Icom IC-M710
Icom’s marine MF/HF SSB transceiver, known in Iran simply as the “IC-710”: 150 W PEP, a 0.5–30 MHz general-coverage receiver, 160 programmable channels plus all ITU channels, a die-cast aluminium chassis and a fan for continuous duty.
Overview
The IC-M710 is Icom’s marine MF/HF SSB transceiver, introduced in 1995. In Iran it is usually just called the “IC-710”, and for years it was the main radio on many dhows, fishing boats and ships in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. (A 1970s Japanese-market amateur rig was also called IC-710; it is unrelated to this model.)
It is built for heavy, continuous duty at sea: a die-cast aluminium chassis, a large fan for long full-power transmissions and selectable 150, 60 or 20 W PEP output. All standard ITU channels (SSB voice and telex/NBDP) are pre-programmed, plus 160 user channels. The receiver covers 0.5–30 MHz, and an NMEA input accepts GPS position data.
Who is it for?
Vessels that need long-range contact with the shore and other boats, and radio amateurs who want an extremely rugged HF base station and are prepared to set it up for the amateur bands. If you want a ready-made amateur radio with FM, VHF/UHF and DSP, the IC-706 series is a better fit.
Strengths
- Very rugged, made for the marine environment; fan-cooled for continuous full-power RTTY and NBDP
- 150 W PEP, more than most amateur radios
- Good frequency stability: ±10 Hz below 15 MHz
- Loud 4 W audio that cuts through engine and wind noise
- All ITU channels ready to use, selected by channel rather than by frequency
- NMEA input and, on some versions, a 2182 kHz distress alarm
Limitations
- As delivered it only transmits on the marine bands, not the amateur bands
- No FM and no VHF/UHF; marine VHF (channel 16) needs a separate radio
- Big and heavy (7.8 kg) and draws up to 30 A on transmit
- No DSP or modern filters, and channel-based operation is slow for amateur use
Amateur-band use
The IC-M710 can be set up to transmit on the amateur bands; the method depends on the version and should be done by a trusted technician. After that, amateur frequencies are stored in the programmable channels for SSB and CW. Remember that transmitting on any band requires a valid licence for that band.
Installation
- Mount the AT-140 automatic tuner near the antenna feed point (whip or backstay), not next to the radio; the OPC-566 control cable is 10 m long.
- A good RF ground is essential on a boat: a marine ground plate or wide copper strap to a metal hull.
- Keep the power cable short and thick, fused, and straight to the battery; it draws 30 A on transmit.
- Protect the connectors against moisture and salt and check them for corrosion regularly.
Specifications
- Introduced
- 1995 (GMDSS version IC-M710RT from 1998)
- Transmit bands
- Marine bands 1.6–27.5 MHz (no amateur bands as delivered)
- Receive range
- 0.5–30 MHz (general coverage)
- Output power
- 150, 60 or 20 W PEP selectable (above 24 MHz: 60 or 20 W)
- Modes
- USB/LSB, AM, CW, AFSK and FSK (depending on version); no FM
- Channels
- 160 programmable + ITU channels (up to 1136 in total)
- Receiver
- Double-conversion superheterodyne
- IF frequencies
- 69.0115 MHz and 9.0115 MHz
- SSB sensitivity
- 0.5 µV at 1.8–30 MHz (12 dB SINAD)
- Frequency stability
- ±10 Hz below 15 MHz, ±20 Hz above
- Clarifier
- ±150 Hz
- Audio output
- 4 W into 4 Ω
- Power supply
- 13.6 V DC (±15%), negative ground
- Current drain
- Transmit: 30 A max — receive: 2.5 A
- Antenna connectors
- One SO-239 (50 Ω)
- Dimensions (without projections)
- 291 × 116 × 315 mm
- Weight
- 7.8 kg
- Operating temperature
- −20 °C to +60 °C
- Automatic antenna tuner
- AT-140 (earlier AT-130) with the OPC-566 control cable
- Optional filters
- FL-100 (500 Hz for CW and FSK)
- Other features
- NMEA input, fan for continuous duty, voice squelch, 2182 kHz alarm (depending on version)
Buying used: what to check
- 01 Check whether it is an IC-M710 or the GMDSS IC-M710RT (with a separate controller); features and power differ slightly.
- 02 Inspect the case, connectors and screws for rust and salt deposits; marine radios have usually lived a hard life.
- 03 Measure the output into a 50 Ω dummy load at a few frequencies (150 W PEP).
- 04 Transmit for a few minutes and make sure the fan runs and the power does not drop.
- 05 Ask whether it has been set up for the amateur bands; if so, test transmitting there.
- 06 If an AT-140 tuner comes with it, test the tuner and its control cable too; they are a large part of the value.
FAQ
Is the IC-710 the same as the IC-M710?
Can it be used on the amateur bands?
What power supply does it need?
What antenna does it need?
Does it have FM or VHF?
Questions about the IC-M710?
Ask on Telegram or by email — common questions are added to this page.