Icom 756-pro opinion

[jrd426]

Hi guys. Wondering what your thoughts are on a 756pro in working condition other then the internal tuner. The price is approx $450, not sure if a decent deal despite the problem with internal tumer. For sideband operation only as well. Opinions please ? Thx

 

[9C1Driver]

Great looking radio. It is now 23 years old so the only issue would be who still works on those and what the availability of parts is.

 

[928bolo]

That is a nice radio and fair price for the radio if it is good condition and you don't need a tuner.

If you are looking to buy your first Ham radio I suggest you don't buy that one. There are better used radios in the $500-$600 range. A used Kenwood TS-590s is a modern radio that is still serviced by Kenwood.

The 590 doesn't' have the eye candy of the 756 but is is a better all around radio. The 590 has a great receiver and filtering. It has a USB connection to computer for rig control and logging as well as digital modes like FT8. It also has a built in tuner.

https://www.kenwood.com/usa/com/amateur/ts-590s/

 

[Hurricane145]

I'd go with the TS-590S even if it cost a bit more than a 756 Pro with a problem like that. As old as I would go would be a 756 Pro3 in good condition. The next step up is an IC-7600 which is what I got when they were first out. Now I see them listed used for $1K.
Be really careful if you are thinking of buying a rig online without trying it out first to see for sure how well it works.

 

[jrd426]

I appreciate the input guys. Thank-you 73

 

[Klondike Mike]

I have a 756 v1 and I am very pleased with its operation but ... there is a problem with 756's and their screens. v1's most notable. I purchased mine with a replaced screen, I am good. I have purchased replacement boards over the years for good prices. I see now prices for replacement boards are becoming excessive. There is an internal switch that allows for 6khz TX audio bandwidth which is nice. I don't know if the newer versions have same.

I just looked on eBay and others make note that later editions are having screen problems as well ($$$). I don't know about the availability of screen replacements for them but the availability for v1's is near zero. The HRD(?) software provides a computer hook-up and display if the internal screen totally goes.

Would I buy any version of 756 knowing what I know today, no ... unless you come across a seller that has what I have in place with a replaced screen and extra parts.

 

[GlocknSpiel]

I like mine. They went out of production in 2002, so they're a tad long in the tooth. But considering their cost ($2800 MSRP) when they were, that asking price isn't bad. I paid $650 for mine about a year ago, and have no regrets. I needed it like I needed an extra hole in the head, but I just couldn't resist.

 

[SuperLid]

Hi guys. Wondering what your thoughts are on a 756pro in working condition other then the internal tuner. The price is approx $450, not sure if a decent deal despite the problem with internal tumer. For sideband operation only as well. Opinions please ? Thx

Save your money and get a 7300.

 

[Klondike Mike]

I found an eBay seller in Poland who has a replacement screen kit for Icoms and others.

https://www.ebay.pl/sch/i.html?item=353570603206&rt=nc&_ssn=bitstork

 

[GlocknSpiel]

Here's a $16 kit for those who have the eyes and skills to tackle some surface-mount level repairs;
EDIT! Apparently, they sold the last kit I linked to. Hopefully, this is temporary. ???
I'll leave it up in hopes that it is temporary.

Icom IC-746(pro), IC-756(Pros) IC-7400 Series Backlight repair Kit | eBay

Here are the three components which will get that backlight for your ICOM IC-746 and 746PRO, IC-7400 (and other Icoms with Failing or failed Display Backlight) working again. Just perform a search of Icom Backlight repair to see instructions and youtube videos.

www.ebay.com