The ICOM IC-9700 VHF-UHF is a direct sampling transceiver for 2m and 70cm, and a single down conversion for 23cm. It has an IF sampled receiver between 311 – 371 MHz. Using ICOM’s DSP technology and coupled with a robust 100W on 2m, 75W on 70cm, and 10W on 23cm ensures you will be heard.
The ICOM IC-9700 allows band specific receiver and transmitter settings, and band specific memory channels. When transmitting, users can adjust the RF power, TX power limit, and TX delay foe each band. These basic receiver settings, like the noise blanker, noise reduction, and others can be adjusted by band. The dynamic notch and filter setup can be adjusted by band and mode.
The IC-9700 is the perfect match to the IC-7300 HF radio. They both the same size, and provide almost identical operation. Using the IC-9700 with the IC-7300 creates a compact station from VHF, UHF, HF and up to 1200 MHz of coverage. The RF Direct Sampling system processes signals in the digital domain by the ADC and FPGA. This provides signal purity that is very high creating clear audio.
With the same Audio Scope as the 7300, the microphone compressor level, filter width, and keying waveform in CW mode can be monitored. Additionally, either the transmit or receive audio can be displayed on the FFT scope / oscilloscope.
Other Planned Features Include:
- All mode
- 144, 430/440 and 1200MHz
- D-STAR DV and DD modes
- Digital Data provides 128 kbps data communication
- 100W (144 MHz), 75W (430/440 MHz) and 10W (1200 MHz) output
- 4.3" touch screen color TFT LCD
- Smooth satellite operation with normal/reverse tracking
- 99 satellite channels
- Real-time, high-speed spectrum scope & waterfall display
- Dual watch operation
- Full-duplex operation in satellite mode
- Supports 2 wave simultaneous reception (different band / different mode)
- Full duplex operation.
- D-STAR Terminal and Access Point mode (RS-MS3A/W)
- Dual D-STAR receive (decodes two voice streams simultaneously)
- Full duplex operation
- Dual Watch (no V/V or U/U Capability)
- Main or Sub-Band Scope (Center/Fix mode +/-500kHz Center Mode)
- Audio Scope
- CW full break-in
- 0.5ppm frequency stability with 10MHz external reference input
- Voice Recording and playback function (SD Memory Card required)
- Ethernet Port (Internal RS-BA1 Server)
- USB audio and control connection
- 2,500 DR memories
- 9.4"× 3.7" × 9.4" body only
- 10.4 lbs.
ICOM IC-9700 VHF-UHF Review
It matches the 7300 beautifully, if only I liked that radio enough to keep it. Paying the extra money for a satellite radio when I have little interest in it was bothersome. However, the touch screen is nice, and you can not beat the 100 watts on 2 meters. I purchased a stylus pen for this radio, but it works great on my K4 as well.
The audio scope is a nice touch on a VHF/UHF radio and I use it often. Having the record and playback features is something I would like to see in more radios. I like having an all mode radio in the shack, but feel let down without a mars/cap modification to expand frequencies to our emergency liaison channel.
There is an antenna port for each band, so if you get a tri band antenna you will also need a triplexer. The dual band receive is good for monitoring your club frequency while working on another band. If you have used the 7300 you will understand the menu from the start. The speech assist is great for the ow vision and blind hams.
The D-Star mode is non existent in my area, couple that with no satellite interest and I spent a lot on features I do not use. The DR function is nice, and I actually found a few repeaters I can hit that I did not know about. I think the 100/75 watts made it possible.
I can see I It is nice, but knowing they have sensitivity and stability issues, I am going to move it along. Maybe Yaesu will come out with an answer to the 9700 with c4fm and no satellite.