Icom Ic-703 Hf/50mhz All Mode Tranciever Instruction Manual

							VI
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
D D
What are you hearing? 
Stop and focus on what you are hearing. Do you hear
a lot of noise? Is the signal intelligible? Are you set up
for the right mode? How about the filters?
1. Verify mode
Your IC-703 has many features to reduce QRM and
QRN from the desired signal. 
a. Noise Reduction:The noise reduction system on
your IC-703 is part of the DSP. This is used to re-
duce the hiss and QRM levels.
qSelect S4(DSP menu).
• Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select S.
• Push [MENU] one or more times to select S4.
wPush [(F-2)NR] to activate the noise reduction func-
tion.
• “DSP” and “NR” appear when the function is ON.
b. Adjusting the Noise Reduction:The noise re-
duction is completely variable on how much of the
DSP Noise Reduction is used.
qPush [
(F-3)NRL] to indicate the noise reduction
level.
wRotate the [M-CH] control to set the noise reduc-
tion level.
ePush [
(F-3)NRL] to exit the noise reduction level
set mode.
Hint! 
How far you advance the NR control will determine
how much the noise can be effectively reduced. Ad-
justing the noise reduction level too high may cause
some distortion to occur on the received signal. The
noise reduction level should only be set as high as
is necessary. Use this setting, along with RF gain,
NB (noise blanker, if needed), and IF filters as well,
to minimize the effects of noise on the target signal.
CH VFO APO
S1
5 5 379
20 40
10 60dB
USB
BLANK
S4  LEVEL  4  NRL
NRNR
DSP
[(F-3)][M-CH]
Noise reduction ON
Noise reduction OFF
CH VFO APO
S1
5 5 379
20 40
10 60dB
USB
BLANK
S4  ANF  NR    NRL
NRNR
DSP
[(F-2)][MENU][DISPLAY]
Appear
Although your IC-703 will automatically select USB or
LSB in the HF bands, it will not select any of the other
modes. You will need to select the proper mode
whether CW, RTTY, AM or FM.
Hint! 
The Band Stacking Register will memorize the last
frequency used in the band, as well as the Mode,
Filter, Tuner and AGC settings. This makes band
hoping much easier.MODE
2. Reducing interference (some functions may require an optional unit depending on version)
Quick Reference 
						

							VII
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
c. Automatic  Notch:The automatic notch will track
up to heterodynes. This is helpful for eliminating
annoying transmitter “tune up” tones on any band,
and to minimize continuous tone “heterodynes” en-
countered on the 40 meter phone bands at night,
for example. Once selected an icon will appear
“ANF” on the display.
qSelect S4.
• Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select S.
• Push [MENU] one or more times to select S4.
wPush [(F-1)ANF] to activate the automatic notch fil-
ter.
NOTE:Your IC-703 is equipped with an AGC cir-
cuit. This allows the DSP to filter out interfering sig-
nals and QRM, while also taking this interference
out of the AGC. Bottom line, this will either elimi-
nate or greatly reduce the pumping of the AGC
from the interfering signal.Hint! 
The Automatic Notch will not operate in the CW,
RTTY or SSB-D modes.
CH VFO APO
S1
5 5 379
20 40
10 60dB
USB
BLANK
S4  ANF  NR    NRL
ANFANFDSPAppear
[(F-1)]
[DISPLAY][MENU]
d. Noise  Blanker:The noise blanker function re-
duces pulse-type noise such as that generated by
automobile ignition systems. This function is not ef-
fective for FM modes or for non pulse-type noise.
qSelect M3.
• Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select M.
• Push [MENU] one or more times to select M3.
wPush [(F-2)NB] to activate the noise blanker.
• “NB” appears when the function is ON.
e. Adjusting the Noise Blanker:The noise blanker
is completely variable on how much of the Noise
Blanker is used.
qPush [
(F-2)NB] for 1 sec. to enter the noise blanker
level set mode.
wRotate the main dial to set the noise blanker level.
ePush [DISPLAY] to exit the noise blanker level set
mode.
Hint! 
When using the noise blanker, received signals
may be distorted if the noise blanker level setting
has been too high.
USB
N1  NB  LEVEL
[(F-2)]Main dial
[DISPLAY]
CH VFO APO
S1
5 5 379
20 40
10 60dB
USB
BLANK
M3  FIL  NB    MET
NB
[(F-2)][MENU][DISPLAY]
Appears 
						

							VIII
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
f. Filter:
One optional filter can be installed in the IC-703. 
Narrow filters help reject interference from adjacent
signals and obtain good selectivity. 
Wide filters provide improved audio for SSB opera-
tion when no interfering signals are present.
Narrow filters for AM/FM modes are standard.
FILTER PRESETTING:
After you install a filter (see p. 87 for installation), you
must specify the installed filter in initial set mode (item
“22 OPT. FIL” ; see p. 79).
FILTER ON/OFF:
qSelect M3.
• Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select M.
• Push [MENU] one or more times to select M3.
wPush [(F-1)FIL] momentarily to select the narrow
filter; push for 1 sec. to select the wide filter.
•ãappears when the narrow filter is selected; çap-
pears when the wide filter is selected.
NOTE:When selecting the narrow filter (or wide fil-
ter), the graphic passband is changed (see dia-
gram below).
CH VFO APO
S1
5 5 379
20 40
10 60dB
USB
BLANK
M3  FIL  NB    MET
NW
[(F-1)]
[MENU][DISPLAY]
Either these 
appears when selected
Normal
operation wide is
selectednarrow is
selected
We hope these pointers have been helpful. Now you
are ready for the “Ready to call CQ?”.
Quick Reference 
						

							IX
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
1. Setting up your Mic Gain
Microphone gain must be adjusted properly so that
your signal does not distort when transmitted.
qSelect SSB or another phone mode (AM or FM
mode).
w
Push [DISPLAY] for 1 sec. to select quick set mode.
ePush [MENU] one or more times to select “Q2
MIC GAIN.”
• The ALC meter is selected automatically when operat-
ing in SSB mode.
rWhile speaking into the microphone, rotate the
main dial to adjust the microphone gain so that the
ALC meter does not peak past the ALC zone.
• While transmitting at your normal voice level, the ALC
meter should read at about the middle of the ALC zone.
• Be sure the mic gain is in the range of 2 to 5.
tPush [DISPLAY] to exit quick set mode.ALC
ALC zone
ALCS15 379
20 40 60dB
USB
Q2  MIC  GAIN
[MENU]Main dial
[DISPLAY]
Ready to call CQ?
BAND
BANDMODE
TS
DISPLAY
LOCK
F 1 F 2 F 3
AF RF SQL
RIT
SHIFT M-CHSUB
PHONESTUNER P.AMP
AT T
Y
ZPOWER
MENU
TX RX
[AF]: Max. CCW
[RF/SQL]: Center
[LOCK]: OFF
(indicator light out) [POWER]: OFF
[SHIFT]: Center
[P.AMP/ATT]: OFF
(indicator lights out)
[TUNER]: OFF
(indicator lights out)
[RIT/SUB]: OFF
(indicator lights out)
CCW : counterclockwise 
						

							X
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
The IC-703 has a built-in, low distortion speech com-
pressor circuit. This circuit increases your average
talk power in SSB mode and is especially useful for
DX’ing when the receiving station is having difficulty
copying your signal.
qSelect USB or LSB mode.
wSelect the ALC meter.
• Push [DISPLAY] once or twice to select M.
• Push [MENU] one or more times to select M3, then push
[
(F-3)MET] one or more times to select “ALC.”
eSelect M4.
• Push [MENU] one more time to select M4.
rPush [(F-2)COM] to turn the speech compressor
function ON.
• “COM” appears.
tPush [(F-2)COM] for 1 sec. to enter the compres-
sion level set mode (p. 54).
yRotate the main dial to set the speech compression
level.
NOTE:When the ALC meter peaks at light the ALC
zone, your transmitted voice may be distorted.Hint! 
Voice patterns and audio characteristics vary with
each operator, therefore the Microphone gain,
speech compression settings will be different for
each operator. Actual on air experimenting is nec-
essary to get just the right sound. It’s best to test
and adjust your audio on the air, while someone
who knows what your real voice sounds like listens,
and provides and opinion on your audio quality.
ALC
ALC zone
ALCS15 379
20 40 60dB
USB
C1  COMP  LEVEL
[MENU][(F-2)]
[(F-3)]
Main dial[DISPLAY]
2. Speech compressor
Verify you have selected a clear frequency
and call out your CQ!
Quick Reference 
						

							1
1
PANEL DESCRIPTION
Front panel
qPOWER SWITCH [POWER] (p. 17)
➥While transceiver’s power is OFF:
Push to turn power ON.
• Turn the DC power supply ON in advance.
➥While transceiver’s power is ON:
❍Push momentarily to indicate the connected
power supply voltage.
❍Push for 1 sec. to turn power OFF.
wAF GAIN CONTROL [AF] (inner control; p. 17)
Varies the audio output level from the speaker.
eRF GAIN CONTROL/SQUELCH CONTROL
[RF/SQL] (outer control; p. 24)
Adjusts the RF gain and squelch threshold level.
The squelch removes noise output from the speaker
(closed condition) when no signal is received.
• The squelch is particularly effective for FM. It is also
available for other modes.
• 12 to 13 o’clock position is recommended for any setting
of the [RF/SQL] control.
• The control can be set as ‘Auto’ (RF gain control in SSB,
CW and RTTY; squelch control in AM and FM) or
squelch control (RF gain is fixed at maximum) in initial
set mode as follows. (p. 79)
•When setting as RF gain/squelch control
•When functioning as RF gain control
(Squelch is fixed open; SSB, CW, RTTY only)
•When functioning as squelch control
(RF gain is fixed at maximum.)
Squelch is 
open.S-meter 
squelchS-meter squelch
threshold Noise squelch 
threshold 
(FM mode)
Shallow DeepNoise squelch (FM mode)
Minimum RF gainAdjustable
rangeMaximum 
RF gain
Recommended level
RF gain 
adjustable
rangeMaximum 
RF gain
S-meter 
squelch
Noise squelch (FM mode)
Squelch is 
open.
MODE
SSB, CW
RTTY
AM, FMAUTO
RF GAIN
SQLSQL SET MODE SETTING
SQL
SQLRF GAIN + SQL
RF GAIN + SQL
RF GAIN + SQL
AF RF/SQL
No audio output
Max. audio output
Decreases Increases
BAND
BAND
MODE
TS
DISPLAY
LOCK
F 1 F 2 F 3
AF RF SQL
RIT
SHIFT M-CHSUB
PHONESTUNER P.AMP
AT T
Y
Z
POWER
MENU
TX RX
CH VFO APO
S1
5 5 379
20 40
10 60dB
USB
M1  SPL  A/B  XFC
qwe
rt
y
io
!1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 @0 @2
@1
!0 u 
						

							2
1PANEL DESCRIPTION
rFUNCTION DISPLAY
Shows the operating frequency, dot matrix indica-
tions, selected memory channel, etc. See p. 9 for
details.
tTUNING STEP SWITCH [TS] (pgs. 19–21)
➥While in SSB/CW/RTTY modes, push momentar-
ily to turn the programmable tuning step ON and
OFF. While in FM/AM mode push momentarily to
toggle the programmable tuning step and 1 MHz
quick tuning step.
• While the programmable tuning step indicator is dis-
played, the frequency can be changed in programmed
kHz steps.
•0.01 (FM/AM mode only), 0.1, 1, 5, 9, 10, 12.5, 20, 25
and 100 kHz tuning steps are available.
• 1 MHz quick tuning step are only available in FM and
AM modes.
➥While the programmable tuning step is OFF, turns
the 1 Hz step ON and OFF when pushed for 1
sec.
• 1 and 10 Hz steps are only available in SSB, CW and
RTTY modes.
• 1 Hz indication appears, and the frequency can be
changed in 1 Hz steps.
➥While the programmable tuning step is ON, en-
ters the tuning step selection mode when pushed
for 1 sec.
yMODE SWITCH [MODE] (p. 23)
➥Push momentarily to cycle through the operating
modes:
USB/LSB➧CW➧RTTY/SSB-D➧FM/AM
➥Push for 1 sec. to toggle the following operating
modes:
USB↔LSB
CW↔Memory keyer mode
RTTY↔SSB-D (SSB data mode)
FM↔AM
uRECEIVE/TRANSMIT INDICATORS [RX]/[TX]
➥[RX]: Lights green while receiving a signal and
when squelch is open.
➥[TX]: Lights red while transmitting.
iMAIN DIAL
Changes the displayed frequency, sets the values
of selected initial set mode items, etc.oUP/DOWN (BAND) SWITCHES [Y/Z(BAND)]
➥Push momentarily to select a band.
• Can also be used to advance or back the quick set
mode items, initial set mode items, etc.
➥Push and hold to scroll through the bands contin-
uously.
!0MAIN DIAL TENSION LATCH
Selects the main dial tension.
• 2 positions are available.
!1MICROPHONE CONNECTOR (p. 10)
Modular-type microphone connector—Accepts the
supplied microphone (HM-103).
• The optional OPC-589 can be used to connect an 8-pin
microphone such as the SM-8 or SM-20, if desired.
• A microphone connector is also available on the rear
panel. DO NOT connect 2 microphones simultaneously.
!2LOCK SWITCH [LOCK]
➥Push momentarily to toggle the dial lock function
ON and OFF.
• The dial lock function electronically locks the main
dial.
➥When the optional UT-102 VOICE SYNTHESIZER
UNIT
is installed (p. 86), push for 1 sec. to have
the frequency, etc. announced.
• UT-102 operation can be adjusted in the initial set
mode (p. 82).
!3DISPLAY SWITCH [DISPLAY] (p. 94)
➥Push momentarily to select one of the three menu
sets: M1to M4, S1to S4and G1to G4.
➥Push for 1 sec. to enter the quick set mode.
!4MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCHES [F1] / [F2] / [F3]
➥
Push to select the function indicated in the dot ma-
trix display above these switches. (pgs. 4–6, 94)
• Functions vary depending on the menu set selected.
➥Push to edit a character for memory keyer pro-
gramming or memory name. (pgs. 35, 59)
!5MENU SWITCH [MENU] (p. 94)
➥Push this switch one or more times to select
menus within a menu set (M, Sor G), or push to
advance through the quick set mode and initial
set mode displays.
➥Push for 1 sec. to jump between two different
function menu sets.
Lights while the lock
function is activated.
LOCK
Programmable tuning step indicator
USB
1 
						

							3
1PANEL DESCRIPTION
!6RIT/SUB DIAL SWITCH [RIT/SUB] (pgs. 21, 47)
➥Push to toggle the RIT or SUB DIAL function ON
and OFF—initial set mode is used to select the
desired action*.
• Lights green when the SUB DIAL function is ON; lights
red when the RIT function is ON.
• Use the [M-CH] control to vary the RIT frequency or
SUB DIAL frequency (see below).
➥When the RIT function is ON, push for 1 sec. to
add or subtract the shifted frequency to the oper-
ating frequency.
*Even if RIT is selected in initial set mode, RIT cannot be se-
lected when operating AM or FM modes.
✔What is the RIT function?
The RIT (Receiver Incremental Tuning) shifts the receive fre-
quency without shifting the transmit frequency.
This is useful for fine tuning stations calling you on an off-fre-
quency or when you prefer to listen to slightly different-
sounding voice characteristics, etc.
!7SHIFT CONTROL [SHIFT] (outer control; p. 47)
Shifts the center frequency of the receiver’s IF pass-
band.
• Rotate the control clockwise to shift the center frequency
higher, or rotate the control counterclockwise to shift the
center frequency lower.
• When rotate the control, the IF passband is graphically
displayed and changes in accordance with the [SHIFT]
control.
!8M-CH CONTROL [M-CH] (inner control)
➥When the RIT or SUB DIAL functions are OFF, ro-
tate to select a memory channel number (p. 56).
➥Shifts the receive frequency while the RIT func-
tion is ON in SSB, CW and RTTY modes (see
above or p. 47).
• RIT variable range is ± 9.99 kHz
➥Changes the operating frequency in the selected
tuning steps while the SUB DIAL function is ON
(p. 21).!9HEADPHONE JACK [PHONES] (p. 14)
Accepts headphones with 8–16Ωimpedance.
• When headphones are connected, no receive audio
comes from the speaker.
• When the PHONES/SPEAKER switch on the back of the
front panel is set to the [SPEAKER] position, an external
speaker can be connected. This is convenient for mobile
or outdoor operation.
@0TUNER SWITCH [TUNER] (pgs. 64–66)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the automatic an-
tenna tuner function ON and OFF (bypass).
• Lights red when the automatic antenna function is ON.
➥Push this switch for 1 sec. to manually tune the
antenna.
• When the tuner cannot tune the antenna, the tuning
circuit is bypassed automatically after 20 sec.
@1FRONT PANEL LATCH (p. 12)
Pull away from the transceiver (towards yourself
when looking at the front of the transceiver) to de-
tach the front panel from the main body of the trans-
ceiver.
@2PRE AMP/ATTENUATOR SWITCH [P.AMP/ATT]
(p. 46)
➥Push momentarily to turn the preamp ON or OFF.
➥Push for 1 sec. to turn the 20 dB attenuator ON;
push momentarily to turn the attenuator OFF.
• Lights green when the preamp is ON; lights red when the
20 dB attenuator is ON.
✔What is the preamp?
The preamp amplifies received signals in the front end cir-
cuit to improve the S/N ratio and sensitivity. Turn ON ‘P.AMP’
when receiving weak signals.
✔What is the attenuator?
The attenuator prevents a desired signal from distorting
when very strong signals are near the desired frequency, or
when very strong electric fields, such as from a broadcast-
ing station, are near your location.
P.AMP/ATT
Lights green while the preamp is activated;
lights red while the attenuator is activated.
TUNER
Lights while the automatic
tuning function is activated.
Back of the front panel
PHONES   ∫
SPEAKER √PHONES   ∫
SPEAKER √
M-CH SHIFT
Decreases Increases
M-CH M-CH M-CHSHIFTSHIFTSHIFT
Shifts lowCenterShifts high
RIT/
SUB
Lights red while the RIT function is activated;
green while the SUB DIAL function is activated. 
						

							4
1PANEL DESCRIPTION
Multi-function switches
DM1 functions
SPLIT OPERATION (p. 30)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the split func-
tion ON and OFF. (p. 51)
•“ä”appears when the split function is ON.
➥Push for 1 sec. to turn the quick split func-
tion ON. (p. 52)
• The offset frequency must be programmed in
advance using initial set mode. (p. 80)
• The offset frequency is shifted from the dis-
played frequency.
• The quick split function can be turned OFF
using initial set mode. (p. 79)
VFO A/B SELECTION
➥Push momentarily to toggle VFO A and
VFO B in VFO mode. (p. 18)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the transmis-
sion VFO and reception VFO during split
operation. (p. 51)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the transmit
and receive frequencies (and modes) of
memory channels when the split function
is turned ON.
➥Push for 1 sec. to equalize the frequency
and operating mode of the two VFO’s.
• The rear (undisplayed) frequency and oper-
ating mode are equalized to the front (dis-
played) VFO frequency and operating mode.
TRANSMIT FREQUENCY CHECK (p. 51)
Monitors the transmit frequency when
pushed and held.
• While pushing this switch, the transmit fre-
quency can be changed with the main dial.
DM2 functions
MEMORY WRITE (p. 57)
Push for 1 sec. to store the selected read-
out frequency and operating mode into
the displayed memory channel.
MEMORY CLEAR (p. 58)
Push for 1 sec. to clear the selected read-
out memory channel contents.
•“}” appears.
• This switch does not function in VFO mode.
VFO/MEMORY
➥Push momentarily to toggle between VFO
and memory modes. (p. 56)
➥Push for 1 sec. to transfer the frequency
and operating mode in the selected mem-
ory channel to a VFO. (p. 58)
DM3 functions
FILTER SELECTION (p. 49)
Push to toggle the narrow filter (or wide
filter—push for 1 sec.) ON and OFF.
•“ã”appears when the narrow filter is ON;
“ç” appears when the wide filter is ON.
• An optional filter installation and presetting in
initial set mode (p. 79) is necessary to use
the following:
CW/RTTY narrow: FL-52A or FL-53A
SSB narrow: FL-222
SSB wide: FL-257
NOISE BLANKER (p. 48)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the noise
blanker ON and OFF.
• “NB” appears when the noise blanker func-
tion is ON.
• The noise blanker does not function in FM
mode; “30 AM NB” item (p. 80) in initial set
mode must be set to ON for the noise
blanker to work in AM mode.
➥Push for 1 sec. to enter the noise blanker
level set mode.
• The noise blanker level can be set in noise
blanker level set mode (p. 46).
F-2
NB
F-1
FIL
MENU
M3
F-1
FIL
F-2
NB
F-3
MET
F-3
V/M
F-2
MCL
F-1
MW
MENU
M2
F-1
MW
F-2
MCL 
F-3V/M
F-3
XFC
F-2
A/B
F-1
SPL
MENU
M1
F-1
SPL
F-2
A/BXFC
F-3
1 
						

							5
1PANEL DESCRIPTION
METER SELECTION(p. 52)
Selects the type of meter displayed (dur-
ing transmit) in the function display.
• Power, ALC or SWR metering can be se-
lected.
• Only an S-meter is available for receive.
DM4 functions
DURING SSB/AM OPERATION:
DURING CW OPERATION:
DURING RTTY OPERATION:
DURING SSB-D OPERATION:
DURING FM OPERATION:
VOX FUNCTION (p. 53)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the VOX func-
tion ON and OFF.
• “VOX” appears when the VOX function is
ON.
➥Push for 1 sec. to enter the VOX set
mode.
• The VOX delay, VOX gain and ANTI-VOX
can be set in VOX set mode.
✔What is the VOX function?
The VOX function (voice operated transmission) starts trans-
mission without pushing the PTT switch when you speak into
the microphone; then, automatically returns to receive when
you stop speaking.
SPEECH COMPRESSOR (p. 54)
➥Push momentarily to toggle the speech
compressor ON and OFF.
• “COM” appears when the speech compres-
sor is ON.
➥Push for 1 sec. to enter the compression
level set mode.
• The COMP gain can be set in compression
level set mode.
AGC (p. 48)
Push to change the time constant of the
AGC circuit.
•“FAGC” appears when the fast time constant
is selected.
1/4 FUNCTION
Push to toggle the 1/4 tuning function ON
and OFF.
• When the 1⁄4function is ON, a bar appears
under the 1⁄4indication and fine tuning can be
used.
KEYER SET MODE (p. 32)
Push for 1 sec. to enter the keyer set
mode.
• The break-in setting, break-in delay time, CW
pitch, CW paddle type and dot/dash ratio can
be set in the keyer set mode.
✔What is the break-in function?
Full break-in (QSK) activates the receiver between transmit-
ted dots and dashes. This is useful when operating in nets,
or during DX pileups and during contests, when “fast ex-
changes” are common.
RTTY TONE SET MODE (p. 40)
➥Push for 1 sec. to enter the RTTY tone set
mode.
• The RTTY tone frequency, RTTY shift fre-
quency and RTTY keying polarity can be set
in RTTY tone set mode.
FM TONE OPERATION
➥Push momentarily to select the subaudi-
ble tone encoder for repeater use, tone
squelch function and OFF. (pgs. 43–45)
• “T” appears when the repeater tone function
is ON. (pgs. 43, 45)
• “TSQL” appears when the tone squelch func-
tion is ON. (p. 43)
➥Push for 1 sec. to enter the FM tone set
mode. (p. 44)
• The repeater tone frequency, tone squelch
frequency can be set in FM tone set mode.
F-2
TON
F-2
TON
F-2
KEY
F-1
1/4
F-3
AGC
F-2
COM
F-1
VOX
MENU
M4
F-1
VOX
F-2
TON
F-3
MENU
M4
F-1
1/4
F-2F-3
AGC
MENU
M4
F-1
1/4 TON
F-2F-3
AGC
MENU
M4
F-1F-2
KEY 1/4
F-3
AGC
MENU
M4
F-1
VOX
F-2
COM
F-3
AGC
F-3
MET