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Author Topic: Icom 703  (Read 303 times)

KI4SJU

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Icom 703
« on: March 12, 2023, 04:42:55 PM »

I have bought a icom 703 and the seller shows it transmitting on 51.000 at 10 watts. I'm worried about the serial number, I heard that the early models had issues with the finals and I'm trying to avoid that issue. The serial number starts with 110xxx, so not sure if I will have a issue or not. I also noticed that there is not a FCC label on the radio, it looks like a Japanese logo for maybe their radio enforcement agency in Japan? Do you think there is anything to be concerned about? Thanks so much!
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W9IQ

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Re: Icom 703
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2023, 05:59:41 PM »

There is no FCC certification possible nor available for a Part 97 transmitter.

- Glenn W9IQ
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- Glenn W9IQ

God runs electromagnetics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday by the wave theory and the devil runs it on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday by the Quantum theory.

K7IN

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Re: Icom 703
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2023, 07:13:51 PM »

If this shows transmitting on 51.00, then it is an IC-703+ and not the original 730.  There are no problems with finals or driver bias in any of the (+) version of the 703.  I have owned two of them and they are very good radios for low power and really good receivers and the ATU, all-mode, you just can't beat them for portable operation. Paul - K7IN
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KL7JT

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Re: Icom 703
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2023, 08:30:04 PM »

Agree with K7IN's comments.

regular '703 SN is 180NNN

703+ SN is 150NNN.

English language.

These SNs are on US imported radios; perhaps 110NNN is a JA model.

The PA devices are not ESD protected; no internal diode; later versions of same devices do have diode.

I suspect that many PA failures are a function of ESD near antenna jack; SO-239.

I leave a 9:1 UnUn connected to mine.

It is a DC short, so ESD is unlikely.

73
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KI4SJU

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Re: Icom 703
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2023, 08:58:46 PM »

Thanks for the information. I'm guessing this radio was sold in Japan and now being sold and shipping from Japan. The serial number had me puzzled but I guess it's just over seas numbers lol. Yeah the picture of the radio shows it transmitting 10 watts on 51.000, so hopefully like you said there should be no issues with the finals. Fingers crossed. Got a pretty good deal on it I think.
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LNXAUTHOR

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Re: Icom 703
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2023, 03:35:13 AM »

had a pair of both: early 703 and later 703+... never had a problem with my early 703 nor the other... what i did not like was the menu system and 're-boot' menu settings... other than that, they worked well but are now (to me) boat anchors as they are orphaned and to my knowledge are no longer repairable... great form factor and the built-in tuner was nice - i also had the AH-703 w/its two radials... i put the rig in its LC-156 backpack, installed the antenna, and enjoyed a nice (at the time) compact /p station... but have now moved to more robust and modern QRP rigs...
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