ARRL Laboratory
Expanded Test-Result Report
ICOM IC-7800
Prepared by:
American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Technical Department Laboratory
225 Main St.
Newington, CT 06111
Telephone: (860) 594-0214
Internet: mtracy@arrl.org
Order From:
American Radio Relay League, Inc.
Technical Department Secretary
225 Main St.
Newington, CT 06111
Telephone: (860) 594-0278
Internet: reprints@arrl.org
Price:
$7.50 for ARRL Members, $12.50 for non-Members, postpaid.
Model Information:
ICOM IC-7800 Serial #: 0201062
QST "Product Review" August, 2004
Manufacturer:
ICOM America, Inc.
2380 116
Bellevue, WA 98004
Telephone: 425-454-8155
th
Ave NE
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 1
Table of Contents:
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................3
Transmitter Output Power............................................................................................................................ 3
Transmitter Output Power Results...............................................................................................................4
Transverter Jack Output Power....................................................................................................................4
Transmit Frequency Range ..........................................................................................................................4
CW Transmit Frequency Accuracy..............................................................................................................5
Spectral Purity..............................................................................................................................................5
Spectral-Purity Graphs.................................................................................................................................6
Transmit Two-Tone IMD.............................................................................................................................8
Transmit IMD Graphs..................................................................................................................................8
SSB Carrier and Unwanted Sideband Suppression....................................................................................10
CW Keying Waveforms and Sidebands..................................................................................................... 11
CW Keyer Speed Range.............................................................................................................................11
Keyer Sidetone Frequency ......................................................................................................................... 12
Transmit/Receive Turnaround Time..........................................................................................................12
Transmit Delay Time ................................................................................................................................. 12
Transmit Composite Noise.........................................................................................................................12
Transmit Composite Noise Graphs ............................................................................................................13
Receiver Noise Floor (Minimum Discernible Signal) ............................................................................... 14
Receive Frequency Range.......................................................................................................................... 14
AM Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................................... 15
FM SINAD................................................................................................................................................. 15
Antenna Port Isolation ...............................................................................................................................15
Blocking Dynamic Range ..........................................................................................................................16
Two-Tone 3rd-Order IMD Dynamic Range ..............................................................................................17
Third-Order Intercept.................................................................................................................................18
Swept Dynamic Range Graphs .................................................................................................................. 18
Second-Order Intercept .............................................................................................................................. 20
Receiver Phase Noise.................................................................................................................................21
In-Band Receiver IMD...............................................................................................................................21
In-Band Receiver IMD Graphs .................................................................................................................. 22
FM Adjacent Channel Selectivity..............................................................................................................23
FM Two-Tone 3rd-Order Dynamic Range ................................................................................................23
IF and Image Rejection .............................................................................................................................. 24
Audio Output Power ..................................................................................................................................24
Audio Hiss.................................................................................................................................................. 24
IF and Audio Frequency Response ............................................................................................................24
Squelch Sensitivity..................................................................................................................................... 25
S-Meter Sensitivity ....................................................................................................................................25
Notch Filter Depth .....................................................................................................................................25
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 2
Introduction
This document summarizes the extensive battery of tests performed by the ARRL Laboratory for each unit that is featured in
QST "Product Review." For all tests, there is a discussion of the test and test method used in ARRL Laboratory testing. For
most tests, critical conditions are listed to enable other engineers to duplicate our methods. For some of the tests, a block
diagram of the test setup is included. The ARRL Laboratory has a document, the ARRL Laboratory Test Procedures Manual,
which explains our specific test methods in detail. While this is not available as a regular ARRL publication, it may be
downloaded from our web page.
Most of the tests used in ARRL product testing are derived from recognized standards and test methods. Other tests have been
developed by the ARRL Lab. The ARRL Laboratory test equipment is calibrated annually, with traceability to National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The units being tested are operated as specified by the equipment manufacturer. Equipment that can be operated from 13.8
volts (nominal) is also tested for function, output power and frequency accuracy at the minimum specified voltage, or 11.5
volts if not specified. Also, units that are capable of mobile or portable operation are tested at their rated temperature range, or
at –10 to +60 degrees Celsius in a commercial temperature chamber.
ARRL "Product Review" testing represents a sample of only one unit (although we sometimes obtain an extra sample or two
for comparison purposes). This is not necessarily representative of all units of the same model number. It is not uncommon
that some parameters will vary significantly from unit to unit. The ARRL Laboratory and Product Review editor work with
manufacturers to resolve any deviation from specifications or other problems encountered in the review process. These
problems are documented in the Product Review.
Transmitter Output Power
Test description: One of the first things an amateur wants to know about a transmitter or transceiver is its RF output power.
The ARRL Lab measures the CW output power for every band on which a transmitter can operate. The equipment is also
tested on one or more bands for any other mode of operation for which the transmitter is capable. Another purpose of the
Transmitter Output-Power Test is to measure the dc current consumption at the manufacturer's specified dc-supply voltage, if
applicable.
Many transmitters are de-rated from maximum output power on full-carrier AM and FM modes. In most cases, a 100-watt
CW/SSB transmitter may be rated at 25 watts carrier power on AM. The radio may actually deliver 100 watts PEP in AM or
FM but is not specified to deliver that power level for any period of time.
In almost all cases, the linearity of a transmitter decreases as output power increases. A transmitter rated at 100 watts PEP on
single sideband may actually be able to deliver more power, but as the power is increased beyond the rated RF output power,
adjacent channel splatter (IMD) usually increases dramatically.
Block Diagram:
CAUTION!: Power must only be applied to the
attenuator input! Do not reverse input and output
terminals of the Bird 8329.
RF W
B
ATTMET ER
4381
IRD
100 W
T
YPICAL
ATTS
RF Power
Attenuator &
Dummy Load
Bird 8329
TWO-T
A
ENERATOR
G
WITCH
PTT S
ELEGRAPH KEY
T
UDIO
ONE
AC ONLY
T
DUT
RANSMITTER
100 W
T
YPICAL
ATTS
OWER
P
UPPLY
S
DC ONLY
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 3
Transmitter Output Power Results
Frequency
Band
1.8 MHz CW – 1.8 205 204
3.5 MHz CW – 1.9 205 204
3.5 MHz AM – – 60 52 W carrier
5.25 MHz USB – – 205 205
7.0 MHz CW – – – 206
10.1 MHz CW – – – 204
14 MHz CW – 1.8 – 205
14 MHz USB – – – 200
18 MHz CW – – – 204
21 MHz CW – – – 203
24 MHz CW – – – 203
28 MHz CW – – – 203
28 MHz FM – – – 200
50 MHz CW – 1.9 200 197
50 MHz USB – – 205 192
50 MHz AM – – 55 54
50 MHz FM – – – 195
Notes:
Mode Unit
Minimum
Power (W)
Measured
Minimum
Power (W)
Unit
Maximum
Power (W)
Measured
Maximum
Power (W)
Notes
Transverter Jack Output Power
Test Description: Transverter jack output power can be important to selection of an external transverter. Low-level
transverter outputs are typically in the range of –10 to +10 dBm (0.1 mW to 10 mW).
Transverter Output:
Band Transverter Output Transverter Leakage (transverter
off, transmitter at max output)
20M –4.2 dBm –13 dBm
15M –4.8 dBm –15 dBm
10M –3.3 dBm < –30 dBm
6M 4.5 dBm < –30 dBm
Notes:
Transmit Frequency Range
Test Description: Many transmitters can transmit outside the amateur bands, either intentionally, to accommodate MARS
operation, for example, or unintentionally as the result of the design and internal software. The ARRL Lab tests the transmit
frequency range inside the screen room. Most modern synthesized transmitters are capable of operation outside the ham bands,
but spectral purity is not always legal outside the bands, so caution must be used. In addition, most other radio services require
that transmitting equipment be type accepted for that service. Amateur equipment is not legal for use on other than amateur
and MARS frequencies.
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 4
Test Results:
Frequency Low-Frequency Limit High-Frequency Limit Notes
160 M 1.800 000 MHz 1.999 999 MHz
80 M 3.500 000 MHz 3.999 999 MHz
60 M 5.330 500 MHz 5.403 500 MHz 1
40 M 7.000 000 MHz 7.299 999 MHz
30 M 10.100 000 MHz 10.149 999 MHz
20 M 14.000 000 MHz 14.349 999 MHz
17 M 18.068 000 MHz 18.167 999 MHz
15 M 21.000 000 MHz 21.449 999 MHz
12 M 24.890 000 MHz 24.989 999 MHz
10 M 28.000 000 MHz 29.699 999 MHz
6M 50.000 000 MHz 53.999 999 MHz
Notes:
1. Transmitter firmware limits transmission to the specific suppressed-carrier frequencies of the allocation on this band.
CW Transmit Frequency Accuracy
Test Description: Most modern amateur equipment is surprisingly accurate in frequency. It is not uncommon to find
equipment operating within a few Hz of the frequency indicated on the frequency display. However, some units, notably
"analog" units, not using a phase-lock loop in the VFO design, can be off by a considerable amount. Frequency is also
measured at minimum output power, low supply voltage (12 volt units only) and over the operating temperature range
(mobile and portable units only). Non-portable equipment is not tested in the temperature chamber.
Test Results:
Unit Display
Frequency
14.020 000 MHz 25 C 14.020 011 MHz
50.020 000 MHz 25 C 50.020 049 MHz
Temperature Measured Frequency
Full Output Power
Notes
Spectral Purity
Test Description: All transmitters emit some signals outside their assigned frequency or frequency range. These signals are
known as spurious emissions or "spurs." Part 97 of the FCC rules and regulations specify the amount of spurious emissions
that can be emitted by a transmitter operating in the Amateur Radio Service. The ARRL Laboratory uses a spectrum analyzer
to measure the spurious emission on each band on which a transmitter can operate. The transmitter is tested across the band
and the worst-case spectral purity on each band is saved to a file on disk. Spectral purity is reported in dBc, meaning dB
relative to the transmitted carrier.
The graphs and tables indicate the relative level of any spurious emissions from the transmitter. The lower that level, the better
the transmitter is. So a transmitter whose spurious emissions are –60 dBc is spectrally cleaner than is one whose spurious
emissions are –30 dBc.
Key Test Conditions:
Output power is adjusted to full power on each amateur band.
The resolution bandwidth of the spectrum analyzer is 10 kHz on HF, 100 kHz on VHF, 1 MHz on UHF.
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 5
Spectral Purity Test Block Diagram:
CAUTION!: Power must only be applied to
the attenuator input! Do not reverse input
and output terminals of the Bird 8329.
ONE
TWO-T
A
ENERATOR
G
ELEGRAPH KEY
T
OWER SOURCE
P
UDIO
DUT
RANSMITTER
T
10 dB S
TTENUATOR
A
HP 355D
Spectral-Purity Graphs
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
160M
Reference Level: 0 dBc
TEP
100 W
T
YPICAL
ATTS
RF W
ATTMET ER
B
4381
IRD
1 dB S
TTENUATOR
A
HP 3555C
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
TEP
100 W
T
YPICAL
DO NOT
EXCEED
0 dBm
ATTS
RF Power
Attenuator &
Dummy Load
Bird 8329
PECTRUM
S
NALYZER
A
HP 8563E
80M
Reference Level: 0 dBc
–60
–70
–80
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Frequency (MHz)
40M
0
Reference Level: 0 dBc
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Frequency (MHz)
–60
–70
–80
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Frequency (MHz)
30M
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Frequency (MHz)
Reference Level: 0 dBc
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 6
0
20M
Reference Level: 0 dBc
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Frequency (MHz)
15M
0
Reference Level: 0 dBc
–10
–20
–30
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Frequency (MHz)
Reference Level: 0 dBc
12M
17M
0
–10
–20
–30
Reference Level: 0 dBc
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Frequency (MHz)
10M
0
Reference Level: 0 dBc
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Frequency (MHz)
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Frequency (MHz)
6M
0
–10
–20
–30
–40
–50
–60
–70
–80
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Frequency (MHz)
Reference Level: 0 dBc
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Page 7
Transmit Two-Tone IMD
Test Description: Investigating the sidebands from a modulated transmitter requires a narrow-band spectrum analysis. In this
test, a two-tone signal is used to modulate the transmitter. The spectral display shows the test tones plus some of the IMD
products produced by the SSB transmitter. In the ARRL Lab, frequencies of 700 and 1900 Hz is used to modulate the
transmitter. These frequencies were selected to be within the audio passband of the typical transmitter, resulting in a
meaningful display of transmitter IMD. The intermodulation products appear on the spectral plot above and below the two
tones. The lower the products, the better the transmitter. In general, it is the products that are farthest removed from the two
tones (typically > 3 kHz away) that cause the most problems. These can cause splatter up and down the band from strong
signals.
Key Test Conditions:
Transmitter operated at rated output power. Audio tones and drive level adjusted for best performance. Both audio tones
adjusted for equal RF output. Level to spectrum analyzer, –10 dBm maximum. Resolution bandwidth, 10 Hz
Block Diagram:
CAUTION!: Power must only be applied to
the attenuator input! Do not reverse input
and output terminals of the Bird 8329.
ONE
TWO-T
UDIO
A
ENERATOR
G
ELEGRAPH KEY
T
OWER SOURCE
P
RANSMITTER
T
10 dB S
TTENUATOR
A
HP 355D
Transmit IMD Graphs
160M
0
Reference Level: 0 dB PEP
–10
–20
–30
–40
DUT
TEP
100 W
T
YPICAL
ATTS
RF W
ATTMET ER
B
4381
IRD
TEP
1 dB S
TTENUATOR
A
HP 3555C
0
Reference Level: 0 dB PEP
–10
–20
–30
–40
100 W
T
YPICAL
DO NOT
EXCEED
0 dBm
ATTS
RF Power
Attenuator &
Dummy Load
Bird 8329
PECTRUM
S
NALYZER
A
HP 8563E
80M
–50
–60
–70
–80
–10 –8 –6 –4 –2 0 2 4 6 8 10
Frequency Offset (kHz)
ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: ICOM IC-7800 Serial: 0201062
Copyright 2004, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
–50
–60
–70
–80
–10 –8 –6 –4 –2 0 2 4 6 8 10
Frequency Offset (kHz)
Page 8
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