IC-106mkIIg

[KG4VBO]

I've heard mixed reviews about the Icom IC-706MKIIG. Some people said it was good, but some said you have to go through too many menus, as he put it, "You practically have to look in the instruction manual to learn how to transmit" So is it good? And how's the FT-100D, does it have the same pros/cons? Thanks and 73,


Chaim. kg4vbo

[KC0MIS]

Both rigs are "feature packed."
Because of this, you should expect to have a lengthly learning curve regarding the menu system.
I have an FT-100D.
The only thing that I do not like about it is the very light PTT on the mike.
As I do not use DTMF, I replaced the mike with a Heil HMM.
My advice is to look at them side-by-side and decide which has the main operating controls that best suit you and buy that one.
Good Luck.

73s,
Chuck Uhlir
KC0MIS

[KG4ZEG]

I have the 706MK2G and once you operate it a few times, it not hard. I have never owned a Ham Radio before, so it was very new to me. I just read the manual and set the radio like Icom recommends. You will see after reading the manuel what you want to use, it is very easy. I also operated a friend's Yeasu FT-100D it seems to be as good. Both radios will take some time to learn, but is not hard to setup, or operate. Both radios are well worth the money! #

[KG4TLJ]

I became a HAM in MAY 2002 and bought a "used" ICOM 706 MKIIG. After a couple of month I had contacts all over the world like UKRAINA, BULGARIA, WESTERN EUROPE, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA, CANADA...I started with the book beside the radio but for a few days only. I received very good audio reports and signal strenght reports. But after a while I doubled the height of my vertical antenna and it appeared to be much more better!

[aa5dw]

I like my 706 IIG quite a bit, I operate from an RV and have lots of good stories. Everyone who has commented on the menu is right, it is a real pain, but you do learn it fairly quickly. I really would much rather have all of the buttons spred out for me to just push, but then it would be a big rig and it wouldn't fit in my lap (The console is remotable) while I sit up late at night in bed. I've heard a lot of comments on the 706 vs 1000D. Except for the better receiver in the 1000D most of them sound like a religous thing. The "Try before you buy" sounds great, but the learning curve is so steep that I think you would find out little in the first few hours in a store. I'd say your best bet is to talk to some locals who own one or both. You may get some insight into which one suits your style better. Do think about the Antenna system whole lot. How do you plan to match or tune that stuff? You have a huge freq range you have to cover. Look into the various tunning options, some of which are automatic, some are large, some are remote, some are simple, some are weatherproof. I chose a motorized screwdriver with a 102" whip covering 160-10 continuous for the HF and a J-pole for 2m & 440. If you don't choose an automatic tunner with an ICOM interface then the 706 needs a little adapter, sold by HRO and others, to make manual tuning a single button affair. It is cheap, buy it.

In summary I think you'd like either so don't worry about the decision too much. Just make sure that you really, really want to have small.

Cheers

[K3SAM]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
Like &quot;IRS&quot;, which is an acronym for &quot;Infernal Revenue Service&quot;. #There is no phrase for which &quot;ham&quot; refers, so it&#39;s &quot;ham&quot;, not &quot;HAM&quot;.
[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Matt, some say, including myself, that HAM does stand for something. #Although unproven, one of my Elmers from years ago (s.k. now) told me that it was HELPING ALL MANKIND. #I did not steal this from K1MAN&#39;s web site, I have been using it for over a quarter century.

Only within the past few years have others offered other meanings that I&#39;ve heard. #Just an observation and comment.

-Sam

[K3SAM]

PS... Icom706MKIIg, buy it &#33;

[W4TME]

Great rig. For the price, the 706 MKII(G) is a great all mode mobile/portable/base rig. #The menus are extensive, but as others have said, you&#39;ll know where the important options are located after a couple hours of operation. #I use mine as a portable rig and the log book tells no lies.

-Tim

[AB7JH]

[B] ic-706m11g i have owned one now 6 months very pleased with this rig . the menu is a little tough but read the book follow instructions should have no problems
de ab7nc

[KA0QQN]

I guess I am going to have to give the one dissenting opinion on the 706 MKIIG.

As a previous owner of an original 706, I couldn&#39;t wait for the upgrade. Icom released the radio just about the same time I was on a vacation, and driving through Milwaukee. I stopped at the Mecca of HAM (take that grammer police&#33;) Radio, and bought one right on the spot.

Since day one it has been a pain in the backside regarding VHF operation. The radio is an intermod accident looking for a place to happen. I have spoken to Icom, not only on the phone but in person as well, only to be told that it is not the radio, but the area where I live. I get interference from one end of the VHF band to the other. This happens not only in my hometown, but every little nook, cranny, and burb that I travel through.

I&#39;ve heard this complaint from other HAM&#39;S (gotcha again...Ha&#33;) in my town. Don&#39;t get me wrong. On HF it&#39;s a dream, as attested to by other&#39;s on this site. If you&#39;re planning on using it for 2 meters, I would say look elsewhere.

KA0QQN