Why I LOVE the Icom IC-7100

[@AD6DMDennis]

7100 is definitely a cool rig. I think it makes a perfect desktop radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

It really is a great desktop radio!

[@ve3zdr]

The 7100 is my base radio. I have not seen a single radio that does what it does to justify replacing it. Maybe someday a 7300-9700 pair, but as an all in one, I don’t think it can be beat!!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I have my eye on a 9700... but I need to get closer to... well, anywhere to make a use of it.

[@daniell8387]

So many people get up in arms about one thing then call each other snowflakes over other things. I think we should all just love our hobby.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Agreed!

[@d3w4yn3]

I don't know what's up with the torches and pitchforks crowd that are critical of this rig. I don't own one, but I've done a lot of cost comparison analysis and it seems to be well worth the money.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't even know what they cost new, but I'd only be wanting a tuner and waterfall as upgrades if they had a new model. I have solutions for those "problems" already, so no complaints from me.

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

My 7100 is in for repairs. it’s not colour, it’s not exciting and I took it for granted. now I have not been able to use it for the past month. I appreciate how good it was. And I have not found a replacement in my collection, which is : 705 7300, 991a ftdx10, x6100 g90 , trusdx ubitx and the hermes lite 2 sdr. This took a long time to type all the model numbers. LOL

[@temporarilyoffline]

I appreciate you... more than you appreciated that radio ;-)

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

⁠@@temporarilyoffline thanks that’s a good comment. But when it comes back, I will be updating the Mobile set up with a ldg it 100 tuner.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@digitalanaloguehamradio I have my LDG-100 connected to it now, great matchup!

[@ke8mattj]

I love my 7100! I use it as my base station like you showed in your video. The only two knocks I have for it is lack of waterfall (expected: older rig) and lack of internal tuner. Other than those, it is an excellent radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

This guy gets it!

[@kellyw1648]

I love my IC-7100. It has so many cool (and practical) features such as multimeter, SWR graph. I do wish that it had a color screen and maybe a band scope that works better. If they ever upgrade this radio I will definitely buy the new version. I love the small footprint on my desk. Awesome.

[@temporarilyoffline]

She's a winner!

[@johnk8091]

When the 7100 was first released, I was meh about the form factor - I love my 7000 and 706MK2G form factor (specifically for mobile). But, it took me a few years, but I ended up ordering a 7100. It's a great radio. What sets it apart from Yaesu, is the fact that a speaker is built into the head unit - and it's a good speaker, also there is a mic jack on the back of the head unit. Makes mobile installation so easy. I also bought a FT-891 to use with my ATAS. However, there is no mic jack on the back of the FT-891 head unit...and no speaker. So, if you mount the body of the 891 in the trunk, then you need to route a mic cable and also a speaker cable all the way from the trunk to a speaker and mic in the cab. Also, the 7100 has a nice big display screen, easy touch access for changing modes and bands. Much easier to use than my 891, no complex deep menus. And the Icom ace card - the ability to display ALL meters on the display at the same time. And, to boot, VHF, UHF, airband - FT-891 can't do that. Now, if Icom would introduce a similar all band HF motorized antenna similar to the ATAS, with direct antenna control from the 7100, it would be perfect

[@temporarilyoffline]

Well said. It's hard to break tradition, but with good reason, it should be broken.

[@dscooby5942]

The 891 does have a speaker/Headphone Jack on left side of display unit its hard to see its on left side of display unit .small hole .pop face plate off and there's a switch that say 's Speaker or headphones to decide how you want the jack to be used..its hard to see but its there.no need to route cable from body .

[@kenthufford743]

The 7100 also does DSTAR on all bands. Including DSTAR on HF simplex.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'm looking forward to that!

[@MikeN2MAK]

I would love to see a refresh of the 7100 with a 3:1 internal tuner and color screen.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You got that right!

[@DonzLockz]

The 7100 is in my top 5 wish list. If I could find one at a reasonable price, I'd snap it up.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You'd be wise to snap it up!

[@billgill85]

Not if I get to it first! The only thing I don't like about the 7100 is its availability or lack thereof.

[@Kd4jwf2024]

I use it as part of my Auxcomm go box that I keep in the jeep

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nice! I need to make a go box for mine.

[@WaynePatrick]

Wish I could find a good one used to put in my work truck. And I would love one for my shack too.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Ohh! now I need 2!

[@JJ-el8li]

I bought my 7100 new and will never sell it. Such a great radio!!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'm loving it!

[@Westoftherockiesyourontheair]

Love my 7100. Use with remote rig in my car, nothing like making contacts on your commute!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Right!

[@Wayde-VA3NCA]

I love my 7100! I usually just use it as my base stn, but I packed it up in a (knockoff) "Pelican" case and took it for a POTA activation yesterday. 2.5hrs, 219 qso's on 11 bands, and a lot of fun later, I'd say it did the thing well! Great flexibility and a fun all band all mode mobile radio!

[@temporarilyoffline]

It's a great radio!

[@marshred]

The IC-7100 is the Perfect All-In-One Mobile Radio! I have one in my vehicle and my head-unit is mounted similar to yours. I run with an Atas-120, a Diamond 2m and a Hustler 75m resonator antennas. The head-unit actually is awesome for operation in a vehicle. I have the mount set so that I can rest my arm on the armrest and my hand on the controller. Could not ask for better!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I can't wait for the next revision to see how they improve it

[@stahpit1971]

I have the 7100 in my tundra. The Ram mount for large phones works perfect. For what they charge for it still I think it should have an antenna tuner built in.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I can agree about the tuner!

[@Siskiyous6]

The 7100 was my base station and WOW the stuff it does. Glad you noted the great screen, practicality over flashy!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I was waiting for your comment ;-)

[@VE2FGJ]

Thank you TO for promoting the 7100, I love mine too! It is a shack in a box.

[@temporarilyoffline]

More to come! (don't know when, but more to come)

[@keithfrost1268]

most of my side band contacts are from the 7100 in my jeep. The wedge is an acquired taste, but well worth it.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its not hard to love once you get it installed... but until then, grumpy OMs gonna judge

[@arnecarlsson9740]

ICOM random wire tuner AH-4 is a great companion to IC 7100!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I had an AT-180 for a while and that was big and beastly... worked well. I'll look at the AH-4

[@jtlerch]

I love my 7100, maybe not as cool as a newer radio with a full color waterfall but it does all the things and with decent power. Run it portable, mobile or as a base ... good to go.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Checks a lot of boxes!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

That's a sweet set up Steve!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!

[@dave-wk4t]

I’d love to see the 7100 upgraded with 705 smarts!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Shouldn't be that hard! If only some of this stuff was more "open" it could be done.

[@thomasstandley6309]

I have one and there are a lot of upsides to the 7100 as a mobile or portable unit not the least of which is a nice straightforward menu structure. The big downside is the fact the thing is a real power hog and you need to have adequate amps to drive it particularly if you're using a battery for POTA. I actually like the head design.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'm a fan.

[@davidw3gzs55]

Any word on when Icom will resume production of the IC-7100?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Icom is pretty tight lipped... about everything...

[@m0aze611]

Each to their own, my friend has had one for years and loves it. I wouldn’t say no to one if I was in the market for one. 73 Mike

[@temporarilyoffline]

It does take some getting used to, and I'm hoping showing it in use will help.

[@truckinguy92]

That wiggle would drive me crazy. I mounted my head unit in the center console of my WRX, no wiggle.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I wound up going with a better mount in my next truck, it still wiggled. I'll be getting something better again for my newer truck.

[@PendejoRyan]

I use my 7100 as my mobile rig as well. Its absolutely fantastic IMO. I put an external speaker on it that is mounted on my dash.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nice! The rear firing speaker could use a little help!

[@HOAHamRadio]

Didn't know you had one, I'm jealous, and I can't understand people hating on it! Keep sharing.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've always got some trick up my sleeve. Thanks for watching. BTW, I need to see your video on how you mounted those HTs on the wall.

[@EdwardGriffin]

I wish my IC-7100 had dual VFOs. I bought the GPS and cables needed to hook it to my Mobilinked and use it with apps on my phone for APRS. Shame Icom didn't build that in. I have the cable and a LDG ProII tuner I can use with it on HF and 6m if needed. Too bad a tuner wasn't built in but I manage. I would say that even with all of these shortcomings it's still a great shack in a box that gives you great capability for home/mobile/portable use with a easy to use GUI and a built in soundcard. There are times when I'll use it over my IC-7300 or IC-705 but then again there are times when one of those other radios works better for what I'm trying to accomplish.

[@temporarilyoffline]

And then here are times when neither work - I took it out today for a POTA and couldn't get the park activated in my 2 hour time constraint with either the 705 or the 7100... some days...

[@HamRadioDX]

The 7100 was great in the car! I made a great contact mobile with another ham via a repeater 😊

[@temporarilyoffline]

I heard about that - fantastic signal reports. Truly the perfect radio!

[@kb1qzh]

First, it was great meeting you when you stopped by the Hamsource booth. I wish I had the USB case for the Evolve LTE card with me but I left it at the hotel. I never got used to the 7100's head shape. I just couldn't see it being useful mobile. I admit I'm biased coming from 2820, 706, and 7000. This video makes me want to find the old Icom to SGC tuner interface. Hope the schematics are online somewhere.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great meeting you as well! See you next year!

[@qrptedmac]

I’m ordering one as I understand they’re coming back in stock in October. Do I need it? No but I just want one.

[@temporarilyoffline]

What is this "need" word you use? I've never heard of that before???

[@qrptedmac]

@@temporarilyoffline Lol

[@45auto]

I really like my 7100. While a color screen with a waterfall and a tuner would be nice I don't feel they're strictly necessary.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Same.

[@shotgunwilly4685]

I made the mistake of buying a Yaesu FT-891 to replace an Icom 746 that died. It was for my camp, so didn't want anything too expensive. Anyways, 2 weeks after buying the 891, I realized how much that radio sucked. I found a Yaesu fan that had a used 7100 and was willing to make an even trade. That was about 7 years ago. I still have that 7100 and love it. It is my travel radio and currently in service as a back up because I screwed up my 7300. I don't care what any of the nay sayers have to say about it, the 7100 is a great radio!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I have both, and the 7100's bigger screen wins! The 891 is the best all around audio rig, but that's not the only thing we need to look for.

[@oncomics1128]

IC-7100 scratches most itches for me. I expected to move off it but years later I am still on it.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I imagine it will be hard to displace. There is nothing like it on the market. The closest thing is the 991a... and its bigger... and also destined for sunset soon.

[@walteredwards544]

I like everything about this radio except that the head doesn't attach to the body(am I wrong about that)? If not for that, I'd have one now. Right now, I'm holding out hope for an updated version of the Yeasu FT- 891

[@temporarilyoffline]

Head does not attach

[@grahamauld8894]

When the FTM-500 came out, I got excited as it looked like the replacement 857. Nope. Please Yaesu, make us a modern 857 with C4FM.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@grahamauld8894 That would be pretty sweet!

[@ibrahimbouarki3932]

How to distinguish when buying the Chinese version and the original version.. I wish to respond.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Go ahead

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

Is the 7100 available new again? I picked up a used IC7000 for portable because a used 7100 was pricey for occasional use.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I think its a current product of icom's but available is a different story.

[@robertmeyer4744]

I like that radio. great for a desk . I have seen 7100 used for POTA in a go box. was neat . the radio does work really good. I have the 7300 my self but know a few with the 7100 and got to try it. it has VHF/UHF . do not recall if 1.25 meters . 73's

[@temporarilyoffline]

I haven't seen 1.25 meters

[@xssfox]

I loved the 7100 so much I bought a second. So good having a radio that can do most bands and modes, fairly cheap and physically versatile. We take ours portable all the time, run it in the car. APRS digi, winlink, sstv - super simple to interface. Can do 9600baud. I'd need two radios and cost significantly more without the 7100.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Right, it fills a very big portion of the "needs" column

[@IM1deadMONEY]

Right now, 7100 and 7300 are on sale for the same price... I can't think of a great reason i would want the 7300.... waterfall??.....It's not worth it to me. I'd like to be able to work VHF and UHF, am I missing something?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nothing that I can think of. Just a color screen and a waterfall

[@IM1deadMONEY]

@temporarilyoffline Great! Thanks for responding. You have a sub

[@dwayne5530]

I thought the 7100 was discontinued. Figured Icom would becoming out with an update to it with a color screen.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its on a production delay along with several other models - I'd suspect that its not going to come back, but it would be easier to bring it back than to certify a new radio.

[@dwayne5530]

@@temporarilyoffline Is the 705 on production delay also? Seems to be out of stock every where. Wonder if they're using 705 parts for the 905

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@dwayne5530 The 905 is post chip-plant fire, so should be all good to go... the 705 needs chips, or needs a re-build/re-cert.

[@randyk6yfe730]

Steve, I've heard that through-the glass antennas give higher than 'normal' SWR readings because of the tint on the glass. Have you experienced this? 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've heard that, the antenna does need to be tuned before use. My SWR was high. I'll be getting a new car soon, so I'll have another video out.

[@celebmrk9]

I’m looking to get the ICOMM-7100 for my first HF…and probably my only HF. Any input or feedback?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Would be a great radio. I've put over 1000 QSOs on mine so far and it is now hard mounted in my truck.

[@peterwaine923]

7100 is damned good working radio, and you can see the screen in any lighting conditions...nice on colour but if yeah cant see the screen out in daylight whats the point?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good point!

[@Homer19521]

Maybe I am listening to a different crowd, but I don't hear anyone dissing the 7100. I have one & it is a great rig. It is like having a IC-7410 in mobile form, plus VHF/UHF. The 7410 is one of the highest rated rigs on EHam. 👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

I hear a lot of negative words for "the wedge", I love it.

[@SV1RXI]

Of course is a hf ,2/70 rig and does all this ,i don't care for not having sdr or colour screen as long it performs well on what is having now.A lot talking about low ssb output also is this a fault of the rig or of the mic? And something about sparks also mentioned and some make a mod .I don't know if the mod is for the low modulation or for the sparks .I don't have it now ,i use to have it at the past for some days

[@temporarilyoffline]

It's a great rig, but most people can't get past the looks.

[@SV1RXI]

@@temporarilyoffline The look is good ,detachatable head unit with a build in speaker .The important is the low ssb modulation cause by the mic or the radio plus is the sparks i mentioned is true and youcan't use it with amp

[@docpearson]

I feel that one of the major downfalls or problems with this radio is you cannot Cross Band repeat with it. I can get by with an extrernal antenna tuner hidden someplace in my trunk but what is absolutely a horrible failing is the Japanese have absolutely failed by not putting Cross Band repeating capabilities in this radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I agree. There is always something missing. If I were running a radio company, once I defined a mobile technology, it would never come out of a mobile radio going forward. That would be my standard. Kenwood did the same with full duplex in the 72, but gone in the 75.

[@DellFargus]

I was looking at an IC-7100, but I read that the display konks out if you leave it in a hot car. Do you leave yours in the car, or do you take it with you when you get out?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Mine goes in a variety of places, hasn't really spent a lot of time in the car.

[@ontarget1911]

Trucker wanna be with that mike setup😆

[@temporarilyoffline]

Don't be jealous! 🤣😎

[@dwhip49]

Looking hard at buying this for both mobile and desktop...what are the recommended antennas? Edit: Brand new HAM looking at this for first radio ((second after struggling with Wouxun(sp) UV 8H))

[@temporarilyoffline]

I use this one for 2/70: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYbPiap6l8x0nZo and this one for mobile HF - but I also connect to any external antenna when I feel the urge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXzQXnigfNqLiac Ham Sticks are also great for portable - 20m during the day, 40m after dark.

[@W5MHG]

I love this radio. I have two of them!

[@temporarilyoffline]

This one might be a keeper! I'll see after a lot of road testing!

[@jacksonwademarts8223]

where can i get the mount for the radio?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Jackson, thanks for watching. There are links in the description for everything shown in the video. Hope that helps!

[@jameyevans29]

Is there a lot of traffic on 2 meter ssb?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not near me, but in more populated areas I would think there is.

[@jameyevans29]

@@temporarilyoffline Ok I was thinking about DX stations. Thanks for the videos!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@jameyevans29 aprs.mennolink.org/map this is FM, but it would give you an idea of what is possible.

[@napomania]

in your opinion , is the diaplay easily readable? i m a little lazy about the eyes.. cheers

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yes, the display is great. I'd prefer if they updated the hardware to the 705's style of interface, but I'm very happy with this radio's display both in the shack and in the car.

[@Philip-KA4KOE]

Please discuss your mic lanyard.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Gear Keeper Mic Holder: amzn.to/3KO60aZ If anything, its a little too much tension... but I guess that leaves room for it to age in.

[@calvinlong1265]

The only reason I'm looking at a Yaesu FT-891 instead of the 7100 is the price.

[@temporarilyoffline]

They are both good radios. Just keep in mind that the 7100 has features that the 891 does not: 2m/70cm/sound card being the most major features.

[@ryank5tar]

I get great reports from my 7100.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Me too! Great radio!

[@Cliff-KI5OPP]

Looking forward to the deep dive

[@temporarilyoffline]

I found out I need to repair this one, so a deeper dive than my usual... when I get my truck back.

[@FEPLabsRadio]

Nice setup in the car.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks Jim!

[@FightUni09]

I like the 7100 and used it maritime mobile. The radio does much more than I know how to do. I'm mainly CW. I tried DSTAR, but although I can hear other stations through a reflector, they can't hear me so I'm doing something wrong. Anyway, it's a great radio and now I mostly enjoy it on my Deck (DOTA?). 😂 Good video, thanks.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good to hear! DSTAR is an interesting mode, I haven't mastered it yet myself.

[@johnjacobs3160]

Why such hate for a discontinued rig?

[@temporarilyoffline]

The funny thing is the 7100 isn't even discontinued (yet) - they just can't source parts.

[@alvinnorris6523]

I still love my ic7100

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its a great radio!

[@victorcharlie7491]

Nice looking radio very compact, tnx bro.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're welcome!

[@RookieLock]

Verry cool ! Have to done any videos on Allstar.. its the next project on my list once I can get a raspberry pi 3b or 4..

[@temporarilyoffline]

I haven't done any vids on it. It was very straight forward to do. Probably will make some in the future.

[@gaptastic]

I always liked the 7100.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Me too

[@thuff3207]

The 7100 is a good radio but never fit my vehicles due to the size of the head. This is why there are options for radios.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I love them all... some less than others.

[@nvrmor023]

If they would only give us the 705 with a seperate head, 100 watts, and a tuner.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's the real deal right there!

[@M0RMY]

Hi TO - of course it works well, but it's not practical as a mobile set up for me - not being flat. Hence I loved the IC7000 with it's separation option (despite really high power needs). Still baffled why nobody makes a modern IC7000. Good video as usual mate.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks for watching! I would love to see a color screen with a waterfall and tuner. Its a sweet little setup.

[@wrenchmonkey3920]

aha maybe coming back. dx sez 'on order' ship date oct 2023.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nice! Icom has had parts shortage issues for a while now.

[@jamescady723]

Just getting into HF and DSTAR and was seriously looking at the 7100. Appreciate this video. I'm not sure why this wouldn't be a good first base unit.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I think it would be a good first unit. People just can't get past the wedge.

[@arniep740]

Thanks for this video. I agree that the 7100 is a great and versatile rig. It can, however, be problematic if your supply voltage dips at all, like what may happen in a mobile setup withiut an aux. battery. 73 de Arnie W8DU

[@temporarilyoffline]

Good tip!

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

I like that set up. :)

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!

[@jamesa4958]

Thank you

[@temporarilyoffline]

you're welcome!

[@signalscout6020]

That’s not why we give you the side-eye Steve.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Ok, I deserve that ...

[@signalscout6020]

@@temporarilyoffline😆

[@eddieMurphy11111]

I love my 7100 G0VVT

[@temporarilyoffline]

Me too! 1000 contacts and counting on mine.

[@pen25]

let anyone who emails you saying they dont like their 7100's that i will pay them 500 bucks for one.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Will do, but they will probably take my $501 offer first ;-)

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Besides being an Icom ( ha ha ha), it’s not a bad radio. I’ve used one a few times doing POTA activations (another ham’s radio) and it worked great. The only downside to it is that I didn’t know where specific settings were. 😂 73!

[@temporarilyoffline]

It does the thing

[@stevencristofero968]

Nice

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!

[@tks5138]

所持している。しかし、ダブル受信でないので残念です。

[@temporarilyoffline]

That would be a nice addition.

[@stahpit1971]

For the size and price point of this radio it seems it should have a built-in tuner or dual receive.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@stahpit1971 agreed

[@Kd4jwf2024]

I love it

[@temporarilyoffline]

Me Too

[@prakashsmg]

I love my IC7100, Its Really fantastic radio, the best base and mobile setup. 73 de VU2KPU

[@temporarilyoffline]

Agreed! 💯