Don't forget to set your Icom menu to "External Speaker" mode, otherwise you will wonder why the dash is silent!
Work on a clean, non-slip surface with plenty of light. Opening the Radio Case
and have noticed the "AM/FM" button on the front panel does absolutely nothing, you aren't alone. These classic HF transceivers were designed with the UI-7 AM/FM Unit
Ensure that any internal audio or RF jumpers are plugged into the correct jacks. Swapping the inputs will result in severe attenuation or audio clipping. icom ui7 am fm unit install
To install the UI-7, follow these general steps based on technical documentation for the Icom IC-725 :
Static electricity can instantly destroy internal radio components without your knowledge. Work on a clean, non-conductive surface (avoid carpets). Touch a grounded metal surface frequently if you do not have an anti-static wrist strap. Finally, always disconnect the DC power cable or AC power supply and remove any backup batteries from the transceiver before turning a single screw. Step-by-Step Installation Process
Keep in mind that standard VHF/UHF or HF antennas are not optimized for the AM broadcast band (530–1700 kHz) or the FM broadcast band (88–108 MHz). While you will likely pick up strong local stations with your existing antenna, connecting a dedicated wideband antenna or an antenna tuner will significantly improve your reception performance. Troubleshooting Common Issues Don't forget to set your Icom menu to
When to seek professional help
If you own a compatible vehicle and an Icom remote-mount radio, stop messing around with sticky pads. The turns a messy hobby install into a professional, stealthy setup.
Adding the Icom UI-7 AM/FM unit to your IC-725, IC-728, or similar transceiver is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can perform on these classic radios. It transforms a single-sideband-only radio into a versatile multimode station, giving you access to the 10-meter FM band and allowing you to explore the unique qualities of AM transmission. By following this careful step-by-step guide, you can handle the installation yourself, ensuring your trusted Icom continues to deliver years of excellent service across all the modes you want to use. These classic HF transceivers were designed with the
is a popular, essential add-on board designed to expand the capabilities of several classic Icom HF transceivers. While many vintage rigs came with standard SSB/CW capabilities, the UI-7 allows owners of models like the IC-725, IC-728, and IC-735 to add dedicated AM transmit/receive and FM functionality, enabling access to 10-meter FM repeaters and 29 MHz simplex operation.
: This unit is typically required for the Icom IC-728 and IC-725 models. Note that the IC-729 usually has these capabilities built-in and does not require this board.
: Reinstall the covers and perform a functional test. The AM/FM button should now cycle through the newly enabled modes. Compatible Transceivers
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Working on electronics involves risks; please follow all safety precautions. If you'd like, I can: