703 vs 703+ - AR15.COM

Posted: 11/25/2014 2:32:24 PM EDT

Yes, it's time for yet another radio. This time a full-featured QRP rig. Yes, I know that means KX-3 to many and while the KX-3 is a very nice radio it's way out of my budget. The KX-3 plus the internal antenna tuner is $900 + $180 = $1080. I've settled on an ICOM 703 as it appears to hit the sweet spot for functionality per dollar given my budget. In the current used market I can get one (depending upon model and accessories) from $500-$650-ish.

What isn't entirely clear is the difference between a 703 and a 703+. It appears that it may only be the addition of the 6m band. Is that it? What about DSP. Does the 703+ come with the UT-106 DSP module? Are there any other differences between these two rigs? My guess is that I'd like a 703+ but I don't really need 6 meters if that is the only difference and I can get a 703 for a bit less. I can add the UT-106 at some other time.

73.

Posted: 11/25/2014 3:32:16 PM EDT

[#1]

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0703.html

The original Icom IC-703 version was the same, but without 6 meters. Please note that the IC-703 front panel says "HF/50MHz", but this is a printing error.

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Posted: 11/25/2014 3:50:10 PM EDT

[#2]

Or get a KX3

Posted: 11/25/2014 4:00:33 PM EDT

[#3]

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Or get a KX3

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I've lurked ARFHAM long enough to know that was coming.

Posted: 11/25/2014 4:05:03 PM EDT

[#4]

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Quoted:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0703.html

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Quoted:

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/0703.html

The original Icom IC-703 version was the same, but without 6 meters. Please note that the IC-703 front panel says "HF/50MHz", but this is a printing error.

Yup, I saw that but I wanted to be sure that really was the only difference. For instance there's a lot more difference between the 706 models (706\706MKII\MKIIG - http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/3450new.html ) and I wanted to be sure that there wasn't more than just the added band for the 703 family. Looks like a need to hunt down a nice 703.

73!

Posted: 11/25/2014 5:44:46 PM EDT

[#5]

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Quoted:

I've lurked ARFHAM long enough to know that was coming.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Or get a KX3

I've lurked ARFHAM long enough to know that was coming.

Some hard asses members here may also mention "GET BOTH"!

(They're both a lot of fun!) The receiver on the KX3 is better, but the IC-703+ is still very good.
I have only a small handful of 6m contacts, so if you find a regular 703 for a good price, I'd go for it.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - 703 vs 703+

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