Icom Base Station Amateur (Ham) Transceiver Radio

Icom base amateur radio transceivers from HF to microwave bands

The category includes traditional HF all-band radios, direct RF sampling HF/50 MHz stations, dual-receiver systems, battery-powered all-mode transceivers, 144/430/1200 MHz stations and microwave systems. A separate-control-head HF/50 MHz version provides up to 200 W RF output power.

Which frequency bands are supported by Icom amateur radios?

Depending on the version, the receive range of HF radios extends from 0.030 MHz up to 29.999999 MHz, 60 MHz or 74.800 MHz. The compact all-mode version supports the HF, 50, 144 and 440 MHz bands. The VHF UHF amateur radio operates on 144, 430/440 and 1200 MHz, while the microwave system supports the 144, 430, 1200, 2400 and 5600 MHz bands; 10 GHz operation is also available with an optional unit.

SDR radio, direct RF sampling and real-time spectrum display

In Icom SDR radio architecture, direct RF sampling converts the RF signal into digital data, after which signal processing is performed by an FPGA. The microwave system uses direct RF sampling on 144 and 430 MHz and down-converted IF sampling on the higher bands. Several models provide a real-time spectrum display, waterfall display and audio scope.

How can SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM and D-STAR modes be used?

The traditional HF transceiver supports USB, LSB, CW, RTTY and AM modes, while newer HF/50 MHz stations also provide FM operation. The dual-receiver HF system includes PSK31/63 support. The compact HF/50/144/440 MHz radio supports D-STAR DV mode, while VHF/UHF and microwave systems provide DV and DD operation, with ATV also available on the microwave version.

HF radio, automatic antenna tuner and receiver functions

Antenna tuner configuration varies by model. The traditional HF transceiver can be used with an optional automatic antenna tuner, while several newer HF/50 MHz stations include a built-in automatic tuner. The dual-receiver HF version provides 110 dB RMDR, two independent receiver sections, DIGI-SEL and dual spectrum displays. The 200 W system also supports a mechanical-relay internal tuner and external AH-730 control.

What does the VHF UHF amateur radio and 1200 MHz all-mode station provide?

The 144/430/1200 MHz station supports SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM, DV and DD modes, a real-time spectrum display and full-duplex operation. Maximum RF output power is 100 W on 144 MHz, 75 W on 430/440 MHz and 10 W on 1200 MHz. The satellite menu includes normal and reverse tracking functions, AFC and up to 99 satellite memory channels.

Icom amateur radio transceiver with GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth and network functions

The portable all-mode transceiver includes a GPS antenna, Bluetooth and WLAN connectivity and a microSD card slot; in D-STAR DV mode it can also handle position information. One HF station provides LAN, dual virtual COM ports through USB Type-C and an HDMI connection. The dual-receiver HF system can be controlled over an IP interface, while the 200 W version can be connected to a gigabit Ethernet network.

How do the spectrum display, waterfall and touchscreen support operation?

Several Icom amateur radios display frequency, spectrum, waterfall information and measurement data on a colour touchscreen. HF stations include models with 4.3-inch and 7-inch touchscreens, with the latter also providing dual spectrum displays. The 200 W control head can show S-meter, power, ALC, COMP and SWR information, among other parameters.

Base amateur radio transceivers with 100 W and 200 W RF output power

The traditional HF radio and several HF/50 MHz base transceivers provide up to 100 W RF output power. The portable all-mode radio delivers 10 W from a 13.8 V DC supply and 5 W from battery power. The microwave system provides 10 W on 144, 430 and 1200 MHz, 2 W on 2400 and 5600 MHz, and 0.5 W on the optional 10 GHz band. The highest documented output power in the category is 200 W on HF/50 MHz.

How do traditional HF, portable all-mode and microwave Icom systems differ?

The traditional HF transceiver provides 101 memory channels, VOX, an SWR meter, RF attenuation and a preamplifier. The portable all-mode version weighs approximately 1 kg without antenna and battery and can also operate from its own 2000 mAh battery. The microwave system uses separate controller and RF units and provides a GPS-controlled oscillator, 500 memory channels and USB Type-C connectivity.

Amateur radio station with antenna connections, memory and remote control

The radios are designed for 50 ohm antenna systems, while the available connectors depend on the model. SD or microSD cards can be used on several stations to store settings, audio recordings and screenshots. Remote control is available on selected versions through RS-BA1 or IP connections; USB, DVI-D, HDMI, LAN and separate receive antenna connections also appear within the category.

Which licensing and operating requirements should be considered?

The amateur transceivers in this category require an appropriate amateur radio licence for operation, and certain devices may also require dealer programming. We recommend first determining the amateur band and operating mode you intend to use, then selecting the required RF output power, power supply and antenna system. Tuner requirements, digital modes and network control functions should also be checked separately when choosing a model.

• Advantage: multiple station configurations are available from HF through VHF/UHF to microwave bands.
• Advantage: depending on the version, spectrum display, D-STAR, satellite operation, GPS, WLAN, Bluetooth and antenna tuner functions are available.
• Limitation: frequency bands, RF output power, digital operating modes and network functions vary by model.
• Limitation: operation requires an appropriate radio licence, while the antenna and power-supply configuration must be matched to the specific radio.

When comparing technical specifications, frequency bands, operating modes, output power, display, memory, network connections and antenna matching should be considered together.

What are the most common questions about Icom base amateur radio transceivers?

• Are all of the radios HF transceivers?
  No. The category includes HF, HF/50 MHz, HF/50/144/440 MHz, 144/430/1200 MHz and microwave systems.
• Is D-STAR supported?
  Yes. D-STAR DV is available on selected portable, VHF/UHF and microwave versions, while DD mode is also supported by certain systems.
• Is a built-in antenna tuner available?
  Several HF/50 MHz stations include a built-in automatic tuner, while the traditional HF radio can be used with an optional tuner.
• Is remote control supported?
  Yes. Several radios support RS-BA1 or IP-based control, while the available network connection depends on the model.
• What is the maximum RF output power?
  The category includes output levels ranging from 5 W on battery power up to a maximum documented RF output of 200 W.

The specific radio should be selected according to the required amateur band, operating mode, RF output power, display, network connectivity and antenna matching requirements.

Summary for selecting an Icom base amateur radio transceiver

We recommend starting the selection process with the required frequency band and operating modes. For an HF station, the automatic antenna tuner, dual receiver and spectrum display may be key functions, while VHF/UHF and microwave operation may require D-STAR, satellite functions, a GPS-controlled oscillator or a separate RF unit. For network-based operation, LAN, WLAN, Bluetooth, USB and remote-control options should also be checked separately.