Bravo. I love this. I'm a longtime fan of HF, but this 9700 makes me want to revisit whats going on in the VHF/UHF space. I also love how it mates with the Icom 7300 in terms of panel layout. It looks and feels just like my 7300. Knowing your way around a radio really helps to maximize using all the features. Dstar is interesting. FT8 on two meters is interesting. Satellite operation is something that I never thought of until seeing this radio. This technology deserves a deeper dive. I love these lan connections, allowing for remote monitoring and operation of the radio. I love how they applied SDR technology to these bands. If you're an amateur that really wants to explore the options your license granted you I like this radio. If you're just a 2 meter guy that talks to his buddies on a couple of repeaters this is overkill. Please don't criticize Icom for giving us complete toolkits for exploring our hobby. I love the $26 Baofengs as much as anybody, but that's 2 percent of the hobby.
Once more for the people in the back row! Icom REALLY showed their long expertise in radio design with the 9700. It is a masterpiece. If I had to complain about mine, I'd say the S meter was too tight... but if you really calibrate an S-meter to microvolts, this is what you get. NOBODY is 60/9. Sat operation is GREAT with it too.. Get the S.A.T. device/box and it is so easy now. 73- Bob
My problems with the 9700 and the reason why I sold it after 2 months. First, The usage of 1.2 gig is very small in my area, almost nothing and I would be MUCH more inclined to have 6 meters or even 220. Second, In my area the Pave Paws at the AFB wipes out 430 ssb, much more so then my 30 year old FT 736R. Third, the price. If This radio only gives me 2 meters to use for $1,500+ it was a waste of money for me. Also I must be the only Ham on the planet that does not like DStar. Don't like the audio and could care less about that mode. So my reasons might be different than others but for me this radio was a bust.
I'm a newbie, at 70 yrs of age I decided to get a new hobby, so I got my General ticket and I'm off to the races, right? No I find my new hobby to be expensive with big name brands, so I bought a nice Yaesu handheld and a cheap Chinese 10/12 meter radio. The IC 9700 and IC 7300 are great together but a sensible person that wants to do what these two can do for about 1/3 of the price could just buy a Yaesu FT 991A ( that's what I'm saving for).
The FT991A is a FANTASTIC shack-in-a-box for the North American market. If you are stateside, it covers everything you’ll need. The only thing it won’t cover is the obscure 220 mhz band and the 1200 mhz satellite band, which is the least common amateur satellite band. Great rig, and I can’t think of a better starting rig. Should you ever upgrade the home shack to a bigger radio, the FT991A becomes the DEFINITIVE standard for an RV mobile rig. Get one you will love it!
Best review I've seen yet of the available features on the IC-9700. Great job Bob. I wasn't really considering the purchase of an IC-9700 until I watched your review. Thanks! 73, George K2WO
did you see the specs of the 9700 on the sherwood list? for example the dynamic range of it is only 74dB, that will not sound very clear, when signals are weak, spoken silables will then sound faded into one another and not intelligible anymore. that is not a very good receiver and for that comparably high price i would expect it to be. the bdr is low too, 111dB, strong signals on nearby frequencies will block the receiver. i would not buy it. the final transistors in that thing run at 100Watt out at their maximum powerlevel, i doubt that they would last long. i would rather have the Yaesu FT991A instead the 9700, the 991A is the comparably better radio.
I have both of them side by side here. The 991A doesn't compare with the IC-9700. People live and die by the Sherwood numbers. In this case, it just isn't that important. On HF we have to deal with nearby signals etc. Not on VHF/UHF. MDS is more important... and the 9700 can hear very well. Then there is the fantastic scope. The 991A scope is terrible. Then there is the unbelievable array of features and capabilities. Satellite operation is a dream on the 9700. Not really possible on the 991A. HF performance on the 991A is so-so. It is not a top performer. All the "shack in a box" radios are great compromises. The 9700 is a radio for a serious VHF/UHF/Microwave user. Performance numbers are actually best on it- on 1.2 ghz. The price is actually excellent too for the sophistication of the radio. Yaesu equipment is just not as polished and de-bugged as Icom. the FTdx-101D is FULL of engineering mistakes. I sold mine in 4 months and lost $1000. Kept my Icom Ic-7610...great radio.
@@Yavor54 the low spec numbers of your 9700 are unmistakeable, a receiver with a dynamic range of 74dB can never sound that clearly inteligible like you want to depict that 9700 here, its lacking and just isnt that very good. its an average or bit better than average radio.
The reason I sold mine after only one month is that $1,500+ for a single band radio is just not worth the price. Single band ? Well in Northern California where I live I'm close to Pave-paws at Beal AFB so 440 weak signal work was almost worthless. There is practically nothing, on 1.2 MHZ here. And to my ears D star sounded "wormy" and poor, did not like the audio at all. So for me the only thing left was 2 meters, that was great with the band scope and 100 watts but 15+K for only one band that I can use, nope just not for me. If it came with 220MHZ or even 6 meters instead of 1.2 I probably would have kept it. JMO.
I'm wondering about the 2 m 70 CM repeater memory? I spoke with Icom, they said I should be able to store every 2 m 70 CM repeater in the United States in there, and with the GPS antenna drive around and scan and use pretty much all of them. They said it would have about 2,500 repeater memories for this. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? (I intend to use the radio for many of its other functions also, but I drive a truck all over the country and would love to have this type of 2 m 70 cm repeater capability.)
I'm wondering about the 2 m 70 CM repeater memory? I spoke with Icom, they said I should be able to store every 2 m 70 CM repeater in the United States in there, and with the GPS antenna drive around and scan and use pretty much all of them. They said it would have about 2,500 repeater memories for this. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? (I intend to use the radio for many of its other functions also, but I drive a truck all over the country and would love to have this type of 2 m 70 cm repeater capability.)
I'm wondering about the 2 m 70 CM repeater memory? I spoke with Icom, they said I should be able to store every 2 m 70 CM repeater in the United States in there, and with the GPS antenna drive around and scan and use pretty much all of them. They said it would have about 2,500 repeater memories for this. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? (I intend to use the radio for many of its other functions also, but I drive a truck all over the country and would love to have this type of 2 m 70 cm repeater capability.)
@@flyingjeff1984 Picked up both to upgrade station and set up Sat capabilities... Now capable from 1.8 Mhz to 1.295 Ghz. Also, lots of value. Just about finished with a portable AZEL controller and need a decent radio. Added a DBA 270 mast head amp to help out. Interested in SAT communications. 73, KD0ZW
I bought one find it clumsy to use...sorry I purchased it. Don't enjoy it all. What you want it to do it does not do. Useless without the Pre amps ON> Really silly how to program channels with PL tones.
Thanks for a great introduction to the factory of functions for the ic-9700. your delivery and efficiency content delivery was spot on. You don't fluff like some other youtubers. Subscribing. Thanks 73, K3TEF
I know im randomly asking but does any of you know of a method to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost my login password. I love any tips you can give me!
@Ridge Lachlan I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
call CQ then, A lot of hams just sit there listening and don`t call CQ, we get it in the UK "it's very quiet on the band" that's all we hear. And you're wondering why they want the bands its all your own doing really.
I'm tired of the complications and issues with Icom radios when it comes to repairs. I'm going back to transverters and simpler radio designs that are easier to fix. I will not buy a 9700.
Robert thanks so much for this well made video. I never knew this and am just assuming based on the channels I saw on the memories...that you are in Arkansas. Hello from North Little Rock.
Robert Nagy thats cool. Just have a mobile and HT. But I’m hooked on the Icom products. Looking into seeing what I want to do for a base, a mobile radio (used as a base) or something like the 9700.
Oh, this radio is for advanced users! Don't run away so fast. 90% of Hams will never own a radio like this. The vast majority of Hams buy a radio, set it up and talk to their friends for decades. I've been a Ham for 52 years and only now have gotten into what a radio like this does.
I don't know. If the radio is in storage for a long time, you might have to reset the clock. Out of the 1438 engineering elements they got spot-on, they had to leave at least one thing imperfect. True beauty always has a tiny flaw.
I have one sitting in its box waiting for me to figure out how to get it into my "shack." Excellent review, thank you. can you suggest antennas for the other bands? I already have Diamond X-30 for 2 meters.
Great Review of the ICOM 9700 im going to get one to pair with my ICOM 7300 and get the 23cm and 70cm and 2mtr beams to get back into contesting again, Many thanks for the Review i think this radio new in uk is £1795, gives you all and more to play radio. 73 MIKE M1KEY M0FCG
Absolutely the best review I have seen on this rig so far. Quickly summarizes and demonstrates the main features from a practical usage perspective. Well done!
Robert Great review! Now that they are back in stock I might pick one up. Any chance you could provide information on the two GPS units you reference that work with the Icon 9700. I would like to get both, but it is very confusing when searching what products will work with the ICOM 9700 . Thanks
Great review as always Bob. Questions: Does it have AGC in the TX audio path like the 2820 and 880 have (but forgotten in the 5100)? And, is the Speech Processor only working when in SSB or does it also stay active in AM or FM? Thanks!! 73's de N2VU
The Radio looks and sounds like a great advancement in UHF / VHF/ SHF communication. The information was presented very well. I will probably find one on my shelf in the next 3 months. Thank You for your time and presentation John KD4NKU
Icom has dropped the ball one more time. They made this fancy radio but it cannot cross been repeat. What a crock of pig food. I was all set to give up my 5100 in my go box and put this in because I thought surely such an advanced machine would still have Cross Band repeat. But it does not. Once again Icom has almost reached the brass ring but in this case has fallen flat on their no cross band repeating faces. End of discussion
Doc this radio was designed primarily with weak signal work and amateur satellites in mind. Like Bob stated it’s overkill for most standard VHF/UHF FM operators.
@@docpearson no problem, a 5100 is a nice rig. It wouldn’t surprise me if Icom didn’t come out with an upgraded 5100 that has a color screen like the new ID-52A handheld.
Is it true that you cannot monitor 2 frequencies of the same band at the same time? I read that on a forum and was wodering how that could be possible since it is dual watch with 2 recievers. Thanks
That IS correct. This radio is optimized for sensitivity and not just offering every possible combination. Even at this price point, they cannot give you everything!
Hi there I like radios... I like to catch the hole world.... I want to buy a radio so which Mark is the best tecsun or purnus And which one? What do you think of)Lp 660
You are going to love it. Now plan on setting up some real UHF/VHF antennas with quality coax and connectors. Mine RULES on the linear satellites... and when the ISS comes over, everyone hears me!!!
Well, I've always called it 450... guess we could call it 430 too.. Just finishing the big rig shootout here - FTdx-101D VS. IC-7610..head to head.. posting it in 2 hours.
It is a DeLuxe radio by anyone's standards....and really, not a beginner's radio. It takes advanced skills to utilize all it's features. I'd start with a simple FM dual-bander first..
Very different radios. I'm doing a 705 review next. The 705 does not do duplex for satellite. It does not have 1.2 ghz. It does have almost the same network and Dstar capabilities. The 705's standby current draw is WAY less. The 705 can run on it's internal battery. I would never take my 9700 out to a camping site. I use the 705 ALL the time with a 70W amp- running of LiPo batteries. The 705 is just as unique and just as worth of owning.
@@bobnagy9084 yep, got the 9700 as I was getting bothered with 'debagging' my IC705 for use in the QTH. I'm loving the 9700 and will be for sure getting more into the satellite side as my knowledge increases.
I am new to ham radio and was looking at the IC-9700 as a first base station with long term use with many modes, functions and uses. I was going to buy the IC-7300 but through research saw that the IC-9700 had access to more bands, etc.. and that sent me on a new path with more questions. Would the IC-9700 be a good option or is there a different set-up that I should look at?
James- No, go with the 7300. The 9700 is the next radio you might buy...but you need to get proficient on the HF bands first. Realize that antennas for the bands on the 9700 are much more difficult to install. The 9700 is for advanced operators...something you grow into. Buy a 7300 and just make a 139 ft loop wire antenna. Hang it as high as you can around the yard. Use RG-8X coax. The radio's tuner will make it work on all bands.
It isn't that. It is that on the two higher bands -if you were to transmit for a long time and the radio heated up to high enough that the fan came on, it would yank the freq. around slightly from the wide temp swing. We are talking just a little. I'm sure they use a TCXO, but for complete accuracy, you can use a GPSDO.
@@Yavor54 I should also have asked whether you feel an external clock is necessary to operate the 9700 effectively? Is the drift going to irritate if I buy one and use it without? Many Thanks.
It’s really tempting, but based on your closing statement, I think an FT991A is a much better choice for me. I was seriously considering the 7300/9700 combo. But all I ever do is rag chew on HF and a few local repeaters. I’m really glad you made this review, and pointed out how sophisticated this radio is. It’s WAAAY to much radio for just hitting 2 or 3 local repeaters and literally NOTHING else. Thank you Bob. I think you just saved me about $1700. 73.
If it was as easy as a blender, it wouldn't be any fun! You can operate the 9700 very simply in about 5 minutes- but since it is $$ and has so many capabilities, it would be a waste to do so. Knowledge is power....and since nobody can focus longer than it takes to download a phone app, knowing this technology converts you from an appliance operator to an electronics expert!
There are incremental licensing steps. Start at the bottom and work your way up at your own pace, to what ever level you're happy with. Needing to know morse code demotivated me from becoming a ham decades ago. Morse isn't required at any level these days. When I found that was so a few years back, I got inspired to get my licence and now have a full call and have been learning morse code, not because I have to but because I want to. Funny how that works. Seek out an amateur radio club, or operator in your area and get the ball rolling if you're interested. There are also plenty of excellent learning resources on the internet and youtube. It's really not that difficult to get started.
well, I sure do hope that the 2m and 23cm won't get reallocated from amateur radio band plan because those beautiful radios are going to be worthless...
The new guy the president appointed as head of the FCC is all about the $$. He has been ruthless so far...so we have to be really ready to defend ourselves.
That's been quashed. 2 metres is safe, was never really in doubt. Best thing any of us can do is to actively use the bands, all of them. I'll be upgrading my 910H with 23cm for the 9700. The more pressing issue here in VK is that Kenwood have recently announced they are pulling out of our market. If we don't support the manufacturers this is what to expect, especially in a relatively small market like ours.
@@Yavor54 to be more specific, I was wondering if the keying relays are very loud. The last Icom I had sounded like an impact wrench at higher speed transmit.
Yeah, I do. That said, It doesn't show on any other 2 meter radio I have. S meters are hard to get right on SDR's. It's not so simple as just tapping the AGC voltage. The meter in the 9700 is sensitive to wideband noise across the spectrum. As well, it is a "scotch" meter. None of the local line-of-sight repeaters gives me a full-scale reading. I'm sure there are calibration points in the factory setup. I'll be looking at how it is set up and I may mod it. Truthfully, almost no radios jive with each other, so I should have it like I like it.
NOPE I will keep my ICOM 910H & ICOM 821H.The 9700 is a lot of HYPE that is overrated & overpriced.I paid less than $1000 for the two that I have for BOTH combined.
@@robertnagy2163 Sorry I may not have been clear with my question. Will it load FM repeaters using the near repeaters list? some radios only load DV repeaters while using the near repeater function. My ID51A and ID5100 will load FM with this feature so I would assume this would but just wanted to be sure.
@@ChrisCornell79 Chris- The repeater list contains FM repeaters, so I imagine it does as well locate them for you. I have never tried this though! I suggested this to Icom 10- years ago.
Maybe a dumb question, but, since you can't put the same band on VFO-A and VFO-B, how does it do "split"? Specifically, on a 2m repeater how can you listen on the input frequency AND the output freq simultaneously?
Everything from the this to that except.... No 220. No sale. No general receive, get more from a china radio. No sale. The only advantage I see is all mode and satellite.
Except that China cannot produce this radio. Baofeng, Xiegu, Anytone...etc. use stolen technology and the companies are subsidized by the communist government specifically to kill off Yaesu. Icom, Kenwood, Elecraft and Flex. It doesn't cost $22 to steal the design, build the handi-talkie, ship it over an ocean, give a dealer profit and ship it free to your door. Plus, their engineering and quality control is very poor. For $30 you can get a Baofeng HT with 220/450/145mhz. It's basically poison candy for Ham radio.
@@robertnagy2163 Yea china radios are cheep there is no doubt. I do not buy them. I also feel that china is a giant thief factory that steels proprietary technology. BUT>>> My statement stands firm. No general receive, No 220. 1.25 meter is big around here Chicago and South Bend area. Kinda dumb to leave it out. Plus since it is an SDR, some simple software is all it takes to add general receive even if it is not filtered the best. P.S. MY ft-65 Yaesu HT is Made in China. Do not talk to me about it, tell Yaesu. ft-65. If I would have know I would not have bought it.
@@robertnagy2163 But most of the components are Chinese, LoL. Did you see the sticker on the back of the main fan..."Made in China". Of course, if the components were made in the US, the price would probably be 6K or more.
Thanks for the review - you mentioned early "warts" and I wonder if the reported drifting has been addressed? Tough to do digital modes like FT8 or MSK144 if the radio drifts 73 de K1HC.
Oh, it was just nit-picking on the internet. The FTdx-101D is now being dis-assembled by the Internet crowd. If you key up the 9700 on full power - leave it on until it is very hot- then the fan comes on and it cools, the frequency would drift about 30hz on 1296mhz. Cut that to 10hz on 450 and 5hz on 2 meters. The only problem would be if you were doing telemetry decoding on satellites. So, Icom updated the firmware and it allows you to lock the radio to a GPSDO...little GPS 10mhz output gismo..not expensive. Now the rig is PERFECT.
The Icom IC-9700 is a "Drift-O-Matic", overpriced door stop. I purchased an Icom IC-9700 brand new and when I contacted the manufacture about the drifting, I was told I needed to install a stable 10 Mhz reference signal from a GPS or some other source to keep it from drifting! I had VHF/UHF equipment over 40 tears ago that didn't drift like the Icom IC-9700...
Bravo. I love this. I'm a longtime fan of HF, but this 9700 makes me want to revisit whats going on in the VHF/UHF space. I also love how it mates with the Icom 7300 in terms of panel layout. It looks and feels just like my 7300. Knowing your way around a radio really helps to maximize using all the features. Dstar is interesting. FT8 on two meters is interesting. Satellite operation is something that I never thought of until seeing this radio. This technology deserves a deeper dive.
I love these lan connections, allowing for remote monitoring and operation of the radio.
I love how they applied SDR technology to these bands. If you're an amateur that really wants to explore the options your license granted you I like this radio. If you're just a 2 meter guy that talks to his buddies on a couple of repeaters this is overkill.
Please don't criticize Icom for giving us complete toolkits for exploring our hobby. I love the $26 Baofengs as much as anybody, but that's 2 percent of the hobby.
Once more for the people in the back row! Icom REALLY showed their long expertise in radio design with the 9700. It is a masterpiece. If I had to complain about mine, I'd say the S meter was too tight... but if you really calibrate an S-meter to microvolts, this is what you get. NOBODY is 60/9. Sat operation is GREAT with it too.. Get the S.A.T. device/box and it is so easy now. 73- Bob
I just bought this radio. And I've used almost all the features except for the FM mode. I find that part funny.
My problems with the 9700 and the reason why I sold it after 2 months. First, The usage of 1.2 gig is very small in my area, almost nothing and
I would be MUCH more inclined to have 6 meters or even 220. Second, In my area the Pave Paws at the AFB wipes out 430 ssb, much more so
then my 30 year old FT 736R. Third, the price. If This radio only gives me 2 meters to use for $1,500+ it was a waste of money for me.
Also I must be the only Ham on the planet that does not like DStar. Don't like the audio and could care less about that mode.
So my reasons might be different than others but for me this radio was a bust.
Two things would be wonderful, APRS (analog) and 1.25cm. Why? This would have been a great Rover radio!
0:40 RUN!!! RUN!!! there is a pair of mountain lions stalking you
I'm a newbie, at 70 yrs of age I decided to get a new hobby, so I got my General ticket and I'm off to the races, right? No I find my new hobby to be expensive with big name brands, so I bought a nice Yaesu handheld and a cheap Chinese 10/12 meter radio. The IC 9700 and IC 7300 are great together but a sensible person that wants to do what these two can do for about 1/3 of the price could just buy a Yaesu FT 991A ( that's what I'm saving for).
The FT991A is a FANTASTIC shack-in-a-box for the North American market. If you are stateside, it covers everything you’ll need. The only thing it won’t cover is the obscure 220 mhz band and the 1200 mhz satellite band, which is the least common amateur satellite band. Great rig, and I can’t think of a better starting rig. Should you ever upgrade the home shack to a bigger radio, the FT991A becomes the DEFINITIVE standard for an RV mobile rig. Get one you will love it!
the Icom IC-7100 is also an excelent all band radio, great price too
Really Not sure of your point Comparing Mars to Jupiter on a grand scale.
Best review I've seen yet of the available features on the IC-9700. Great job Bob. I wasn't really considering the purchase of an IC-9700 until I watched your review. Thanks! 73, George K2WO
Great! It is a worthwhile radio. You just need to use most of it's features to get your value out of it. Tnx.
did you see the specs of the 9700 on the sherwood list? for example the dynamic range of it is only 74dB, that will not sound very clear, when signals are weak, spoken silables will then sound faded into one another and not intelligible anymore. that is not a very good receiver and for that comparably high price i would expect it to be. the bdr is low too, 111dB, strong signals on nearby frequencies will block the receiver. i would not buy it. the final transistors in that thing run at 100Watt out at their maximum powerlevel, i doubt that they would last long. i would rather have the Yaesu FT991A instead the 9700, the 991A is the comparably better radio.
I have both of them side by side here. The 991A doesn't compare with the IC-9700. People live and die by the Sherwood numbers. In this case, it just isn't that important. On HF we have to deal with nearby signals etc. Not on VHF/UHF. MDS is more important... and the 9700 can hear very well. Then there is the fantastic scope. The 991A scope is terrible. Then there is the unbelievable array of features and capabilities. Satellite operation is a dream on the 9700. Not really possible on the 991A. HF performance on the 991A is so-so. It is not a top performer. All the "shack in a box" radios are great compromises. The 9700 is a radio for a serious VHF/UHF/Microwave user. Performance numbers are actually best on it- on 1.2 ghz. The price is actually excellent too for the sophistication of the radio. Yaesu equipment is just not as polished and de-bugged as Icom. the FTdx-101D is FULL of engineering mistakes. I sold mine in 4 months and lost $1000. Kept my Icom Ic-7610...great radio.
@@Yavor54 the low spec numbers of your 9700 are unmistakeable, a receiver with a dynamic range of 74dB can never sound that clearly inteligible like you want to depict that 9700 here, its lacking and just isnt that very good. its an average or bit better than average radio.
The reason I sold mine after only one month is that $1,500+ for a single band radio is just not worth the price. Single band ? Well in Northern California
where I live I'm close to Pave-paws at Beal AFB so 440 weak signal work was almost worthless. There is practically nothing, on 1.2 MHZ here. And
to my ears D star sounded "wormy" and poor, did not like the audio at all.
So for me the only thing left was 2 meters, that was great with the band scope and 100 watts but 15+K for only one band that I can use, nope just not
for me.
If it came with 220MHZ or even 6 meters instead of 1.2 I probably would have kept it. JMO.
What a beautiful radio. Up here in Canada these Icom 9700 radios are at least $2,500 Canadian but i would LOVE to get one
Sure wish they had 220mhz instead of 1.2. Oh well.
the inclusion of 1.2 is because of JDM
@@antycyponek2706 jdm?
@@forgetyourlife japanese domestic market
@@antycyponek2706 Roger. Is 1.2 big over there?
@@forgetyourlife dont know how to quantify but entry level license gets 10W on 1.2
I'm wondering about the 2 m 70 CM repeater memory? I spoke with Icom, they said I should be able to store every 2 m 70 CM repeater in the United States in there, and with the GPS antenna drive around and scan and use pretty much all of them. They said it would have about 2,500 repeater memories for this. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? (I intend to use the radio for many of its other functions also, but I drive a truck all over the country and would love to have this type of 2 m 70 cm repeater capability.)
I'm wondering about the 2 m 70 CM repeater memory? I spoke with Icom, they said I should be able to store every 2 m 70 CM repeater in the United States in there, and with the GPS antenna drive around and scan and use pretty much all of them. They said it would have about 2,500 repeater memories for this. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? (I intend to use the radio for many of its other functions also, but I drive a truck all over the country and would love to have this type of 2 m 70 cm repeater capability.)
I'm wondering about the 2 m 70 CM repeater memory? I spoke with Icom, they said I should be able to store every 2 m 70 CM repeater in the United States in there, and with the GPS antenna drive around and scan and use pretty much all of them. They said it would have about 2,500 repeater memories for this. Does anyone have any knowledge about this? (I intend to use the radio for many of its other functions also, but I drive a truck all over the country and would love to have this type of 2 m 70 cm repeater capability.)
Nice Job Bob! Enjoyed the Cliff notes version... Just got my IC-9700 & IC-7300 today.... 73, KD0ZW
I'm brand new to Ham. Why both radios?
@@flyingjeff1984 Picked up both to upgrade station and set up Sat capabilities... Now capable from 1.8 Mhz to 1.295 Ghz. Also, lots of value. Just about finished with a portable AZEL controller and need a decent radio. Added a DBA 270 mast head amp to help out. Interested in SAT communications.
73,
KD0ZW
The Dream Team! Enjoy
@@flyingjeff1984 I don't believe the 9700 will do HF, and the opposite applies for the 7300 not doing VHF and UHF.
I bought one find it clumsy to use...sorry I purchased it. Don't enjoy it all. What you want it to do it does not do. Useless without the Pre amps ON> Really silly how to program channels with PL tones.
Thanks for a great introduction to the factory of functions for the ic-9700. your delivery and efficiency content delivery was spot on. You don't fluff like some other youtubers. Subscribing. Thanks 73, K3TEF
I know im randomly asking but does any of you know of a method to get back into an instagram account??
I was stupid lost my login password. I love any tips you can give me!
@Brysen Shiloh Instablaster :)
@Ridge Lachlan I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm in the hacking process now.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Ridge Lachlan it worked and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thank you so much you really help me out !
@Brysen Shiloh You are welcome :D
Nah...1800 pounds in the UK (totally overpriced)...I will stick with the Yaesu ft-847 thanks....don't need d-star...dmr is where it's at
Awesome radio if there was only someone to talk to...
call CQ then, A lot of hams just sit there listening and don`t call CQ, we get it in the UK "it's very quiet on the band" that's all we hear. And you're wondering why they want the bands its all your own doing really.
@@brian.7966 I often called CQ for a long time without reply. Only to hear one ham call out on the same repeater and instantly get a reply.
I'm tired of the complications and issues with Icom radios when it comes to repairs. I'm going back to transverters and simpler radio designs that are easier to fix. I will not buy a 9700.
Cat😁😘
Robert thanks so much for this well made video. I never knew this and am just assuming based on the channels I saw on the memories...that you are in Arkansas. Hello from North Little Rock.
Yup, I'm in Hot Springs. Enjoying my 9700! Thanks for the Kudos.
Robert Nagy thats cool. Just have a mobile and HT. But I’m hooked on the Icom products. Looking into seeing what I want to do for a base, a mobile radio (used as a base) or something like the 9700.
If it did 220mhz at this price point I’d buy it
Good review sure wish I had $ lol take care! 73 de ve3hip in welland Ontario Canada 🇨🇦
Does the programming software and USB to two com ports work under Linux? Also, can this radio be used with a dual-band antenna?
4/2024: WoW from the future. Excellent review. Thank You & Best Regards
Has anyone figured out how to get the 9700 to use Iambic keying for CW? My radio will send with a paddle but not Iambic keying. - K4QF
Was thinking of getting into ham radio………….. Think I’ll leave it, way too complicated!
Oh, this radio is for advanced users! Don't run away so fast. 90% of Hams will never own a radio like this. The vast majority of Hams
buy a radio, set it up and talk to their friends for decades. I've been a Ham for 52 years and only now have gotten into what a radio like this does.
That was a very good overall review on a complex radio. Super! I like that T shirt - where can I get one?? 73 de GI8WFA.
Thanks for the video. Does this rig have the same clock battery issue that the 7300 has?
I don't know. If the radio is in storage for a long time, you might have to reset the clock. Out of the 1438 engineering elements they got spot-on, they had to leave at least one thing imperfect. True beauty always has a tiny flaw.
Great job again, Bob! Thank you!
73 - John - N7GHZ
Hope you bought it I just ordered mine and I will enjoy someone local who has the dame radio
Mike K2BN Green Valley AZ
Where can this be purchased?
I have one sitting in its box waiting for me to figure out how to get it into my "shack." Excellent review, thank you. can you suggest antennas for the other bands? I already have Diamond X-30 for 2 meters.
I need ic no 9700.
Sir how can I get it ...will u help me...
Cmon icom give it crossband repeat!
Great Review of the ICOM 9700 im going to get one to pair with my ICOM 7300 and get the 23cm and 70cm and 2mtr beams to get back into contesting again, Many thanks for the Review i think this radio new in uk is £1795, gives you all and more to play radio. 73 MIKE M1KEY M0FCG
That t-shirt rocks, forever.
Absolutely the best review I have seen on this rig so far. Quickly summarizes and demonstrates the main features from a practical usage perspective. Well done!
Thank you! I go for quality over quantity....
Robert Great review! Now that they are back in stock I might pick one up. Any chance you could provide information on the two GPS units you reference that work with the Icon 9700. I would like to get both, but it is very confusing when searching what products will work with the ICOM 9700 . Thanks
Love your T-shirt.
A friend gave it to me... it is great!
What activity is happening in Phoenix area . Just bought one.
Bob, another awesome video! Where would I find a GPSDO for $35? I'm hunting around and they're > $100. 73 DE KN6PH
Great review like always Bob
No airband is dreadful
Great review as always Bob. Questions: Does it have AGC in the TX audio path like the 2820 and 880 have (but forgotten in the 5100)? And, is the Speech Processor only working when in SSB or does it also stay active in AM or FM? Thanks!! 73's de N2VU
Great review. Thanks!
How does the yaesu 991 compare to this on 2/440 ssb
It would be better if it had DMR!
The Radio looks and sounds like a great advancement in UHF / VHF/ SHF communication. The information was presented very well. I will probably find one on my shelf in the next 3 months. Thank You for your time and presentation
John KD4NKU
Icom has dropped the ball one more time. They made this fancy radio but it cannot cross been repeat. What a crock of pig food. I was all set to give up my 5100 in my go box and put this in because I thought surely such an advanced machine would still have Cross Band repeat. But it does not. Once again Icom has almost reached the brass ring but in this case has fallen flat on their no cross band repeating faces.
End of discussion
Doc this radio was designed primarily with weak signal work and amateur satellites in mind. Like Bob stated it’s overkill for most standard VHF/UHF FM operators.
@@N4DJC Oh ok. Thanks. I understand now. Sorry to have ragged on this great radio.
@@docpearson no problem, a 5100 is a nice rig. It wouldn’t surprise me if Icom didn’t come out with an upgraded 5100 that has a color screen like the new ID-52A handheld.
over $2300 here in New Zealand
Should you buy one? No! Buy two. It is that good.
Is it true that you cannot monitor 2 frequencies of the same band at the same time? I read that on a forum and was wodering how that could be possible since it is dual watch with 2 recievers. Thanks
That IS correct. This radio is optimized for sensitivity and not just offering every possible combination. Even at this price point, they cannot give you everything!
73...YU4DC...73
Hi there
I like radios... I like to catch the hole world....
I want to buy a radio so which Mark is the best tecsun or purnus
And which one? What do you think of)Lp 660
TecSun 660 is the best value...buy it!
Very good summary, unlike some on this radio that look like they just opened the box before recording.
They want to be first so as to garner hits ($$). I don't make a lot of videos because I want to be the most complete. Thanks- Bob
Thank you, I really enjoy your reports here. One question, did the update solve the problem of WSPR on 1200 with the very small frequency drift?
Well, it gave the option of real-time GPSDO external ref source... so yes! (I use one)
Sold!
Awesome shirt
I have been looking at this for awhile ..finally pulled the trigger today..nice video also..
You are going to love it. Now plan on setting up some real UHF/VHF antennas with quality coax and connectors. Mine RULES on the linear satellites... and when the ISS comes over, everyone hears me!!!
Great video. I did not know half of what you revealed on the video. Like the high powered hotspot. Question, why are you saying 450 instead of 440?
Well, I've always called it 450... guess we could call it 430 too.. Just finishing the big rig shootout here - FTdx-101D VS. IC-7610..head to head.. posting it in 2 hours.
Bob I think for the money and for the new beginer ham operator it's a reasonable price to start don't you agree Bob?
It is a DeLuxe radio by anyone's standards....and really, not a beginner's radio. It takes advanced skills to utilize all it's features. I'd start with a simple FM dual-bander first..
I was all in..no crossband?
No cross-band repeat....that I've found yet! Hopefully there is a work-around.
Great video, but most of what you said you could do on this radio compared to the 910,,,,well you can do on the 910 too.
Correct. But the main advance is the basic performance specs. Sat and digital/low signal work can really benefit from these.
Other than the 90W difference, whats the delta on this and the IC705 ?
Very different radios. I'm doing a 705 review next. The 705 does not do duplex for satellite. It does not have 1.2 ghz. It does have almost the same network and Dstar capabilities. The 705's standby current draw is WAY less. The 705 can run on it's internal battery. I would never take my 9700 out to a camping site. I use the 705 ALL the time with a 70W amp- running of LiPo batteries.
The 705 is just as unique and just as worth of owning.
@@bobnagy9084 yep, got the 9700 as I was getting bothered with 'debagging' my IC705 for use in the QTH. I'm loving the 9700 and will be for sure getting more into the satellite side as my knowledge increases.
Does this radio have a built-in, touch tone pad for generating DTMF?
Yes, I use it all the time.
I am new to ham radio and was looking at the IC-9700 as a first base station with long term use with many modes, functions and uses. I was going to buy the IC-7300 but through research saw that the IC-9700 had access to more bands, etc.. and that sent me on a new path with more questions. Would the IC-9700 be a good option or is there a different set-up that I should look at?
James- No, go with the 7300. The 9700 is the next radio you might buy...but you need to get proficient on the HF bands first. Realize that antennas for the bands on the 9700 are much more difficult to install. The 9700 is for advanced operators...something you grow into. Buy a 7300 and just make a 139 ft loop wire antenna. Hang it as high as you can around the yard. Use RG-8X coax. The radio's tuner will make it work on all bands.
@@Yavor54thank you
T-shirts ROCKS! ➐➌
Excellent video. Thanks
Is the manual a very comprehensive one with all the features?
I give the manual solid B+
Why is an external Reference clock needed for accuracy? Couldn't they have just used decent TCXOs?
It isn't that. It is that on the two higher bands -if you were to transmit for a long time and the radio heated up to high enough that the fan came on, it would yank the freq. around slightly from the wide temp swing. We are talking just a little. I'm sure they use a TCXO, but for complete accuracy, you can use a GPSDO.
@@Yavor54 Thanks Bob, I appreciate the explanation.
@@Yavor54 I should also have asked whether you feel an external clock is necessary to operate the 9700 effectively? Is the drift going to irritate if I buy one and use it without? Many Thanks.
It’s really tempting, but based on your closing statement, I think an FT991A is a much better choice for me. I was seriously considering the 7300/9700 combo. But all I ever do is rag chew on HF and a few local repeaters. I’m really glad you made this review, and pointed out how sophisticated this radio is. It’s WAAAY to much radio for just hitting 2 or 3 local repeaters and literally NOTHING else. Thank you Bob. I think you just saved me about $1700. 73.
he 7300 is the same form factor. I sold mine and bought the 7610, now that is a pair that can't be beat.
Ham radios look SO complicated. :( Must take a lifetime to learn.
If it was as easy as a blender, it wouldn't be any fun! You can operate the 9700 very simply in about 5 minutes- but since it is $$ and has so many capabilities, it would be a waste to do so. Knowledge is power....and since nobody can focus longer than it takes to download a phone app, knowing this technology converts you from an appliance operator to an electronics expert!
There are incremental licensing steps. Start at the bottom and work your way up at your own pace, to what ever level you're happy with.
Needing to know morse code demotivated me from becoming a ham decades ago. Morse isn't required at any level these days. When I found that was so a few years back, I got inspired to get my licence and now have a full call and have been learning morse code, not because I have to but because I want to. Funny how that works.
Seek out an amateur radio club, or operator in your area and get the ball rolling if you're interested. There are also plenty of excellent learning resources on the internet and youtube. It's really not that difficult to get started.
only have vertical antennes can I use it know i cant spell
Of course! Vertical ant. is fine, but you need good grounding. Radial wires or grounding- or both. Follow manufacturers instructions.
How do you know Icom will support this radio well?
Oh yeah. They are selling very well and a big user base results in longer and better support.
What about 1200 baud packet?
1200 baud packet is no problem...9600 baud is where the audio passband needs to be flat. I think the 9700 is capable of both speeds.
Great shirt!!
A friend gave it to me...it is excellent!
well, I sure do hope that the 2m and 23cm won't get reallocated from amateur radio band plan because those beautiful radios are going to be worthless...
stop it,
@@brian.7966 what ? that is a serious possibility... www.save2m.org/timeline/
The new guy the president appointed as head of the FCC is all about the $$. He has been ruthless so far...so we have to be really ready to defend ourselves.
exactly and many european countires don't care that much and some other oppose...
That's been quashed. 2 metres is safe, was never really in doubt. Best thing any of us can do is to actively use the bands, all of them. I'll be upgrading my 910H with 23cm for the 9700.
The more pressing issue here in VK is that Kenwood have recently announced they are pulling out of our market. If we don't support the manufacturers this is what to expect, especially in a relatively small market like ours.
How noisy is it on CW?
Not sure what you mean? In CW is the radio itself noisy? Golly, have not tried CW!
@@Yavor54 to be more specific, I was wondering if the keying relays are very loud. The last Icom I had sounded like an impact wrench at higher speed transmit.
Nice review. U got powerline noise there on 2m
Yeah, I do. That said, It doesn't show on any other 2 meter radio I have. S meters are hard to get right on SDR's. It's not so simple as just tapping the AGC voltage. The meter in the 9700 is sensitive to wideband noise across the spectrum. As well, it is a "scotch" meter. None of the local line-of-sight repeaters gives me a full-scale reading. I'm sure there are calibration points in the factory setup. I'll be looking at how it is set up and I may mod it. Truthfully, almost no radios jive with each other, so I should have it like I like it.
NOPE I will keep my ICOM 910H & ICOM 821H.The 9700 is a lot of HYPE that is overrated & overpriced.I paid less than $1000 for the two that I have for BOTH combined.
Will this do near repeaters on FM or is it DV only?
It is ALL mode...yes, of course FM repeaters.
@@robertnagy2163 Sorry I may not have been clear with my question. Will it load FM repeaters using the near repeaters list? some radios only load DV repeaters while using the near repeater function. My ID51A and ID5100 will load FM with this feature so I would assume this would but just wanted to be sure.
@@ChrisCornell79 Chris- The repeater list contains FM repeaters, so I imagine it does as well locate them for you. I have never tried this though! I suggested this to Icom 10- years ago.
@@ChrisCornell79 Yes 73 Pete VK3TQ
Great as always.
noise blanker is disabled on FM because theoretically noise blankers are not supposed to work on FM which is massive BS
Maybe a dumb question, but, since you can't put the same band on VFO-A and VFO-B, how does it do "split"? Specifically, on a 2m repeater how can you listen on the input frequency AND the output freq simultaneously?
The radio does the split automatically on one VFO... You can have two repeaters with offsets..one on each side of the radio.
@@Yavor54 Thanks. I just ordered one...
Is it possible to connect the 9700 to a TFT so you can have a larger display? From what I can see it doesn't seem so, is that correct?
Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Its a piece of shit.
Thanks for your in-depth report on this transceiver.
And thank you so much for the upload! :)
Everything from the this to that except.... No 220. No sale. No general receive, get more from a china radio. No sale. The only advantage I see is all mode and satellite.
Except that China cannot produce this radio. Baofeng, Xiegu, Anytone...etc. use stolen technology and the companies are subsidized by the communist government specifically to kill off Yaesu. Icom, Kenwood, Elecraft and Flex. It doesn't cost $22 to steal the design, build the handi-talkie, ship it over an ocean, give a dealer profit and ship it free to your door. Plus, their engineering and quality control is very poor. For $30 you can get a Baofeng HT with 220/450/145mhz. It's basically poison candy for Ham radio.
@@robertnagy2163 Yea china radios are cheep there is no doubt. I do not buy them. I also feel that china is a giant thief factory that steels proprietary technology. BUT>>> My statement stands firm. No general receive, No 220. 1.25 meter is big around here Chicago and South Bend area. Kinda dumb to leave it out. Plus since it is an SDR, some simple software is all it takes to add general receive even if it is not filtered the best. P.S. MY ft-65 Yaesu HT is Made in China. Do not talk to me about it, tell Yaesu. ft-65. If I would have know I would not have bought it.
@@robertnagy2163 But most of the components are Chinese, LoL. Did you see the sticker on the back of the main fan..."Made in China". Of course, if the components were made in the US, the price would probably be 6K or more.
Thanks for the review - you mentioned early "warts" and I wonder if the reported drifting has been addressed? Tough to do digital modes like FT8 or MSK144 if the radio drifts 73 de K1HC.
Oh, it was just nit-picking on the internet. The FTdx-101D is now being dis-assembled by the Internet crowd. If you key up the 9700 on full power - leave it on until it is very hot- then the fan comes on and it cools, the frequency would drift about 30hz on 1296mhz. Cut that to 10hz on 450 and 5hz on 2 meters. The only problem would be if you were doing telemetry decoding on satellites. So, Icom updated the firmware and it allows you to lock the radio to a GPSDO...little GPS 10mhz output gismo..not expensive. Now the rig is PERFECT.
@@Yavor54 Thanks, Bob!
The Icom IC-9700 is a "Drift-O-Matic", overpriced door stop. I purchased an Icom IC-9700 brand new and when I contacted the manufacture about the drifting, I was told I needed to install a stable 10 Mhz reference signal from a GPS or some other source to keep it from drifting! I had VHF/UHF equipment over 40 tears ago that didn't drift like the Icom IC-9700...