ICOM has shown the new IC-7100 at the JARL show in Tokyo. The interwebz is buzzing with information, including a preliminary data sheet.
My scan of the preliminary datasheet indicates that this radio is in the class of the IC-7000 or even the IC-706. It covers all modes on HF plus 6 Meters, 2 Meters and 70 cm. (It also has the 70 MHz band which is a nice add for the European countries that have that band.) The radio includes DV (D-STAR) modulation capability and has a new touchscreen user interface. The slanted control panel is meant to make the touchscreen more accessible.
A new HF plus VHF/UHF radio always gets my attention (see my plea for an FT-950 with 2 Meters). I am starting to think that the real benefit of this rig is the addition of D-STAR capability, which would a good but not essential feature to have.
What do you think?
73, Bob K0NR
Update (30 Aug 2012): Universal Radio has the radio on its website.
There’s a good video look at the radio here.
For me, with a genetic disease, the touchscreen is everything. My fingers will be able to work this rig much better than all those out there with tiny knobs and double-knobs. When will this be available? 73 KF7UWO Don
I dont think we need d star it should be a option. if the unit is more than $1,000.00 I would not consider it.
It should be user friendly for new hams like me.
It is nicve that it is small and can put it on a desk, it would be nice if it eas in color.