Icom IC-PW2 HF/50 MHz 1 kW Linear Amplifier

1 kW Output at Full Duty Cycle Single Operator Two Radios (SO2R) with One IC-PW2

A high performance, multi-function linear amplifier is one of the key pieces of equipment for keen competition in DX hunting and contesting.

High Power & Full Duty Cycle Operation

The IC-PW2 uses new 65 V LDMOS power transistors (MRFX1K80HR5) and a high-efficiency power supply. Achieve a 1kW output with a 200V AC Input. The IC-PW2 instantly operates at full power once turned on. Use the PW2 for long contest hours or full-duty FT8 operation.

Increased Linearity & Clean Transmission with the Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) Technology (with the IC-7610)

This technology corrects the signal distortion from the IC-PW2, by applying inverse distortion to the output signal from the IC-7610 exciter in advance^*2.
*1 According to our research as of July 2023.
*2 Not applied in non-linear modulation such as FM, FSK, and MSK modes.

2 × 6 Automatic Antenna Selector

Two radio inputs and six antenna connectors provide fully automatic antenna-switching capabilities. Each antenna can be independently selected when changing a band on either transceiver. You can operate it as if you had two linear amplifiers. When using dual independent receivers, which the IC-7610 and IC-7851 have, you can watch two bands at once by using two antennas.

Powerful SO2R Features

Single Operator Two Radios (SO2R) operation is possible with one IC-PW2. While you are making a call on one radio^*1, you can watch another band on the other radio. The transmitter lockout function^*2 prevents simultaneous transmission of two radios during SO2R operation.

*1 Performance may deteriorate depending on the performance/specifications of the BPF and exciter, antenna installation conditions, and other factors. In such cases, please take measures such as using two sets of BPFs.
*2 Compatible Radio linked operation is available with IC-7851, IC-7610, and IC-7300 (firmware upgrade required.)

SO2R Operation Possible with Just One Multi-band BPF

Conventional linear amplifiers require two multi-band bandpass filters (BPF) to prevent suppression of receive sensitivity by their own transmit signal when operating SO2R. However, the IC-PW2 automatically connects the multi-band BPF to the receiving radio when you select either radio to transmit. This makes SO2R operation possible with just one Multi-band BPF*.

* Performance may deteriorate depending on the performance/specifications of the BPF and exciter, antenna installation conditions, and other factors. In such cases, please take measures such as using two sets of BPFs.

RX-ANT Connectors for Multi-band BPF and External Equipment

User supplied bandpass filters (BPF), preamps, and attenuators can be connected to the [RX-ANT] connectors. When you use two radios with the IC-PW2, one multi-band BPF can be shared with these radios by switching the receiving radio. In addition, the band switching of multi-band BPF can be controlled from the band signal output connector. The [BAND 1], [BAND 2] signal output connectors, can each be set to either [INPUT 1], [INPUT 2], transmitter side, or receiver side. It can be linked with band switching of various external devices.

Use compatible Icom radios to get the full performance out of the IC-PW2. Accessing various settings is easy. When you operate the transceiver by changing bands and frequency tuning, the IC-PW2 automatically works in conjunction. It provides a rapid response in contests and multi-band operations.

* Compatible Radio linked operation is available with IC-7851, IC-7610, and IC-7300 (firmware upgrade required.)

Optional PC remote-control software will provide a remote-control operation through a LAN. Remote power ON/OFF from the PC and various operation of the radio will be possible.

The antenna tuner uses mechanical relays to retune the operating band in two to three seconds. The IC-PW2 has also succeeded in reducing unnecessary emissions during tuning. The antenna tuner works even when the power amplifier function is not used.

A remote-control cable (3 m, 9.8 ft) enables the amplifier to be mounted away from the radios for a big station installation. The 4.3 inch color display is a touch screen with a graphical user interface. Connected antennas are graphically shown on the display.

Other Features

• High-efficiency and low noise cooling system
• Various error detection circuits protect internal components
• An SD card slot on the front panel for firmware updates and saving settings
• Remote AUX jack for controlling an automatic tuning telescopic antenna
• Antenna quick select function that can connect to priority antenna with simple action