Icom M700 | Mods

The original HM-28 hand microphone for the M700 has been discontinued for decades. If you need a new mic, you'll need to modify the radio or its connector.

To use the M700 for FT8, JT65, or SSTV, you need to interface the radio with a computer via a sound card interface.

Altering radio equipment can void warranties and may impact the device's compliance with FCC or other national regulatory standards. Always operate within the parameters of your license and local regulations.

The IC-M700 is rated for a massive 150W PEP output, which generates significant heat during prolonged transmissions, such as digital mode operations (FT8, JS8Call, or Winlink). Fan Mod for Digital Modes icom m700 mods

Increasing power is not recommended for several reasons:

The IC-M700 is a pure analog radio – no CAT control. But with a simple Arduino or PIC-based interface, you can add via a computer.

The is a classic marine SSB transceiver that has found a second life among amateur radio operators due to its rugged build and relatively low cost on the used market. While originally restricted to marine frequencies, several hardware and software modifications can unlock its full potential for ham radio and general coverage use. Core Performance Modifications The original HM-28 hand microphone for the M700

However, the rise of digital modes (FT8, Pactor, Winlink) and the needs of cruisers necessitated a change.

The IC-M700 can memorize 48 channels, storing both transmit and receive frequencies independently. Memories are fully programmable from the front panel keyboard and are field-programmable, requiring no specialized equipment for channel management. The memory is retained by a lithium battery, which may need periodic replacement as the radio ages.

Marine radios are factory-equalized to cut off low-end frequencies entirely. This maximizes punch and intelligibility through heavy atmospheric noise, but it results in harsh, tinny audio on the ham bands. ESSB and Microphone Matching Altering radio equipment can void warranties and may

To allow full front-panel programming of banks A and B, ensure that jumper W33 (W1033) on the Logic Board is NOT installed.

The M700PRO can be controlled via a serial COM port, allowing computer-based frequency and mode changes. This enables integration with logging software, digital mode applications, and remote operation setups. A GitHub repository exists with a Visual Basic program specifically for controlling Icom M700, M710, and M802 series radios, providing a foundation for custom control solutions.

The final mod was the most heretical: a blue LED display. The original gas-discharge VFD had that perfect warm, minty turquoise glow of the 1980s. But it was dim and uneven. A kit from a hobbyist in Ukraine replaced it with a crisp, modern, ice-blue OLED. It was sacrilege. It was also gorgeous. The numbers now snapped into focus, bright and cold as a winter sky.