Some years ago I purchased an Icom IC-706-MkIIG transceiver.This was the third and final version of this very popular amateur radio. I was attracted to the 706 for a number of reasons, some of which are:
Small size makes it an ideal mobile radio
Transmits on all amateur HF bands plus 6-meters, 2-meters (VHF) and 440 (UHF)
Receives 30 kHz-199.999 MHz and 400-470.000 MHz depending on version
Works in all modes
Has digital signal processing for noise reduction (DSP)
Removable and remotable faceplate / control head
One button remote tuner control
Good meter selections including SWR, Power, ALC, and Bandscope
That’s an impressive list of features and the radio really delivers. I used it for many years in a mobile environment without any problems except those pesky menus. It seems that the only way Icom was able to pack so many features into such a small radio was to make many of the settings and choices accessible through a series of complex menus. There just isn’t enough space for lots of dials and knobs. That’s OK if you have a great memory (I do not) and if you are not running the rig mobile. It is next to impossible to make on the fly changes while driving in a safe manner. The vehicle must be stopped or you risk serious injury to others and yourself when that inevitable crash occurs (it’s a crash, not an accident).
This advertisement from May 1999 QST shows the lineage of the IC-706MkIIG. I’ve read that the 706 is the all time best-selling transceiver.
Then about 4 years ago the Icom quit working. It would receive for only a few minutes at a time and whenever I tried to transmit it would shut off within seconds and refuse to be revived for hours. I inspected all connections including the power cables going to the battery. I could find nothing wrong. The radio went into the closet until such time as I decided to fix it. That time finally came a few weeks ago. I am at a time in life where I am trying to catch up on many of the things I have let slide. Radio repair was one of them. I had sent a radio to Icom America in Bellevue, Washington in the past. It took two tries for them to fix my new IC-737 but they did do it. It was not their fault. The first time they could not replicate the problem. The second time I told them to run it until it fails or keep it. That worked. I have had that radio working without a hitch for about 20 years now. Why not try them again?
I checked the Icom web site and found that they now have independent repair shops, located throughout the country, that also are certified on their radios. Which to pick, Kirkland (I already trusted them) or an unknown “Icom Service Center” in St. Joseph, Michigan? I called Kirkland. I asked if the Michigan shop was certified to repair the 706. The pleasant lady informed me that the St. Joseph shop was an expert at Icom 706’s and they charged $52/hr rather than the $84/hr charged by the home base in Kirkland. I sent it to St. Joseph, MI and authorized up to $200 in repairs. If it was over $200 they would call me first. I got the call after it was all done. The total was $125 including shipping. That was a good call! The official name for the service center is SAR Technical Services, Inc. How long did it take? A little over a week. What was wrong? a shield on the main board had come loose from its solder joints and was jumping around and shorting things. Now it is in solid. I will never again hesitate to send an Icom rig out for service.
Check the above You Tube video to see how well the rig works. You will note some video hash in several instances. Maybe the low battery on my camera did that? Anyways, I am quite pleased with the repair done by the Michigan Icom Repair facility.
Now I have the 706 sitting on my home desk and I have been getting familiar with it again. It seems that I need the manual at hand at all times. Solution? I decided to write my own cheat sheet or reference card for the Icom IC-706MkIIG. So far I have made three tables in Microsoft Word. Each table summarizes the functions of one of the three main menus. With a little more work I will finish this. My goal is to have no more than 4 pages total. That should be an improvement on the non-indexed 68-page factory manual. I am tired of flipping pages and making my own index on sticky notes.
I reproduced the menu tables below. They don’t appear exactly as on the Word document due to formatting constraints of the web. Feel free to use this document if you think it might be helpful. You can download a properly formatted PDF copy of the reference sheet by clicking on the following link:
Icom-706MKIIG Operating Guide Download
Now back to playing with this sweet-sounding radio!
MENUS
Quick Press
DISPLAY to toggle through 3 Menus, M,S,G:
M1-M4 Manual p.3-4
| M1 | SPL – Split frequency Long Press for split; defaults to VFO B freq on TX (up 5) |
A/B – Switch between VFO A and VFO B | A=B (XFC when split on)Set both VFO’s to same freq. |
| M2 | MW – Memory Write While in VFO mode use (17) dial to choose mem. Channel. Set freq.,tone,split,etc. & push MW 2 sec to record. |
M>V – Freq. Transfer While in VFO mode hold M>V to move selected memory to VFO Becomes MCL, Memory Clear when selecting M from V/M; clears selected mem. channel |
V/M Toggle between VFO and Memory Mode; rotate (17) M-CH to choose memories |
| M3 | FIL – Select filter (None Installed) * |
NB – Noise Blanker For ignition noise only |
MET – Meter Selection Toggle: Power, SWR, ALC.To display SWR: CW mode, hit PTT, read notches on scale |
| M4 | VOX – Voice-Operated Toggle. Set Gain & Delay in Quick Set:Long press DISPLAY, choose Q3-Q5 |
(SSB/AM)COM –Speech Com. Toggle on/off To set up select ALC meter M3 in Quick Set sel. MIKE GAIN,set 2-5 on voiceM4>COMP,speak/adj.(FM)-Repeater duplex; push & hold to auto-set or push to toggle up/down/off | (SSB/AM) AGC-Automatic Gain ControlToggle between Fast (FAGC) & Slow.(FM) TON- Toggles rpt. tone set in initial set mode |
S1-S4 Manual p. 4
| S1Memo Pad – quick temp. memory, 5 or 10 available | MW – Memory Write Press 2 sec. to save freq. to mem. displayed |
MPW-Memory Pad Write: Push to write.10 Memories avail. |
MPR-Memo Pad Read Push to cycle 10 pad memories |
| S2Scan Functions | SCN-Scan Starts & Stops scan; set SQL open or closed 1st.Resume setting controlsResume in 10 sec is default (resume ON) |
PRI-Priority Watch In VFO mode set a freq.Close squelch.Dial in mem. chan. to be watchedPress PRI (F2) to begin & end. |
V/M Toggle between VFO and Memory Mode; rotate (17) M-CH to choose memories |
| S3 B. S. R. Band Stacking Register; quick band change function. See p. 4 of manual |
14Press and hold to change band. | 7Store here the 3 bands you use most frequently | 144Allows quick jump to band with one press. |
| S4Digital Signal Processing | ANF-Auto Notch Filter Toggle On/Off |
NR-Noise Reduction |
NRL-Noise Reduc. Level Press to choose level by rotating M-CH dial |
G1-G4
| G1 | Band Scope : Push F-1 to select step (0.5-100kHz).Push F-3 for sweep start/stop. Rotate main dial to align with freq. peak you want to tune to. F-3 sweep agn., F-2 return to orig. freq. |
| G2 | SWR Plot Measurement; hold F-1 to choose pitch; push & hold F-2 for step; Push F-3 and then push and release PTT until each bar displays; 1 or 2 rows of display is under 1.5:1 SWR |
| G3 | Tx Freq. – Press F-3 (T) & then M-CH dial to choose TX freq. |
| G4 | Memory Names: Use M-CH dial to choose memory. Editing Memory Names: Choose ‘E’ (F-3); rotate main dial to select characters.F-3>next F-1>back F-2>space. Push ‘Menu’ to exit. |
Display Menus (Display button is to left of main tuning dial)
Display – Single Press Cycles through Menus M, S, and G (see above)
Display – Long Press enters Quick Set Mode which gives different options according to mode of receiver (SSB/AM/FM or CW or RTTY)
When in SSB/AM/FM there are 8 settings.
Step through them with MENU button or UP and DOWN buttons.
Rotate Main dial to select values.
Single Press MENU to exit Quick Set Mode.
Some Settings are: Q1 RF POWER Q2 MIC GAIN/CW PITCH/RTTY TONE
Q6 REPEATER TONE Q7 TONE SQL
See User Manual, p. 48-50 for full details.
Resources:
IC-706MKIIG Manual and Product Brochure. Download direct from Icom.
IC-706MKIIG Service manual from repeater-builder.com.
IC-706-Related Links on The DXZone web site.
Official Specification Sheet on Icom site.
RigPix specification sheet.
(Note: If you found this article useful or interesting please consider giving it some publicity by using one of the social media buttons that follow. Thanks!)
Great Job, Just acquired a 706 to use for a mobile and would like the handy PDF to help learning the op. Haven’t been mobile since 62. Goonie Box on 6.
I will get a copy to you today, Bob. I think you are going to like the 706. Thanks for your interest!
Would like the PDF if possible. TNX/73’s
Id like to have a PDF please. Just got the radio and so far, the menus are the biggest drawback. A quick reference might just cure that.
Thanks for the request A. Wheeler. The guide was sent on its way to you.
Really would like a copy of your shortened instruction manual.
Tom
KD0TS
Tom .. I will get a copy to you soon. I have been away for several days and did not have the file handy.
Thanks for the post. Really came in handy storing/clearing/naming memories on the 706. Great little rig!
73s!
I am happy it was helpful, Chris. And I agree, the 706 is an amazing radio.
Would like the pdf, looks very heplfull
It is on the way, Tom. I hope you find it helpful.
Hello, I would like a copy of your PDF on the 706.
WV8WG
Thanks
Hello, I would like a copy of your PDF on the 706. Bought a used 706MkII G; what a bear to figure out.
WV8WG
Thanks
It went out to you today, Wayne. I hope it helps!
Yes Kenneth it helped tremendously! Thanks a lot.
Wayne
How do I open the menu S4 on my radio? Only goes to the S3 and the next click the MENU goes to S1 and not for S4. Is there any procedure or my radio is in trouble? Thank you! 73 for all
Dante … When I press ‘Menu’ it goes up to S4. My radio is a 706 MKIIG.
Do you have a different earlier version that possibly had a different
menu setting? I am not familiar with the earlier versions.
Otherwise I do not know what is wrong. I suggest you join a Yahoo group
that covers the 706. They may have an answer for you there.
Try this link: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/IC-706MKIIG/info
Hello Kenneth, I am new to all of this and just bought a MKIIG because everyone seems to be really impressed with it; however, I am lost! Your writeup and site really help! Thank you! Will you please send me a copy of the PDF so that I can print and laminate to keep next to the radio…73, KF5ZRN
It is good to hear that you found the post of value. I will send you the PDF tomorrow when I am at the desktop. You are going to like the 706!
great…I look forward to getting it…just got my MKIIG in the mail today 🙂
Hi Kennith:
You’re site is great! Can you please send me the 706 .pdf as well?
With thanks,
The file is on its way, Jonathon. I apologize for taking so long.
The WordPress site failed to notify me of your comment.
I hope the file will be useful to you.
I recently picked up a 706 MKIIG and am still trying to figure it all out. Can I have a copy of your guide?
Thanks
I just now sent the file. Thanks for your interest.
Sure would like a copy. Thanks W8IPD
It’s on the way, Al.
Thanks for the article. I am just getting my 706 going. I made a go box to carry around in the RV. I have a 26′ fiberglass telescoping pole and I just finished an end fed antenna. Seems to work. I too would like a copy of your guide. Thanks, 73.
It is on the way, Jerry. That is some portable antenna at 26′ tall! I’m sure you will have great results.
Just saw your note on the EF pole antenna. Did you end up using radials too? Preparing to used an end fed Ultimax on motorhome fiberglass flagpole on ladder mount… Thanks, W6MVT@arrl.net, Mike.
My IC-706 MKIIG is 18 years old, I bought this radio brand new in USA in 1998. Sure I would like a copy. Thanks, YV1AZ
Johnny,
The file is on the way to you.
Thanks for your interest!
Hi Kenneth, I just found this page and I would like to get a PDF copy you have made. It would save a lot of time spent in the manual. My memory is really bad.
Thanks Jack Young WA9UKK
Hello Kenneth!
Just got an IC 706mkiig last week. After playing with the menus I googled a question and ran across your PDF. May I please get a copy also? Just playing with this radio in the shack has got me excited about having this in the truck. Also thanks for the advice on using Icom repair service. Being a ham for less than a year, I truly appreciate helpful advice and time saving tips!
73
Glenn
NC4KG
It is on the way, Glen. Welcome to ham radio!
Fantastic very helpful could I please have a copy of the pdf file thanks
John,
The file is on its way! I hope you find it helpful. Thanks for the kind words.
I am WA1RI. Nice to meet you and thanks for the tip on SWR plotting. It does not seem to appear in the pdf manual I just downloaded and printed. I bought the 706 2 g back around 2001, traded it away, then sold the trade, I have just reacquired one in the past week, trying to re-familiarize myself with the radio.
Should I assume you are from RI? I was, but moved away. Have the RI in the call and a 401 on my cell.
Hi, Bill. I am from RI and we have met before on one or two occasions. We have a friend in common in Bob Beaudet. I was the president of the Pawtuxet Valley ARC and I suspect we met when you were the assistant section manager and president of Blackstone Valley ARC.
It sounds like you have a great job at Yellowstone National Park!
Hi Mr. Carr
Thanks so much for this simplified version of the important aspects of the menu. I have just acquired a 706MkiiG and cant wait to test it. Please could you email me the PDF version. I will Print and Laminate and keep it handy.
Regards Bryan
South Africa
I’m loading memory channels into my radio I need set 6 Meter splits to (-) 1 megahertz say 53.050 Rx & 52.050 TX It seems factory split is 500 1/2 megahertz? So I would like to know how to adjust repeater shift space.
Also I would like a shorter op PDF manual emailed to me . TY Duane N3RSJ
Duane,
I sent you two files by way of separate email:
Icom 706 manual:
This shows you how to create the offset you need. You can do it by using the Quick Split function that is described on pages 29 and 30.
You can also do it by using the”one touch repeater function” that is explained on page 32 (you will first have to set the offset as described on page 52).
Hopefully these are helpful!
Kenneth:
I have a 706MKIIG comming and would like a copy of your pdf. I will lamanate it and keeep it next to the radio! Tried to make sense of the Manual and gave up. Some of the entries are verious devious!!
Thanks for all the work,
Chuck McClurg
N7UVZ
great! ive been going in circuls.pleas senda pdf
manymany thanks
shel lawrence
KI6ATA
Would like a copy of the PDF
Many thanks,
Bob K3OWX
Bob …The file is in your e-mail.
Thanks for asking for it. I hope it is helpful.
Your pdf looks a lot faster than leafing through the manual! Would appreciate a copy..
Brent … the PDF is on its way. I hope you find it useful!
Kenneth,
I have a 706MkIIG as well. I use mine in my pickup and would like a copy of your PDF as well. I appreciate the work you’ve done and your willingness to share with other Hams. I’ve used the information from your site and thing the off would be a great addition.
73 – KG7RBT
Eric , I sent the file a few minutes ago. I’m glad you found the article useful. I’s always nice to know a little about the history behind a radio.
Kenneth –
As a new owner of an (older) MkII, I also would appreciate receiving the IC-706 PDF guide. In fact, I have not yet even powered up the radio – no antenna available so far. But I’m working on one.
Thanks,
Doug
The file is on the way, Doug. Let me know if it is useful.
Boy, your work on this guide looks pretty complete. You really did a great and complete guide. My problem with mine was remembering all of the rabbit trails.
I would sure appreciate a copy
Jim W5SPP
It is on the way, Jim. Sorry I took so long.
Thanks, W5SPP
Nice write up! Icom for taking the time to post it. I just got a mag loop and found my way here trying to figure out how to find tune from the swr meter. I would love a coot if the pdf
The PDF on the Icom is on its way. Thanks for checking out the post!
w4rar@arrl.net Ken would love a copy of your guide just getting back into HF Mobil operations 73 es tnx Bob W4RAR
Bob … it is on the way. I love your callsign!
May I get a copy of the PDF on the 706 MKIIG
It is on the way, Al. I hope it makes using the 706 a bit easier.
Very handy document . Could you send me the .PDF Thank You Very Much .
Mike Emm
Mike,
It is on the way.
Thanks for requesting the guide!
Thank very much ,it is extremely helpful (706 guide that is)
HI. I HAVE HAD MY MK2G FOR OVER 2 YEARS ON A LONG WIRE LISITING.
I LIVE IN A HOA WITH AN ATTIC. I NEED THIS TO WORK HERE IN MY HOUSE . ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT…… THAN YOU INAVANCE…
RAY KK4GFS
Ray,
I have sent to you my Quick Instructions for the Icom 706. I also
attached a digital copy of the full manual.
Regarding the long wire (or random wire) antenna you will be able
to transmit with it if you use an antenna tuner. Several different
types form $70 up to $300 are available from MFJ. Just make sure
you buy one that supports a random wire input.
If you want better performance consider putting up a dipole in your
attic. A half wave dipole for 20 meters (the most active HF band) will
only be about 35 feet long and you can slope it or make an ‘L’ of the
ends to fit your attic. I would still recommend an antenna tuner but
you might want to get one of the automatic ones like the LDG which
can go for as little as $100 plus cable costs.
Good luck with the 706!
Would like a copy of the PDF
Thanks in advance
de W4SAT
psychojoe1952@gmail.com
Larry
Kenneth,
I just picked up one of these radios (IC-706MIIG) and am quite intimidated. I’d like to request a copy of the PDF file. Thanks for making it available.
73,
Tom WA4ESI
Hi
Could.i please get a copy of the 706 MK2 mini manual. Just acquired my first 706 for the car and would be perfect to have at hand. Thank you Andy – M0FAT
I will get it out to you, Andy.
hi there i just got this icom 706mkiig the vfowas tunring hard so I took it off to cleanit but now I cant put the vfo back on what to do
Usually they just push back on. Hold the rear of the radio to steady it and
push firmly with two fingers on opposite sides of the knob. If it still won’t
go on I would put a very small coating of ordinary bar soap on the shaft and
then try again. That should lubricate it make it easier to slip on.
ok thanks its on now thanks for the info 73s
Hello Kenneth ..I also just got an Icom 706mk2 and so far Im really Happy with it ! I was wondering if I could obtain a copy of your scaled down verision of the Menu it would be most appreciated ! And if I may ask have you done any Mods to the fan for the Heat in the Radio Thanks… Tim KE8GLP
Can I please get a copy of the 706 MK2 mini manual. Ive owned the radio for a while now and any information would be nice to have at hand. Thank you Andy KC1BJG
Hi Kenneth,
just came across your article. I would appreciate a pdf copy of the ICOM IC706 MKII G Operation Guide when you have the time.
Regards
Paul
G6SPG
I’d like to request a copy of the PDF file. Thanks for making it available.
Thanks,
Gerry
KC0CAT
The guide has been sent to you. Sorry if it was late!
No problem….Thanks!
I finally got my General license and was lucky to find a nice IC 706mkiig. Read your article and would love to have a copy of your guide!
Ron,
I will be sending that guide today. Thanks for asking. Good luck with the 706.
Hello Kenneth, I’ve had the 706mkIIG for a long while but went and bought a 7000. Too bad it is belly up, so back to the 706 which was / is a great radio. May I have a copy of your PDF cheat sheet?
Thanks, Les
Could you please send me a PDF of the cheat sheets.
Richard, the file just went out to you.
Kenneth, I read all of the replies that dated back to 2015. You should be applauded for you diligence in responding to request for so long. I too would like your PDF.
Thanks,
Jim
W5SPP
Thanks for the applause, Jim.
Hopefully I will be able to create a ‘download’ button with some new plugin code that I heard about. Then it will be easier for everyone to get the file. LOL
Please pdf files cheat sheets>
Thanks
NEAL NC4RR/ZF2OB
I have just purchased an IC-706MkIIG and would appreciate a copy of the PDF and any additional information to assist in learning proper operation of this unit.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Ed
Hello Kenneth,
Please send me a copy of the PDF file for the Icom 706MarkIIG.
Thank you,
Bruce WA8TNC
This was the first radio I purchased after getting my ticket. Have since got one in my go kit plus one in shack. Hard to beat it. Could I get a PGF of your menus and anything else you may have?
Chuck,
I will get it out to you today.
Thanks for checking in.
Ken
Really appreciate it if this PDF is still available. I just bought the radio and being a New Ham VE3XAE, I could use all the help I can get! Thanks 73 William
The guide has been sent to you. Thanks for asking for it. Sorry I’m a bit late noticing your comment.
Could you please send me a copy of the PDF file for the Icom 706MarkIIG.
David … the file should be in your email inbox now. Hopefully it will be of use to you.
The guide is very easy to read and use.
I am working on a ToGo kit project for the Red Cross.
Thanks for taking the time to write the guide.
Could you please send me a copy of the PDF file for the Icom 706MarkIIG.
Thanks for asking, Ron. I have sent the file.
Thanks for the information. I am a new HAM KJ7KNG and was given a 706MKIIG. I was also given a link to your site and would love a pdf of your cheat sheet.
Chris
I emailed the sheet. Welcome to ham radio, Chris
Hi Kenneth. Juts came across this after purchasing a 706Mk2G. Been lookiNG for one for a while. The perfect Field Station rig. Would appreciate if you could send me the PDF file.
73,
ZS6RKE
Richard; the file is on it’s way to you. Thanks for requesting it.
Hi Kenneth…
Glad to see you are still providing this valuable service to your fellow hams. Thank you in advance for forwarding to me your PDF for the “Icom IC-706MkIIG Operation Guide”.
Warm Regards… Jim, K3JGT
Really nice work. I bought an IC-706MKIIG about 10 years ago and had it repaired once at SAR. I don’t think they handle them anymore, but I could be wrong. Great radio–I’m now setting it up to operate remotely now that I have a place where I can put up a decent antenna. Could you send me the PDF?
Hey, that IC-706 Operation Guide sounds like just the thing for me, and I would greatly appreciate receiving the PDF in my email! Thanks much and –… …–
The document has been sent to you.
Thanks for your interest.
I am trying to use my 706 on 2 meters but it wasn’t transmitting the offset frequency (-600) even though I chose it in the menu. I followed the advice of a ham who ones one who said the program SPLIT and DUP Offset. It will now transmit the offset frequency when I transmit but will not key up the repeater on 10 watts. My HT will do it on watts. There has to be some command that I am missing. Can you help?
I am not sure what is wrong. Maybe a little troubleshooting will help.
Are you able to key up one or more other repeaters with the 706?
Do those that work reqquire a tone or not?
Some repeaters require that besides having the correct offset you send an inaudible tone to open the repeater. Does this repeater require that tone? If so, have you programmed it in to the 706? Check your HT to see if it is sending the tone.
Is your 706 in duplex mode?(sends on one frequency, listens on another). This is necessary also. So I would compare the settings of the two radios and look for the place where they differ. I am assuming you are using the same antenna for both. If not you should also test the 706 and the HT with the same antenna to eliminate a problem with that.
Hello there
Thank you for the most useful info. I have bought a used MKIIG and while waiting for it to arrive I am exploring the info I can find .
You have made it a lot easier to navigate the menus I think and I would be grateful if I could have a copy of the PDF file please ?
Regards
Finn Ostervig OZ1FO
Finn, I will send that out today. Thanks for your interest.
Just got my 706 out of retirement and am hoping to use it for POTA. Would love a copy of your guide. Great how so many years later it is still in demand! 73 N3XH
It will be on the way tonight. The 706 is a nice radio and it can still keep up with the new ones. Enjoy it.
Hi, I bought a 706MKIIG LAST NIGHT from a local elmer who upgraded. Thanks for the time you spent creating this. Could you send me a copy?
Hi Kenneth, I’ve been using a 706mkII for about 3 years now and enjoy the radio. I’m not a frequent user and I find that when I go back to make a change I have to once again look it all up in the manual. Ya know the memory isn’t what it used to be. I would love a copy of your PDF I feel that it would be a great help.
It went out in the email yesterday. I know exactly what you mean about memory. I’m having the same experience.
Hi Kenneth! I would appreciate a copy of your PDF also. I’ve had the 706kIIg for awhile but still get confused by the menus.
Sorry, just saw the download link! Many thanks!
I would like a copy of your pdf also. I am looking for a battery for the sprint setup for the 706mkIIg, know where and size?