{"id":44177,"date":"2020-07-06T18:16:04","date_gmt":"2020-07-06T22:16:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=44177"},"modified":"2020-07-06T18:16:39","modified_gmt":"2020-07-06T22:16:39","slug":"the-icom-ic-756-pro-and-the-joy-of-buttons-controls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/the-icom-ic-756-pro-and-the-joy-of-buttons-controls\/","title":{"rendered":"The Icom IC-756 Pro and the joy of buttons & controls"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Last year, my friend Matt gave me his Icom IC-756 Pro<\/strong> transceiver.<\/p>\n

Yep, Matt’s a very<\/em> generous fellow and, trust me, one of the coolest radio guys you’ll ever meet.<\/p>\n

Matt was in the process of moving and told me nothing would make him happier than the transceiver to go to a good home and be put on the air. \u00a0Although it’s actually rather difficult for me to accept gifts like this, I did so knowing that Matt still has some of the coolest radios on the planet. In other words, I wasn’t accepting his only HF radio!<\/p>\n

I brought the IC-756 Pro home, attached a power cord and antenna then put it on the air.\u00a0\u00a0I just wanted to check out the rig by getting to know the functions and controls much like I do when a new rig lands on my desk for evaluation and review. Thing is, I didn’t stop tuning around for well over two hours!<\/p>\n

The IC-756 Pro reminded me how much I miss some of the larger DX or contest-grade receivers and transceivers I’ve had in my shack–most notably, the Ten-Tec OMNI VI PLUS.<\/p>\n

For the past few years, with the exception of radios I test and evaluate, I’ve been operating exclusively from the shack with my Elecraft KX3<\/a>. The KX3 is a fine<\/em> rig and the ergonomics are well thought-though, but larger rigs (like the IC-756 Pro (II and III), Elecraft K3s, Kenrwood TS-890s, Yaesu FT-DX101, etc. etc.) have a sizeable front panel space that allows for more controls and a larger display. Evidently, I had been missing that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There’s a reason why we see larger radios being used on DXpeditions even though cargo capacity is often at a premium: performance aside, spacious front panes and informative displays make it easier for radio ops to make quick adjustments without having to reference a manual. You learn how to manipulate the notch, filters, passband, RF gain, split, etc. and muscle memory takes over.<\/p>\n

I’m sure this is why SWL DXers like our friend Dan Robinson still prefer and gravitate to commercial, rack-mounted receivers. (I would, too, if I had the room!)<\/p>\n

As for the Icom IC-756 Pro, I’ve got it set up to to be my dedicated SSB and digital modes transceiver. I’ll also plan to play a little CW once I find the quarter inch adapter for my key! I haven’t really tested the ‘756 Pro’s performance on the broadcast bands because I have so many dedicated receivers for SWLing and MW DXing in the shack.<\/p>\n

The IC-756 Pro is an oldie, but goodie: a very capable transceiver, and a proud resident of SWLing Post<\/em> HQ.<\/p>\n

Not sure if you’ll read this post, Matt, but thank you once again. I’m truly enjoying this rig!<\/p>\n

Post<\/em> Readers:<\/strong> What’s your favorite “big” rig? Please comment<\/a> with details!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last year, my friend Matt gave me his Icom IC-756 Pro transceiver. Yep, Matt’s a very generous fellow and, trust me, one of the coolest radio guys you’ll ever meet. Matt was in the process of moving and told me nothing would make him happier than the transceiver to go to a good home and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[545,3,43],"tags":[8649,2884,8648],"class_list":["post-44177","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-ham-radio","category-news","category-shortwave-radio","tag-ic-756-pro","tag-icom","tag-icom-ic-756-pro"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-bux","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":45587,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/09\/listening-to-radio-nacional-arcangel-san-gabriel-lra36-on-the-icom-ic-756-pro-transceiver\/","url_meta":{"origin":44177,"position":0},"title":"Listening to Radio Nacional Arc\u00e1ngel San Gabriel (LRA36) on the Icom IC-756 Pro transceiver","author":"Thomas","date":"September 28, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Christoph Ratzer (OE2CRM), who is well aware that I'm a fan of LRA36, so sent me a tip Saturday (September 26, 2020)\u00a0 at 19:40 UTC that LRA36 was being received in Europe.\u00a0 I had been working a few POTA stations that afternoon, so simply\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-LRA36.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-LRA36.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-LRA36.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-LRA36.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-LRA36.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":44312,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/what-are-your-sunday-radio-plans\/","url_meta":{"origin":44177,"position":1},"title":"What are your Sunday radio plans?","author":"Thomas","date":"July 12, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"I had planned on today being a rather laid-back Sunday with a good book lined-up and lots of radio time. Instead, my wife has convinced me to work on a home project this afternoon. That's okay, because it is a project I'd like to get out of the way and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Yaesu-FRG-7.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Yaesu-FRG-7.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Yaesu-FRG-7.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Yaesu-FRG-7.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":62584,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2025\/04\/franks-guide-to-listening-to-ham-radio-comms\/","url_meta":{"origin":44177,"position":2},"title":"Frank’s Guide to Listening to Ham Radio Comms","author":"Thomas","date":"April 15, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Frank, who notes that he has added a new post to his blog where he shares a simple method for tuning in to radio amateurs using the KiwiSDR network. He wrote this for anyone curious about exploring ham radio activity online. You can check\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Icom IC-756 Pro Transceiver Dial","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-3.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-3.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-3.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Icom-IC-756-Pro-3.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":47042,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/12\/looking-back-at-2020-what-radios-were-in-heavy-rotation-at-your-home-and-in-the-field\/","url_meta":{"origin":44177,"position":3},"title":"Looking back at 2020: What radios were in heavy rotation at your home and in the field–?","author":"Thomas","date":"December 26, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"This morning, I'm looking at the calendar and I see and end in sight for 2020. I think most of us can agree that 2020 will be one for the history books, in large part due to the Covid-19 global pandemic which has had a pretty dramatic affect on many\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Field Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Field Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/field-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Belka-DX-SC-Coast-Dockside-DX-1.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":44630,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/whats-in-the-shack-here-at-swling-post-hq\/","url_meta":{"origin":44177,"position":4},"title":"What’s in the shack here at SWLing Post HQ","author":"Thomas","date":"August 7, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Pete, who writes: Thomas, I'm curious what radios you have in the shack now. I see lots of posts about various radios, but I wonder what's in your personal collection and what's being evaluated. You know what they say...\"inquiring minds\" and all that! If\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/Mission-RGO-One-Paddle-Mic-Transceiver-5.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":17128,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2016\/01\/dave-notes-that-the-icom-ic-7200-is-being-discontinued\/","url_meta":{"origin":44177,"position":5},"title":"Dave notes that the Icom IC-7200 is being discontinued","author":"Thomas","date":"January 29, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor Dave Zantow, who notes that the Icom IC-7200 general coverage transceiver is being discontinued. Dave notes the following on his website: Icom IC-7200 \"Last Call\" : It appears that the Icom IC-7200 DSP HF Transceiver is discontinued (or near of being discontinued) and dealers\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ham Radio"","block_context":{"text":"Ham Radio","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/ham-radio\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Icom-IC7200","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Icom-IC7200.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Icom-IC7200.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Icom-IC7200.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44177","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44177"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44177\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44177"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44177"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44177"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}