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I explain in a little more detail why I recommend the ICOM radios in marine applications and specifically the IC-706. While clearly the most expensive part, the radio is only part of a complete SSB installation. The antenna tuner must mate with the radio to complete the installation. Several tuners are available on the market. The ICOM tuner is probably the most common. The IC-706 will interface with ICOM marine tuners. Since these are very common on boats, I recommend sticking with something that will work with these tuners. Kenwood also makes a fine marine tuner but they are rare. The ICOM and Kenwood tuners use a 4-wire control cable to initiate a tuning sequence. Kenwood radios will not interface directly with ICOM radios and vice-verse.
SGC makes what I consider the best marine tuner on the market. The SGC tuner has no control cable. It monitors the quality of the radio signal and initiates a tuning sequence if it thinks the antenna needs to be matched. The SGC tuner can interface with Yaesu, Kenwood, or ICOM radios using a simple tuning device that can be fabricated or purchased here, http://www.qsradio.com/TuneRite.htm.
Yaesu also makes some fine radio equipment. The FT-857D and FT-897D are both great rigs and can be purchased used for around $600. They have the advantage of coming with a high-stability VFO without having to purchase an option. They cover the same frequency range and add the 70cm band. There will not interface to an ICOM tuner. The FT-857D has a small display that is difficult to read. The FT-897D has the same internal circuitry but adds a larger display. It comes in a larger chassis however making it a little more difficult to mount in a crowded nav station. Both have the same buttons and are awkward to work. They are nice radios however. They can run digital modes without overheating.
Kenwood makes some very nice equipment. I’ve owned several Kenwood desktop radios and like them all, but I think Yaesu and ICOM make better mobile rigs.
The IC-706 was introduced many years ago. The first-generation models cover the entire HF spectrum as well as the 6-meter band with 100W. They also cover the 2meter band, but only provide 10W. I find this enough for most situations. It’s a pretty robust radio and can run digital modes. I’ve never overheated mine. They updated the IC-706 a few years back and added DSP filtering, the 70cm band, and increased power in the 2m band. The updated model is an IC-706MK2. It sells used on ebay for about $100 more. ICOM recently introduced a new radio to replace the IC-706. It is an IC-7000. This radio has features similar to the IC-706. It adds a new color display and various bells and whistles. I’ve never owned one but I hear very good things. They are expensive however, running about $1350. For that much money, you could purchase a good desktop unit.
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Rich Carter
BlackSheep
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Rich:
My boat came with a IC-707. In all of my reading about different models, I
have never heard it mentioned. Do you have any idea how it compares to
something like the IC-706.Thanks,
Paul
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For Ham Radio Gear reviews you can’t beat this site:
Here’s the HF rig section: http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/14
Direct link to the 707: http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/565The only things to keep in mind is 99.9% of these reviews are buy folks operating from land. Note if they mention the type of antenna system they are using in their reviews. If some guy has a huge tower based YAGI, you’re experience will be different. 😉
-p
s/v Deep Playa | Pearson 424 #152 | http://www.DeepPlaya.com
Patrick’s Sailing Blog | http://www.shipsrecord.com/blogs/patrick
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Thanks Dawn and Patrick! -
Paul
The IC-707 was an entry model ICOM. It doesn’t work on the VHF band, but is probably similar in performance to the IC-706. It has a larger case, which would make it easier to read and possibly easier to operate but would take up more room in your nav station. I’ve never owned one, so I can’t comment on specifics.—
Rich Carter
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