[NLRS] IC-9700 available in May?

[Russ Ramirez]

I love my IC-7300, it is a great rig, and I'm still on stock firmware. I've
been following the news on the IC-9700 for months now like many others. Not
to be a buzz kill, but why would I plunk down $2100 to replace my $400
FT-736R when the only time anyone is on is contest time? Nothing wrong with
contesting or roving, that's great, but even 2 meter SSB/digital (using the
lowest freq example) is awfully quiet during non-contesting times. I
understand that because I don't have at least one big beam (> 6 elem) 50 ft
in the air, that there's a good chance I'm missing traffic, but VHF and
above kinda have a reputation for being unused as it were. I'm glad I have
6 meters on my 7300 and have worked stations as far as Washington state on
FT8, but above that it what I question.

Just hoping some others will chime in on this topic. Thanks.

Russ
K0WFS - EN35

On Mon, Feb 11, 2019 at 10:58 AM Matt Holden <mtholde at gmail.com> wrote:

>
> Ham Radio Outlet just called me to confirm my reservation for the IC-9700.
> This tri band rig transmits on 2M/70CM/23CM.
> HRO is hoping to ship me a rig in May.  Nothing more firm than that.
> I'm speculating the U.S. government shutdown is slowing down device
> certification.  Just my personal guess.
> Estimated price around $2100.
> http://www.icomamerica.com/en/products/amateur/hf/9700/default.aspx
> https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-016656
>
> Fingers crossed it will arrive for the June VHF contest and our associated
> Western South Dakota grid expedition.
> 73,
> Matt Holden KØBBC
> Director, Dakota Division, American Radio Relay League
> Director, Association of Emergency Radio Organizations
> Deputy Director, Bloomington AUXCOMM
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