access.

Antenna Tuner: With its built-in antenna tuner, the IC 728 can match the impedance of the antenna to optimize performance and ensure efficient transmission.

Dimensions: The transceiver measures approximately 241(W) x 94(H) x 239(D) mm, making it compact and easy to integrate into any setup.

Weight: Weighing in at around 4.5 kg, the IC 728 is lightweight and portable, making it suitable for both stationary and mobile operations.

Power Supply: The transceiver can be powered by a 13.8 V DC power source, making it compatible with a wide range of power options.

Design and Build Quality of the Icom IC 728

The design and build quality of the Icom IC 728 are top-notch, ensuring a durable and reliable performance. The radio features a compact and sturdy construction, making it suitable for both portable and stationary use.

The IC 728 is designed with a sleek and modern look, with a black and silver color scheme that adds a touch of elegance to its appearance. The front panel is well-organized, with a clear and intuitive layout of buttons and knobs, allowing for easy operation and navigation.

The radio is built with high-quality materials, ensuring its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The chassis is made of robust metal, providing excellent protection against external impacts. The buttons and knobs are also well-built, offering a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed or turned.

In terms of ergonomics, the IC 728 is designed with the user in mind. The controls are strategically placed for easy access, and the display is large and bright, ensuring clear visibility even in low-light conditions. The radio also features a comfortable and ergonomic handgrip, allowing for a firm and secure grip during operation.

Furthermore, the IC 728 is equipped with a cooling fan that effectively dissipates heat, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance even during prolonged use. The fan operates quietly, without causing any disturbance or distraction.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Icom IC 728 are exceptional, making it a reliable and durable radio for amateur radio operators. Its sleek and modern design, along with its sturdy construction, ensures a satisfying user experience and long-lasting performance.

Performance of the Icom IC 728

The performance of the Icom IC 728 is highly regarded by amateur radio operators around the world. This transceiver offers exceptional performance in terms of signal clarity, sensitivity, and power output.

One of the standout features of the IC 728 is its excellent receiver performance. It has a high dynamic range and low noise floor, allowing users to pick up weak signals with ease. The receiver also has a built-in automatic gain control (AGC) system, which helps to maintain a consistent audio output even when receiving strong signals.

The IC 728 also boasts a powerful transmitter, capable of delivering up to 100 watts of output power. This allows users to reach distant stations with ease, even under challenging propagation conditions. The transmitter also features a built-in speech processor, which enhances the clarity and intelligibility of the transmitted signal.

In terms of frequency coverage, the IC 728 covers all amateur bands from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, including the HF, 6-meter, and 2-meter bands. This wide frequency range makes it a versatile transceiver that can be used for a variety of amateur radio activities, including DXing, contesting, and emergency communications.

The IC 728 also offers a range of advanced features that enhance its performance. These include a built-in digital signal processing (DSP) unit, which helps to reduce noise and interference, and a notch filter, which can be used to eliminate unwanted signals. The transceiver also has a built-in antenna tuner, which allows users to match their antenna to the desired frequency for maximum efficiency.

Overall, the performance of the Icom IC 728 is outstanding. Its excellent receiver sensitivity, powerful transmitter, and advanced features make it a top choice for amateur radio operators who demand the best performance from their equipment.

User Interface and Controls of the Icom IC 728

The user interface and controls of the Icom IC 728 are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, allowing for easy operation and navigation. The front panel of the radio features a clear and well-organized layout, with a large LCD display that provides important information such as frequency, mode, and signal strength.

The control knobs and buttons on the front panel are ergonomically placed and have a solid feel, making it easy to adjust settings and make changes on the fly. The main tuning knob allows for precise frequency selection, while the various function buttons provide quick access to commonly used features.

One notable feature of the Icom IC 728 is the inclusion of a built-in speaker, which delivers clear and crisp audio output. This eliminates the need for an external speaker, making the radio more compact and portable.

In addition to the front panel controls, the Icom IC 728 also offers remote control capabilities. This allows users to control the radio from a distance using a compatible remote control device or software. This feature is particularly useful for those who prefer to operate the radio from a separate location or for those who have limited mobility.

The user interface of the Icom IC 728 is also highly customizable, allowing users to personalize the radio to suit their preferences. This includes the ability to adjust the display brightness, change the color scheme, and assign different functions to the various buttons and knobs.

Overall, the user interface and controls of the Icom IC 728 are well-designed and user-friendly, making it easy for both beginners and experienced operators to navigate and operate the radio with ease.

Connectivity Options of the Icom IC 728

The Icom IC 728 offers a range of connectivity options to enhance its functionality and versatility. It comes equipped with various ports and connectors, allowing for seamless integration with other devices and accessories.

One of the main connectivity options of the Icom IC 728 is the RS-232C port, which enables easy connection to a computer or other external devices. This allows for convenient control and operation of the radio through software applications, making it ideal for digital modes and remote operation.

In addition to the RS-232C port, the Icom IC 728 also features a CI-V interface, which provides a standardized protocol for communication between Icom radios and external devices. This interface allows for seamless integration with other Icom radios, amplifiers, and accessories, enabling expanded functionality and control.

Furthermore, the Icom IC 728 is equipped with a built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU), which provides easy and efficient matching of the antenna to the radio. This eliminates the need for external tuners and simplifies the setup process, making it more convenient for portable and field operations.

Another notable connectivity option of the Icom IC 728 is the accessory socket, which allows for the connection of various accessories such as external speakers, headphones, and keyers. This enhances the audio quality and provides additional control options, enhancing the overall user experience.

Additionally, the Icom IC 728 features a standard BNC antenna connector, which allows for easy connection to a wide range of antennas. This ensures compatibility with various antenna types and configurations, providing flexibility in antenna selection and setup.

Overall, the Icom IC 728 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, allowing for seamless integration with other devices and accessories. Whether it’s connecting to a computer for digital modes, integrating with other Icom radios and amplifiers, or connecting to external accessories, the Icom IC 728 provides the necessary connectivity to enhance its functionality and versatility.

Power and Battery Life of the Icom IC 728

The Icom IC 728 is a powerful and reliable transceiver that offers excellent power and battery life. With its advanced technology and efficient design, this radio provides users with a long-lasting performance that is perfect for extended use in the field.

The Icom IC 728 operates on a 13.8V DC power supply, which ensures a stable and consistent power source for the radio. This allows for uninterrupted operation and ensures that you can rely on the radio even in challenging conditions.

In terms of battery life, the Icom IC 728 is equipped with a high-capacity battery that can provide hours of continuous use. This is particularly useful for outdoor enthusiasts or emergency situations where access to a power source may be limited.

The battery life of the Icom IC 728 can vary depending on the usage and settings of the radio. However, on average, users can expect the battery to last for several hours of continuous operation. This makes it ideal for long-distance communication or extended periods of monitoring.

Additionally, the Icom IC 728 features a low battery indicator that alerts users when the battery is running low. This ensures that you are always aware of the remaining battery life and can plan accordingly.

Price and Availability of the Icom IC 728

The price of the Icom IC 728 can vary depending on where you purchase it. It is recommended to check with authorized Icom dealers or reputable online retailers to ensure you are getting the best price for this radio. Additionally, it is worth considering any additional costs such as shipping or taxes that may be associated with purchasing the Icom IC 728.

Conclusion

The Icom IC 728 is a reliable and feature-rich radio that is suitable for amateur radio operators of all levels. With its range of features, specifications, and user-friendly interface, it is no wonder that the Icom IC 728 is a popular choice among radio enthusiasts.

Overall, the Icom IC 728 is a great investment for anyone interested in amateur radio. Its performance, design, and build quality make it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced operators. So, if you are in the market for a new radio, be sure to consider the Icom IC 728.

User Reviews of the Icom IC 728

Here are some user reviews of the Icom IC 728:

• “I have been using the Icom IC 728 for a few months now and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. The receiver is very sensitive and the audio quality is excellent. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, making it a pleasure to operate. I highly recommend this radio to any amateur radio operator.”
• “The Icom IC 728 is a solidly built radio with a great set of features. The receiver is very stable and the noise reduction function works really well. I also appreciate the large display, which makes it easy to read the frequency and other settings. Overall, I am very happy with this radio and would definitely buy it again.”
• “The Icom IC 728 is a great radio for the price. It has all the features I need for my amateur radio activities and the build quality is excellent. The receiver is very sensitive and the audio quality is top-notch. The menu system is easy to navigate and the controls are well laid out. I am very happy with this radio and would definitely recommend it to others.”
• “I have been using the Icom IC 728 for a few weeks now and I am impressed with its performance. The receiver is very sensitive and the audio quality is crystal clear. The menu system is easy to navigate and the controls are responsive. I also appreciate the built-in antenna tuner, which makes it easy to tune my antennas. Overall, I am very satisfied with this radio and would highly recommend it.”

These are just a few examples of the positive feedback that users have given for the Icom IC 728. It is clear that this radio is highly regarded for its performance, build quality, and user-friendly interface. If you are in the market for a reliable and feature-rich transceiver, the Icom IC 728 is definitely worth considering.