ICOM IC-7000 (HF/ VHF / UHF Mobile)

[DaveK]

I read those, thanks. Do you use your rig for 2m / 70 cm as well. Will that antenna work or is there something else you do? Now here is a question that may seem obvious but I'll ask anyway. I see cars with multiple antennas. Is each hooked to a different rig or is there a switch/tuner that people use to switch from one to another?

Yes, you can, and I do, use the 7000 for vhf/uhf. It has some features that my 8800 doesn't, including some filters and an ability to increase the audio gain that can pull in distant stations. For regular vhf/uhf duties, including APRS, my choice is the 8800.

On the question of multiple antennas and rigs, you want to avoid a set up like this that cruiserlarry had on his Yugo.

messy.jpg (40.47 KiB) Viewed 6624 times

But seriously, yes you can do a coax switch between two radios for the same antenna.

[Dennis David]

That's way too scary

So back to my question. If I have one rig like the IC-7000 would the scorpion antenna handle HF as well as VHF/UHF or do people get two antennas and switch antennas with some kind of switcher? At most I'll only have the one mobile and one HT.

[DaveK]

Oh, Sorry. You did ask that.

The Scorpion antennas will only do HF (6-80 or 6-160, depending on the model you buy) and you will need another antenna for vhf/uhf. On the IC7000 there are two antenna connections on the back of the radio - one for vhf/uhf and one for hf, so you will not need any type of a switch.

Hope that helps.

[Dennis David]

D'oh! I should have looked at the rear panel. They have a law in California against textting while driving but again looking at the rear panel I wonder if they mind someone keying?

[Angrycars]

I have the ic-7000 installed in my chevy express van. I'm running it through a Little Tarheel 2 for HF, and a Comet Supper Gainer for VHF UHF. I've had it for about 3 months now. I have had no problem with over heating or low audio. It is IMHO the best mobile all mode radio at this time.
My previous mobile was a Yaesu 857d and Atas-120 for HF and the same UHF/VHF ant as now. My Yaesu and Atas worked flawlessly but the filters were not that effective.
I'm able to pull weak signals using bandpass and notch filters (parked ofcourse) that I was not able to do before.
Anyway there are plenty of reviews on the net with more detail.

73
KC6KYO

[DaveK]

Phil:

I've been running the 7000for a couple of years myself, also with a screwdriver antenna, and it has served me well.

If you get a chance, we would enjoy a write up.