New to ham radio equipment? Start with our Complete Guide to Ham Radio Transceivers to understand radio types, features, and setup.
The Icom IC-9700 review is a high-performance VHF and UHF all-mode transceiver designed for serious weak-signal operators, satellite enthusiasts, and advanced station integration. It uses direct RF sampling architecture on 2 meters and 70 centimeters, along with single down conversion on the 23-centimeter band. This modern receiver design processes signals digitally through high-speed ADC and FPGA circuitry, resulting in excellent signal purity and highly detailed audio.
With output power of 100 watts on 2 meters, 75 watts on 70 centimeters, and 10 watts on 23 centimeters, the IC-9700 delivers strong transmit capability across all supported bands. Combined with advanced DSP filtering and band-specific configuration control, the radio provides precise signal handling for a wide range of operating conditions.
Overall, this combination of direct sampling SDR technology, high transmit power, and advanced digital processing creates a purpose-built VHF and UHF platform designed for serious amateur radio operation.
Direct Sampling Receiver Performance
The IC-9700 processes signals primarily in the digital domain, which improves selectivity, stability, and filtering precision. Direct sampling eliminates many traditional analog stages, allowing the receiver to deliver clean demodulation and consistent performance across varying signal conditions.
Band-specific control allows operators to tailor receiver behavior individually for each band. Adjustable settings include:
- Noise blanker
- Noise reduction
- Dynamic notch filtering
- Filter width
- Transmit delay
- RF power output
- Transmit power limits
Because each band can be configured independently, the radio adapts easily to weak-signal work, repeater operation, or satellite tracking.
Integrated Station Design with the IC-7300
The IC-9700 was designed to complement the IC-7300 HF transceiver. Both radios share nearly identical physical size, interface layout, and operating philosophy. When stacked together, they form a seamless station covering HF through 23 centimeters.
Operators benefit from:
- Consistent menu navigation
- Matching touchscreen interface
- Similar spectrum scope behavior
- Unified station workflow
This pairing creates continuous coverage from HF through microwave frequencies without requiring major changes in operating procedure.
Spectrum Scope and Audio Monitoring
The radio includes a real-time high-speed spectrum scope and waterfall display, providing continuous visibility of band activity. This allows operators to quickly identify signals, monitor activity trends, and locate weak transmissions.
An integrated audio scope displays transmit or receive audio as an FFT or oscilloscope waveform. This feature allows monitoring of:
- Microphone compression level
- CW keying waveform
- Filter shaping
- Audio quality
For operators who monitor signal quality closely, this is a valuable diagnostic and optimization tool.
Satellite and Full-Duplex Operation
One of the defining capabilities of the IC-9700 is full satellite support. The radio provides full-duplex transmit and receive, allowing simultaneous operation on different bands and modes. This is essential for real-time satellite communication and Doppler-shift tracking.
Satellite features include:
- Normal and reverse tracking
- Independent transmit and receive frequencies
- 99 programmable satellite channels
- Dual receive capability
- Simultaneous decoding of two digital voice streams
These capabilities make the IC-9700 one of the most capable dedicated satellite transceivers available.
Digital Communication and Connectivity
The IC-9700 supports multiple digital communication options, including D-STAR voice and data modes. High-speed digital data transmission up to 128 kbps enables advanced networking and digital experimentation.
Connectivity options include:
- Ethernet remote control server
- USB audio and CAT control
- SD card recording and playback
- External 10 MHz reference input for frequency stability
Frequency stability of 0.5 ppm can be improved further with an external reference, making the radio suitable for precision weak-signal work.
Operating Convenience and User Interface
The 4.3-inch color touchscreen provides intuitive control and fast navigation. Operators familiar with modern SDR-style radios will find the interface responsive and easy to learn.
Additional convenience features include:
- Dual watch capability
- Large memory capacity
- Voice recording and playback
- CW full break-in operation
- Audio assist features for low-vision operators
Band-specific antenna ports allow independent feedline connection, which improves performance but may require external combining hardware for multiband antennas.
Because each band uses its own antenna connector, operators using a single multiband antenna will typically need a triplexer or separate feedlines to access all supported bands.
Real-World Operating Experience
In practical operation, the IC-9700 delivers strong transmit performance, particularly on 2 meters where the full 100-watt output provides excellent reach. Dual-band receive is useful for monitoring multiple frequencies simultaneously, and the spectrum display is highly effective for locating activity.
The touchscreen interface is responsive, and operators familiar with the IC-7300 will adapt immediately. Audio monitoring tools are especially useful for refining transmit quality and observing signal characteristics.
The DR memory system simplifies repeater discovery and access, which can reveal previously unknown coverage opportunities.
However, some advanced features may not be relevant for all users. Operators with limited interest in satellite communication or D-STAR operation may find that a significant portion of the radio’s capability remains unused.
Performance Considerations
The IC-9700 provides impressive capability, but its performance depends heavily on operating goals. It excels in:
- Weak-signal work
- Satellite communication
- Digital experimentation
- Precision frequency control
Operators focused primarily on analog repeater operation or basic VHF communication may not fully utilize its advanced architecture.
Some users have reported sensitivity and stability concerns in specific operating scenarios. While many stations experience excellent performance, careful setup and proper reference stability can influence results.
To better understand where the IC-9700 fits in the current market, it helps to compare it with other VHF and UHF transceivers.
IC-9700 Compared to Other VHF/UHF Radios
Unlike many general-purpose transceivers, the IC-9700 is designed specifically for high-performance VHF and UHF operation. Its direct sampling receiver architecture and full-duplex satellite capability provide more advanced signal control than most traditional multi-band radios. Operators focused on weak-signal work, satellite communication, and precision frequency stability will notice significant advantages over conventional designs.
Advantages of the IC-9700
The icom-ic-9700 offers several performance and operational advantages that distinguish it from conventional VHF and UHF transceivers.
- Direct sampling receiver architecture
- Full-duplex satellite capability
- High transmit power on VHF
- Advanced DSP filtering
- Integrated spectrum and audio scope
- Extensive digital communication support
- Seamless integration with IC-7300
- High frequency stability
Limitations to Consider
Despite its advanced design, there are a few practical considerations that potential buyers should evaluate.
- Premium cost relative to typical VHF radios
- Advanced features may be unnecessary for some operators
- Requires external hardware for multiband antenna combining
- Digital voice activity varies by region
- Satellite features may go unused by many users
Who the icom-ic-9700 Is Best For
This radio is best suited for operators who want advanced VHF and UHF capability with SDR-level signal processing. It is particularly well suited for satellite operators, weak-signal enthusiasts, and stations requiring precise frequency stability.
Operators primarily interested in basic repeater communication may find simpler radios more cost-effective.
Overall Performance Evaluation
The Icom IC-9700 represents a significant step forward in VHF and UHF transceiver design. Its direct sampling architecture, full-duplex satellite capability, and advanced DSP processing provide performance well beyond conventional analog designs.
When used in applications that take advantage of its strengths, the radio delivers exceptional flexibility and technical capability. Its design clearly targets advanced operators who require precision, integration, and expanded operating modes.
Realistic Performance Expectations
When properly installed with efficient antennas and stable frequency reference, the IC-9700 delivers excellent receiver clarity and strong transmit performance across all supported bands. However, results depend heavily on antenna quality, operating environment, and station setup. Careful installation and optimization typically produce the best performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Icom IC-9700
Is the IC-9700 good for satellite operation?
Yes. It supports full-duplex operation with independent transmit and receive frequencies, making it ideal for satellite communication.
Does the IC-9700 require an external antenna switch?
Each band has its own antenna port. Multiband antennas may require a triplexer or external switching.
Is the IC-9700 difficult to operate?
Operators familiar with modern touchscreen SDR radios will find the interface intuitive, especially those who have used the IC-7300.
Is D-STAR required to use the IC-9700?
No. The radio operates fully in analog modes, but D-STAR digital voice is available where supported.
Icom-IC-9700 Review
Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 for advanced VHF and UHF operation.
The Iicom-ic-9700 is one of the most technically advanced VHF and UHF transceivers available. It combines modern SDR technology, high transmit power, and sophisticated digital processing into a compact station platform.
For operators interested in satellite communication, weak-signal experimentation, or full-band station integration, it offers outstanding capability. For simpler operating needs, however, many of its advanced features may exceed practical requirements.
When matched to the right operating goals, the IC-9700 delivers exceptional performance and long-term station versatility. For operators who want cutting-edge VHF and UHF capability with modern SDR performance, the IC-9700 remains one of the most capable transceivers available today.