Icom IC-703 User Manual

HF/50 MHz
ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

i703

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

i

FOREWORD

Thank We understand that you have a choice of many
different radios in the market place. We want to take a
couple of moments of your time to thank you for mak­ing the IC-703 your radio of choice, and hope you
agree with Icom’s philosophy of “technology first.”
Many hours of research and development went into
the design of your IC-703.

FEATURES

❍

DSP features (AF DSP; UT-106

DSP UNIT

required

some version)

❍

All mode capability covering 160–6 m

❍

9.0–15.87 V operation

❍

Compact with detachable front panel

❍

±0.5 ppm of high frequency stability

❍

Built in antenna tuner

❍

Simple band scope function

IMPORTANT

READ THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CAREFULLY before attempting to operate the

transceiver.

SAVE THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL. This

manual contains important safety and operating in­structions for the IC-703.

EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS

R WARNING RF EXPOSURE! This device emits

Radio Frequency (RF) energy. Extreme caution should be
observed when operating this device. If you have any
questions regarding RF exposure and safety standards
please refer to the Federal Communications Commission
Office of Engineering and Technology’s report on Evalu­ating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Radio
Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (OET Bulletin 65).

R WARNING HIGH VOLTAGE! NEVER attach an

antenna or internal antenna connector during transmis­sion. This may result in an electrical shock or burn.

R NEVER apply AC to the [DC13.8V] receptacle on the

transceiver rear panel. This could cause a fire or damage
the transceiver.

R NEVER apply more than 16 V DC, such as a 24 V

battery, to the [DC13.8V] receptacle on the transceiver
rear panel. This could cause a fire or damage the trans­ceiver.

R NEVER let metal, wire or other objects touch any in-

ternal part or connectors on the rear panel of the trans­ceiver. This may result in an electric shock.

NEVER expose the transceiver to rain, snow or any liquids.

AVOID using or placing the transceiver in areas with tem-

peratures below –10°C (+14°F) or above +60°C (+140°F).
Be aware that temperatures on a vehicle’s dashboard can
exceed 80°C (+176°F), resulting in permanent damage to
the transceiver if left there for extended periods.

AVOID placing the transceiver in excessively dusty envi­ronments or in direct sunlight.

AVOID placing the transceiver against walls or putting
anything on top of the transceiver. This will obstruct heat
dissipation.

Place unit in a secure place to avoid inadvertent use by
children.

During mobile operation, DO NOT operate the transceiver
without running the vehicle’s engine. When the trans­ceiver’s power is ON and your vehicle’s engine is OFF,
the vehicle’s battery will soon become exhausted.

Make sure the transceiver power is OFF before starting
the vehicle. This will avoid possible damage to the trans­ceiver by ignition voltage spikes.

During maritime mobile operation, keep the transceiver
and microphone as far away as possible from the magnetic
navigation compass to prevent erroneous indications.

BE CAREFUL! The rear panel will become hot when op­erating the transceiver continuously for long periods.

BE CAREFUL! If a linear amplifier is connected, set the
transceiver’s RF output power to less than the linear am­plifier’s maximum input level, otherwise, the linear ampli­fier will be damaged.

Use Icom microphones only (supplied or optional). Other
manufacturer’s microphones have different pin assign­ments, and connection to the IC-703 may damage the
transceiver.

Beat signals may be heard on some frequencies.
These will occur as a result of circuit construction.

For U.S.A. only

Caution: Changes or modifications to this transceiver, not
expressly approved by Icom Inc., could void your authority
to operate this transceiver under FCC regulations.

PRECAUTION

WORD DEFINITION

RR

WARNING

Personal injury, fire hazard or electric
shock may occur.

CAUTION Equipment damage may occur.

NOTE

If disregarded, inconvenience only. No
risk or personal injury, fire or electric
shock.

ii

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

The transceiver comes with the following accessories.

Qty.

q Hand microphone (HM-103) .............................. 1

w DC power cable (OPC-1229) ............................. 1

e Spare fuse (FGB 4 A) ........................................ 3

r ACC cable ...........................................................1

t 3.5 (d) mm plug ...................................................1

y 6.5 (d) mm Electronic keyer plug.........................1

u Microphone hanger..............................................1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

q

er

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Icom, Icom Inc. and the logo are registered trademarks of Icom Incorporated (Japan) in the United States, the United King­dom, Germany, France, Spain, Russia and/or other countries.

FOREWORD …………………………………………… i
IMPORTANT ……………………………………………i
EXPLICIT DEFINITIONS ……………………………… i
PRECAUTION …………………………………………i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………… ii

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ……………… I–X

■ Installation ………………………………………… I

1. Grounding your Shack ……………………… I

2. Installing your DC Power Supply ………… I

3. Installing lightning protection ……………… II

4. Installing your antenna system …………… II

5. Connect other peripheral equipment …… III

■ Operation ………………………………………… III

1. Voice ………………………………………… III

2. CW…………………………………………… III

3. Other convenient items …………………… IV

■ Your first contact ………………………………… IV

D Getting started ………………………………… IV
D Just listening …………………………………… V

1. Select the desired band …………………… V

2. Tune to the desired frequency …………… V

3. Adjust audio output ………………………… V

D What are you hearing? ……………………… VI

1. Verify mode ………………………………… VI

2. Reducing interference
(Some functions may require
an optioanl unit depending on version) … VI

■ Ready to call CQ? ……………………………… IX

1. Setting up your Mic Gain ………………… IX

2. Speech compressor………………………… X

1 PANEL DESCRIPTION ………………… 1–10

■ Front panel ………………………………………… 1

■ Multi-function switches …………………………… 4

D M1 functions …………………………………… 4
D M2 functions …………………………………… 4
D M3 functions …………………………………… 4
D M4 functions …………………………………… 5
D S1 functions …………………………………… 6
D S2 functions …………………………………… 6
D S3 functions …………………………………… 6
D S4 functions

(UT-106 is required for some version) ……… 6

■ Rear panel ………………………………………… 7

D DATA socket …………………………………… 8
D ACC socket……………………………………… 8

■ Function display…………………………………… 9

■ Microphone (HM-103) ………………………… 10

2

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

… 11–16

■ Unpacking………………………………………… 11

■ Selecting a location ……………………………… 11

■ Grounding ………………………………………… 11

■ Antenna connection……………………………… 11

■ Installation ……………………………………… 12

D Single body mounting ………………………… 12
D Stand …………………………………………… 12
D Front panel separation ……………………… 12
D Front panel mounting ………………………… 12

■ Required connections…………………………… 13

■ Advanced connections ………………………… 14

■ DC Power voltage ……………………………… 15

■ DC Power supply connections ………………… 15

■ Battery connections …………………………… 15

■ External antenna tuners and linear amplifier … 16

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Quick Reference

iii

3 BASIC OPERATION ……………………17–26

■ When first applying power (CPU resetting)…… 17

D M1 display selection ………………………… 17

■ Initial settings …………………………………… 17

■ VFO description ………………………………… 18

D The differences between VFO and

memory mode ………………………………… 18

■ Frequency setting ……………………………… 19

■ Operating mode selection ……………………… 23

■ Volume setting…………………………………… 23

■ Squelch and receive (RF) sensitivity ………… 24

■ Dial lock function ………………………………… 25

■ Basic transmit operation ……………………… 25

D Transmitting …………………………………… 25
D Maximum output power ……………………… 25
D Setting output power ………………………… 26
D Setting microphone gain……………………… 26

4 RECEIVE AND TRANSMIT …………… 27–45

■ Operating SSB…………………………………… 27

D Convenient functions for receive …………… 27
D Convenient functions for transmit …………… 27

■ Operating CW …………………………………… 28

D Connections for CW ………………………… 28
D CW operation ………………………………… 29
D Convenient functions for receive …………… 30
D Convenient functions for transmit …………… 30
D CW reverse mode …………………………… 30
D CW pitch control ……………………………… 31
D Electronic CW keyer ………………………… 31
D CW side tone function………………………… 32
D Keyer set mode ……………………………… 32

■ Memory keyer functions………………………… 33

D Memory keyer send menu …………………… 34
D Editing a memory keyer ……………………… 35
D Contest number set mode …………………… 36
D Memory keyer set mode……………………… 37

■ Operating RTTY ………………………………… 38

D Connections for RTTY (FSK)………………… 38
D RTTY (FSK) operation ……………………… 38
D Convenient functions for receive …………… 39
D RTTY reverse mode ………………………… 39
D Presetting for RTTY ………………………… 40
D RTTY tone set mode ………………………… 40

■ Operating AM …………………………………… 41

D Convenient functions for receive …………… 41
D Convenient functions for transmit …………… 41

■ Operating FM …………………………………… 42

D Convenient functions for receive …………… 42
D Convenient functions for transmit …………… 42
D Tone squelch operation ……………………… 43
D Tone scan operation ………………………… 43
D FM tone set mode …………………………… 44

■ Repeater operation ……………………………… 45

5 FUNCTION FOR RECEIVE ……………46–50

■ Simple band scope ……………………………… 46

■ Preamp and attenuator ………………………… 46

■ RIT function ……………………………………… 47

■ IF shift function ………………………………… 47

■ Noise blanker …………………………………… 48

D Noise blanker level set mode ……………… 48

■ AGC time constant ……………………………… 48

■ Optional filter selection ………………………… 49

■ Peak meter hold ………………………………… 50

■ DSP Functions (may require an optional unit

depending on version) ………………………… 50

D ANF (Automatic Notch Filter) function ……… 50
D NR (Noise Reduction) function ……………… 50

6

FUNCTION FOR TRANSMIT

…………… 51–55

■ Split frequency operation ……………………… 51

D Quick split function …………………………… 52

■ Meter selection ………………………………… 52

■ VOX operation …………………………………… 53

D VOX set mode ………………………………… 53

■ Speech compressor …………………………… 54

D Compression level set mode ………………… 54

■ SWR………………………………………………… 55

D Measuring SWR ……………………………… 55

7 MEMORY OPERATION …………………56–60

■ Memory channels ……………………………… 56

■ Memory channel selection……………………… 56

■ Memory programming ………………………… 57

■ Memory clearing ………………………………… 58

■ Frequency transferring ………………………… 58

■ Memory names ………………………………… 59

■ Memo pads ……………………………………… 60

8 SCAN OPERATION …………………… 61–63

■ Scan types ……………………………………… 61

■ Preparation ……………………………………… 61

■ Programmed scan operation…………………… 62

■ Memory scan operation ………………………… 62

■ Select memory scan operation ………………… 63

■ Priority watch …………………………………… 63

9 ANTENNA TUNER OPERATION……… 64–66

■ Antenna tuner operation ……………………… 64

D Internal antenna tuner………………………… 64
D Tuner operation ……………………………… 64
D Optional external tuner operation …………… 65
D Optional AT-180

AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

operation ……… 65

D Optional AH-4

AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

operation ……… 66

TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv

10 DATA COMMUNICATION …………… 67–70

■ Connections for packet ………………………… 67

D When connecting to [DATA] socket ………… 67
D When connecting to [ACC] socket ………… 67
D When connecting to [MIC] connector ……… 67

■ Packet (AFSK) operation ……………………… 68

D

Frequency indication during AFSK operation …

68

D SSB-D mode selection ……………………… 69
D Carrier point setting…………………………… 69
D Adjusting the transmit signal from the TNC… 70

11 CONTROL COMMAND ……………… 71–73

■ Remote jack (CI-V) information ……………… 71

D CI-V connection example ……………………… 71
D Data format ……………………………………… 71
D

Command table ……………………………… 72

D Band stacking register ……………………… 73
D Codes for memory keyer contents ………… 73
D Codes for memory name contents ………… 73

12 SET MODE …………………………… 74–82

■ General …………………………………………… 74

D Quick set mode operation …………………… 74
D Initial set mode operation …………………… 74

■ Quick set mode items…………………………… 75

■ Initial set mode items …………………………… 76

1 Maximum output power setting ………… 76
2 Power save setting ……………………… 76
3 Simple mode setting ……………………… 76
4 Mode availability ………………………… 76
5 Output power setting for mode ………… 76
6 Confirmation beeps ……………………… 77
7 Band edges beeps ……………………… 77
8 Beep level adjustment …………………… 77

9 Beep audio level limit …………………… 77
10 CW carrier point setting ………………… 77
11 CW side tone level ……………………… 77
12 CW side tone level limit ………………… 77
13 SSB/CW frequency shift setting ………… 78
14 Display backlighting ……………………… 78
15 Key/switch backlighting ………………… 78
16 Light timer setting ………………………… 78
17 LED brightness …………………………… 78
18 Automatic power OFF …………………… 78
19 Current intercept point …………………… 79
20 RF gain/squelch control ………………… 79
21 Sub dial setting …………………………… 79
22 Optional filter selection…………………… 79
23 Peak meter hold setting ………………… 79
24 Quick split function ……………………… 79
25 Split lock function ………………………… 80
26 Split offset frequency …………………… 80
27 Scan resume condition…………………… 80
28 Scanning speed…………………………… 80

29 [UP]/[DN] speed ………………………… 80
30 Noise blanker in AM mode ……………… 80
31 Available memo pads …………………… 80
32 Power ON check function ……………… 81
33 Auto tune start function ………………… 81
34 PTT tune function ………………………… 81
35 Tuner switch condition …………………… 81
36 Packet data speed ……………………… 81
37 Voice synthesizer language……………… 82
38 Voice synthesizer speed ………………… 82
39 S-meter level speech …………………… 82
40 CI-V address setting ……………………… 82
41 CI-V data transffer rate…………………… 82
42 CI-V transceive …………………………… 82
43 CI-V operating frequency data length … 82

13 MAINTENANCE …………………………… 83

■ Fuse replacement ……………………………… 83

■ Memory backup ………………………………… 83

■ Cleaning ………………………………………… 83

14 TROUBLESHOOTING………………… 84–85

15 OPTIONAL UNIT

INSTALLATIONS AND SETTINGS … 86–89

■ Opening the transceiver case ………………… 86

■ UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER UNIT

……………… 86

D Operation ……………………………………… 86

■ IF filter …………………………………………… 87

■ UT-106

DSP RECEIVER UNIT

…………………… 88

■ MB-72

CARRYING HANDLE

……………………… 88

■ AT-180 internal switch description …………… 89

16 SPECIFICATIONS …………………………90

■ General …………………………………………… 90

■ Transmitter ……………………………………… 90

■ Receiver ………………………………………… 90

■ Antenna tuner …………………………………… 90

17 OPTIONS ………………………………91–92

18 MENU GUIDE ………………………… 93–94

19 ABOUT CE……………………………… 95–96

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Quick Reference

I

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

■ Installation

1. Install a ground system for DC noise suppression
and RFI suppression

2. Install your DC power supply

3. Install lightning protection. This will help protect
more than your gear.

4. Install and connect an antenna system for the ap­propriate bands of operation

5. Connect other peripheral equipment. This includes
microphones, headsets, TNC, amplifiers and any
other equipment necessary to make your shack
complete.

Although your radio will operate by connecting the DC
power supply and antenna, it is necessary to have a
good ground system in your shack. A ground connec­tion is the electrical contact between the common
point of an electrical or electronic system and the
earth.

A good earth ground is necessary to prevent electrical
shock, eliminate problems from RFI and DC noise.
With more electronic devices being used today, it is
also important to reduce RFI and EMI. Although you
may not see interference in your shack, without a
grounding system, your neighbours may experience
interference. Even though many of these devices are
Part 15, where they must accept interference from
their surrounding environment, it is best to eliminate
as much of the possible interference from your shack.

If you do not have a grounding system for your shack,
depending on the location of your shack, basement or
ground floor, a good ground system can be as simple
as a couple of ground rods driven 6 to 8 feet into the
soil. When installing your IC-703 to your grounding
system, the shortest most direct connection is recom­mended.

NOTE: There are many publications covering
proper grounding techniques. Check with your local
dealer for more information and recommendations.

R WARNING!: NEVER ground station equip-

ment or antennas to house gas lines. NEVER at-
tach ground lines to plastic (pvc) pipe.

DD

Some Symptoms if inadequate grounding

a. Poor DC Ground

50/60 Hz hum on the audio either Rx or Tx without
the antenna connected.

If you feel a tingling sensation when you touch a
metal surface. Surfaces such as the cover of your
radio or power supply.

b. Poor RF Ground

While transmitting and you feel a tingling sensation
when you touch a metal surface. Surfaces such as
the cover of your radio or power supply.

While transmitting, you experience interference to
other electronic devices, such as the telephone,
television or stereo audio systems.

The DC power supply is a device used to convert
110/220 V AC, also know as Household current, to a
steady source of 13.8 V DC.

The perfect match to your IC-703 is the PS-125. This
plug and play unit plugs into the DC power recepta­cle using an optional OPC-1248 located on the rear
of the radio.

Or connect the supplied DC power cable (OPC-1229)
to the appropriate color coded terminals, then insert
the DC connector into the DC power receptacle lo­cated on the rear of the radio.

NOTE: Although the power supply current require­ment is quite low during receiving, this not the case
when you transmit. With many electrical devices in
the shack, it is very important to verify the electrical
circuit is not overloaded.

1. Grounding your Shack

2. Installing your DC Power Supply

AC cable

AC

outlet

A DC power

supply*

Black

_

Red

+

PS-125

DC power cable

Ground

4 A fuses

Transceiver

to DC
power
receptacle

Supplied
OPC-1229

Optional
OPC-1248

Connect to an AC outlet
using the supplied AC cable.

*13.8 V;
at least 3.0 A
continuous

II

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

3. Installing lightning protection

Although you may not live in an area with high occur­rence for lightning storms, it is always wise to take
precautions for lightning or static discharges. Proper
lightning protection not only offers protection to the
ham gear, but the shack and most importantly the op­erator.

NOTE: There are many publications covering
proper lightning protection, check with your local
dealer for more information and recommendations.

Whether your IC-703 is your first radio or one of
many, one of your key elements in a great shack is
the antenna system. There is a connection on the
back of your IC-703, for HF and 6 m. If you are using
one antenna for HF and 6 m, for simplicity, connect
the antenna coax to ANT.

Your IC-703 is equipped with an internal antenna
tuner (ATU) for operation on 160–6 m. This ATU is de­signed to work with an unbalanced 50 Ω feedline. The
purpose of the internal antenna tuner is to match the
impedance of your antenna system to as close to a
50 Ω load as possible. This ATU will not operate with
a long wire or ladder line (450 Ω or other balanced
feedlines). An external ATU such as the AH-4 would
be necessary for this kind of operation.

PL-259 CONNECTOR INSTALLATION EXAMPLE

30 mm ≈9⁄8 in 10 mm ≈3⁄8 in 1–2 mm ≈1⁄16 in

R WARNING: Although a mag mount antenna
works great on a vehicle, DO NOT use the IC-703
with this type of antenna.

CAUTION: Although your IC-703 has protection to
drop down power with a high SWR, this does not
completely protect the transceiver from transmis­sion without an antenna. Make sure you have an
antenna connected whenever you transmit with
your radio.

NOTE: There are many publications covering
proper antennas and their installation, check with
your local dealer for more information and recom­mendations.

30 mm

10 mm (soft solder)

10 mm

1–2 mm

solder solder

Soft
solder

Coupling ring

Slide the coupling ring
down. Strip the cable
jacket and soft solder.

Slide the connector
body on and solder it.

Screw the coupling
ring onto the
connector body.

Strip the cable as
shown at left. Soft
solder the center con­ductor.

q

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Antenna SWR

Each antenna is tuned for a specified frequency
range and SWR may be increased out-of-range.
When the SWR is higher than approx. 2.0:1, the
transceiver’s power drops to protect the final tran­sistors. In this case, an antenna tuner is useful to
match the transceiver and antenna. Low SWR al­lows full power for transmitting even when using the
antenna tuner. The IC-703 has an SWR meter to
monitor the antenna SWR continuously.

4. Installing your antenna system

Quick Reference

ANTENNA

Connect a HF/50MHz antenna
Impedance: 50Ω

Microphones: Connect the microphone to the modu­lar-type connector bottom of the front panel or back
of the radio.

Rear panel

Front panel

MICROPHONES

HM-103 SM-20 OPC-589

III

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

5. Connect other peripheral equipment

Everyone has his or her favorite ad-on gear; now is
the time to connect this gear! We will cover the basic
devices that can be connected to your IC-703.

If you do not see the particular item you are wanting
to connect, refer to the Advance Connections section
starting on page 14.

■ Operation

1. Voice

CW Key: There are several types of keys or keyers
that can be used with your IC-703.

a. Iambic Key paddle: Use a 6.35(d) mm (1⁄4″) stereo

plug and connect to the [KEY] jack located on the
rear of the radio.

b. Straight Key: Use a 6.35(d) mm (1⁄4″) mono plug

and connect key to the back of the radio.

c. External Keyer: Use a 6.35(d) mm (1⁄4″) mono

plug and connect to the back of the radio.

d. Computer Keying: Use a 6.35(d) mm (1⁄4″) mono

plug and connect to the back of the radio.

NOTE: You will need to select the type of keyer you
are using in the keyer set mode. There are many
advanced CW functions in this set mode. Until you
have a full understanding of these functions
change only the items necessary.

Rear panel

CW KEY

A straight key can be used when the internal
electronic keyer is turned OFF in keyer set
mode. (p. 32)

When connecting a straight key or else

(+)

(_)

Rear panel

CW KEY

(dot)
(com)
(dash)

When connecting a paddle

2. CW

IV

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

3. Other convenient items

Headphones:

A 3.5(d) mm (1⁄4″) mono jack for operation without
using the internal or external speakers. Perfect for op­eration without disturbing others in the room.

External Speaker:

A 3.5(d) mm (1⁄8″) mono jack for operation with an ex­ternal speaker. (Input impedance: 8 Ω/Max. input
power: 5 W)

Front panel

Rear panel

SPEAKER

or

PHONES ∫

SPEAKER √

Select ‘SPEAKER’ with
the [PHONES/SPEAKER]
switch on the back of the
front panel.

SPEAKER

Front panel

HEADPHONES

PHONES ∫

SPEAKER √

Select ‘PHONES’ with the
[PHONES/SPEAKER]
switch on the back of the
front panel.

1. Before powering up your radio, you may want to
make sure the following controls are set in the fol­lowing positions:

• [AF] : Commonly referred to as the vol­ume: fully counter clockwise.

• [RF/SQL] : The control for the RF Gain and
Squelch circuits: 12 o’clock.

•[SHIFT] : Shifts the IF center frequency:
12 o’clock

2. Resetting the CPU: Although you have purchased
a brand new radio, some settings may be changed
from the factory defaults during the QC process. So
your radio can start from Factory Defaults resetting
the CPU is necessary. (Refer to p.17)

[POWER]

[Y]

[Z]

■ Your first contact

Now you should have your IC-703 installed in your
shack, and like a kid on his birthday, you are probably
excited to get on the air. We would like to take you
through a few basic operation steps to make your first
“On The Air” an enjoyable experience.

DD

Getting started

Quick Reference

V

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

DD

Just listening

1. Select the desired band

3. Adjust audio output

On your IC-703, an easy way of changing bands is by
using the [

(Y)BAND] or [(Z)BAND] located just right

corner on the front panel.

Push [(Y)BAND] or [(Z)BAND] to select the desired
band.

•Pushing [(Y)BAND] or [(Z)BAND] continuously scrolls
through the available bands.

•Say you want to go to 20 meters or 14 MHz; you
would push [

(Y)BAND] or [(Z)BAND] several times

to select it. This will change the displayed operating
frequency to the 20-meter band.

NOTE: The band stacking register can also be

used to select bands. (Refer to p. 22)

[Y]

[Z]

Directly left of the [(Y)BAND]/[(Z)BAND] is the main
dial. This will allow you to dial in the frequency you
want to operate. You will notice the tuning speed [TS]
is 10 Hz resolution. Page 20 will instruct you on how
to set the tuning speed [TS] for 1 Hz resolution.

Adjust this control to a comfortable audio level.

AF RF/SQL

No audio output

Max. audio output

Decreases Increases

2. Tune to the desired frequency

VI

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

DD

What are you hearing?

Stop and focus on what you are hearing. Do you hear
a lot of noise? Is the signal intelligible? Are you set up
for the right mode? How about the filters?

1. Verify mode

Your IC-703 has many features to reduce QRM and
QRN from the desired signal.

a. Noise Reduction: The noise reduction system on

your IC-703 is part of the DSP. This is used to re­duce the hiss and QRM levels.

q Select S4 (DSP menu).

•Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select S.

•Push [MENU] one or more times to select S4.

w Push [

(F-2)

NR] to activate the noise reduction func-

tion.

• “DSP” and “NR” appear when the function is ON.

b. Adjusting the Noise Reduction: The noise re-

duction is completely variable on how much of the
DSP Noise Reduction is used.

q Push [(F-3)NRL] to indicate the noise reduction

level.

w Rotate the [M-CH] control to set the noise reduc-

tion level.

e Push [(F-3)NRL] to exit the noise reduction level

set mode.

Hint!

How far you advance the NR control will determine
how much the noise can be effectively reduced. Ad­justing the noise reduction level too high may cause
some distortion to occur on the received signal. The
noise reduction level should only be set as high as
is necessary. Use this setting, along with RF gain,
NB (noise blanker, if needed), and IF filters as well,
to minimize the effects of noise on the target signal.

NR

NR

Although your IC-703 will automatically select USB or
LSB in the HF bands, it will not select any of the other
modes. You will need to select the proper mode
whether CW, RTTY, AM or FM.

Hint!

The Band Stacking Register will memorize the last
frequency used in the band, as well as the Mode,
Filter, Tuner and AGC settings. This makes band
hoping much easier.

2. Reducing interference (some functions may require an optional unit depending on version)

Quick Reference

MODE

Appear

[(F-2)][MENU] [DISPLAY]

USB

DSP

NR

5379

S1

P

O

20 401060dB

5

VFO A

BLANK

S4 ANF NR NRL

Noise reduction ON

Noise reduction OFF

[(F-3)][M-CH]

USB

DSP

NR

5379

S1

CH

P

O

20 401060dB

5

VFO A

BLANK

CH

S4 LEVEL 4 NRL

VII

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

c. Automatic Notch: The automatic notch will track

up to heterodynes. This is helpful for eliminating
annoying transmitter “tune up” tones on any band,
and to minimize continuous tone “heterodynes” en­countered on the 40 meter phone bands at night,
for example. Once selected an icon will appear
“ANF” on the display.

q Select S4.

•Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select S.

• Push [MENU] one or more times to select S4.

w Push [(F-1)ANF] to activate the automatic notch fil-

ter.

NOTE: Your IC-703 is equipped with an AGC cir­cuit. This allows the DSP to filter out interfering sig­nals and QRM, while also taking this interference
out of the AGC. Bottom line, this will either elimi­nate or greatly reduce the pumping of the AGC
from the interfering signal.

Hint!

The Automatic Notch will not operate in the CW,
RTTY or SSB-D modes.

ANF

d. Noise Blanker: The noise blanker function re-

duces pulse-type noise such as that generated by
automobile ignition systems. This function is not ef­fective for FM modes or for non pulse-type noise.

q Select M3.

•Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select M.

• Push [MENU] one or more times to select M3.

w Push [(F-2)NB] to activate the noise blanker.

• “NB” appears when the function is ON.

e. Adjusting the Noise Blanker: The noise blanker

is completely variable on how much of the Noise
Blanker is used.

q Push [(F-2)NB] for 1 sec. to enter the noise blanker

level set mode.

w Rotate the main dial to set the noise blanker level.
e Push [DISPLAY] to exit the noise blanker level set

mode.

Hint!

When using the noise blanker, received signals
may be distorted if the noise blanker level setting
has been too high.

[(F-1)]

[DISPLAY][MENU]

USB

DSP

Appear

ANF

S1

P

O

5379

5

20 401060dB

VFO A

BLANK

CH

S4 ANF NR NRL

[(F-2)][MENU] [DISPLAY]

USB

Appears

NB

S1

P

O

5379

5

20 401060dB

VFO A

BLANK

CH

M3 FIL NB MET

[DISPLAY]

[(F-2)] Main dial

USB

N1 NB LEVEL

VIII

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

f. Filter:

One optional filter can be installed in the IC-703.

Narrow filters help reject interference from adjacent
signals and obtain good selectivity.

Wide filters provide improved audio for SSB opera­tion when no interfering signals are present.

Narrow filters for AM/FM modes are standard.

FILTER PRESETTING:

After you install a filter (see p. 87 for installation), you
must specify the installed filter in initial set mode (item
“22 OPT. FIL” ; see p. 79).

FILTER ON/OFF:

q Select M3.

•Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select M.

• Push [MENU] one or more times to select M3.

w Push [(F-1)FIL] momentarily to select the narrow

filter; push for 1 sec. to select the wide filter.

•ã appears when the narrow filter is selected; ç ap-

pears when the wide filter is selected.

NOTE:

When selecting the narrow filter (or wide fil­ter), the graphic passband is changed (see dia­gram below).

CH

VFO A

P

O

S1

5

5379

20 401060dB

USB

BLANK

M3 FIL NB MET

N W

[(F-1)]

[MENU] [DISPLAY]

Either these
appears when selected

Normal
operation

wide is
selected

narrow is
selected

We hope these pointers have been helpful. Now you
are ready for the “Ready to call CQ?”.

Quick Reference

IX

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

1. Setting up your Mic Gain

Microphone gain must be adjusted properly so that
your signal does not distort when transmitted.

q Select SSB or another phone mode (AM or FM

mode).

w

Push [DISPLAY] for 1 sec. to select quick set mode.

e Push [MENU] one or more times to select “Q2

MIC GAIN.”

•The ALC meter is selected automatically when operat­ing in SSB mode.

r While speaking into the microphone, rotate the

main dial to adjust the microphone gain so that the
ALC meter does not peak past the ALC zone.

•While transmitting at your normal voice level, the ALC
meter should read at about the middle of the ALC zone.

• Be sure the mic gain is in the range of 2 to 5.

t Push [DISPLAY] to exit quick set mode.

ALC

ALC zone

ALC

S1

5379

20 40 60 dB

USB

Q2 MIC GAIN

[MENU] Main dial

[DISPLAY]

■ Ready to call CQ?

BAND

BAND

MODE

TS

DISPLAY

LOCK

F 1 F 2 F 3

AF RF SQL

RIT

SHIFTM-CH

SUB

PHONES

TUNER

P.AMP

ATT

Y

Z

POWER

MENU

TX

RX

[AF]: Max. CCW

[RF/SQL]: Center

[LOCK]: OFF
(indicator light out)

[POWER]: OFF

[SHIFT]: Center

[P.AMP/ATT]: OFF
(indicator lights out)

[TUNER]: OFF
(indicator lights out)

[RIT/SUB]: OFF
(indicator lights out)

CCW : counterclockwise

X

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

The IC-703 has a built-in, low distortion speech com­pressor circuit. This circuit increases your average
talk power in SSB mode and is especially useful for
DX’ing when the receiving station is having difficulty
copying your signal.

q Select USB or LSB mode.
w Select the ALC meter.

• Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select M.

•Push [MENU] one or more times to select M3, then push

[

(F-3)

MET] one or more times to select “ALC.”

e Select M4.

•Push [MENU] one more time to select M4.

r Push [(F-2)COM] to turn the speech compressor

function ON.

• “COM” appears.

t Push [

(F-2)

COM] for 1 sec. to enter the compres-

sion level set mode (p. 54).

y Rotate the main dial to set the speech compression

level.

NOTE: When the ALC meter peaks at light the ALC

zone, your transmitted voice may be distorted.

Hint!

Voice patterns and audio characteristics vary with
each operator, therefore the Microphone gain,
speech compression settings will be different for
each operator. Actual on air experimenting is nec­essary to get just the right sound. It’s best to test
and adjust your audio on the air, while someone
who knows what your real voice sounds like listens,
and provides and opinion on your audio quality.

2. Speech compressor

Verify you have selected a clear frequency
and call out your CQ!

Quick Reference

[(F-3)]

[MENU] [(F-2)]

USB

5379

S1

ALC

20 40 60 dB

C1 COMP LEVEL

ALC

ALC zone

Main dial[DISPLAY]

1

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Front panel

q POWER SWITCH [POWER] (p. 17)

➥ While transceiver’s power is OFF:

Push to turn power ON.

• Turn the DC power supply ON in advance.

➥ While transceiver’s power is ON:

❍ Push momentarily to indicate the connected

power supply voltage.

❍ Push for 1 sec. to turn power OFF.

w AF GAIN CONTROL [AF] (inner control; p. 17)

Varies the audio output level from the speaker.

e RF GAIN CONTROL/SQUELCH CONTROL

[RF/SQL] (outer control; p. 24)

Adjusts the RF gain and squelch threshold level.
The squelch removes noise output from the speaker
(closed condition) when no signal is received.

•The squelch is particularly effective for FM. It is also
available for other modes.

•12 to 13 o’clock position is recommended for any setting
of the [RF/SQL] control.

•The control can be set as ‘Auto’ (RF gain control in SSB,
CW and RTTY; squelch control in AM and FM) or
squelch control (RF gain is fixed at maximum) in initial
set mode as follows. (p. 79)

• When setting as RF gain/squelch control

•When functioning as RF gain control

(Squelch is fixed open; SSB, CW, RTTY only)

•When functioning as squelch control

(RF gain is fixed at maximum.)

Squelch is
open.

S-meter
squelch

S-meter squelch
threshold

Noise squelch
threshold
(FM mode)

Shallow Deep

Noise squelch (FM mode)

Minimum RF gain

Adjustable
range

Maximum
RF gain

Recommended level

RF gain
adjustable
range

Maximum
RF gain

S-meter
squelch

Noise squelch (FM mode)

Squelch is
open.

MODE

SSB, CW

RTTY

AM, FM

AUTO

RF GAIN

SQL

SQL

SET MODE SETTING

SQL

SQL

RF GAIN + SQL

RF GAIN + SQL

RF GAIN + SQL

AF RF/SQL

No audio output

Max. audio output

Decreases Increases

BAND

BAND

MODE

TS

DISPLAY

LOCK

F 1 F 2 F 3

AF RF SQL

RIT

SHIFTM-CH

SUB

PHONES

TUNER

P.AMP

ATT

Y

Z

POWER

MENU

TX

RX

CH

VFO A

P

O

S1

5

5379

20 401060dB

USB

M1 SPL A/B XFC

qwe

r

t

y

i

o

!1

!2!3!4!5!6!7!8

!9

@0

@2
@1

!0

u

2

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

r FUNCTION DISPLAY

Shows the operating frequency, dot matrix indica­tions, selected memory channel, etc. See p. 9 for
details.

t TUNING STEP SWITCH [TS] (pgs. 19–21)

➥ While in SSB/CW/RTTY modes, push momentar-

ily to turn the programmable tuning step ON and
OFF. While in FM/AM mode push momentarily to
toggle the programmable tuning step and 1 MHz
quick tuning step.

•While the programmable tuning step indicator is dis­played, the frequency can be changed in programmed
kHz steps.

•0.01 (FM/AM mode only), 0.1, 1, 5, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25

and 100 kHz tuning steps are available.

•1 MHz quick tuning step are only available in FM and
AM modes.

➥ While the programmable tuning step is OFF, turns

the 1 Hz step ON and OFF when pushed for 1
sec.

•1 and 10 Hz steps are only available in SSB, CW and
RTTY modes.

•1 Hz indication appears, and the frequency can be
changed in 1 Hz steps.

➥ While the programmable tuning step is ON, en-

ters the tuning step selection mode when pushed
for 1 sec.

y MODE SWITCH [MODE] (p. 23)

➥ Push momentarily to cycle through the operating

modes:
USB/LSB ➧ CW ➧ RTTY/SSB-D ➧ FM/AM

➥ Push for 1 sec. to toggle the following operating

modes:
USB ↔ LSB
CW ↔ Memory keyer mode
RTTY↔ SSB-D (SSB data mode)
FM ↔ AM

u RECEIVE/TRANSMIT INDICATORS [RX]/[TX]

➥[RX]: Lights green while receiving a signal and

when squelch is open.

➥[TX]: Lights red while transmitting.

i MAIN DIAL

Changes the displayed frequency, sets the values
of selected initial set mode items, etc.

o UP/DOWN (BAND) SWITCHES [Y/Z(BAND)]

➥ Push momentarily to select a band.

•Can also be used to advance or back the quick set
mode items, initial set mode items, etc.

➥ Push and hold to scroll through the bands contin-

uously.

!0 MAIN DIAL TENSION LATCH

Selects the main dial tension.

• 2 positions are available.

!1 MICROPHONE CONNECTOR (p. 10)

Modular-type microphone connector—Accepts the
supplied microphone (HM-103).

•The optional OPC-589 can be used to connect an 8-pin
microphone such as the SM-8 or SM-20, if desired.

•A microphone connector is also available on the rear
panel. DO NOT connect 2 microphones simultaneously.

!2 LOCK SWITCH [LOCK]

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the dial lock function

ON and OFF.

•The dial lock function electronically locks the main
dial.

➥ When the optional UT-102

VOICE SYNTHESIZER

UNIT

is installed (p. 86), push for 1 sec. to have

the frequency, etc. announced.

•UT-102 operation can be adjusted in the initial set
mode (p. 82).

!3 DISPLAY SWITCH [DISPLAY] (p. 94)

➥ Push momentarily to select one of the three menu

sets: M1 to M4, S1 to S4 and G1 to G4.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the quick set mode.

!4 MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCHES [F1] / [F2] / [F3]

➥

Push to select the function indicated in the dot ma­trix display above these switches. (pgs. 4–6, 94)

• Functions vary depending on the menu set selected.

➥Push to edit a character for memory keyer pro-

gramming or memory name. (pgs. 35, 59)

!5 MENU SWITCH [MENU] (p. 94)

➥ Push this switch one or more times to select

menus within a menu set (M, S or G), or push to
advance through the quick set mode and initial
set mode displays.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to jump between two different

function menu sets.

1

Programmable tuning step indicator

USB

LOCK

Lights while the lock
function is activated.

3

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

!6 RIT/SUB DIAL SWITCH [RIT/SUB] (pgs. 21, 47)

➥ Push to toggle the RIT or SUB DIAL function ON

and OFF—initial set mode is used to select the
desired action*.

•Lights green when the SUB DIAL function is ON; lights
red when the RIT function is ON.

•Use the [M-CH] control to vary the RIT frequency or
SUB DIAL frequency (see below).

➥ When the RIT function is ON, push for 1 sec. to

add or subtract the shifted frequency to the oper­ating frequency.

*Even if RIT is selected in initial set mode, RIT cannot be se-

lected when operating AM or FM modes.

✔

What is the RIT function?

The RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning) shifts the receive fre­quency without shifting the transmit frequency.

This is useful for fine tuning stations calling you on an off-fre­quency or when you prefer to listen to slightly different­sounding voice characteristics, etc.

!7 SHIFT CONTROL [SHIFT] (outer control; p. 47)

Shifts the center frequency of the receiver’s IF pass­band.

•Rotate the control clockwise to shift the center frequency
higher, or rotate the control counterclockwise to shift the
center frequency lower.

•When rotate the control, the IF passband is graphically
displayed and changes in accordance with the [SHIFT]
control.

!8 M-CH CONTROL [M-CH] (inner control)

➥ When the RIT or SUB DIAL functions are OFF, ro-

tate to select a memory channel number (p. 56).

➥ Shifts the receive frequency while the RIT func-

tion is ON in SSB, CW and RTTY modes (see
above or p. 47).

• RIT variable range is ± 9.99 kHz

➥ Changes the operating frequency in the selected

tuning steps while the SUB DIAL function is ON
(p. 21).

!9 HEADPHONE JACK [PHONES] (p. 14)

Accepts headphones with 8–16 Ω impedance.

•When headphones are connected, no receive audio
comes from the speaker.

•When the PHONES/SPEAKER switch on the back of the
front panel is set to the [SPEAKER] position, an external
speaker can be connected. This is convenient for mobile
or outdoor operation.

@0 TUNER SWITCH [TUNER] (pgs. 64–66)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the automatic an-

tenna tuner function ON and OFF (bypass).

•Lights red when the automatic antenna function is ON.

➥ Push this switch for 1 sec. to manually tune the

antenna.

•When the tuner cannot tune the antenna, the tuning
circuit is bypassed automatically after 20 sec.

@1 FRONT PANEL LATCH (p. 12)

Pull away from the transceiver (towards yourself
when looking at the front of the transceiver) to de­tach the front panel from the main body of the trans­ceiver.

@2 PRE AMP/ATTENUATOR SWITCH [P.AMP/ATT]

(p. 46)

➥ Push momentarily to turn the preamp ON or OFF.
➥ Push for 1 sec. to turn the 20 dB attenuator ON;

push momentarily to turn the attenuator OFF.

•Lights green when the preamp is ON; lights red when the
20 dB attenuator is ON.

✔

What is the preamp?

The preamp amplifies received signals in the front end cir­cuit to improve the S/N ratio and sensitivity. Turn ON ‘P.AMP’
when receiving weak signals.

✔

What is the attenuator?

The attenuator prevents a desired signal from distorting
when very strong signals are near the desired frequency, or
when very strong electric fields, such as from a broadcast­ing station, are near your location.

P.AMP/ATT

Lights green while the preamp is activated;
lights red while the attenuator is activated.

TUNER

Lights while the automatic
tuning function is activated.

Back of the front panel

PHONES ∫

SPEAKER √

PHONES ∫

SPEAKER √

M-CH SHIFT

Decreases Increases

M-CH M-CH M-CHSHIFT SHIFT SHIFT

Shifts low Center Shifts high

RIT/
SUB

Lights red while the RIT function is activated;
green while the SUB DIAL function is activated.

4

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Multi-function switches

D M1 functions

SPLIT OPERATION (p. 30)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the split func-

tion ON and OFF. (p. 51)

•“ä”appears when the split function is ON.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to turn the quick split func-

tion ON. (p. 52)

•The offset frequency must be programmed in
advance using initial set mode. (p. 80)

•The offset frequency is shifted from the dis­played frequency.

•The quick split function can be turned OFF
using initial set mode. (p. 79)

VFO A/B SELECTION

➥ Push momentarily to toggle VFO A and

VFO B in VFO mode. (p. 18)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the transmis-

sion VFO and reception VFO during split
operation. (p. 51)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the transmit

and receive frequencies (and modes) of
memory channels when the split function
is turned ON.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to equalize the frequency

and operatingmode of the two VFO’s.

•The rear (undisplayed) frequency and oper­ating mode are equalized to the front (dis­played) VFO frequency and operating mode.

TRANSMIT FREQUENCY CHECK (p. 51)

Monitors the transmit frequency when
pushed and held.

•While pushing this switch, the transmit fre­quency can be changed with the main dial.

D M2 functions

MEMORY WRITE (p. 57)

Push for 1 sec. to store the selected read­out frequency and operating mode into
the displayed memory channel.

MEMORY CLEAR (p. 58)

Push for 1 sec. to clear the selected read­out memory channel contents.

•“}” appears.

•This switch does not function in VFO mode.

VFO/MEMORY

➥ Push momentarily to toggle between VFO

and memory modes. (p. 56)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to transfer the frequency

and operating mode in the selected mem­ory channel to a VFO. (p. 58)

D M3 functions

FILTER SELECTION (p. 49)

Push to toggle the narrow filter (or wide
filter—push for 1 sec.) ON and OFF.

•“ã”appears when the narrow filter is ON;
“ç” appears when the wide filter is ON.

•An optional filter installation and presetting in
initial set mode (p. 79) is necessary to use
the following:

CW/RTTY narrow: FL-52A or FL-53A
SSB narrow: FL-222
SSB wide: FL-257

NOISE BLANKER (p. 48)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the noise

blanker ON and OFF.

•“NB” appears when the noise blanker func­tion is ON.

•The noise blanker does not function in FM
mode; “30 AM NB” item (p. 80) in initial set
mode must be set to ON for the noise
blanker to work in AM mode.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the noise blanker

level set mode.

•The noise blanker level can be set in noise
blanker level set mode (p. 46).

F-2

NB

F-1

FIL

MENU

M3

F-1

FIL

F-2

NB

F-3

MET

1

M1

MENU

SPL

F-1

A/B

F-2

XFC

F-3

SPL

F-1

A/B

F-2

XFC

F-3

M2

MENU

MW

F-1

MCL

F-2

V/M

F-3

MW

F-1

MCL

F-2

V/M

F-3

5

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

METER SELECTION (p. 52)

Selects the type of meter displayed (dur­ing transmit) in the function display.

•Power, ALC or SWR metering can be se­lected.

•Only an S-meter is available for receive.

D M4 functions

DURING SSB/AM OPERATION:

DURING CW OPERATION:

DURING RTTY OPERATION:

DURING SSB-D OPERATION:

DURING FM OPERATION:

VOX FUNCTION (p. 53)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the VOX func-

tion ON and OFF.

•“VOX” appears when the VOX function is
ON.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the VOX set

mode.

•The VOX delay, VOX gain and ANTI-VOX
can be set in VOX set mode.

✔

What is the VOX function?

The VOX function (voice operated transmission) starts trans­mission without pushing the PTT switch when you speak into
the microphone; then, automatically returns to receive when
you stop speaking.

SPEECH COMPRESSOR (p. 54)

➥ Push momentarily to toggle the speech

compressor ON and OFF.

•“COM” appears when the speech compres­sor is ON.

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the compression

level set mode.

•The COMP gain can be set in compression
level set mode.

AGC (p. 48)

Push to change the time constant of the
AGC circuit.

•“F

AGC

” appears when the fast time constant

is selected.

1/4 FUNCTION

Push to toggle the 1/4 tuning function ON
and OFF.

•When the 1⁄4 function is ON, a bar appears
under the

1

⁄4 indication and fine tuning can be

used.

KEYER SET MODE (p. 32)

Push for 1 sec. to enter the keyer set
mode.

•The break-in setting, break-in delay time, CW
pitch, CW paddle type and dot/dash ratio can
be set in the keyer set mode.

✔

What is the break-in function?

Full break-in (QSK) activates the receiver between transmit­ted dots and dashes. This is useful when operating in nets,
or during DX pileups and during contests, when “fast ex­changes” are common.

RTTY TONE SET MODE (p. 40)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the RTTY tone set

mode.

•The RTTY tone frequency, RTTY shift fre­quency and RTTY keying polarity can be set
in RTTY tone set mode.

FM TONE OPERATION

➥ Push momentarily to select the subaudi-

ble tone encoder for repeater use, tone
squelch function and OFF. (pgs. 43–45)

•“T” appears when the repeater tone function
is ON. (pgs. 43, 45)

•“TSQL” appears when the tone squelch func­tion is ON. (p. 43)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to enter the FM tone set

mode. (p. 44)

•The repeater tone frequency, tone squelch
frequency can be set in FM tone set mode.

F-2

TON

F-2

TON

F-2

KEY

F-1

1/4

F-3

AGC

F-2

COM

F-1

VOX

MENU

M4

F-1

VOX

F-2

TON

F-3

MET

F-3

M4

MENU

M4

MENU

M4

MENU

M4

MENU

VOX

F-1

COM

KEY1/4

F-1 F-2

1/4 TON

F-1

1/4

F-1

AGC

F-2

F-3

AGC

F-3

AGC

F-2 F-3

AGC

F-2 F-3

6

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

D S1 functions

MEMORY WRITE (p. 57)

Push for 1 sec. to store the selected
readout frequency and operating mode
into the displayed memory channel.

MEMO PAD WRITE (p. 60)

Push to store the the selected readout
frequency and operating mode into a
memo pad.

MEMO PAD READ (p. 60)

Push to call up a memo pad.

D S2 functions

DURING VFO MODE:

DURING MEMORY MODE:

SCAN (pgs. 61–63)

Push to start or stop the scan function.

PRIORITY WATCH (p. 63)

Push to start or stop the priority watch.

VFO/MEMORY

➥ Push momentarily to toggle between VFO

and memory modes. (p. 56)

➥ Push for 1 sec. to transfer the frequency

and operating mode in the selected mem­ory channel to a VFO. (p. 58)

SELECT SCAN (p. 61)

Push to toggle the select setting ON and
OFF for the selected memory channel.

D S3 functions

QUICK BAND CHANGE FUNCTION (p. 22)

This item provides access to the band stacking regis­ter. By default the 7, 14 and 21 MHz bands are dis­played. Push [F-1], [F-2] or [F-3] for 1 sec. to select a
new band if desired.

•A mode is memorized along with the frequency for each
band.

D S4 functions

(UT-106 is required for some version)

AUTOMATIC NOTCH FILTER (p. 50)

This function automatically attenuates
beat tones, tuning signals, etc., even if
they are moving.

NOISE REDUCTION (p. 50)

This function reduces noise components
and picks out desired signals which are
buried in the noise.

NOISE REDUCTION LEVEL DISPLAY (p. 50)

This switch displays the noise reduction
level when pushed.

F-3

NRL

F-2

NR

F-1

ANF

MENU

S4

F-1

ANF

F-2

NR

F-3

NRL

1

S1

MENU

MW

F-1

MPW

F-2

MPR

F-3

MW

F-1

S2

MENU

S2

MENU

SCN

F-1

SCN

F-1

MPW

F-2

PRI

F-2

SEL

F-2

MPR

F-3

V/M

F-3

V/M

F-3

S3

MENU

7

F-1

14

F-2

21

F-3

SCN

F-1

PRI

F-2

V/M

F-3

SEL

F-2

7

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Rear panel

q ANTENNA CONNECTOR [ANT] (p. 13)

Accepts a 50 Ω antenna with a PL-259 connector.

w GROUND TERMINAL [GND] (p. 11)

Connect this terminal to a ground to prevent electri­cal shocks, TVI, BCI and other problems.

e DATA SOCKET [DATA] (pgs. 8, 14)

6-pin min DIN socket to connect a TNC (Terminal
Node Controller), etc. for packet operation.

•See page at right for socket information.

r ACCESSORY SOCKET [ACC] (pgs. 8, 14)

Enables connection to external equipment such as a
TNC for data communications, a linear amplifier or
an automatic antenna selector/tuner, etc.

•See page at right for socket information.

t EXTERNAL SPEAKER JACK [EXT SP] (p. 14)

Accepts a 4–8 Ω speaker.

y

CI-V REMOTE CONTROL JACK [REMOTE] (p. 71)

➥ Designed for use with a personal computer for re-

mote control of the transceiver functions.

➥ Used for transceiver operation with another Icom

CI-V transceiver or receiver.

u MICROPHONE CONNECTOR [MIC] (p. 13)

Accepts the supplied microphone (connected in par­allel with the front panel’s [MIC] connector).

•See p. 2 for microphone notes.

•See p. 10 for microphone connector information.

i ELECTRONIC KEYER JACK [KEY] (p. 28)

Accepts a paddle to activate the internal electronic
keyer.

•Selection between the internal electronic keyer and
straight key operation can be made in keyer set mode.
(p. 32)

If you use an external electronic keyer, make sure
the voltage retained by the keyer is less than 0.4 V
when the key is ON.

o TUNER CONTROL SOCKET [TUNER] (p. 14)

Accepts the control cable from an optional AH-4

HF

/50MHz

AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER

.

!0 DC POWER SOCKET [DC13.8V] (p. 15)

Accepts 9.0–15.87 V DC through the supplied DC
power cable.

NOTE: DO NOT use a cigarette lighter socket as a
power source when operating in a vehicle. The plug
may cause voltage drops and ignition noise may be
superimposed onto transmit or receive audio.

When connecting
a straight key

When connecting
a paddle

(dot)
(com)
(dash)

(⊕)

w

q

r

e t y u i

o

!0

8

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

D DATA socket

D ACC socket

ACC

PIN No.

NAME DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATIONS

1 8 V Regulated 8 V output.

Output voltage : 8 V ±0.3 V
Output current : Less than 10 mA

2 GND Connects to ground. ———

Input/output pin.

(HF/50 MHz only) Ground level : –0.5 V to 0.8 V

3

HSEND

Goes to ground when transmitting. Output current : Less than 20 mA
When grounded, transmits. Input current (Tx) : Less than 200 mA

4 BDT Data line for the optional AT-180. ———

5 BAND

Band voltage output.

Output voltage : 0 to 8.0 V

(Varies with amateur band)

6 ALC ALC voltage input.

Control voltage : –4 V to 0 V
Input impedance : More than 10 kΩ

7 NC ——— ———

8 13.8 V 13.8 V output when power is ON. Output current : Max. 1 A

9 TKEY Key line for the optional AT-180. ———

“High” level : More than 2.4 V

10 FSKK Controls RTTY keying “Low” level : Less than 0.6 V

Output current : Less than 2 mA

11 MOD

Modulator input. Input impedance : 10 kΩ
Connects to a modulator. Input level : Approx. 100 mV rms

AF detector output.

Output impedance : 4.7 kΩ

12 AF Fixed, regardless of [AF] position in

Output level : 100–300 mV rms

default settings.

13 SQLS

Squelch output. SQL open : Less than 0.3 V/5 mA
Goes to ground when squelch opens.

SQL closed : More than 6.0 V/100 µA

DATA

PIN No.

NAME DESCRIPTION

1 DATA IN Input terminal for data transmit. (1200 bps: AFSK/9600 bps: G3RUH, GMSK)

2 GND Common ground for DATA IN, DATA OUT and AF OUT.

3 PTT P PTT terminal for packet operation. Connect ground to transmit data.

4 DATA OUT Data out terminal for 9600 bps operation only.

5 AF OUT Data out terminal for 1200 bps operation only.

Squelch out terminal. Becomes ground level when the transceiver receives a signal
which opens the squelch.

6 SQ •To avoid unnecessary TNC transmission, connect squelch to the TNC to inhibit trans-

mission when receiving signals.

• Keep audio output at a normal level, otherwise a “SQ”signal will not be output.

Color refers to the cable strands of the supplied cable.

ACC 1 ACC 2

q FSKK t AF
w GND y SQLS
e HSEND u 13.8 V
r MOD i ALC

q 8 V t ALC
w GND

y VSEND

e HSEND

u 13.8 V

r BAND

1234

88765

9

101112

13

1

2

3

4

76

5

1

2

3

4

7

6

5

Connect to ACC socket

• When connecting the ACC conversion cable (OPC-599)

1

56

34

12

Rear panel view

1234

8765

9

101112

13

Rear panel view

q brown i gray
w red o white
e orange !0 black
r yellow !1 pink
t green !2 light
y blue
u purple !3 light

blue

green

9

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

■ Function display

q NARROW/WIDE FILTER INDICATORS

➥ “ã” appears when selecting AM narrow or FM

narrow modes.

➥ When installing an optional narrow filter, narrow

mode can be selected in CW, RTTY and SSB
modes.

•When the SSB wide filter is installed, “ç” appears

during wide mode selection.

w MODE INDICATORS

Show the selected operating mode.

•“å” appears when CW reverse or RTTY reverse mode is

selected.

e SPLIT INDICATOR

Appears during split operation.

r PROGRAMMABLE/1 MHz TUNING STEP

INDICATORS

➥ ra appears when the programmable tuning step

is selected.

➥ rb appears when the 1 MHz quick tuning step is

selected.

t FREQUENCY READOUT

Shows the operating frequency.

y BLANK MEMORY INDICATOR

Appears when the displayed memory channel is not
programmed (blank channel).

• This indicator appears both in VFO and memory modes.

u VFO/MEMORY INDICATORS

➥VFO A or B appears when VFO mode is selected;

MEMO appears when memory mode is selected.

i SELECT MEMORY CHANNEL INDICATOR

Appears when the selected memory channel is set
as a select memory channel.

o MEMORY CHANNEL READOUT

Shows the selected memory channel.

!0 DOT MATRIX INDICATORS

These alphanumeric readouts show a variety of in­formation such as current functions of the “F” keys
[F1] to [F3], memory channel names, set mode
items, etc. See p. 94 for an overview of these indi­cators.

!1 METER READOUTS

➥ Shows receiving signal strength while receiving.
➥ Shows one of transmit power meter, ALC or SWR

meter while transmitting.

!2 FUNCTION INDICATORS

➥ “NB” appears when the noise blanker is activated.
➥ “VOX” appears when the VOX function is se-

lected.

➥ “F-BK” appears when full break-in operation is se-

lected and only “BK” appears when semi break­in operation is selected.

➥ “COM” appears when the speech compressor is

activated.

➥ “FAGC” appears when the fast AGC function is se-

lected.

!3 DSP INDICATORS

Appear when the (optional*) DSP unit UT-106 is (in­stalled and) activated.

* UT-106 DSP unit is optional for some version.

N W R

LSB

NB VOX F-BK COM F

CH

VFO A
VFO B

MEMO

AGC

ALC
SWR P

O

S1

1 1.5 2 3 5

5379

20 401060dB

USB CW RTTY

AM FM TSQL

SPL

S

∞

NRNR

ANF

BLANK

DSP

qw

t

r

e

y

i

!0

!1

!2

!3

u

o

rb

M1 SPL A/B XFC

a

10

1

PANEL DESCRIPTION

• MICROPHONE CONNECTOR

■ Microphone (HM-103)

qUP/DOWN SWITCHES [UP]/[DN]

Change the operating frequency.

•Push and hold to change the frequency continuously.

•Tuning step is 50 Hz when no TS indicator appears.

wLOCK SWITCH [LOCK]

Locks the [UP]/[DN] switches.

ePTT SWITCH [PTT]

Push and hold to transmit; release to receive.

DN UP

LOCK

OFF ON

q

w

e

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PIN NO. FUNCTION DESCRIPTION

1 +8 V DC output Max. 10 mA

2

Frequency up Ground

Frequency down Ground through 470 Ω

8

Squelch open “LOW” level

Squelch closed “HIGH” level

• HM-103 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

4700p

4700p

10µ

0.33µ

+

+

MICROPHONE

MIC
ELEMENT

2k

2.2k

470

DOWN

LOCK UP

PTT

RECEIVE
TRANSMIT

MICROPHONE
CABLE

MICROPHONE PLUG

12345678

CAUTION:DO NOT short pin 1 to ground as

this can damage the internal 8 V regulator.

1

Rear panel view

12345678

q +8 V DC output
w Frequency up/down
e AF output
r PTT
t GND (Microphone ground)
y Microphone input
u GND
i Squelch switch

2

11

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

■ Unpacking

After unpacking, immediately report any damage to the
delivering carrier or dealer. Keep the shipping cartons.

For a description and a diagram of accessory equip­ment included with the IC-703, see ‘Supplied acces­sories’ on p. ii of this manual.

■ Selecting a location

Select a location for the transceiver that allows ade­quate air circulation, free from extreme heat, cold, or
vibrations, and away from TV sets, TV antenna ele­ments, radios and other electromagnetic sources.

The base of the transceiver has an adjustable stand
for desktop use. Set the stand to one of two angles de­pending on your operating conditions. (see description
at right page)

■ Grounding

To prevent electrical shock, television interference
(TVI), broadcast interference (BCI) and other prob­lems, ground the transceiver through the GROUND
terminal on the rear panel.

For best results, connect a heavy gauge wire or strap
to a long earth-sunk copper rod. Make the distance be­tween the [GND] terminal and ground as short as pos­sible.

R WARNING: NEVER connect the [GND] ter-

minal to a gas or electric pipe, since the connection
could cause an explosion or electric shock.

■ Antenna connection

For radio communications, the antenna is of critical im­portance, along with output power and sensitivity. Se­lect antenna(s), such as a well-matched 50 Ω antenna,
and feedline. 1.5:1 or better of Voltage Standing Wave
Ratio (VSWR) is recommended for your desired band.
Of course, the transmission line should be a coaxial
cable.

CAUTION: Protect your transceiver from lightning

by using a lightning arrestor.

ANTENNA SWR

Each antenna is tuned for a specified frequency
range and SWR may be increased out-of-range.
When the SWR is higher than approx. 2.0 : 1, the
transceiver’s power drops to protect the final transis­tors. In this case, an antenna tuner is useful to match
the transceiver and antenna. Low SWR allows full
power for transmitting even when using the antenna
tuner. The IC-703 has an SWR meter to monitor the
antenna SWR continuously.

PL-259 CONNECTOR INSTALLATION EXAMPLE

q

Coupling ring

w

e

r

30 mm

10 mm (soft solder)

10 mm

Soft
solder

1–2 mm

solder solder

Slide the coupling ring
down. Strip the cable
jacket and soft solder.

Strip the cable as
shown at left. Soft
solder the center con­ductor.

Slide the connector
body on and solder it.

Screw the coupling
ring onto the connector
body.

2

12

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

To raise the stand:

With the transceiver upside down, pull the stand to­wards the rear panel and then upwards, as illus­trated below.

■ Installation

D Single body mounting D Stand

Nut

Spring washer

Flat washer

*CAUTION: Non-supplied screws (longer than 8 mm)

may damage the internal units.

MB-62
(optional)

Supplied with
the MB-62*

D Front panel separation

D Front panel mounting

q While pulling the panel release button towards you,

slide the front panel to the right (fig. 1).

w Attach the optional OPC-581 to the main body and

tighten the supplied screw as in fig. 2.

e Attach the other end of the OPC-581 to the de-

tached front panel as in fig. 3.

CAUTION: NEVER detach/attach the front panel

when connecting the DC power supply (or battery).
Make sure the disconnecting DC power cable from
the [13.8 V] receptacle on the transceiver rear
panel.

q Attach the MB-63 to a flat surface using the two

supplied screws (fig. 1).

w Fix the detached front panel to the MB-63 as illus-

trated in fig. 2.

BE CAREFUL of the orientation of the MB-63, oth­erwise, the front panel may become attached in the
opposite direction.

2

fig. 1

fig. 2

Pull back

then up

fig. 3

Separation cable

Latch

Separation cable

fig. 1

fig. 2

13

2

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

■ Required connections

BAND

BAND

MODE

TS

DISPLAY

LOCK

F 1 F 2 F 3

AF RF SQL

RIT

SHIFTM-CH

SUB

PHONES

TUNER

P.AMP

ATT

Y

Z

POWER

MENU

TX

RX

MICROPHONE (p. 10)

HF/50 MHz ANTENNA

GROUND

(p. 11)

HM-103

CW KEY (p. 28)

Use the heaviest gauge wire or
strap available and make the
connection as short as possible.

Grounding prevents electrical
shocks, TVI and other problems.

Connects to DC 9.0–15.8 V
power supply. See p. 15 for
details.

14

2

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

■ Advanced connections

BAND

BAND

MODE

TS

DISPLAY

LOCK

F 1 F 2 F 3

AF RF SQL

RIT

SHIFTM-CH

SUB

PHONES

TUNER

P.AMP

ATT

Y

Z

POWER

MENU

TX

RX

OPC-589 (p. 92)

DESKTOP (p. 91)
MICROPHONE

Selectable with the [PHONE/SPEAKER] switch
on the back of the front panel.

SPEAKER

ACC SOCKET (p. 8)

DATA SOCKET

(p. 8)

6-pin mini DIN socket to connect to a
TNC, etc. for packet operation.

AH-4

(p. 16)

AH-2b

EXTERNAL
SPEAKER (p. 91)

HEADPHONES

SP-7/SP-10

SM-20

or

REMOTE (p. 71)
Used for computer control
and transceive operation.

2

Use a 13.8 V DC power supply with at least 3 A ca­pacity. when operating IC-703 with AC power. Refer
to the diagram below for connection.

CAUTION:

Before connecting the DC power cable, check the
following important items. Make sure:

• The [POWER] switch is OFF.

•Output voltage of the power source is 9.0–15.8 V
when you use a non-Icom power supply.

•DC power cable polarity is correct.
Red: positive (+) terminal,
Black: negative (–) terminal

■ DC Power supply connections

15

2

INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

■ Battery connections

■ DC Power voltage

Depending on the applied voltage from the connected
power supply, a boarder voltage of 11.0 V is set as the
point where the IC-703 switches between normal op­erating mode (over 11.0 V), and battery operating
mode (under 11.0 V: power save mode).

However when the connected voltage decreases from

13.8 V to 11.0V, the IC-703 switches from normal
mode to battery mode. Conversely the IC-703
switches back to normal mode from battery mode

when the voltage reaches 11.5 V. This 0.5 V voltage
difference prevents irregular switching between nor­mal mode and battery mode, caused by the voltage
drop which are current capacity, receiving or transmit­ting.

When 11.3 V voltage is applied, the IC-703 may acti­vate the battery operating mode depending on the
current capacity of the power supply.

•RWARNING NEVER connect to a battery

without supplied DC fuse, otherwise a fire hazard
occur.

•NEVER connect the transceiver directly to a

24 V battery.

•DO NOT use the cigarette lighter socket for power

connections. (See p. 7 for details)

•Attach a rubber grommet when passing the DC

power cable through a metal plate to prevent a
short circuit.

PS-125

Transceiver

CONNECTING A DC POWER SUPPLYCONNECTING PS-125 DC POWER SUPPLY

*13.8 V; at least 3.0 A
continuous

A DC power

supply*

Black

_

Red

+

AC

outlet

Connect to an AC
outlet using the
supplied AC cable.

Ground

DC power cable

Optional
OPC-1248

CONNECTING A VEHICLE BATTERY

Grommet

to DC power
receptacle

Supplied
OPC-1229

4 A fuses

AC cable

Note:

Use terminals for

the cable connections.

black

12 V
battery

Supplied
DC power cable

red

Crimp

Solder