Fm Unit — Icom Ui-7 Am

The Icom UI-7 is an optional plug-in expansion board primarily designed for older Icom HF transceivers, such as the Icom IC-725 and Icom IC-728. Its purpose is to add AM transmit and FM transmit/receive capabilities to radios that originally only support SSB and CW modes. Key Functions

AM Transmit: Enables the radio to transmit in AM mode (usually 25 watts of carrier power).

FM Capability: Adds the ability to both transmit and receive FM signals, typically used on the 10-meter band (28–29.7 MHz).

Expansion: Allows these entry-level rigs to participate in AM nets or local FM repeater activity on HF bands. Compatibility

While specifically listed for certain models, its compatibility varies: icom ui-7 am fm unit

Required for: Icom IC-725, IC-728, and IC-737 to gain full mode access.

Not Needed for: The Icom IC-729, which has these modes built-in from the factory. Installation Overview

Installing the unit generally requires opening the radio's top or bottom covers:

Mounting: The board is secured to a designated location on the main chassis. Connections: The Icom UI-7 is an optional plug-in expansion

It connects to the main unit via a 10-pin plug and two 3-pin plugs.

Wiring: A specific brown wire is often required to connect the to the front unit. Specifications Modes Added AM (TX), FM (TX/RX) Sensitivity (FM) 0.5 µV for 12 dB SINAD (on 28 MHz band) Design Internal plug-in PCB Manufacture Made in Japan; now discontinued RigPix Database - Accessories - Icom UI-7

Our Verdict:

If you find a UI-7 for under $100, buy it immediately. At $150, it’s a fair price for a clean unit if you truly need it. At $250+, walk away unless you are a hardcore collector.

For 95% of IC-706 users, the money is better spent on a good antenna or a DSP speaker. For the 5% who spend their weekends driving cross-country with a whip antenna on the bumper—the UI-7 is priceless. Our Verdict: If you find a UI-7 for

2. Class-D DSC Handset

The UI-7 is a fully functional DSC controller. It features a dedicated DISTRESS button under a protective cover, along with individual buttons for position request, position send, and individual calls. The large, backlit LCD screen displays GPS position data, MMSI numbers, and DSC call status.

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.

3. Multi-Station Flexibility

For large yachts with two helms, you can install two UI-7 units. Both units share the same main transceiver. This eliminates the need to buy two complete VHF radios. One person can talk on VHF from the lower helm while another listens to AM/FM at the flybridge.

Reasons for the High Price:

Discontinued: Icom stopped production over 15 years ago.
Low Initial Sales: It was a niche accessory for a specific radio series.
The "IC-706 Cult": The IC-706 is still beloved for field days, portable ops, and boats. Owners want the full accessory set.
Durability: The UI-7 is built like a tank. Few have broken, but many have been lost. Supply is fixed; demand remains high.
No Modern Replacement: Icom’s newer radios (IC-7100, IC-705) use different remote control protocols. The UI-7 is not compatible with anything else.

6. NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 Connectivity

Modern vessels rely on data networks. The UI-7 interfaces with NMEA 2000 (via the main transceiver) to display GPS position, SOG (Speed Over Ground), COG (Course Over Ground), and time. This data is essential for DSC functionality.