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Reviews For: Icom IC-703

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : Icom IC-703
Reviews: 181MSRP: 400.00
Description:
QRP HF and 6 Meter all mode radio. Comes standard with Antenna Tuner, DSP, Keyer, Memory Keyer, Power Conservasion system.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/703/default.a
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001814.3
NC2F Rating: 2009-08-15
Ol' Reliable Time Owned: more than 12 months.
My favorite take along radio... I am Ten-Tec guy through and through, and while my Argonaut V is awesome in every respect, the advantages of the 703+ with the internal battery and tuner make it an easy take along rig. My 703+ has become an old friend that goes along with me anywhere I desire. Add the well designed iCom backpack and a good portable HF antenna like a cut dipole (or other long wire desire), buddipole, etc.. and you'll be in portable bliss.

If you own or a looking at one a 703+, take a look at the dedicated Yahoo group for the 703+ at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/icom703plus/
KD6ANF Rating: 2009-08-14
Wonderful RADIO! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Acquired an Icom IC-703+ in a trade, probably the best deal ever. The radio as received was complete including original box and accessories. I had read that there were some initial issues with these radios, however this did not change my mind in accepting this fine radio. It was put to the test and the performance was most acceptable. Actually made my very first HF contact using this radio, and everyone knows what a thrill that can be. The antenna was a homemade dipole cut for the SSB portion of the 20 meter band. Only 2 watts of power, as indicated on the very informative display, was all that was required to make contact with a station about 1,600 miles from my favorite operating location, a park bench next to the Point Vicente Lighthouse in Southern California. I must admit, having a built-in antenna tuner is a welcome feature. I'm not really a fan of DSP, however it's also included as well as the TCXO. Last year a very good friend sent me a PAR-Electronics EF-10/20/40 as an unexpected birthday gift. Thanks Ray! The IC-703 and an EF-10/20/40 is a wonderful combination, and provides for a very capable and compact portable station. I've never experienced any problems whatsoever with this radio, in fact, the covers have never been removed. Personally QRP is one area of amateur radio I'm really enjoying. This radio has an excellent receiver and is loaded with plenty of features.

Best regards

george potter KD6ANF
ZR4LP Rating: 2009-08-14
a good receiver Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
i got radio brand new , adjustted bais to 0,5 volts, made 5 QSO's on my SWR 1:1.2 dipoles and next morning when i switched radio on the Finals was dead. It blew overnight.

Had it replaced at R750 and it lasted 5 minutes before it blew again after 1 QSQ.
It is in for repairs at Multisource.

Icom why did i have to pay to fix ur mistakes ?

i will not pay again. My first new rig from icom is a VERY expensive receiver. VERY VERY disappointed with that radio.

AD5VM Rating: 2009-06-21
Just right. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had em all, settled on this one. 10 watts with a good compressor is really whats needed for QRP SSB. The antenna tuner, DSP, low RX current and great receiver are just IC-ing on the cake.
Get the CW filter, a 7Ah gell cell and a Par Electronics End Fedz 10/20/40 meter dipole and one of those 33' telescoping fiberglass poles from ebay.
SQ5OBP Rating: 2009-06-05
Great TRX Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Having both the FT-817 and IC-703+ I must say the receivers are very comparable, but Yaesu doesn't have DSP built-in and ready to use. Icom is bigger and I like it. FT-817 with its small knob, keys and display started to annoy me. Icom's built-in ATU is another advantage and has greater tuning range than advertised.

If you hesitate between these two rigs, try them both and see what suits you better. My FT-817 has been sold. Icom is a keeper!
NA7US Rating: 2009-04-04
IC 703 Plus - Great RIG Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Excellent all around QRP radio. I also own the FT-817 and this radio is much easier to use, large screen, and a built in antenna tuner. In addition, it has DSP built in and I believe a better receiver. Definitely add a CW filter and it is superb.
NS5U Rating: 2009-03-13
Iam keeping it forever Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The radio draws 300 to 350 ma as advertized and functions on voltages lower than many rigs will tolerate.
That said it is not a SW40+ with less than 40ma rcv requirement.
The DSP can be turned off to save juice.
This is a great all round radio. I have no need for 100watts and if I were to use it for SSB much I would install an Icom SSB IF filter. I have a 250hz filter which works fantastically. I also changed out the "roofing filter" to 9khz and for AM a 6khz Murata.

This is a lot of radio.

The IC-703 can stand on its own merits and sales numbers.
LA9BM Rating: 2009-02-08
Tiny Rig with many options Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was looking for a portable rig and end up with the IC-703+ because of a good RX, build in AT and low current drain.

After 20 QSOs I must conclude that this rig is marvelous! No problems to get a QSO and surprisely good reports with 10 watt. I am happy I order the 250 Hz filter. Works very well on digital modes as well.

If you are looking for a small rig, and you do not must have the VHF/UHF (a HT works well?), the IC-703 is a very good option.
W4KKX Rating: 2008-12-17
Fine radio with many features. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Have had the radio for about three weeks now and have found it to be loaded with features. Does an excellent job and have been very impressed with its performance.
I have had a number of QSO's now using only 5 watts and all reports have been outstanding.
Excellent rig from ICOM.
KB4WEC Rating: 2008-12-17
Great Rig !! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've owned this rig for over two years now, never one problem ! Use rig camping and at my home shack ( you can see it in place at QRZ.com under my call) Unreal low battery drain (300mils) on receive. The little rig is a LOT more that a 706. Tuner works great , and receive great auto reports. I sometimes run a small 100 watt amp with the rig in the A.M. mode and get great reports, they can't believe what I'm using!
Will never let this one go !!