— November 30, 2023
Superb receiver, great for portable and microwave
The panadapter screen lets you find the weak ones and work them. I bought this radio to replace a competing QRP rig, and love it. Whether you use it on HF or local repeaters, or you're looking for a superb receiver for nighttime listening, you can't beat this rig. The RX is nearly as good as the amazing IC-R8600. I use this in the field a lot, on its own and as a 2m IF for microwave transverters. I recommend the Icom AH-704 tuner. Plus you'll want at least one or two spare batteries, or get a Dakota Lithium 12V battery (also from Radioworld). The backpack is very clever and convenient. Highly recommended.
— June 29, 2021
The MUST have radio for QRP and Portable Operators (Base users too)
Icom took their time on this radio and have combined the best of the 7300 and the 9700 in a small and compact radio. The ability to run off standard HT batteries at 10 watts is a game changer. The extra power helps during the low sun spots on HF and is also good enough for mobile use on the repeaters. Add enhanced capabilities like IF shift, multiple bandwidths, noise reduction, RTTY decode/encode built in and full USB interface for FT8 and digital modes with a large touch screen waterfall display and you have a winner. Did I mention the wifi hotspot capability is included for access to DStar? I suggest you add extra battery packs (they work on the ID51 as well), the brilliant LC-192 back pack and the AH-705 tuner and you are ready to operate anywhere anyhow anytime. I recently took a trip and operated the radio in the mobile on the local repeater and scanned public safety channels until I got to the Hotel. I then was able to connect to the hotel wifi and made several DStar contacts. We went on a hike near the hotel and I grabbed the back pack and after 2 miles I threw a wire in a tree, zip zip with the tuner and checked into ONTARS net and worked several stations in Ohio and New Hampshire on 40m. I was surprised to work a UK station calling CQ on 20m and got a 57 report. Later, at the hotel I could hit a local repeater and the club ran a net that I was able to check into . Excellent receive (even SW and MW), enhanced features over other QRP radios and multi-use capabilities makes this radio a MUST HAVE for the active ham radio operator. I used this radio in several contests and its Narrow CW Filter made operation a breeze. Strongly recommended. This radio is an investment and will provide years of enjoyment.
VE3WZW.NET — November 16, 2020
Satisfied
Satisfied - Great quality and service I have ordered from this company many times and over many years. I have always been impressed and satisfied with the products and quality.