For those who find their M700D unable to transmit on amateur frequencies, this simple modification—removing a single jumper—unlocks full frequency capability. Many of these radios remain inexpensive on the used market precisely because sellers assume they cannot transmit on amateur bands.
The built-in speaker is optimized for high-ambient-noise marine environments. For stationary use, many operators prefer an external communications-grade speaker to enhance audio fidelity during long-distance reception. ⚠️ Safety and Compliance Standards
: Disconnect the power supply and antenna cables.
The Icom IC-M700 is a legendary HF marine transceiver known for its rugged construction and reliable performance. While designed for maritime use, many amateur radio operators and shortwave enthusiasts modify this radio to extend its capabilities. icom m700 mods
: To allow programming for Banks A and B, which are often locked, W33 (W1033) should be removed. VCO Retuning
He thought about the tugboat captain. Indestructible, and just as deaf. Not anymore. Eli hadn't just fixed a radio. He’d argued with it, persuaded it, bullied it into being something its creators never intended. The M700 was no longer a piece of maritime history. It was a one-of-a-kind instrument, an extension of his own stubborn will, listening to the silent, singing edge of the world. And it was beautiful.
Tap into the rear accessory socket or the front microphone jack for Audio In (Modulation) and the external speaker jack for Audio Out. For those who find their M700D unable to
: Locate the audio bandpass filtering capacitors in the mic amp circuit. Replacing small ceramic capacitors (e.g., 0.01µF) with slightly larger tantalum or film capacitors (e.g., 0.1µF) lowers the low-frequency cutoff point. This introduces more bass and warmth to your transmitted signal.
For those looking to go beyond basic frequency unlocks, advanced hobbyists have documented more complex upgrades:
Since the original HM28 is rare, many modify the radio to use the HM114 . For stationary use, many operators prefer an external
For later models like the M710 and M700Pro, Icom changed their approach to frequency restrictions. These radios require software-based unlocking using a DOS-based cloning program and an OPC-552 cloning cable. There are no hardware modifications involved; the radio is "opened up" to cover the ham bands entirely through software configuration.
The single most famous modification for the IC-M700 is the , often called the "MARS/CAP mod" (Military Affiliate Radio System / Civil Air Patrol).
The original unit only has 48 memory channels. Advanced users often replace the internal SRAM to increase this significantly (up to 480 channels).
HM-180 8Pin Microphone Speaker Mic for ICOM IC-M700 IC-M710 IC-M600 Radio | Made in China | Clip