Icom IC-9700 VHF/UHF/1.2GHz D-STAR Transceiver: An In-Depth Review
Introduction
The Icom IC-9700 is a multi-band, multi-mode transceiver designed for amateur radio enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy working in the VHF, UHF, and 1.2 GHz bands. Released as a successor to the popular IC-9100, the IC-9700 offers a host of impressive features that cater to both casual operators and serious DXers. It incorporates modern features like a large touch-screen display, D-STAR digital voice and data modes, and cutting-edge SDR technology, setting it apart in its category.
This review will provide an in-depth look at the IC-9700's design, features, performance, and usability, with an emphasis on how it performs in real-world situations.
Design and Build Quality
The IC-9700 follows the same modern, compact design language that Icom has become known for in its high-end transceivers. The build quality is solid, and the transceiver feels robust and well-made, though still lightweight enough to be portable if needed.
Front Panel
The front panel features a 4.3-inch color touch screen that is the centerpiece of the transceiver’s user interface. The screen is sharp, bright, and responsive, providing a wealth of information and making the operation of the IC-9700 intuitive, especially when compared to traditional button-laden rigs. The screen allows for easy access to frequency tuning, mode selection, and advanced settings.
In addition to the touch screen, there are conventional knobs and buttons, including:
Main dial and sub-dial: Both dials are smooth, precise, and feel high-quality, allowing you to fine-tune frequency adjustments.
Function buttons: These provide quick access to various settings, modes, and functions. The layout is logical and makes it easy to navigate even with the plethora of features available.
VFO/Memory control: The IC-9700 lets you control both the main and sub-receivers independently, making it useful for splitting bands or monitoring two different frequencies at the same time.
The front also includes a microphone input, and there are two accessory ports located at the back of the unit for external microphones, digital interfaces, and other accessories.
Rear Panel and Connectivity
On the rear panel, you’ll find the typical connectors for power, antennas, and data connections:
Antenna ports: The IC-9700 features three antenna ports—one for the VHF, one for UHF, and one for the 1.2 GHz bands. This allows you to use separate antennas for each band if needed, or you can employ a multi-band antenna.
USB ports: There are USB ports for connecting to a PC, enabling control of the radio and integration with various digital modes.
External speaker and mic connectors: These offer additional flexibility for users who prefer external microphones or speakers.
DC power input: The power input is 13.8V, with a typical current draw of 4-5A depending on usage, making it compatible with a wide range of power supplies.
Key Features
Multi-Band Coverage:
The IC-9700 covers 144 MHz (VHF), 430 MHz (UHF), and 1200 MHz (1.2 GHz) bands, making it ideal for those who want a versatile rig that can operate across multiple high-frequency bands. This makes the IC-9700 particularly attractive for operators interested in weak-signal work, satellite communication, or advanced DXing.Software Defined Radio (SDR) Technology:
The IC-9700 incorporates SDR technology, allowing for more advanced filtering, better signal processing, and a broader dynamic range than traditional superheterodyne radios. The SDR architecture improves overall performance, especially for crowded bands, weak-signal operations, and contesting. The wideband performance is particularly impressive, providing users with a clean signal, even when operating in high-density environments.D-STAR Digital Mode:
One of the standout features of the IC-9700 is its built-in D-STAR digital voice and data capability. This digital mode is widely used in the amateur radio community, and the IC-9700’s ability to seamlessly integrate D-STAR into its operations is a major selling point. The radio allows for easy transmission and reception of D-STAR signals, and the touch screen makes it simple to navigate the digital repeater directory and configure the necessary settings.Wideband Receiver:
In addition to the VHF, UHF, and 1.2 GHz bands, the IC-9700 features a wideband receiver that covers from 30 MHz to 1999 MHz. This enables operators to listen to everything from shortwave broadcasts to the 1.2 GHz microwave bands.Touch Screen Interface:
The 4.3-inch touch screen is a major feature of the IC-9700. It provides an easy-to-use, interactive interface, and offers full control over the radio’s settings. Whether you’re tuning frequencies, adjusting filters, or configuring digital modes, the touch screen enhances usability by offering clear graphics, easy access to menus, and quick adjustments.Dual Watch and Full Duplex:
The IC-9700 supports dual receive on the VHF, UHF, and 1.2 GHz bands, meaning you can monitor two frequencies simultaneously. This is especially useful for satellite operators or those who want to listen to two different bands or repeaters. Additionally, the rig supports full duplex operation for satellite communication, allowing you to transmit and receive simultaneously.High-Resolution Spectrum Scope and Waterfall Display:
The IC-9700’s spectrum scope is highly detailed and provides real-time feedback of your operating environment. The waterfall display is also helpful for observing signal activity across a band, allowing you to spot activity without constantly tuning through the frequencies. These tools are a significant advantage for contesters and DXers who need a clear picture of band conditions.Receiver Performance and Selectivity:
The IC-9700 excels in terms of receiver performance, with exceptional dynamic range, sensitivity, and selectivity. The receiver’s architecture significantly reduces the chance of intermodulation distortion, even when operating in crowded band conditions. Additionally, the IC-9700 comes with several filter options, including a 15 kHz wide filter for low noise and tight selectivity.Transmit Power:
The IC-9700 transmits with a maximum output power of 100W on VHF/UHF and 10W on 1.2 GHz, which is sufficient for most applications. While the 10W output on 1.2 GHz might seem lower compared to VHF/UHF, it is typical for this band, where high-power transmitters are not always necessary due to the shorter propagation distances.
Performance
When it comes to real-world performance, the IC-9700 excels across all bands it covers. The receiver offers very low noise and excellent sensitivity, even in areas with high RF noise. The transmitter’s power output is more than adequate for most applications, and its ability to reject interference from nearby strong signals is impressive.
VHF/UHF Bands:
On VHF and UHF, the IC-9700 performs extremely well. In both urban environments with high RF noise and quieter rural settings, the radio shows excellent signal clarity and fidelity. The audio quality, both for received signals and transmitted audio, is crisp and clean. The optional DSP (Digital Signal Processing) settings help refine the audio further, reducing background noise.
1.2 GHz Band:
The 1.2 GHz band is less crowded than VHF and UHF, and the IC-9700 is a strong performer here. It is well-suited for weak-signal work, satellite communication, and experimental high-frequency operations. While the power output is lower, the receiver performance and frequency agility make it a compelling choice for those interested in this band.
D-STAR:
The integration of D-STAR is a huge plus for those who want to explore digital voice modes. The IC-9700 makes it easy to configure and use D-STAR repeaters, and the radio’s touch-screen interface simplifies setting up callsigns, repeaters, and modes. D-STAR operators will appreciate the ease of use and excellent digital voice quality.
Ease of Use
While the IC-9700 is packed with features, it manages to remain relatively user-friendly. The large touch screen makes navigating through menus intuitive, and the dedicated knobs and buttons for primary functions ensure that key operations like tuning, volume, and squelch are easy to access.
However, some users may find the extensive menu system and abundance of features slightly overwhelming at first. The radio’s user manual is comprehensive, but it can take some time to fully understand all the settings and options available. However, once users become familiar with the layout and operations, the IC-9700 is a highly capable and efficient rig.
Conclusion
The Icom IC-9700 is an exceptional multi-band, multi-mode transceiver, ideal for serious amateur radio operators who want versatility, high performance, and the latest technology in a compact package. Whether you're working VHF, UHF, or the 1.2 GHz bands, the IC-9700 delivers excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and overall receiver performance. The inclusion of D-STAR and SDR technology further enhances its appeal, and the user-friendly touch screen interface makes complex operations straightforward. For those interested in satellite communication, weak-signal work, or digital modes, the IC-9700 is an excellent choice.