Icom Ui-7 Am Fm Unit ((better)) -

The is an optional internal plug-in board designed for vintage Icom HF transceivers from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its primary purpose is to add FM transmit/receive and AM transmit capabilities to radios that originally only supported AM/SSB/CW reception. 🛠️ Technical Specifications

The unit modifies the radio's fundamental receiver system from a double-conversion to a triple-conversion superheterodyne when operating in FM mode.

Mode Support: Enables AM transmission and full FM transmit/receive. Intermediate Frequencies (FM): Adds a 3rd IF at 455 kHz. Power Output: AM: 10–40 Watts (continuously adjustable). FM: 10–100 Watts (continuously adjustable).

FM Sensitivity: 0.5 µV for 12 dB SINAD (typically measured at 28–29.7 MHz). Selectivity: AM: 6 kHz at -6 dB. FM: 12–15 kHz at -6 dB. 📻 Compatible Radios icom ui-7 am fm unit

The UI-7 is specifically intended for a narrow range of older Icom "entry-level" HF rigs. Primary Compatibility: IC-725 and IC-728. Other Models: Also listed as compatible with the IC-721, , Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , and . Excluded Models: It is not needed for the IC-729 or Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

, as these models already have FM and AM transmit capabilities built-in from the factory. 💡 Key Considerations Availability: As a discontinued vintage accessory, the

is now primarily found on the used market through eBay or specialist retailers like Radioworld UK Expanded Functionality: Installing the The is an optional internal plug-in board designed

is a prerequisite for adding the UT-30 Programmable Tone Encoder, which is required to access FM repeaters that use subaudible (CTCSS) tones.

Ease of Install: It is a plug-in board, meaning it generally does not require complex soldering but does require opening the radio chassis. 🛈 Pro-tip: If you are using an Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

, verify if the unit is already installed by checking if the radio transmits in FM; many used units were upgraded by previous owners. Icom UI7 FM Option - Universal Radio, Inc. Dual Watch: Monitors Channel 16 while listening to

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3. Dual Watch and Tri-Watch Functions

Critical for safety, the UI-7 allows you to monitor:

• Dual Watch: Monitors Channel 16 while listening to another VHF channel.
• Tri-Watch: Monitors Channel 16, Channel 9 (calling), and another selected VHF channel simultaneously.
• Audio Priority: When a signal is received on Channel 16, the AM/FM broadcast is automatically muted to ensure you never miss a distress call.

Problem: "DSC function not showing GPS"

• Cause: No NMEA 2000 connection or corrupted data.
• Fix: Ensure the main transceiver is receiving NMEA 2000 sentences (GGA, RMC) from your plotter.

Operational Features

Once the UI-7 is installed and configured:

1. Mode Selection: The radio becomes capable of automatically selecting the correct demodulation mode (AM or FM) based on the frequency tuned.
2. Wideband Reception: The VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator) can be tuned across the supported broadcast spectrum, rather than being restricted to the 2-meter and 70-centimeter ham bands.
3. Dual Watch Capabilities: Depending on the host radio's capabilities, the UI-7 may allow the user to monitor a broadcast station while maintaining a watch on a ham repeater frequency (though usually, transmission is inhibited when tuned to broadcast frequencies).

AM Broadcast (0.5–1.7 MHz)

• Sensitivity: Very good for a transceiver add-on. On a 1m whip antenna (stock IC-705), you’ll hear strong local stations clearly. With a proper external AM loop or long wire, sensitivity matches dedicated portables like a Tecsun PL-330.
• Selectivity: Fixed, around ±6 kHz. This is fine for strong signals, but adjacent-channel rejection (e.g., 10 kHz spacing) is poor compared to a dedicated DX radio. You will hear bleed-over from nearby strong stations.
• Audio quality: Restored to built-in speaker or headphones. It’s clean but not Hi-Fi – about 3–5 kHz bandwidth, typical of an amateur radio’s audio path. Not for critical music listening.

4. Superior Audio Clarity

The UI-7 utilizes Icom’s “Clear Voice” technology. The microphone element is noise-canceling, reducing wind and engine roar. The speaker output is crisp, with a dedicated audio amplifier that outperforms nearly every integrated radio mic on the market.

Programming the F-Key (Function Button)

The UI-7’s "F" button (located on the side, below the PTT) is its secret weapon. Via the IC-706’s menu system, you can assign one of several functions to this button. This allows you to perform a specific action without touching the main radio.