INTRODUCTION

The rig has now been in use for a few years and I have never had so many filled pages in my log book! It is a SUPERB rig for the QRP enthusiast and does just about everything that one could want. The antennas used have been modest: a 50-60 ft long wire at about 15 ft average height and a V2000 vertical on 6m.

The IC703 features a built-in DSP filter and auto ATU as well as speech processing an a CW keyer with 3 message memories.  

It is an ideal "all-in-one" ham station for QRPers.

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Some points of note

1. The RX is nicely quiet, but sensitive, even without the DSP switched in. It reminds me of my old FT7 in this respect: that was the best receiver I'd ever used and this one rivals it.

2. DSP filter works nicely. Not having used a heterodyne "remover" before it was unbelievable how well it worked. The progressive step DSP noise filter works well too.

3. Dial backlight was a relaxing amber colour. I had expected it to be a harsh yellow.

4. Menus are easy to follow (although I'd seen similar in an IC706).

5. The auto-ATU loaded the longwire on ALL bands except 160m! Much better than expected. I was surprised how, once stored, the ATU reset to a band change almost immediately - clatter of relays for a few milliseconds and it was there.

6. One on the air it works well with worldwide QSOs on SSB and CW achieved. Audio reports have been excellent with the ability to punch through a few pile-ups being noted.

7. It is an excellent performer on 6m (most of Europe, N.Africa including EA8 worked with just a modest vertical). 2m and 70cms would have been nice too but I expect that will be in the IC703 MkII.

8. A QRP version of the IC7000 with internal ATU like the IC703 but with all the DSP IF filters would be nice!

SPECS  

LINKS  

ICOM (Japan) IC703 page.
IC703 Yahoo Group.