Icom IC-7100 Review And Demonstration, HF/VHF/UHF/DSTAR
Here is the video of the Icom IC-7100, my latest Icom rig added to the shack. This is a great radio for anyone wanting to get into HF, VHF/UHF and DSTAR all in one rig. A shack in the box, with a lot of connectivity for even more operating fun. More videos are on the way of this radio, you have to SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications to stay up to date.
Пікірлер: 237
And the knob DOES have an adjustment for click, no click and tension.. Well, I totally missed that.
@MrArithor
5 жыл бұрын
16V is to high for this radio. If you press NB for 1 sec you can adjust NB how strong he is and same for DR
@m0wao690
5 жыл бұрын
It's the same as the IC-7000
@reallybadaim118
5 жыл бұрын
Got to be able to adjust the knob. :)
@K4SRF
4 жыл бұрын
I know. It's almost invisible. I found it purely by accident on my 7100.
@denelson83
3 жыл бұрын
@@MrArithor The displayed voltage was closer to 13.5V.
I bought one as my first base radio (had cheap HT before). I wanted UHF/VHF and something I could grow into on HF when I got my general. I found some of the menus a little complicated. I was disappointed that I didn’t find many good tutorial videos for it on KZread about things I wanted to learn. I’m glad you got one and I’m looking forward to more videos about it. It works well on repeaters for me, and I’m enjoying listening on HF. The more I play with it the more comfortable I get with it.
Thanks for a well-balanced, informative review of the 7100. You give a real feel of operating this rig.
My first and only radio 4 years in the hobby. Does it all, does it well ;)
I am so glad to see that you bought that radio and Aregoing to start doing videos on it. I am a new ham and this is my first radio and I’m really struggling with figuring things out. Can’t wait to see all your videos! I need and Elmer for this radio.
Moving from a D74A to the ICOM 7100 is a steep learning curve. Point well taken about staying with one brand. Thanks for the video.
Just ordered mine yesterday...this should be pretty fun for my first shack rig!!! Thanks for all of the information!
Great Intro and great radio! Mine is less than a month old and i have set up an openspot 2, 40 meter dipole, Tuner and VHK/UHF antenna. So far it's a great shack in the box. Looking forward to more videos to get into more features and thanks for the information you provide!
I've had mine for just over a year now, and love it.
Really glad to see this video series coming up. I just bought a 7100 about a month ago. Have not taken it out of the box yet, because I have to re-do my shelf system in my shack to accommodate another radio.
@guardianobserver6593
5 жыл бұрын
Yeah. There is so much to hear on the frequencies nowadays one must have more than one 1000 dollars transceivers.
Aside from excellent information that I thank you for, I really like the dubstep intro ❤️
Just got my General and thought this would make a good starter radio. You walked me through the basics and I appreciate the time you’ve spent making this video. High quality! You move a little fast for this old guy, but hey, that’s what pause is for, right?!?! I have little patience for manuals. This video got me up, running, and UNDERSTANDING, my new iCom 7100! Definitely subscribing. 7-3! KB4MAX/AG
Thanks for the video! I will be picking up one of these in a couple of days!
Got my 7100 ordered yesterday! Along with a Th-D74A. I'm a happy guy.
Excellent review with a few important tips (such as the weather monitoring function that drops out voice). I only use 2m, 1.25m and 70cm at the moment. Living in an HOA environment will make antenna deployment a challenge but will figure it out. Really appreciate your reviews. 😀
@jamescollier3
2 жыл бұрын
HOA can't stop your antenna. law
Good video. I been eyeing this radio. My First HF radio is a 7300 and I love it, but I don't have DSTART yet. I may pick this one up down the road, but you explained it really well and looks like a nice rig. 73
I want one. I almost pulled the trigger on one just a couple weeks ago. I like it because of D-Star and the numerous I/O ports in the back. It is also very well thought out with the speaker in the control head, the mic connector in the control head........................
I just picked one up Friday at the Orlando Hamcation brand new from Gigaparts for $812 and I get the $100 mail in rebate making it $712!! No tax either. What a great price. I also bought the MARS TX mod which made it $747 out the door after I get the rebate back. What a deal...
I left a reply on one of your other videos, about the ic705, I am leaning more towards this radio for a POTA, practice rig i you will. I appreciate all your time you put into this channel. Keep up the great work and I hope you have a blessed weekend. I am looking forward to making a contact with you someday. Dale KI5ARH
Real good review on this radio! I checked HRO on the price and it's real competitive with tons of features. Thanks for this review for use.
@southjersey10
4 жыл бұрын
I believe HRO still has the best price of the major dealers at this moment in June 2020.
This will probably be my next base station. It checks a lot of boxes for the money.
I considered this when I was looking to get a HF/VHF/UHF rig a few months ago. The D-Star was a good plus, but having that inclined face caused me problems with how my shack was set up. The front of radios are above my desk and I needed to operate them sitting down with computer screen taking up main part, then keyboard and mouse in slide under computer screen. I couldn’t see a way to use that 7100 in my shack. Still considering, especially with price change, replace my Yaesu 991.
I have just decided to ditch my ft857d for the ic7100, thanks for the in depth look.
i totally love my 7100! ive done alot of researching of simular radios that can accept a semi full mars mod that can acess usable frequencies that dont need licensing for instance marine frequencies and MURS!
Had one previously I should have never sold. Getting down to retirement time in the next couple of years so this rig will be awesome when downsizing. May be at a desk or table in an RV. I can slide the main unit down under the table out of the way and only have the display unit visible. Ordering another soon with the $200 off sales are still good.
DV Mic Gain Hallelujah !!!!! 20% on DV THANKYOU Your the only person ever that has brought this up. !! Not even Admiral D-Star !
I just set up my NEW IC-7100, linked to a MyGoTo 80-6m antenna. RX is outstanding!! I This is going to be an outstanding mobile radio, a complement to the IC-7300 and the G-90 on my desk.
Great Radio, and Video!.im planning on getting one of those 7100'sI like it because its versatile, base or mobile use, seems pretty easy to learn. I already have the big ol monster icom 765,which I like to use from time to time& get that "BIG" radio feel ,also have the 891,which I keep on the base for now till I go mobile with it, when I get the 7100, ill probably leave on the base, .it seems it would be fun to operate as base. The D STAR is a cool addition for me, so I can use as 2 meters and 440,and to have SSB on the vhf/uhf mode is awesome.(ill give my 241A a break....) True and tried for years now, as you said ,a great edition to the shack! Nice features, cant wait to get her in the shack.Keep up the Great videos!!!
am saving for this buddy so thank you for the review subs from me :D
Just so everyone knows the tuning knob has an adjustment lever on the right side so it can click, not click and adjustable tension. Plus the noise blanker works very well for mobile installations. Cheers Lance VK6LMK
@HamRadioConcepts
5 жыл бұрын
wow, s*&%!!! I just saw that after reading your coment, and totally missed that feature. That's unscripted material for ya..
I think it would make nice little base station. I could be happy with it.
Whenever this radio reaches end of life I’m probably gonna buy one. There’s no other shack in a box mobiles I know of. This would be a lot cleaner than multiple radios and multiple mics hanging.
WOW, on my wish list after I pass Tech test. AWESOME
After 20yrs away from the hobby and running the ic 756pro. It's time to retire the 706 and get the 7100 for the big rig. Tnx for the video...
I use mine all the time, it replaced my FT-857D for my truck. I took it to the park today and had fun with it using a 12Ah battery.
@JakeHinds
4 жыл бұрын
Do you find yourself wanting to go back to the 857 at all? What made you want to change radios? Looking into the 857
Very nice demo.
I'm just getting into Ham. (Taking my Technician test next month) I have a VX-150 handheld right now, but looking for something to put in my truck. I like the looks of the FT-857D, but they're discontinued and only available on EBay. But this one has way more updated features and I might get this. My goal is to have something that will do all I need for years to come. Once I'm more familiar with Ham and a radio I'll be upgrading to my General, so I want something that I can grow into. Thanks for going through the features on this, it really helps.
Hi Eric, great video again The noise reductiont is amazing in the car, you do need a ext speaker for the 7100. The rig does everything, you could do a whole video on the way it interfaces for digital modes, whole video on D-Star as you said I have two of these, one mobile ( Best Ive ever had in 38 years )and one in the shack Keep up the good work Pete VK3TQ
Very interesting as always
this is the best radio i ever saw
My favorite feature is the remote head that can basically be placed anywhere - N5LL
Great review, thank you!
Going to Gigaparts in Huntsville next week to buy the 7100 and 7300 and some other goodies!
I was recommend this 7100 by a man named Lee Wheelbarger who is an inventor .He's designed ,built may things from Thermal imaging headsets for the US MILITARY and comm radios ,flight simulators and all kinds of machinery for all aspects of the needs from Uncle sam . But I am looking for something that my son can experience for his young life . The only problem that I can see is that he lives in a valley down by a lake and mountains that lay east and west . It would be foolish of me to round up all this equipment only to find out that it was a big waste of time and money. I just don't have enough experience to be able to decide what would be best . But now I know a little bit more about the Icom7100 . What I don't know is how much does this unit cost completely turn key . Well the beat goes on. Thanks again for your video.
The noice blanker on my 7410 works great !!!! I'll try it on my 7100 ... I just installed it into the Comander 7100 by hardened products. .. I love it .. a little bit for adding wires for the back of radio but otherwise working great. I've had it about a week and decided to order their unit for the 857D ,,,,, with I will get my own batteries... common size for lifepop4
Erick we missing person for review you the best Erick numero uno
My first and so far only HF radio. I like it a lot, and since I am only doing voice and CW so far there is a lot more that I can expand into. One thing I found is that time should be spent to figure out the mic gain and the amount of compression used. It makes a big difference in getting power out SSB.
I got one of these on the shelf in the shack ready to be put in my mobile. I will be making a major change in the mobile setup, I have the 706 now in the Dodge truck. I will be changing the location of the tuning head with the 7100 and adding an IPad just in front of it for repeater locations, D-Star location and a few other things. The antenna system is also going to be changed at well for the HF/6 meter. I have a Tarheel 400A antenna that I will mount close to the rear bumper. I am still looking at what tuner system to use with the antenna, I know some with interface with the Icom system.. Places I go hunting has no communication like cell phones, UHF or VHF so the HF has a real place in the mobile for emergency communication. I will defiantly have GPS connected to this rig..
Hello, Could you do a video on setting up the 7100 for digital modes? Specifically power output and getting the alc under control. I have been having a hard time getting those two issues right. Thanks
It seems to me, this is the radio with the highest power in AM. For example, IC-7300, just 25 watts, and most newer ones. Last AM rally made me test my IC-7300, but when looking at the IC-9700, saw the IC-7100 seems to be a better option, with less features, but more power in AM plus VHF/UHF.
Hi Eric thank you for getting a ic 7100 I just got one myself. I would like a video on how to program it for d-star on a hot spot (mmdvm) and pi-star. Thank you N4QXU :)
Any chance you can have a video of your radio grounding connections on the radios/equipment and antennas. Love your videos and reviews. 73 N1YLO
Eric, Dont forget... You can import and Export Excel files to Program 5100 to 4100 to 7100 to 51A Amazing
Hi Eric. I am a new Ham, just got Tech, General, and Extra this past month. I have narrowed my first HF radio down to either the 7300 or 7100. I would like to know if the 7100 can be hooked up to your PC and show the Spectrum Scope with the default software or does it require a third party, like Win4IcomSuite? Or will the RS-BA1 show the scope with the 7100? Do you have any experience with either? If the scope works on the PC for the 7100, I'm pretty sure I'll get that since it covers all bands and D Star and I can run it in my vehicle for 2m and 70cm. Thank you - Mark
Very much appreciated review for a fresh person like me. I basically learned the radio in the 30 minutes with you. I have the general license and have played with Baofengs, but I want something to put on top of my desk with an antenna on top of my house on a 6-foot PVC pole. What specific antenna would you recommend to go with this radio? I want 100w of output in total out of the set. Would Comet Original GP-1 work for me? Will I be able to get everything from 1.8Mhz to 420Mhz with this antenna or is it only 146/446 like Amazon says? If not, what antenna would you recommend to get the entire spectrum of available frequencies? If the radio has it, I want to antenna to match it. A direct link to Amazon for the item would be awesome. Thanks boss!
Hi Eric, I have had a 7100 for awhile and love the radio, but am having a heck of a time with Dstar and a jumbospot. I have seen your video with pi-star and the jumbospot with the 5100 and still cannot seem to get the unit to talk to ref 30c. I hear the reflector just fine. I have the rts system software but no help.
Great video. Just got my 7100. Question, is it possible to program specific HF frequencies and scan them on this radio? I am using RT Systems software to program with. Thanks for all you do.
Wow this would be great in my truck, ive never had hf, i have a general license. I was thinking about the kenwood ts5 but i like the separate head unit.
I love the ability to be able to put the controller anywhere on the desk, even put in my lap if need be. Sometimes I'm at the computer and I just pull it over to me, no problem. Has anyone noticed lower power output than selected on SSB?
Browsed the comments and didn't see any info on this; I can't find any information in the description or manual that indicates that it has a cross band repeater function, like the 5100. Any info on this?
thank you for this video !!!
Apparently this is a very polarizing radio. People either love it or hate it. A few guys at my club complain about the lack of buttons and knobs compared to a full size rig. I think most of them haven't spent any time with the 7100 though. Once you get used to the power of that touch screen to move about (to me) it becomes easier/quicker to use than many other rigs. You can skip many button presses with the touch. For example the meters can be scrolled through by just tapping on them or a long press. Filters etc are the same. I also enjoy running it remote with the RS-BA1 software. The SWR graph feature is great when tuning a new antenna. Looking forward to your advance video on the IC-7100. 73
@rickhunt3183
5 жыл бұрын
Some people love lots of buttons and blinking lights..and what radio is complete without the hypnotic waterfall? The Yaesu FT-991a looks like a good option, but Im going to look at this one too.
@jeffreyrichard9675
5 жыл бұрын
@@rickhunt3183 Re: the waterfall... I did a mod to my 7100 to tap into the RF internally which then comes out of the chassis via an SMA and into a USB SDR attached to my PC where you can have a full screen waterfall that sees pretty much the whole band and you can click it to tune. Very cool but the soldering was challenging because the taps are very small.
@rickhunt3183
5 жыл бұрын
You should do a video on that mod. I’m sure a lot of people would be interested in learning something. I’m always interested in learning. I use a magnifying led lamp sometimes to solder. (Actually I do the soldering and the lamp just illuminates and magifies the work). I don’t know what kind of soldering iron you use, but a hakko soldering station and it’s great for small work and I have a 5 inch needle driver that a doctor would use to either handle parts or clamp on to something to shild it from heat. I highly recommend one.Hemostats are kinda okay but a needle driver has a much thicker jaw and works much better. Oh.gigaparts.com has the Icom ic-7100 for 749.95 after a mail in rebate. That expires 12-31 with free shipping. It’s a good deal at that price. Consider posting a video or any projects. I’m sure others would like learning something too. 73’s your way…Rick
Thank you for the excellent review. One question, can the display be changed from the default setting?
I have a 7100 and pleased with it. please let me know when you do a 100% DSTAR video. having problems connecting with nearest dstar repeater because of mountains between my location and the repeater. Any suggestions! Anxious to learn more. 73
New to the Ham world. Thanks for the review. Looking for an ICOM rig for my RV once I am licensed. I am local to you, VB, so we may meet at a gathering locally.
You have great voice.
It loock like a clock radio to have in the bedroom :-)
I am a new HAM with a new 7100. I can receive n 147.060 but I can't seem to send. What am I doing wrong. Mike
Recommend an auto tuner for this radio that can benefit from the built in buttons etc? Thanks!
I've been thinking of cleaning up my shack. I have a TS-690, R-5000, and an ID-5100. Do you think I'd be happy with replacing all that with a IC-7100? The thought of having 1 radio is kind of exciting.
Have you had any trouble with the low transmit power on SSB that many people are complaining about?
Where did you get your intro music? I've heard that on other videos, but can't seem to find it to download anywhere.
I enjoy your videos and am a subscriber. Also saw your review of the FT 991. Would you still buy the 7100 over the FT 991 given that choice today?
Do the 7100 and 7300 have the annoying “instant on” transmit cooling fan thing that the ID-5100 does?
Hi Eric just wondering if you ever checked the PEP out of your 7100 ? I was watch a trx bench vid on Modding the ALC Line to add a 10 picofared electrolytic cap and bridging over a gate. Watch his vid I think you could do it better with SMT cap ??
Please details of this rig suitable for which type of antenna on all band hf and vhf uhf
Can the ic-7100 be connected to sdruno software with an mfj sdr switch? Ive been searching all over, but cant seem to find a clear answer if this radio has the necessary connection points for sdr use
Can you please suggest a shak in a box radio which is an all bander? I am looking for new rig and a recent model.. Please help
What is the deal with mods to this radio to make it fully 100 watt capable?
I’m thinking of the icon 7100 use for cw and some phone, use on my boat and home and vacations. Using smallish vertical antenna like the qrpguys kit….could it work?
Hi Eric, Do you think Icom is going to release an updated version of the IC-7100 soon? It seems like they have had this unit out for awhile now and it is being upstaged in some ways by the newer 5100 and 4100. It also has been dropping in price and seems to always be on sale. I would like to see the IC-7100 add the enhanced bluetooth of the 4100A and change the head unit to be more like the 5100. I would also like to see this unit go full SDR with a true waterfall display and more SDR interface features.
i just got one new and not happy or please with it? why is it that a local reepeater or local signal will not reg. 60 over 9 on the meter. to give a true signal report period. 2# why have a ANTENNA TURNER BUTTON but not have a turner. another failure... #3. also what can you do to get reed of that long line of bars of something ? help
So I’m thinking about getting a new yaesu FTM-400XDR for the car but for only a couple hundred bucks extra I could snag this one ... could I make this work in a car ?
please need the opinion I am in doubt which radio .... IC 7100 or Yaesu FT 991 A ??? what advantages ??? 73
What antenna would you recommend for this as a mobile or mobile stationary.
Love the control head setup. Im a really big fan of the 2730a....which is my primary 2M 70cm rig in my shack. I put the control plate onto a cell phone holder that sets next to my keyboard. Ive gotten a bit spoiled having it so close and handy. So I think the 7100 would make a great hf addition, especially connected to the sdruno software
Looks like a clock radio. ICOM needs to release the IC-7900 already. Now THAT would look good next to my IC-7300.
Nice review Eric. I was an early purchaser that had the dreaded low output power on HF. Updated to the latest firmware which didn’t help. Although many people suffered with the same low power Icom never did anything about resolving the issue. Guuur! I have been a huge fan of Icom but this really soured me on the company. I eventually sold the radio at a HUGE loss and went back to my tried and true IC-706 which I love. Lesson learned.
@1958johndeere620
5 жыл бұрын
I just had a back and fourth with ICOM on this same issue. Its the only thing keeping me from getting one. Everything else is exactly what I am looking for. They say that the average power is lower then some of their other radios, yet it is still in spec. They say its equivalent to the radios it replaced and no one complained about those. If it is supposed to do 100 watts peak then it should do it easily like every other radio will do. I should not have to scream to get the peak rating.
@flyboybobio3431
5 жыл бұрын
That’s intimately why I sold the radio. Never could get full output. My 706 easily does full 100 watts out.
Looks like a great beginner unit , What other radios are good for beginners to the hobby in that price range ?
Great video. I'm about to take Tech, and if I pass then in same session, test for General. At least that's my plan. Probably it'll be next month provided pandemic lockdown doesn't hinder. Saying that to get to the question: would you choose the Icom 7100 or 5100 to start out? I like mobiles, used to use CB in car and 18 wheeler. Intrigued with DSTAR for some reason BTW. 73s y'all
@jay-rus4437
3 жыл бұрын
How did your test go? I took my Tech in May 2020...General in July...and Extra in August. Great hobby. What rig did you end up going with. I started with the icom 2730a. Have 3 of them. Awesome units.
Mic settings are based on your location/transmission style. I have my 5100 set at max mic gain for the repeaters in my area and how I talk into the mic. Do tests, make sure you're not over-modulating with any radio.
@suburban404
5 жыл бұрын
Over deviating
I like the radio! I wish it had a color display.
@Godhumbledme
5 жыл бұрын
I just bought one the dipaly is adjustable I darkened the dots a little on the display. That helps. besides this rig is head and shoulders above the FT857D I just sent back in favor of this one.
@guardianobserver6593
5 жыл бұрын
I hope there was something interesting to hear on frequencies except those fat guys exchange numbers
@1crazynordlander
4 жыл бұрын
@@guardianobserver6593 That's Amateur Radio!
@guardianobserver6593
4 жыл бұрын
@@1crazynordlander It was a fantastic hobby 40 or more years ago when radio was your only immediate way to contact gentlemen from other countries. Not anymore and you can write a series of books without convince anyone. You still live your childhood dream unfortunately on a wrong period of time. Time and money lost from your family for what?
@cwqrpportable
4 жыл бұрын
@@guardianobserver6593 It was fascinating to hear your opinion, thanks a lot. It's always interesting to read what fat trolls have to say about things they have no knowledge of. I hope you feel better soon and tomorrow is a better day.
Can you monitor two frequencies in the VHF/UHF bands simultaneously? During severe weather I like monitoring the local Skywarn repeater and the statewide ARES/Skywarn repeater system at the same time.
@EdwardGriffin
5 жыл бұрын
No, there's no dual watch in this radio. (not counting weather alert)
wouldnt cranking the mic gain all the way make the modulation swing higher like it does with a power mic on SSB CB radio?
@OvenBak3d360
3 жыл бұрын
@@daveaf3023 I can never understand anyone on cb during skip. Makes actually using it super annoying
This may be the route I take, I love the flexibility. It looks good sitting there on the desk. I imagine you can power this radio down to QRP levels, so that an external battery can run it for a time. How is the weight? I would be carrying it on foot. Thanks for the video! You do a great job explaining the details.
@EdwardGriffin
5 жыл бұрын
You can use the power adjustment to reduce the output (which also reduces the current draw). I've used mine in parks as a portable ops rig but it would be heavy for any kind of extended hike. I also got a Bioenno Power battery that supports operating it at full output power from a battery.
@W-733_KWX
5 жыл бұрын
You should consider a FT891, or some Elecraft rig as weight is an important factor while portable.
@EdwardGriffin
5 жыл бұрын
I've got an FT-817ND that I like using for the times when weight is an issue.
@W-733_KWX
5 жыл бұрын
@Nunya Dibness I agree, 891 still not light enough (I had the 857D), and 817 would be a nice choice (I had that too) but 5W sometimes not enough ; as a compromise between weight and power I currently own a 1 kg and 50W rig, knowing it is limited in its use : only SSB and CW (military/commercial rig, QMAC HF90).
@todderbert
5 жыл бұрын
@@W-733_KWX The Elecrafts were looking rather nice to me. I also like that FT891 for it's low price. I'm not sure I need to have VHF/UHF with my HF portable. My HT gets me places where I live.
This looks a lot like the 706mkII, just with easier menus and some new tricks.
Im just starting out ..What's your thoughts on a Ranger RCI69ffb4
I have had a couple over the years and I love it. I just wish it came with a better mic. The stock mic that they send with it is terrible.
nice video
The menu system looks just like my IC-7300. I see why you brought up the subject at 24:15 about the Icom menus make you comfortable and looking at this it is nearly identical to my IC-7300 HF rig. That is one thing that drives me totally batty about my Yaesu FTM-100DR, FTM-400XDR and FT2DR radios. While they should be almost identical mode of operation the menus are different. Come on Yaesu. I have to keep going back to the book to learn which should be identical is almost totally different. This radio is pretty much the IC-9700 but made for mobile use.
@HamRadioConcepts
4 жыл бұрын
no way. Nothing compared to the 9700. totally different. But, I agree with the Yaesu menu system as you said
@1crazynordlander
4 жыл бұрын
@@HamRadioConcepts I should have made myself more clear. UHF/VHF Dstar capabilities. That is what I based my assessment off of. Sure I agree the waterfall display, 1200 MHz band and twice the money makes it totally different. I was going to compare it to the IC-7300 but that would have been way off because the IC-7300 doesn't do 2M/70cm and Dstar. Thanks for your videos!
@1crazynordlander
4 жыл бұрын
@@HamRadioConcepts I am an idiot! I did not realize that the IC-9700 was VHF/UHF only. I always thought it had HF also. Sorry, please accept my apology!