ICOM 706MKIIG

[SARGE]

Would like to get some comments on this radio from the members. Is this radio good on AM/SSb ops. Also would this be a good first radio for a new ticket holder. We plan on buying a rig for a friend who is coming home from IRAC.

 

[2M Guy]

Hahaha, I think KingCobra will let you know.
I have three Icoms, great radios. I think the 706 will be next.

 

[CDX8412]

I have an Icom 706 MKIIG and I really like the radio.
Works good on SSB. Don't know about AM as I never used it on AM.

Good points are:

small footprint

removable faceplate w/ remote mounting capability

all mode operation (the 'G' version has 70 cm band, earlier units did not), which is great for a Tech license since you can work 6m and 2m SSB DX.

good TX and RX audio

simple mods to expand TX


bad points are:

2 antenna outputs, HF & 6m, 2m & 70cm. you need to use an antenna switch to switch from your HF antenna to your 6 meter antenna

hard to add a microphone since it uses RJ-45 or 11 connector

price for new are now close to $900, I got mine new for $600 a few years ago. Worth $600, not worth $900.


In all, it is a well made radio and excellent choice for a newly licensed operator, as well as an experienced operator.

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

Hey SARGE..

I have nothing but praise for the performance of the
Icom 706 MKIIG..

your friend should indeed like it a lot..
it is a very hard radio to beat..

is good for it has HF 6 meters,2 meters and 70CM
it would have been nice if it had 1.25 meters (220 band)

Good points..
small size
all mode operation
has HF to UHF (minis 220 band)
has wie band recieve (less 230 to 400 mhz)
transmits very well
recieves very well

Got mine a few years ago for $760 (never saw it new for $600)
Now they go about $900
(i think to make people more likly to step up to the IC-7000)

power could be better on VHF and UHF (50/20 watts)

However it is a very EASY radio to operate
(even without reading the instructions)

i use mine as a back up now (have newer IC-7000)
but would never sell mine (still works Exellent)

it is easy to modify if one wants to..

have spoken all over the world on mine..
being it is really clean AB1 Biasing..never had bleeding problems

cant really go wrong with any Icom (i have 5 models of Icom)

Hey 2M Guy :nutzo


Later

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

Hey..

one more thing...

that would make a mighty nice gift to anyone..
glad to see you are doing so for someone serving our nation..

Later

 

[SARGE]

Thanks for all the info. The young man has done 2 tours in Iraq and got interested in radio when he would come over and visit my son. This past tour he studied on c.d. and books and said he is going to take his test while on leave. We might look at the IC-7000 also. I guess we will just take a vote and go from there. Again thanks for all the help.

 

[KingCobra_CDX882]

well SARGE..

i did not realise you were considering the IC-7000

IC-7000 is Much Better then the 706 MKIIG..

1st..

UHF power is up to 35 watts (instead of 20 watts)
also..
UHF in 706 MKIIG is not as stable
but is rock steady in IC-7000

also..
IC-7000 is a baby 756 Pro III
with it's color screen and ability to pull out signals from neighboring QRN..

also..
IC-7000 works on only 2 amps (for recieve only)
full power transmit needs only 22 amps

also..
if you think the 706 MKIIG sounds good on SSB..
well the IC-7000 sounds Exceptional

ofcourse the IC-7000 is a full $1500

if you have the money..
go with the IC-7000..

Later

 

[SARGE]

Thanks for the great info.We will see which one we can aford and go from there.Which will be one or the other. My vote will be for the IC7000 but we will just have to see. again thanks for the help.

 

[Moleculo]

I have the '706 also. It's a great little radio. You might also compare it with the Yaesu 857D, which has similar features, but a better DSP.