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Reviews For: SOTAbeams ContestConsole Switching Unit for ICOM

Category: Ham Shack Accessories

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Review Summary For : SOTAbeams ContestConsole Switching Unit for ICOM
Reviews: 6MSRP: 89.99
Description:
SOTAbeams ContestConsole is a control switch unit for Icom
transceivers, provides full access to compatible ICOM rig
contest memory functions and more. Easily connected between
your radio and microphone, it is simple to use and feature
packed.

SOTAbeams ContestConsole features (dependent on Icom
transceiver model):
- Instant access to voice, CW and PSK memories (they do not
need to be displayed on the transceiver screen)
- TX PTT button
- TX low power tune function – sends a 10W carrier
(optional Tune Lead interface cable required)
- Pushbutton frequency control (up and down)
- External PTT socket for footswitch
- Auxiliary microphone socket (3.5 mm)
- Specifically designed to work with the IC-7300 but
supports a wide range of other Icom transceivers - see
"More Details"

In general, if the radio is compatible with one of ICOM's
standard 8 pin microphones (such as HM-36, SM-50, HM-219),
then the ContestConsole PTT, frequency up, frequency down
buttons and the 3.5mm microphone socket should work for an
electret element. If the radio manual mentions "external
keypad" in relation to voice/CW/RTTY memories, then the
ContestConsole memory buttons should work. Transceivers
that are compatible with the AH-4 tuner should work with
the ContestConsole tune button (optional Tune Lead
interface cable required).
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.dxengineering.com/search/product-line/sotabeams-contestconsole-switching-unit-for-icom?autoview=SKU&keyword=sotabeam&sortby=BestKeywordMatch&sortorder=Ascending
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0064.8
K5NT Rating: 2022-07-13
A great accessory! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
A well-made unit, and a cinch to install (just plug it into the mike jack). It's nice to be able to use the keyer memories without having almost half of the touch screen obstructed by the virtual keyboard. Easier too. I use it on my 7300. Remember to actuate the External Keypad Keyer per the instructions PP. 12-2 and 8-7 of the manual.
DG7FB Rating: 2020-05-21
Good with a little modification Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
All works well. I am using an IC7610 with Amplifier Acom 600S and a Palstar AT2K. It is a little bit difficult to push the TUNE button and adjust the manual tuner simultanously. So I put a little on-off-switch in parallel to the button. Now I can tune the easy way.
KX2T Rating: 2019-01-07
Great station accessory! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I received one of the SOTAbeam Consoles for Christmas from my wife, very well built, easy install and really makes using the voice keyer a breeze cause I can now use the radio's display for something else. I use it on my 7610 and if I pick up another 7300 it does the same functions, I haven't wired up the tune function yet but that will be next. Very well built and looks like it will outlast me.
K7JQ Rating: 2019-01-06
Great accessory for Icoms Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
MUCH better and more fully featured than the discontinued BetterRF I-Mate. Build quality is top notch...metal case; positive switches; quality cables. Support from Richard is fast...answers emails quickly. Made for the IC-7300, but can be used with almost any Icom radio from the PRO series to current models. The TUNE button (with optional cable to the radio) is great for tuning an external tuner, amplifier, or motorized screwdriver antenna. If you want to use the internal tuner, you have to unplug the Molex connector, as the cable bypasses it. Highly recommended.
NZ8J Rating: 2018-11-20
Agree with previous review Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
It is smaller and better built than the out of production Better RF unit. I also bought the cable to utilize the "tune" function. It really makes using the built in cw/rtty/voice memories easier.
Tim
NZ8J
N7GCO Rating: 2018-11-18
Excellent Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If you are a contester and use an Icom radio, this is a great accessory. It is a step up from the BetterRF I-Mate.