Note
The Icom IC-970 series was an advanced, state-of-the-art VHF/UHF, all-mode transceiver. The rig is especially well-suited for serious satellite operators and VHF/UHF band enthusiasts, with optional coverage on 1200 MHz.
The IC-970A is the low power version, while the IC-970H is high power. See text for power output details.
Features
– Dual Receivers: It features separate receivers for the MAIN and SUB bands, allowing simultaneous dual watch.
– Expansion Capabilities: The system can be expanded by installing an optional 1200 MHz band unit and a wideband general coverage receiver.
– Satellite Operations: It is designed for perfect satellite communication , featuring normal tracking (MAIN and SUB bands change in the same direction) and reverse tracking (MAIN and SUB bands change in opposite directions).
– Memory Capacity: The transceiver includes 99 memory channels for each band.
– Scanning Functions: It is equipped with multiple-action scan functions , including Main Band and Sub Band scan switches.
– Display: It utilizes a large multi-function LCD (Central Monitoring System) to display information for both bands simultaneously.
– Selective Calling: The radio includes a selective calling system , featuring a Pager function and Code Squelch.
– Tuning Technology: It uses a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) System and includes a dial click function that makes the dial click when rotating in tuning steps greater than 5 kHz.
– Signal Processing: It features a notch filter to reduce interference signals and a speech compressor to increase average output power.
- CW Capabilities: It supports CW break-in operations (with adjustable delay) and an optional electronic keyer.
– Audio Separation: A speaker separate function allows you to divide the MAIN and SUB band audio between the internal speaker and an external speaker, or separate them into the left and right channels of stereo headphones.
– Receive Incremental Tuning (RIT): The RIT function allows you to shift the receiving frequency without altering the transmit frequency.
– Automatic Gain Control (AGC): Includes an AGC switch to select between slow and fast time constants for holding audio output constant during signal strength fluctuations.
– Tone/Pocket Beep: The radio has a built-in pocket beep function and subaudible tone encoder, and can support an optional tone squelch unit.
Specifications
– Operating Modes: All-mode capability, including SSB, CW, and FM.
– Optional Modes: FM-wide (FM-W) and AM can be added with an optional UX-R96 receiver unit.
– Frequency Range: Primarily covers the 144 MHz and 430/440 MHz bands.
– Memory Channels: 99 memory channels are available for each band.
Interference Rejection:
– Notch Filter: Reduces interference signals in the MAIN band.
– Noise Blanker: Blanks pulse-type noise (like vehicle ignition) in SSB, CW, and AM modes.
– Attenuator: Provides 20 dB of attenuation for the optional general coverage band.
– RIT (Receive Incremental Tuning): Allows for a shift of up to ±9.99 kHz on the MAIN band without affecting the transmit frequency.
– Squelch Systems: Includes standard squelch, code squelch, and pager functions (FM only).
Expansion and Connectivity
– Optional Units:
UX-97: 1200 MHz band unit.
UX-R96: Wideband general coverage receiver unit.
UT-36: Voice synthesizer unit for English frequency announcements.
UT-34: Tone squelch unit.
Rear Panel Ports:
– Antenna Connectors: Type-N for 430 MHz and PL-259 for 144 MHz.
– Remote Control: CI-V jack for PC-based remote operation.
– Data/ACC Sockets: For connecting external equipment and packet radio.
– Speaker/Headphones: Supports external 4–16 Ω speakers and 1/4 inch mono or stereo headphones
General
– Operating Temperature Range: -10°C to +60°C (+14°F to +140°F).
– Frequency Stability: 144/430 (440) MHz bands: Within ±3 ppm (-10°C to +60°C).
– 1200 MHz band (optional): Within ±3 ppm (-10°C to +60°C).
Transmitter Specifications
– Output Power:
144 MHz: 3.5–25 W (IC-970A/E), 5–100 W (IC-970H).
430 (440) MHz: 3.5–25 W (IC-970A/E), 5–75 W (IC-970H).
1200 MHz: 1–10 W.
– Modulation System:
SSB: Balanced modulation.
FM: Variable reactance frequency modulation.
– Spurious Emissions: Less than -60 dB.
– Carrier Suppression: More than 40 dB.
– Unwanted Sideband: More than 50 dB.
– Microphone Impedance: 600 Ω.
Receiver Specifications
– Receive System:
SSB/CW: Triple conversion superheterodyne.
FM: Quadruple conversion superheterodyne.
– Intermediate Frequencies (for 144 MHz): 1st: 10.75 MHz; 2nd: 455 kHz (SSB/CW); 3rd: 455 kHz (FM).
– Sensitivity:
SSB/CW (10 dB S/N): Less than 0.11 μV.
FM (12 dB SINAD): Less than 0.18 μV.
– Squelch Sensitivity:
SSB/CW: Less than 1.0 μV.
FM: Less than 0.1 μV.
– Selectivity:
SSB/CW: More than 2.3 kHz/-6 dB.
FM: More than 15.0 kHz/-6 dB.
– Spurious and Image Rejection Response: More than 70 dB.
– Audio Output Power: More than 2.5 W at 10% distortion with an 8 Ω load.
– Audio Output Impedance: 4–8 Ω
Power Supply Requirement: 13.8 V DC ±15% (negative ground) or 100–120 V AC (with optional IC-PS35 internal power supply).
*** Caution: Voltage must never exceed 16 V DC.
Current Drain (at 13.8 V DC):
Transmit (at max. power):
44 MHz: 10.0 A (IC-970A), 20.0 A (IC-970H).
430 (440) MHz: 11.0 A (IC-970A), 19.0 A (IC-970H).
1200 MHz: 9.0 A.
Receive: Max. audio: 3.5 A; Squelched: 3.0 A.
