Icom IC-7110: the mysterious “X-026” is finally unveiled
After months of teasing, Icom has lifted the veil on its new transceiver at Tokyo Ham Fair 2026. The famous “X-026” concept becomes the IC-7110, the long-awaited successor to the popular IC-7100: coverage of HF, 50, 70, 144 and 430 MHz, a direct-sampling SDR receiver, a colour touchscreen, D-STAR and thoroughly modern connectivity.
🔗 About this article: we drew on the article by Passion Radio and the spec sheet from DXZone, supplemented by Icom's official announcements. Thanks to them for the discovery.
🎬 “X-026”: the teaser becomes reality
Icom ran a skilfully orchestrated teaser campaign. It all began in spring 2026 with a short teaser video and an intriguing code name: X-026. Concept mock-ups then appeared at the year's major events: the Dayton Hamvention, the Ham Radio show in Friedrichshafen and even the WRTC 2026 world championship.
The suspense ended on 29 August 2026 at the JARL Ham Fair in Tokyo: during a reveal streamed live worldwide from stand B12, hosted by Ray Novak (N9JA) with Josh Nass (KI6NAZ, Ham Radio Crash Course), Icom confirmed that the X-026 was going into production as the IC-7110.
The front panel of the IC-7110: 4.3-inch colour touchscreen with real-time spectrum analyser and waterfall. (Image: Icom)
📈 The IC-7100 (2013) modernised at last
Launched in 2013, the IC-7100 had established itself as a much-loved “Swiss army knife”: an all-band, all-mode transceiver, compact, with a detachable angled front panel, ideal for mobile use as well as a secondary base station. Thirteen years later, the IC-7110 takes up the concept but brings it into the era of modern SDR. The key changes:
Colour touchscreen
A 4.3-inch colour LCD (as on the IC-7300MK2) replaces the small monochrome display, with real-time spectrum and waterfall.
Direct-sampling SDR
An RF direct-sampling receiver with FPGA on HF and 50 MHz, following in the footsteps of the IC-7300 and IC-7610.
Dualwatch
Genuine simultaneous dual receive across bands (HF/144, HF/430, 50/144, 50/430 MHz).
More power on UHF
50 W on 144/430 MHz (compared with 35 W on UHF for the IC-7100) and still 100 W on HF/50 MHz.
📊 IC-7110 specifications
| Feature | Icom IC-7110 |
|---|---|
| Bands (transmit, EUR version) | HF, 50 MHz, 70 MHz, 144 MHz, 430 MHz |
| Receiver | Continuous from 30 kHz to 144 MHz (including FM broadcast and the airband) |
| Modes | SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM, D-STAR (DV) |
| Power | 100 W (HF/50 MHz), 50 W (144/430 MHz). M (50 W) and S (20 W) versions |
| Receiver | Direct-sampling SDR (FPGA) on HF/50 MHz, simultaneous dual receive |
| Display | 4.3-inch colour LCD touchscreen, real-time scope and waterfall |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.3, built-in GNSS, USB Type-C |
| Front panel | Detachable (3.5 m cable), front-facing speaker, front fan |
| Antenna tuner | No internal tuner (connector for an external tuner such as the AH-6) |
| Nice extra | Automatic CW decoding |
| Availability / price | Not announced at launch (August 2026) |
🌐 Connectivity brought up to date at last
This is probably where the IC-7110 most clearly reflects its time. Where the IC-7100 was limited to a conventional USB socket, the newcomer offers:
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3
For remote control, wireless headsets and integration with a smartphone or computer.
Built-in GNSS
A satellite positioning receiver, very handy for mobile use and for time-stamping or D-PRS.
USB Type-C
A modern, reversible connector for CAT control, digital audio and updates.
Detachable front panel
The separable control head (3.5 m cable) with front-facing speaker makes vehicle installation easier.
⚠️ The controversial point: contrary to what many had hoped, the IC-7110 does not have a built-in automatic antenna tuner. Mobile or portable operators will need an external tuner (for example the Icom AH-6) if they use non-resonant antennas. A choice probably linked to the compact size of the set.
🔁 IC-7100 vs IC-7110: what changes
| Criterion | IC-7100 (2013) | IC-7110 (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Monochrome touchscreen | 4.3" colour touchscreen + waterfall |
| Receiver | Superheterodyne | Direct-sampling SDR (HF/50) |
| Dual receive | Limited | Simultaneous cross-band Dualwatch |
| UHF power | 35 W | 50 W |
| Connectivity | USB | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, GNSS, USB-C |
| Digital modes | D-STAR | D-STAR + automatic CW decoding |
🎥 The IC-7110 on video (Tokyo Ham Fair)
Here is a “first look” at the IC-7110, filmed live at Tokyo Ham Fair 2026. A chance to see the beast from every angle.
🎯 Who is the IC-7110 for?
Like its predecessor, the IC-7110 is aimed at radio amateurs who want a single set that does it all, from HF DX to local VHF/UHF operating, including D-STAR. Its detachable front panel and compact format make it an excellent candidate for:
Mobile installations
All-band operating from the vehicle, with the controls within easy reach and the main unit stowed elsewhere.
The compact station
A space-saving “all-in-one” base, ideal in a flat or as a secondary station.
Portable operating and activations
A single box covering HF and VHF/UHF on a SOTA outing or a field day.
The all-round radio amateur
Perfect for newcomers who want to explore every band without buying lots of different sets.
🇨🇭 Available in Switzerland soon?
Icom is one of the leading amateur radio brands and is widely distributed in Switzerland. As soon as the IC-7110 reaches the European market, it will unsurprisingly join the catalogues of Swiss dealers. For coverage of the D-STAR repeaters in Vaud and across Switzerland, the set will be immediately at home on our 2 m and 70 cm bands.
⏳ Patience: at the time of writing, Icom has announced neither the price nor the release date for Europe. We will update this article as soon as this information becomes official.
🔧 Get your station ready
While you wait for the IC-7110, our Swiss partner Phonicom can equip you: Yaesu and Anytone radios, antennas, tuners, power supplies and cabling.
Discover the Phonicom shop →🤝 Our partners
Phonicom.ch, amateur radio specialist in Switzerland
Phonicom is an amateur radio dealer in Switzerland: Yaesu and Anytone radios, Diamond antennas, tuners, power supplies, cables and connectors. Everything you need to equip and complete your station. Personal advice and delivery within Switzerland.
Visit phonicom.ch →📚 Also on HB9V
- 🗺️ Swiss Amateur Radio Band Plan: all the HF, VHF and UHF bands of the IC-7110
- 📊 Radio Propagation Conditions: Complete Guide: to make the most of HF
- 📻 FT8: the digital mode that conquered DX: to try out via the IC-7110's USB-C port
- 🛒 Phonicom, the Swiss amateur radio shop: accessories, antennas and tuners
📖 Sources: Passion Radio, DXZone, official Icom announcements (Icom Inc., Icom UK), Tokyo Ham Fair 2026 reveal. Images: Icom (via Passion Radio). Video: first look at Tokyo Ham Fair (YouTube).
Article written by HB9HPG for HB9V.ch, Radio Amateurs of Canton Vaud
Discovery shared from Passion Radio and DXZone, with our thanks
73 and see you soon on the bands! 📻
