The Icom IC-9700 is a versatile and high-performance VHF/UHF transceiver designed to meet the needs of amateur radio enthusiasts, satellite operators, and DXers. With its advanced features, robust construction, and wide frequency coverage, the IC-9700 offers exceptional performance across the 2-meter, 70-centimeter, and 23-centimeter bands, making it an ideal choice for a variety of amateur radio applications.
At the heart of the IC-9700 is its advanced direct sampling SDR (Software Defined Radio) architecture, which provides superior receiver performance and signal processing capabilities. This architecture allows for precise filtering, demodulation, and signal processing, resulting in excellent dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low noise floor, even in the presence of strong nearby signals or challenging RF environments.
Covering the 2-meter (144-148 MHz), 70-centimeter (430-450 MHz), and 23-centimeter (1240-1300 MHz) amateur radio bands, the IC-9700 provides users with extensive frequency coverage for a wide range of operating scenarios. Whether used for local FM repeater contacts, satellite communication, weak signal DXing, or EME (Earth-Moon-Earth) communication, the IC-9700 offers reliable performance and versatility across all supported bands.
One of the standout features of the IC-9700 is its large, full-color touchscreen display, which provides users with intuitive access to a wide range of functions and settings. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation of menus, adjustment of parameters, and selection of operating modes, making operation of the transceiver straightforward and efficient.
In addition to its advanced receiver performance, the IC-9700 boasts a powerful transmitter capable of delivering up to 100 watts of RF output power on the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. The transmitter features adjustable output power levels, built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU), and various speech processing functions, ensuring clean and efficient transmission of signals.
The IC-9700 also offers a wealth of advanced features and capabilities to enhance the user experience and operational efficiency. These include built-in digital voice recorder, high-resolution spectrum scope, real-time spectrum scope/waterfall display, USB connectivity for remote control and data transfer, and SD card slot for recording and playback of audio signals. Additionally, the IC-9700 supports multiple digital mode capabilities, including D-STAR, RTTY, PSK31, and CW, allowing users to explore a variety of operating modes and digital communication techniques.
Despite its advanced features and capabilities, the IC-9700 maintains a user-friendly design with an emphasis on intuitive operation and ergonomic controls. Its large knobs, buttons, and dials provide tactile feedback and allow for precise adjustment of settings, even in low-light conditions or while wearing gloves.
While the IC-9700 offers many advantages, it is not without its limitations. Its premium price point may be a deterrent for budget-conscious users, as the transceiver represents a significant investment compared to entry-level or mid-range models. Additionally, the IC-9700's large size and weight may make it less suitable for portable or field operation, where compactness and portability are prioritized.
In summary, the Icom IC-9700 is a high-performance VHF/UHF transceiver that combines advanced SDR technology with intuitive operation and robust construction. Whether used for local repeater contacts, satellite communication, weak signal DXing, or EME communication, the IC-9700 provides users with exceptional receiver performance, powerful transmitter capabilities, and a wealth of advanced features to enhance their operating experience. Its comprehensive feature set, user-friendly design, and reliable performance make it a top choice for amateur radio enthusiasts seeking a premium transceiver for their shack.
Strengths:
Wide Frequency Coverage: The Icom IC-9700 offers extensive frequency coverage across the 2-meter, 70-centimeter, and 23-centimeter amateur radio bands, providing users with versatility in various operating scenarios, including local repeater contacts, satellite communication, weak signal DXing, and EME communication.
Advanced SDR Technology: The IC-9700 utilizes advanced direct sampling SDR (Software Defined Radio) architecture, resulting in superior receiver performance, excellent dynamic range, high sensitivity, and low noise floor. This technology allows for precise filtering, demodulation, and signal processing, even in challenging RF environments.
Comprehensive Feature Set: The IC-9700 boasts a comprehensive feature set, including a large full-color touchscreen display for intuitive operation, built-in digital voice recorder, high-resolution spectrum scope, real-time spectrum scope/waterfall display, USB connectivity for remote control and data transfer, and SD card slot for recording and playback of audio signals. Additionally, it supports multiple digital mode capabilities, such as D-STAR, RTTY, PSK31, and CW, providing users with a variety of operating modes and digital communication techniques.
Weaknesses:
Premium Price: The IC-9700 comes with a premium price tag compared to entry-level or mid-range transceivers, which may be a deterrent for budget-conscious users. Its high cost of acquisition makes it less accessible to amateur radio operators who are looking for more affordable options.
Size and Weight: The IC-9700 is a large and heavy transceiver, which may be a disadvantage for users with limited space in their shack or those who prioritize portability. Its bulky design may make it less suitable for portable or field operation, where compactness and lightweight are preferred.
Complexity: Despite its intuitive user interface and ergonomic controls, the IC-9700 may still be perceived as complex by some users, especially those who are new to amateur radio equipment or digital communication modes. Navigating through the various settings, functions, and menu options may require time and effort to learn, leading to a potentially steep learning curve for inexperienced users.
Here are the specifications:
Frequency Coverage:
- 2m Band: 144-148 MHz
- 70cm Band: 430-450 MHz
- 23cm Band: 1240-1300 MHz
Mode: FM, SSB, CW, RTTY, DV (D-STAR)
Number of Channels: 99 memory channels per band (maximum)
Frequency Stability: ±0.5 ppm (typical) at 25°C (77°F)
Power Output:
- 2m Band: 100W (SSB/CW/FM), 25W (DV)
- 70cm Band: 75W (SSB/CW/FM), 20W (DV)
- 23cm Band: 10W (SSB/CW/FM), 4.5W (DV)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (unbalanced)
Operating Temperature Range: -10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F)
Power Supply Requirement: 13.8V DC ±15%
Dimensions (W x H x D): 240 × 94 × 238 mm (9.45 × 3.7 × 9.37 inches)
Weight: 4.5 kg (9.92 lbs) (approximate)
Receiver:
- Receiver System: Direct Sampling
- Sensitivity: 0.11 µV (at 12dB SINAD)
- Selectivity:
- SSB/CW: 2.2 kHz/-6 dB, 4.4 kHz/-60 dB
- AM: 6 kHz/-6 dB, 15 kHz/-60 dB
- FM: 15 kHz/-6 dB, 30 kHz/-60 dB
- IF Frequencies:
- 2m Band: 311 MHz
- 70cm Band: 311 MHz
- 23cm Band: 310.6 MHz
Transmitter:
- Modulation System: Variable reactance frequency modulation
- Spurious Emissions: Less than -50 dB (1.8 - 29.999 MHz), less than -60 dB (50/70/144/430 MHz), less than -50 dB (1200 MHz)
- Microphone Impedance: 600 ohms (8-pin connector)
Supplied Accessories:
- Hand microphone (HM-219)
- DC power cable
- Spare fuse
- Spare fuse holder
- ACC cable
- USB cable
- Bracket screws
- Plugs and connectors
These specifications highlight the IC-9700's wide frequency coverage, multiple operating modes, high power output, direct sampling receiver system, and various features suitable for VHF/UHF communication. It is a robust transceiver designed to meet the demands of amateur radio operators for a wide range of applications.