The Icom X3 was first shown atTokyo HamFair 2006, 19 - 20 August 2006. At first glance, it looks a bit like an "IC-7800 Jr.", but it is intended for the mil/gov and commercial user communities. Its announcement is consistent with an aggressive move by Icom into the high-end mil/gov and commercial radio-communications sectors. Price and delivery time-frame are TBA.
No data has been published on the X3; we know that it is based on the IC-7800 platform, with one receiver and a DSP spectrum scope.
It will be ruggedised, and will probably meet MIL-STD-810 for shock and vibration.
It will also have a wide operating temperature range.
It looks as if it is targeted to compete with the R&S XK2000 series.
The X3 will have continuous MF/HF transmit and receive frequency coverage. The relay-switched RF BPF bank will incorporate additional filters to cover the entire frequency range.
The X3 will probably incorporate the same 48 kHz IF-DSP as the IC-R9500.
A Vdd scale with a 44~52V zone is visible on the meter. This suggests a high-voltage MOSFET PA, probably rated at 150W, and an internal mains PSU.
The X3 is not aimed at the amateur marketplace.
It will not be a replacement for the 756Pro3, or a competitor to the Vertex-Standard FT-2000.
I shall make every effort to obtain more information on the X3,and place it on this page.
Copyright © 2006, A. Farson VA7OJ/AB4OJ. Image courtesy Jim Tittsler 7J1AJH.
Last updated: 09/25/2019