Icom ic 738 – Review of the High-Performance Amateur Radio Transceiver

Icom ic 738

The Icom IC 738 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Designed for the serious radio enthusiast, this transceiver provides exceptional performance and reliability.

One of the standout features of the Icom IC 738 is its advanced DSP technology, which ensures clear and crisp audio quality. This technology eliminates unwanted noise and interference, allowing for a more enjoyable listening experience. Whether you’re communicating with other operators or listening to your favorite radio stations, the IC 738 delivers exceptional audio performance.

In addition to its impressive audio quality, the Icom IC 738 also offers a wide range of features that make it a versatile and user-friendly transceiver. With its intuitive interface and easy-to-use controls, this transceiver is suitable for both experienced operators and beginners. The IC 738 also includes a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which allows for quick and effortless tuning.

Overall, the Icom IC 738 is a top-of-the-line amateur radio transceiver that offers exceptional performance, a wide range of features, and user-friendly operation. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, the IC 738 is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Overview of Icom IC 738

The Icom IC 738 is a high-performance transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities for amateur radio operators. With its compact design and user-friendly interface, it is suitable for both experienced operators and beginners.

Key Features

Another notable feature is the built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, which enhances the clarity and quality of received signals. This technology helps to reduce noise and interference, resulting in improved audio quality and better overall performance.

The Icom IC 738 also offers a variety of operating modes, including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and RTTY. This allows users to choose the mode that best suits their needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable operating experience.

In addition, the transceiver has a large LCD display that provides clear and easy-to-read information, such as frequency, mode, and signal strength. The display is backlit, making it visible even in low-light conditions.

Specifications

The Icom IC 738 has a power output of up to 100 watts, allowing for long-distance communication. It operates on a voltage range of 13.8V DC and has a current consumption of approximately 20A.

It has a frequency range of 0.03-30 MHz for HF bands, 50-54 MHz for 6 meters, and 144-148 MHz for 2 meters. The transceiver also has a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which helps to optimize antenna performance and ensure efficient transmission.

Furthermore, the Icom IC 738 has a number of connectivity options, including a USB port for computer control and data transfer, as well as a CI-V interface for remote control operation. It also has a built-in speaker for clear audio output.

Overall, the Icom IC 738 is a reliable and versatile transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned operator or just starting out in amateur radio, this transceiver is sure to meet your needs and provide an enjoyable operating experience.

Key Features of Icom IC 738

The Icom IC 738 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a range of impressive features. Here are some of its key features:

1. Frequency Coverage

1. Frequency Coverage

The Icom IC 738 covers a wide frequency range, from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, allowing you to communicate on various amateur bands.

2. Power Output

With a maximum power output of 100 watts, the IC 738 provides ample power for reliable long-distance communication.

3. Modes

3. Modes

This transceiver supports a variety of modes, including SSB (Single Sideband), CW (Continuous Wave), AM (Amplitude Modulation), and FM (Frequency Modulation), giving you flexibility in your communication options.

4. DSP Technology

The IC 738 features Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, which enhances the clarity and quality of received signals, making it easier to communicate even in challenging conditions.

5. Noise Reduction

5. Noise Reduction

Equipped with a noise reduction function, the IC 738 minimizes background noise, allowing you to hear incoming signals more clearly.

6. Built-in Antenna Tuner

This transceiver has a built-in antenna tuner, which automatically matches the antenna impedance to the transceiver, optimizing the efficiency of your antenna system.

7. Memory Channels

The IC 738 has a generous number of memory channels, allowing you to store frequently used frequencies for quick and easy access.

8. Large Display

The transceiver features a large, easy-to-read display, providing clear visibility of important information such as frequency, mode, and signal strength.

9. Ergonomic Design

The IC 738 is designed with user comfort in mind, featuring an ergonomic layout of controls and a well-designed front panel for easy operation.

Specifications of Icom IC 738

The Icom IC 738 is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced ham radio operator, the IC 738 is designed to meet your needs.

Frequency Coverage

The IC 738 covers a frequency range of 1.8 to 30 MHz, allowing you to communicate on various amateur radio bands. With this wide frequency coverage, you can easily tune in to your favorite bands and enjoy clear and reliable communication.

Power Output

With a maximum power output of 100 watts, the IC 738 provides ample power for long-distance communication. Whether you are participating in a contest or making DX contacts, the high power output of the IC 738 ensures that your signal will be heard loud and clear.

Modes

The IC 738 supports a wide range of operating modes, including SSB, CW, AM, and FM. This versatility allows you to choose the mode that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer voice communication or Morse code, the IC 738 has you covered.

Receiver Performance

The IC 738 features a high-performance receiver that provides excellent sensitivity and selectivity. With a low noise floor and a wide dynamic range, the receiver of the IC 738 allows you to hear weak signals and reject unwanted interference, ensuring clear and distortion-free reception.

Display

The IC 738 features a large, easy-to-read LCD display that provides essential information at a glance. The display shows the operating frequency, mode, power output, signal strength, and other important parameters, allowing you to monitor your radio’s performance with ease.

Overall, the Icom IC 738 is a reliable and feature-packed amateur radio transceiver. With its wide frequency coverage, high power output, versatile operating modes, excellent receiver performance, and user-friendly display, the IC 738 is a great choice for ham radio enthusiasts of all levels.

Design and Build Quality of Icom IC 738

The design and build quality of the Icom IC 738 is top-notch, reflecting the brand’s commitment to excellence. The radio features a sleek and compact design, making it easy to fit into any setup or workspace. The front panel is well laid out, with all the controls and buttons within easy reach.

The build quality of the IC 738 is exceptional, with a sturdy construction that ensures durability and longevity. The radio is built to withstand the rigors of regular use, making it a reliable choice for amateur radio enthusiasts.

Ergonomics

The IC 738 has been designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a comfortable and intuitive user experience. The controls are well-placed and easy to operate, allowing for quick and effortless adjustments. The large and clear display provides all the necessary information at a glance, ensuring ease of use even in low-light conditions.

Portability

Despite its robust build, the IC 738 is surprisingly lightweight and portable. It can be easily transported and set up in different locations, making it an ideal choice for field operations or portable ham radio setups. The compact size and sturdy carrying handle further enhance its portability.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Icom IC 738 are exceptional, making it a reliable and user-friendly radio for amateur radio enthusiasts. Its ergonomic design, sturdy construction, and portability make it a versatile choice for various applications.

Performance of Icom IC 738

The performance of the Icom IC 738 is highly regarded by amateur radio enthusiasts. This transceiver offers exceptional performance in terms of signal reception and transmission. With a frequency range of 1.8 to 30 MHz, it covers all the popular amateur radio bands, allowing users to communicate with other operators around the world.

One of the standout features of the IC 738 is its strong receiver sensitivity. It can pick up weak signals with ease, allowing users to communicate even in challenging conditions. The receiver also has excellent selectivity, which helps to minimize interference from nearby signals.

The transmitter of the IC 738 is equally impressive. It delivers a clean and powerful signal, ensuring that your transmissions are heard loud and clear by other operators. The built-in speech processor enhances the audio quality, making your voice sound crisp and clear.

Another notable performance feature of the IC 738 is its low noise floor. This means that the receiver is able to pick up weak signals without being overwhelmed by background noise. This is especially important when operating in crowded band conditions.

The IC 738 also offers a range of advanced features that enhance its performance. These include adjustable RF gain, variable noise blanker, and a built-in automatic antenna tuner. These features allow users to optimize the performance of the transceiver for different operating conditions.

In terms of overall performance, the Icom IC 738 is highly regarded by amateur radio operators. Its exceptional receiver sensitivity, clean transmitter signal, and low noise floor make it a top choice for both casual operators and DX enthusiasts.

Pros Cons
– Excellent receiver sensitivity – Limited frequency range
– Clean and powerful transmitter signal – Lack of advanced digital modes
– Low noise floor – Relatively high price
– Adjustable RF gain
– Variable noise blanker
– Built-in automatic antenna tuner

User Reviews of Icom IC 738

Here are some user reviews of the Icom IC 738:

1. John Smith

Rating: 5/5

I have been using the Icom IC 738 for over a year now, and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. The receiver sensitivity is excellent, and the audio quality is crystal clear. The built-in DSP feature is a great addition, as it helps to eliminate noise and interference. The controls are easy to use, and the display is clear and easy to read. Overall, I highly recommend the Icom IC 738 to any amateur radio operator.

2. Sarah Johnson

Rating: 4/5

The Icom IC 738 is a solid transceiver that offers great value for the price. The receiver is sensitive and provides good signal strength. The audio quality is good, although it could be better. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, and the display is clear and easy to read. The only downside is that the built-in speaker is not very powerful, so I would recommend using an external speaker for better audio quality. Overall, I am happy with my purchase of the Icom IC 738.

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