Sunday, September 6, 2015

ICOM IC-M700

At the recent IRTS Rally, an ICOM IC-M700 was spotted on one of the trade stands. It had been sitting there for almost the entirety of the rally. Having never seen an IC-M700 before, a brief conversation took place where its merits were discussed. Essentially, it was a Marine Transceiver covering a frequency range of 1.6 - 21.9999 MHz with an output power of 150 Watts and USB, LSB and AM modes of operation. Frequency selection is via a Keypad on the top R/H side of the rig. Both the TX and RX frequencies have to be keyed independently. There is no VFO, but there is a possibility of storing 16 channels in each of three selectable memory banks enabling fast frequency changes.


As a general Ham Radio rig, this would not be the ideal choice as it is necessary to key in both the transmit and receive frequencies before use as opposed to a slow turn of a VFO knob. This is tedious! Where it does become advantageous, is the ability to program split frequencies. An example would be where one may be operating on 5 MHz and another station may be operating on 40 or 80 metres. Better again some countries do not have the same allocations on 5 MHz and split frequencies may be programmed with ease. Where the ICOM scores points is in AREN operation where a fixed Channel would be used. Unless the ham radio rig has a dial lock, it is possible to knock the radio off frequency accidentally. Power levels make it an excellent rig for Base or Net Control. The rig is uncomplicated and the only other controls are the Volume, Clarifier Noise Blanker and Squelch Switch.

5 MHz operation is achieved with ease. It is only necessary to program the 6 Irish 5MHz channels into memory and a turn of the memory selection switch has the radio on the desired channel. Good reports have been received revealing that the audio quality is "punchy" and perfect. The receive side appears to be sensitive too. There are no frills, DSP or any other operating aids apart from that which is is between the operator's ears. Back to the old style of operating!

The bottom line is that this rig is uncomplicated and suited to the task of Emergency Radio Communications. Results have been perfect following a few two way contacts on several amateur bands and also on 5 MHz.