Icom Ui-7 Am Fm Unit

The Icom UI-7 AM/FM Unit is a brilliant piece of industrial design that solved a specific problem for a specific generation of radios. It is tactile, rugged, and simple—qualities that modern touchscreen radios often lack.

While it may not add new bands or modes, it adds something arguably more important: ergonomic joy. There is a unique satisfaction in reaching down to a magnetic puck, twisting a real metal knob, and hearing your receiver come to life—all while keeping your eyes on the road or on the logbook.

If you own an IC-706, the UI-7 is the ultimate "nice-to-have" accessory. Just be prepared to pay for the privilege of owning a piece of Icom history.

Looking for more Icom accessories? Check out our guides on the OPC-581 separation cable, the MB-72 mounting bracket, and the SP-7 external speaker.

Do you own an Icom UI-7? Share your setup photos and tips in the comments below. And if you’re selling one, let us know! icom ui-7 am fm unit

is an optional internal plug-in board designed for older Icom HF transceivers, such as the Icom IC-725 Icom IC-728 The standout "solid feature" of this unit is that it enables AM transmit and FM transmit/receive capabilities that are otherwise non-functional on these radios. Key Capabilities of the UI-7 Enables Missing Modes

: Without this board, the AM/FM buttons on your radio's front panel will not work for those specific modes. 10-Meter FM Repeater Use

: When paired with an optional tone encoder (like the UT-20), the UI-7 allows you to operate on 10-meter FM repeaters Full Power FM : Once installed, it typically allows for 100 watts of output on FM and roughly 40 watts on AM (depending on the specific radio model). Plug-and-Play Design

: It is a small add-on board that plugs directly into the bottom of the radio's chassis, often requiring only a few internal cable connections to the existing front panel and main logic units. Applicable Radios The Icom UI-7 AM/FM Unit is a brilliant

The UI-7 is confirmed to be compatible with the following Icom models: Icom IC-725 Icom IC-728 (including M and S variants) Universal Radio : This unit is not required Icom IC-726

, as those models have these modes built-in from the factory. Universal Radio Are you planning to a UI-7 in an IC-725, or are you looking for troubleshooting tips for an existing unit? RigPix Database - Accessories - Icom UI-7

Once the UI-7 is installed and configured:

If you acquire a UI-7 and it isn’t working, try these fixes: Do you own an Icom UI-7

| Symptom | Likely Fix | | :--- | :--- | | No response from the radio | Check the 3.5mm plug is fully seated in the REMOTE jack, not the MIC jack. Clean the plug with contact cleaner. | | Volume changes erratically | The encoder is dirty. Spray DeoxIT D5 into the gap around the knob shaft and rotate vigorously. | | PTT transmits but no audio control | The internal logic chip is confused. Unplug the UI-7, turn off the radio, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect and power on. | | F-Key does nothing | The F-Key is not assigned. Go into the IC-706 menu and assign a function (see section above). |

This is critical. The VHF antenna on your mast is NOT used for AM/FM broadcast. The UI-7 requires a dedicated AM/FM antenna (typically an 8-foot whip or a powered marine antenna) connected to the "ANT" jack on the back of the main transceiver (M605/M400BB). If you skip this, the AM/FM tuner will receive nothing but static.

If you search eBay or ham radio classifieds for an "Icom UI-7," prepare for sticker shock. Units regularly sell for $150 to $300 USD—sometimes more than the radio itself.

The UI-7 is not a standalone device. It requires a compatible Icom main transceiver. The primary pairings are:

Note: The UI-7 typically connects to the main transceiver via a standard 8-pin modular connector, but for full AM/FM audio and advanced control, specific wiring and bus connections are required.