Welcome to the 9700 club! Love that rig. My only complaint about it is the drift on digital modes can be pretty bad. Solved that with a Bodnar GPSDO. Hayden has some videos on that.
Love my IC-9700, so versatile. North Central Texas Simplex net is Fridays at 8pm on 146.580 and I get into it from Limestone county on mine. Preamp, NB, NR works great as well.
The nice thing about having an antenna port for each band is you can add a bandpass filter to each port. It helps with multiple antennas near each other.
The 9700 seems to be a very popular radio, just like the 7300. I’m upgrading to General next month and I would like to get either the 7300 or 9700 but can’t afford the $1800 price tag of the 9700. So I’d probably settle for the 705 since I want to get into QRP.
We need an all mode 2M mobile rig at 100w. Y is close with their 80W rig. Or all mode 100w in a 706/7300 sized box With ice storms and hurricanes, 100W simplex is almost a requirement in at least Houston. The SE US showed us that power level is needed. BTW, Harris Co ARES and HC Emergency Management did 2n simplex net Sunday night. Once the bugs were worked out, it was great. Hams in Montgomery County, 30+ miles from the repeat could hear us 59. Good to get ready now!
Good evening Jason just got through watching your video and congratulations on the Icom 9700! I have one myself and absolutely love it. I use this radio, mostly for satellites and my biggest accomplishment not too long ago was to be able to make contact with.NA1SS, The international space Station. I’ve gone through the repeaters, but I never talk to an astronaut and wow, that was a highlight. My antennas are the m2 satpack egg beaters. And also on that radio, the pre-amplifiers are awesome. WD5ENH Steve
I love mine! I had big plans for it but it usually just sits on 146.52. the 100w is nice for busting pileups when the sota guys are up in the Rockies and it's great on SSB as well
I removed my VHF/UHF antenna this spring when I had a new steel roof installed. I am not going to ruin my new metal roof by putting this antenna back up. There is one weekly net on a distant repeater that covers the state of SD. The rest of the local repeaters are not used at all. The clubs as far as I know have all died out. At least here HF is my only hope to reach someone in an emergency. Sad…in my opinion there is no reason to have a VHF/UHF radio in my arsenal. I put out calls but nobody responds. I have only had a handful of QSOs since I got my license five years ago. I think you did a great job in demonstrating VHF/UHF is dying. At least in my immediate area it is dead. I would like to see it pick back up again. I key up repeaters in my area and put out my call. No answer. Same on 146.520 simplex. One time on simplex I had a long QSO. I have reached out to local hams in the area and I hear the same story of they lost interest in local comms. How do you fight that?
I recommend getting RT systems to program. Also get the CNS S.A.T. for automatic satellite tracking. I still need to get my az/el antennas set up but I can work ISS no problems with a Comet gp3. It also does D-STAR which I haven't tried yet.... Only regret is I wish it had a larger screen.
That a super nice piece of hardware. If I ever visit Texas again, I’ll be sure to hit up the repeaters down there. Always love your content, Jason. Keep up the great work. - KF0QNM
I e been wanting that radio for awhile now mostly for SAT work. Wish they would’ve put the 220 band in there instead of the 1.25 GHz. Oh well. Might have to be my Christmas gift to mysel.
The SMA-F port is for an external 10 MHz reference clock. When present, it will override the internal TCXO. My rack-mounted 10 MHz reference is locked to GPS, but there are other ways. ALL your frequencies are referenced off this clock, so the more accurate it is, the better accuracy all your bands will have. It will make no difference to most hams, unless you're chasing something like the ARRL signal accuracy test.
@k6usy I see in the manual the 10 MHz reference is only used for a spot calibration and not continuous operation like the rest of the RF/Microwave equipment in my rack, so it seems we're talking about two different things. As far as "low frequency" goes, it all depends on the application. When less than 0.0001 ppm drift is important, then a precision 10 MHz reference oscillator is the way to go. (And that's considered poor compared to some of the newer ones out there.)
Question about your FT-736R- is it still a fairly viable rig to use today? What would you consider lacking in it? The reason I ask is because I remember it (and the FT-767GX) being my dream radios when I was much younger. To me, they are the Lynda Carter of radios- fairly old now, but STILL sexy as all getout.
I’m planning on adding a 9700 to the shack by the end of next year. Wonder why Yaesu doesn’t have a dedicated vhf/uhf base to compete? They must think the 991a is enough even though they could do better.
My club has a saying: no call goes unanswered. It drives traffic and a lot of fun QSOs over the repeater. If every club instituted this as all as "repeater greeters" those who monitor from there office or home and just take the time to respond all the repeaters would be healthy busy all the time. I love it!
Jason, you made a video a long time ago to help get our Technician Ham Licenses. I was wondering if you had the presentation from that video and if we were allowed to use them. I am trying to study and get my license but not much is working, and I was hoping those slides would help me if I looked over them. It is no big deal if you don't have them it would just be good to have them. Thank you.
Its a nice radio My biggest complaint is you cant set vfo a and b in the same frequencies Lets say vfo A on 70cm then its not possible to set vfo B on 70cm also Same with 2 meters and 23cm And in digital modes it has know issues with freq thats not stable
@@gregpearson7013 it’s an all mode full duplex triband rig, 100w on 2m, 75w on 70cm, & 10w on 23cm. It’s not for everyone, it’s only worth it if you are into VHF/UHF week signal, moon bounce, or satellite. You don’t buy a 9700 to just talk to your buddies in FM. I purchased one because I’m into VHF/UHF contesting and I needed a radio that was remote controllable. It was worth the investment to me and many others.
The 9700 Begs for a flexible antenna system. Horizontal for SSB, SSTV, vertical for FM. Because of separate UHF/VHF outputs you need more coax. The complications of all these options keep me from springing for this.
I have an alpha delta switch on each band for my IC-9700. One port on each switch goes to a triplexer then to a 3 band vertical. So I can select from the vertical and horizontal antennas for each band. Pic is on my QRZ page.
Now get your self a Leo Bodnar GPS locking unit. The IC-9700 is a great rig but it’s not completely frequency stable on 1.2Ghz. Why are you using the power limiter to turn the power down??? Just hit the multi button to the right of the screen, select power and the top, and turn it down.
@ that’s not what the power limiter is for - that’s for keeping your self from blowing an amp or transverter. Power output is set by pressing the multi knob.
Agreed. Even my TS-670 from the mid 80s (40/15/10/6) has a second antenna connector for 6 meters AND it has a switch to chose between it or just using the main connector for all four bands.
Don't buy this radio for repeaters only , buy this if you are going to work SATs, SSB or FM dx.... i have mine since they first came out and it's my main SAT radio.
Welcome to the 9700 club! Love that rig. My only complaint about it is the drift on digital modes can be pretty bad. Solved that with a Bodnar GPSDO. Hayden has some videos on that.
This is my most used radio. Love my 9700. Yes 100 Watts on 2m.I use it for all my SAT contacts and all the local repeaters.
Love my IC-9700, so versatile. North Central Texas Simplex net is Fridays at 8pm on 146.580 and I get into it from Limestone county on mine. Preamp, NB, NR works great as well.
The nice thing about having an antenna port for each band is you can add a bandpass filter to each port. It helps with multiple antennas near each other.
The IC-9700 already has band pass filters inside - the radio will not receive outside of the ham bands.
For the price of a 9700 I'd add them anyway to reject signals outside of the radio, most are far more robust at filtering than internal circuitry.
Clever way to make painless Powerpole connections!
I've had one for a year. Good radio. 73 Glenn
Got one. Had it for a couple of yrs now and love it. FYI still learning menus inside menu's like calibrating the freq read out
That was helpful. I did not know the difference between the 7300 and the 9700
The 9700 seems to be a very popular radio, just like the 7300. I’m upgrading to General next month and I would like to get either the 7300 or 9700 but can’t afford the $1800 price tag of the 9700.
So I’d probably settle for the 705 since I want to get into QRP.
id love to see the final product of your go box when you finish it. Love novex products.
I have that video in progress
We need an all mode 2M mobile rig at 100w. Y is close with their 80W rig. Or all mode 100w in a 706/7300 sized box
With ice storms and hurricanes, 100W simplex is almost a requirement in at least Houston. The SE US showed us that power level is needed.
BTW, Harris Co ARES and HC Emergency Management did 2n simplex net Sunday night. Once the bugs were worked out, it was great. Hams in Montgomery County, 30+ miles from the repeat could hear us 59. Good to get ready now!
Good evening Jason just got through watching your video and congratulations on the Icom 9700! I have one myself and absolutely love it. I use this radio, mostly for satellites and my biggest accomplishment not too long ago was to be able to make contact with.NA1SS, The international space Station. I’ve gone through the repeaters, but I never talk to an astronaut and wow, that was a highlight. My antennas are the m2 satpack egg beaters. And also on that radio, the pre-amplifiers are awesome.
WD5ENH
Steve
I love mine! I had big plans for it but it usually just sits on 146.52. the 100w is nice for busting pileups when the sota guys are up in the Rockies and it's great on SSB as well
I love icom 9700 an 705 an 7300
I removed my VHF/UHF antenna this spring when I had a new steel roof installed. I am not going to ruin my new metal roof by putting this antenna back up. There is one weekly net on a distant repeater that covers the state of SD. The rest of the local repeaters are not used at all. The clubs as far as I know have all died out. At least here HF is my only hope to reach someone in an emergency. Sad…in my opinion there is no reason to have a VHF/UHF radio in my arsenal. I put out calls but nobody responds. I have only had a handful of QSOs since I got my license five years ago. I think you did a great job in demonstrating VHF/UHF is dying. At least in my immediate area it is dead.
I would like to see it pick back up again. I key up repeaters in my area and put out my call. No answer. Same on 146.520 simplex. One time on simplex I had a long QSO. I have reached out to local hams in the area and I hear the same story of they lost interest in local comms. How do you fight that?
Congratulations that's one awesome looking Radio, hope you enjoy it, great video tnx Man!
Wow. Nice Rig. Great upper band monster for sure!
Looks like a great rig!
This is on my list
Very cool rig! Enjoy!
I recommend getting RT systems to program. Also get the CNS S.A.T. for automatic satellite tracking. I still need to get my az/el antennas set up but I can work ISS no problems with a Comet gp3. It also does D-STAR which I haven't tried yet.... Only regret is I wish it had a larger screen.
You should do some VHF contesting with it in January!
It's a great rig. Congratulations. 73 - Einar
That a super nice piece of hardware. If I ever visit Texas again, I’ll be sure to hit up the repeaters down there.
Always love your content, Jason. Keep up the great work. - KF0QNM
I e been wanting that radio for awhile now mostly for SAT work. Wish they would’ve put the 220 band in there instead of the 1.25 GHz. Oh well. Might have to be my Christmas gift to mysel.
Agreed on 220
Hii 👋Great radio my friend.. Worked some birds and also 2 mtr SSB down here in Caribbean. Enjoy 73🎙Ira
Hi Jason. Just asking, but what would be the chances you might could do a video on 6 meter rigs? The best? the cheapest? Along the line?
The SMA-F port is for an external 10 MHz reference clock. When present, it will override the internal TCXO. My rack-mounted 10 MHz reference is locked to GPS, but there are other ways. ALL your frequencies are referenced off this clock, so the more accurate it is, the better accuracy all your bands will have. It will make no difference to most hams, unless you're chasing something like the ARRL signal accuracy test.
The 10Mhz reference is slow, get a Leo Bodnar IC-9700 locking kit. The mod forces the radio to stay on freq in real time.
@k6usy I see in the manual the 10 MHz reference is only used for a spot calibration and not continuous operation like the rest of the RF/Microwave equipment in my rack, so it seems we're talking about two different things. As far as "low frequency" goes, it all depends on the application. When less than 0.0001 ppm drift is important, then a precision 10 MHz reference oscillator is the way to go. (And that's considered poor compared to some of the newer ones out there.)
Question about your FT-736R- is it still a fairly viable rig to use today? What would you consider lacking in it? The reason I ask is because I remember it (and the FT-767GX) being my dream radios when I was much younger. To me, they are the Lynda Carter of radios- fairly old now, but STILL sexy as all getout.
I’m planning on adding a 9700 to the shack by the end of next year. Wonder why Yaesu doesn’t have a dedicated vhf/uhf base to compete? They must think the 991a is enough even though they could do better.
My club has a saying: no call goes unanswered. It drives traffic and a lot of fun QSOs over the repeater. If every club instituted this as all as "repeater greeters" those who monitor from there office or home and just take the time to respond all the repeaters would be healthy busy all the time. I love it!
Both the 7300 and the 9700 are CHIRPable. ICOM also do free programming software for the 9700 from the Japanese website.
Free icom software and an SD card is the way to go.
I love my 9700
what would you recomend for ft8 on 2mtrs and 70 cm? Any reasons to not do this?
This radio has a built-in sound card so it would be perfect for that
Jason, you made a video a long time ago to help get our Technician Ham Licenses. I was wondering if you had the presentation from that video and if we were allowed to use them. I am trying to study and get my license but not much is working, and I was hoping those slides would help me if I looked over them. It is no big deal if you don't have them it would just be good to have them. Thank you.
Its a nice radio
My biggest complaint is you cant set vfo a and b in the same frequencies
Lets say vfo A on 70cm then its not possible to set vfo B on 70cm also
Same with 2 meters and 23cm
And in digital modes it has know issues with freq thats not stable
Can I use that meter with my Kenwood TS-930S?
yes
So does this operate the same frequency as the 7300? With the addition of 2m/70cm
No HF in this radio
2m/70cm/23cm all mode
Super expensive for a 2m radio. I'll pass. Thank you for your replies.
It is MUCH more than just a 2M radio.
@@gregpearson7013 it’s an all mode full duplex triband rig, 100w on 2m, 75w on 70cm, & 10w on 23cm. It’s not for everyone, it’s only worth it if you are into VHF/UHF week signal, moon bounce, or satellite. You don’t buy a 9700 to just talk to your buddies in FM.
I purchased one because I’m into VHF/UHF contesting and I needed a radio that was remote controllable. It was worth the investment to me and many others.
I want one
The 9700 Begs for a flexible antenna system. Horizontal for SSB, SSTV, vertical for FM. Because of separate UHF/VHF outputs you need more coax. The complications of all these options keep me from springing for this.
We used to do 2M SSB on verticals, it’s really not that big of a deal.
I have an alpha delta switch on each band for my IC-9700. One port on each switch goes to a triplexer then to a 3 band vertical. So I can select from the vertical and horizontal antennas for each band. Pic is on my QRZ page.
Want! :)
Man, I need to get back to Skagway Brew Co.
ICOM IC-9700 VHF/UHF/1.2 GHz Transceiver IC-9700
Transceiver, Base, All-Mode, 2M/70cm/23cm, SDR, D-STAR, Touch Screen Color TFT LCD, Hand Microphone, Each
$1,749.95
Do a video of you working through the ISS repeater, please. :-)
Yes, I want to do that
Why do you keep your boxes for your radios?
When you sell the radio in 10 years, people like having the box.
Higher resell value
I usually pronouce "Wago" as "way go". No clue if that's the correct but I've also heard others call it that too.
Yeah who knows lol
Now get your self a Leo Bodnar GPS locking unit. The IC-9700 is a great rig but it’s not completely frequency stable on 1.2Ghz.
Why are you using the power limiter to turn the power down??? Just hit the multi button to the right of the screen, select power and the top, and turn it down.
Why? Probably because that was how they built it.
@ that’s not what the power limiter is for - that’s for keeping your self from blowing an amp or transverter. Power output is set by pressing the multi knob.
Then it makes total sense that they put that menu in the exact same place as the power-output menu on the IC-7300, which came first.
Love mine but never rest it on the VFO and other knobs, face down on a table !
As I told another commenter - if it can't take that for 5-10 seconds, it will never survive in my pack...
@@HamRadio2first thing to fail on any radio are the knob functions.
No
If this radio did 220Mhz I’d buy it. Shame on Icom for not including it with such an obscene price point
Nothing on 220
World wide market. Only used in USA
I'd like to get a 9700, but they are pricey. Eventually I'll get one.
7300 needs a second ant port.
Agreed. Even my TS-670 from the mid 80s (40/15/10/6) has a second antenna connector for 6 meters AND it has a switch to chose between it or just using the main connector for all four bands.
I am trying to save my boxes, but I’m running out of room.
If you slit the tape on the bottom open, you can usually push the flaps out and fold it all pretty flat. Rack 'em in a corner.
mine is woefully underused :(
Don't buy this radio for repeaters only , buy this if you are going to work SATs, SSB or FM dx.... i have mine since they first came out and it's my main SAT radio.
So hot
Thanks for your input 😊ke4hpq