Icom IC-9700
Key Specifications
- Bands
- 2m, 70cm, 23cm
- Power
- 100W 2m, 75W 70cm, 10W 23cm
- Frequency Range
- Rx/Tx 144, 430–450, 1240–1300 MHz amateur
- Receiver
- RF Direct Sampling (2m/70cm), IF sampling (23cm)
- MSRP (USD)
- $1,699
- Type
- vhf uhf
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The Icom IC-9700 targets operators who live on 2 meters, 70 centimeters, and 23 centimeters — satellite enthusiasts, VHF/UHF contesters, tropospheric ducting hunters, and D-STAR weak-signal operators who need more than an HT or mobile rig provides. It is not an HF radio; pair it with Icom IC-7300 or Icom IC-705 for HF coverage.
Three separate antenna connectors (SO-239 for 144 MHz, Type-N for 430/440 and 1200 MHz) reflect real multi-band VHF/UHF station design — each band deserves appropriate antenna hardware.
Overview
Icom applied RF direct sampling to 144 MHz and 430/440 MHz bands — the same architectural philosophy behind the IC-7300, adapted for VHF/UHF weak-signal work. The 1200 MHz band uses down-conversion IF sampling. The result is a quiet, capable receiver for marginal signals on terrestrial and satellite paths.
Dedicated satellite mode stores 99 satellite memory channels with uplink/downlink pairs, normal and reverse tracking, and AFC for Doppler compensation — features AMSAT operators rely on daily. Full duplex operation supports satellite FM and linear transponder workflows with appropriate antenna separation.
D-STAR DV and DD modes integrate for digital voice and data on VHF/UHF. A 4.3-inch color touchscreen displays real-time spectrum scope and waterfall — visual band awareness rare in dedicated VHF/UHF base radios. Simultaneous dual-band receive monitors two bands or modes concurrently.
Transmit power: 100 watts on 2 meters, 75 watts on 70 centimeters, 10 watts on 23 centimeters — band-appropriate PA design for multi-band weak-signal operation.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Frequency coverage | 144–148 MHz, 430–450 MHz, 1240–1300 MHz |
| Modes | SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM, D-STAR DV/DD |
| Output power | 100W (2m), 75W (70cm), 10W (23cm) |
| Receiver | RF direct sampling (2m/70cm), IF sampling (23cm) |
| Satellite mode | 99 channels, tracking, AFC |
| Dual receive | Simultaneous multi-band |
| Antenna connectors | SO-239 (144 MHz), Type-N (430/1200 MHz) |
| Display | 4.3" color touchscreen with scope |
| Power supply | 13.8 V DC ±15% |
| Current drain | Rx ~1.2–1.8A, Tx max ~18A |
| Dimensions | 240 × 94 × 238 mm |
| Weight | 4.7 kg (10.4 lb) |
Operating Notes
Satellite operation demands antenna planning — crossed Yagis, azimuth/elevation rotators, and separation for full-duplex FM satellites. Terrestrial weak-signal work uses horizontal polarization on 2m/70cm and appropriate 23cm setups for local band activity.
The IC-9700 shares IC-7300 form factor roughly — shack space similar to HF base radios. Operators buying IC-9700 typically already own HF gear or specifically target VHF/UHF/satellite as primary interest.
D-STAR configuration follows Icom ecosystem conventions — pair with Icom ID-52A for portable D-STAR consistency. Software like SatPC32 integrates for automated satellite tracking with rotator control.
Who It's For
The IC-9700 suits satellite operators, VHF/UHF contest and DX enthusiasts, 23cm experimenters, and D-STAR weak-signal operators who want Icom SDR receiver performance on bands above HF.
Less ideal for HF-only operators, first-radio purchases, and Technician licensees who only need local FM repeaters — an HT or mobile rig suffices until weak-signal interest develops.
Related Reading
- Icom IC-705 — portable HF/VHF/UHF (no 23cm)
- Icom ID-52A — D-STAR HT companion
- Digital modes guide — D-STAR context
- Icom brand page — full Icom coverage
Above HF, Japanese engineering still leads — the IC-9700 is Icom's tri-band statement for operators who chase signals on meters, not megahertz spacing alone.