‘Does most things that most people want’. That is a superb assessment of the 705. I recently moved from an excellent location in Derbyshire to a valley in Cornwall I decided to get a 705 to go portable .Whilst I have not explored Cornwall with the radio using it at the QTH has produced very pleasing results bearing in mind the physical limitations of my new home. To sum up, the 705 is not for everyone but for many of us it is an invaluable piece of kit. Icom deserves a great deal of praise for taking the risk in producing an unusual transceiver.
I’ve owned my IC-705 for about 2 years now. To someone who’s been licensed for 56 years, starting off with vacuum tube radios, what this little rig does is mind - blowing! 😊. As you said, it’s an excellent radio for VHF / UHF weak - signal operation as well as a fantastic HF QRP radio. I also have the companion AH - 705 ATU as well, quickly matches a wide variety of antennas! 73’ Tom WA1LBK
I took the plunge & bought one from you a short while ago. I set it up in the garden with a portable HWEF antenna & an Ilertenna QRP matching unit (kit built). According to the RBN, with a 5w test CW message, from the UK I was heard in Central Europe, Scandinavia and the USA! Love it! Really looking forward to the spring & the end of lockdown! M6VCJ 73.
I loaned mine out and the ham loved it so much that he insisted on paying me full new price and keeping it. I still had other radios, so I'm now buying it again. I hope the charger cable has been updated to a type C instead of the older one. Great and true review that you have made here. AC9DN
Thank you sir for your time in making this video! I have a 705 that I had planned on using for SOTA but I’ve decided it’s too “pretty” to take out in the field! It is in my “home shack” right now and I am still using my FT818 For QRP adventures! “73” From USA, Florida currently!
Peter, your enthusiasm is infectious ! It was like watching a bloke experience the birth and cradling of his first child :-) I would say this one video will sell many IC 705's. When we all get over these lockdowns, getting outdoors will be great for our health and a radio like this, or any radio in fairness, will do us all the world of good. 73 Syd.
Wish I could afford this having spent much on a kx2. Love your videos and watch them all. You should have a radio show or even a podcast. Love listening to you here in the US! Would buy from your store but would be more expensive. Keep making videos 👍❤️
Thank you Peter, can’t wait to get out and about again but for now I’m hunkered down doing decorating so your channel is a welcome break from wallpaper and emulsion. Come on the Spring. 73 and stay safe M0AZE Mike
I own a 705 and love it. I made a 20m contact at 10w on my very first literal keyup with it brand new on my Buddistick Deluxe. Really nice radio. I was impressed given the fact I made a contact the very literal first time I keyed it up on air on 20m.
I’ve done a few SOTA activations with mine, all 2m VHF FM . I use the bandscope a bit as part of that, just to keep an eye on which channels are in use or free. Loads of contacts every time and certainly not comparable to the performance of a HT in any way. With the GPS, audio recording, etc, it’s a great SOTA set. I also like the options for audio output (speaker mic, headphones, to a PC, etc). I use an external battery (Tracer 7Ah LiFePo) but can certainly do a single SOTA activation off the standard Icom battery if I choose. I carry mine in a small peli case, just to keep it protected and dry.
I love my IC-705. I put mine in a €15 Decathlon small soft, padded lunch box, with mic, speaker wire doublet antenna, LiFePo4 battery pack, cables, adaptors, Mini 60 antenna analyser, logbook and pen. The only external accessories are picnic, camping table and chair and a fishing pole antenna support (yup, Decathlon again!). Who knew Decathlon sold so many ham radio accessories? 73 EA5HQ
Excellent review! I recently bought the IC-7300, but ooof, that thing is too heavy at 10# plus battery. I think the 705 is in my future. We love to hike, climb and backcountry ski and a QRP radio is soooo much lighter. I was tempted by the KX-2...but with the 705 only being a pound more, and it does a lot more...very tempting
Thank you for the video Peter, it looks like a super radio. I rather think people will have to dig in their pockets a little bit further for a few accessories when they buy one such as an auto ATU, decent carry case, maybe a stand. I would imagine that touchscreen needs a screen protector to avoid scratches when using outdoors. I will certainly come to you if and when I decide to buy one!
Great compact do-it-all-anywhere-radio. I fully agree with the outstanding good features forward pointing speaker, fabulous display, full set of features, some never seen before. I also do love the tripod mount and the wireless connectivity. Yes, I too wish there was a tuner for HF built in, even at the cost of a bit more volume and weight. An acceptable compromise would be, if an external tuner could be snapped on at the back of the 705 and powered by the transceiver. The biggest pain of not having an internal tuner is losing that appeal of a compact "one-piece" equipment. Again you have the hassle with wires, connectors, batteries. I am sure we will see an 705MKII with ATU at some time. Today I upgraded the firmware to 1.20, was really easy to do. That is the best feature of the modern devices. You are not stuck with the features present when bought. Software can easily be upgraded for free by the user. The device will feel "new" for as long as the software upgrades keep coming.
Despite having both the IC-7300 and the IC-9700 I have no intention of purchasing the 705, but I do enjoy your informative and very relaxed presentation style Peter, and is why I enjoy watching your videos.
Hi Peter, very enjoyable and informative video, be great to have some vintage radio videos, re the 705 I've had mine since it's launch and am very happy with it and have had some great contacts in the limited time this summer let's keep our fingers crossed for this year, but I'm still going to be using my ft-817 with the sota beams in-line speech compressor that'll be radio of choice when I'm out and about and need a more rugged option Pack's down light and can take a beating.cheers Peter, Adam G7CRQ
Hi Peter, nice chat about the 705, its an amazing radio made by some very clever people !! I am the proud owner of one and can't wait to have a play with it on my friends yacht as we sail up the East Coast to Norfolk in the summer!! I agree with your comments, just to add that it also has DStar and GPS . The only bit missing is a nice soft touch tuning knob ring but I guess you can't have everything! 73 Alex
Peter, it is always nice to get your wholistic articulate opinion, supported by specific facts. As a 7300 owner I would be interested in your thoughts about when or if you see a reason to add the 705 to the collection... (my initial read of your videos and multiple other RUclips reviewers is that unless you operate from very remote locations demanding size and weight considerations, the 7300 is hard to outgrow)
I paused the video one minute in to predict your verdict. Especially since you sell radios. “It’s a great piece of kit and you should get yourself one”
I've seen smart glasses that show you a multimeter reading, while your hands are holding probes on a circuit. If I could see a virtual copy of the IC-705 display in a pair of glasses, I'd buy them.
I am looking for my first & hopefully last HF radio if i choose correctly. I’m not entirely sure what modes I will gravitate to once I get rolling so the idea of a complete system in one box is super appealing. Is it a crazy idea to consider this unit as a first system?
Ya know, I’m attracted to it, but I already regularly use the IC 7300 that I take hill top portable and I have a KX-2 that I rarely use. Someday down the road when the price drops...
I have used mine for @ 3 months For me the only missing thing, 2 X BNC antenna sockets for ease of use, 1 for HF and 1 for VHF/UHF Internal ATU is a non issue for me, either resonant dipoles, or my existing LDG Z11 Pro II is fine.
Nice info Peter - Reverse Beacon network that sounds really good - have you thought about the Peovi Carry cage I have one and I now am not scared to move the thing , I share your enthusiasm about this radio all the best - Andrea's
In my opinion reasonably well. I listen to various stations all around Europe at nights, on my EFHW-8010 antenna. You have all the DSP and controls available there too, so you can use NR, RF gain, attenuator, noise blanker, etc. No problems with overloading on MW, etc.
How often does ICOM issue firmware updates to the 705 with bug fixes and new features? Since this is an SDR radio they could do a lot of cool things that way, if their business model lets them.
I’m hoping someone with more experience with the 705 radio can answer this question on made for Japan domestic market radio compatibility here in USA…. I’m considering purchasing a brand new IC-705 from Japan to save the money (about 40% savings). ICOM corporate states that their mfg warranty will not work here in US for Japan domestic manufactured radios. I’m not super concerned about the warranty. I’ve never had an issue with any high quality electronics brand I’ve purchased in past, but know there’s always a risk. Such is life. However, do you think that there will really be issues with band modes and other usability aspects as they suggest, or could it just be “spin” to keep business for local equipment dealers. What are your thoughts?
Did you ever get Dstar to work while evaluating the IC-705? I was hoping to find a basic step by step for Dstar.. I Really enjoy your videos, yours is one of my favorite RUclips channels. Stay safe & 73 wd4dda
Iam astonished that it uses the same battery as a HT and only 1880mah that's insane! surely the battery life must be dire?! that's enough to put me off the 705 without even knowing anything else about it. with all the features on board, the battery should be at least 4000mah if not more. obviously Icom have done this to save money on what is supposed to be a premium QRP radio and proves that self contained portability is just an afterthought with this product and at this price point thats inexcusable
There is an option for a larger battery. On SSB the duty cycle is quite low and on all modes the power output auto switched to 5W unless an external supply is used.
There is a 3350 mAh battery as an option. You also can have multiple batteries and swap them. I have the original one and I feel it getting a bit worn out after two years of using it, however it still lasts several SOTA activations. I also have the bigger one as spare and both together handle hours of operation. "that's enough to put me off... without even knowing anything else..." -- Sorry, this sounds too biased. It's better to first know and then decide... ;-)
Наука
‘Does most things that most people want’.
That is a superb assessment of the 705.
I recently moved from an excellent location in Derbyshire to a valley in Cornwall I decided to get a 705 to go portable .Whilst I have not explored Cornwall with the radio using it at the QTH has produced very pleasing results bearing in mind the physical limitations of my new home.
To sum up, the 705 is not for everyone but for many of us it is an invaluable piece of kit. Icom deserves a great deal of praise for taking the risk in producing an unusual transceiver.
Hi Anthony. Nice to hear from you. Yes I love my IC-705 and hope to use it a lot in the next few months. 73 Peter
I’ve owned my IC-705 for about 2 years now. To someone who’s been licensed for 56 years, starting off with vacuum tube radios, what this little rig does is mind - blowing! 😊. As you said, it’s an excellent radio for VHF / UHF weak - signal operation as well as a fantastic HF QRP radio. I also have the companion AH - 705 ATU as well, quickly matches a wide variety of antennas!
73’
Tom WA1LBK
Thanks for sharing! Best Regards Tom.
on my wish list when i can afford it, great vid as always
Thanks! 73 Peter
I took the plunge & bought one from you a short while ago. I set it up in the garden with a portable HWEF antenna & an Ilertenna QRP matching unit (kit built). According to the RBN, with a 5w test CW message, from the UK I was heard in Central Europe, Scandinavia and the USA!
Love it!
Really looking forward to the spring & the end of lockdown! M6VCJ 73.
Hi Chris. Glad to hear from you. You will get lots of fun with that rasio and antenna. 73 Peter
Thanks for the great reviews!
I loaned mine out and the ham loved it so much that he insisted on paying me full new price and keeping it. I still had other radios, so I'm now buying it again. I hope the charger cable has been updated to a type C instead of the older one. Great and true review that you have made here. AC9DN
Thanks for sharing!
I own one also, use it for mobile and base, super radio. I even added recently the xiegu 100w amp. Very nice matching. This radio does it all
Thanks for sharing
Thank you sir for your time in making this video! I have a 705 that I had planned on using for SOTA but I’ve decided it’s too “pretty” to take out in the field! It is in my “home shack” right now and I am still using my FT818 For QRP adventures!
“73”
From USA, Florida currently!
Glad I could help
Peter, your enthusiasm is infectious ! It was like watching a bloke experience the birth and cradling of his first child :-) I would say this one video will sell many IC 705's. When we all get over these lockdowns, getting outdoors will be great for our health and a radio like this, or any radio in fairness, will do us all the world of good. 73 Syd.
Many thanks Syd. Very kind words. All the best. Peter
Wish I could afford this having spent much on a kx2. Love your videos and watch them all. You should have a radio show or even a podcast. Love listening to you here in the US! Would buy from your store but would be more expensive. Keep making videos 👍❤️
Wow, thanks! 73 Peter
Quite enjoyed your experienced evaluation, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the video.
Thank you Peter, can’t wait to get out and about again but for now I’m hunkered down doing decorating so your channel is a welcome break from wallpaper and emulsion. Come on the Spring. 73 and stay safe M0AZE Mike
Have fun! Thanks for viewing. 73 Peter
I own a 705 and love it. I made a 20m contact at 10w on my very first literal keyup with it brand new on my Buddistick Deluxe. Really nice radio. I was impressed given the fact I made a contact the very literal first time I keyed it up on air on 20m.
Very nice! Enjoy it Eric. 73 Peter
I’ve done a few SOTA activations with mine, all 2m VHF FM . I use the bandscope a bit as part of that, just to keep an eye on which channels are in use or free. Loads of contacts every time and certainly not comparable to the performance of a HT in any way. With the GPS, audio recording, etc, it’s a great SOTA set. I also like the options for audio output (speaker mic, headphones, to a PC, etc). I use an external battery (Tracer 7Ah LiFePo) but can certainly do a single SOTA activation off the standard Icom battery if I choose. I carry mine in a small peli case, just to keep it protected and dry.
I love my IC-705. I put mine in a €15 Decathlon small soft, padded lunch box, with mic, speaker wire doublet antenna, LiFePo4 battery pack, cables, adaptors, Mini 60 antenna analyser, logbook and pen. The only external accessories are picnic, camping table and chair and a fishing pole antenna support (yup, Decathlon again!). Who knew Decathlon sold so many ham radio accessories? 73 EA5HQ
Hi Marcus. Great to get your hews. Sounds a nice setup. Just need some better weather. 73 Peter
Thanks, Pete. Just got my 705. Great video, 73, N6MON
Enjoy it 73 Peter
Mailman bringing mine today :)
Great over view of the radio Peter, TNX 4 the video ! 73 N8AUM
Cheers. Peter
Excellent review! I recently bought the IC-7300, but ooof, that thing is too heavy at 10# plus battery. I think the 705 is in my future. We love to hike, climb and backcountry ski and a QRP radio is soooo much lighter. I was tempted by the KX-2...but with the 705 only being a pound more, and it does a lot more...very tempting
Nice video. I just bought a 705 today ;-)
Nice 👍 You will have lots of fun. 73 Peter
Good vid and informative. Thx.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for the video Peter, it looks like a super radio. I rather think people will have to dig in their pockets a little bit further for a few accessories when they buy one such as an auto ATU, decent carry case, maybe a stand. I would imagine that touchscreen needs a screen protector to avoid scratches when using outdoors. I will certainly come to you if and when I decide to buy one!
Many thabks David, Great to gear from you and thanks for your support. 73 Peter
Great video peter, I own one and totally agree. The radio does so much and I'm looking forward to using it more when we beat this nasty virus 👍
Totally agree 73 Peter
Great compact do-it-all-anywhere-radio. I fully agree with the outstanding good features forward pointing speaker, fabulous display, full set of features, some never seen before. I also do love the tripod mount and the wireless connectivity. Yes, I too wish there was a tuner for HF built in, even at the cost of a bit more volume and weight. An acceptable compromise would be, if an external tuner could be snapped on at the back of the 705 and powered by the transceiver.
The biggest pain of not having an internal tuner is losing that appeal of a compact "one-piece" equipment. Again you have the hassle with wires, connectors, batteries.
I am sure we will see an 705MKII with ATU at some time.
Today I upgraded the firmware to 1.20, was really easy to do. That is the best feature of the modern devices. You are not stuck with the features present when bought. Software can easily be upgraded for free by the user. The device will feel "new" for as long as the software upgrades keep coming.
Hi there. Many thanks for sharing that info. 73 Peter
Great review.
Thanks!
Despite having both the IC-7300 and the IC-9700 I have no intention of purchasing the 705, but I do enjoy your informative and very relaxed presentation style Peter, and is why I enjoy watching your videos.
Thanks for watching! Nice comments. Thanks. Peter
Hehe, based on my experience with 705, I've bought 7300 and later also 9700! Great radios all three!
Hi Peter, very enjoyable and informative video, be great to have some vintage radio videos, re the 705 I've had mine since it's launch and am very happy with it and have had some great contacts in the limited time this summer let's keep our fingers crossed for this year, but I'm still going to be using my ft-817 with the sota beams in-line speech compressor that'll be radio of choice when I'm out and about and need a more rugged option Pack's down light and can take a beating.cheers Peter, Adam G7CRQ
Many thanks Adam. Great to hear from you. 73 Peter
The attenborough of HAM radio. Thank you for the review.
Hi Peter, nice chat about the 705, its an amazing radio made by some very clever people !! I am the proud owner of one and can't wait to have a play with it on my friends yacht as we sail up the East Coast to Norfolk in the summer!! I agree with your comments, just to add that it also has DStar and GPS . The only bit missing is a nice soft touch tuning knob ring but I guess you can't have everything! 73 Alex
Many thanks! Hope trip goes OK. 73 Peter.
The tuning ring could be a aftermarket product only time will tell if there's a demand
Thank you. Really useful review. A nice radio for those who do not have the luxury of space in the house, our out there.
Glad it was helpful! 73 Peter
@@watersstanton 73s de M0IUR
Peter, it is always nice to get your wholistic articulate opinion, supported by specific facts. As a 7300 owner I would be interested in your thoughts about when or if you see a reason to add the 705 to the collection... (my initial read of your videos and multiple other RUclips reviewers is that unless you operate from very remote locations demanding size and weight considerations, the 7300 is hard to outgrow)
Hi Richard. The fun aspect is best reason. I have an IC-7300 but would much otefer the lightweight IC-705 for outdoor use. 73 Peter
I paused the video one minute in to predict your verdict. Especially since you sell radios. “It’s a great piece of kit and you should get yourself one”
Your words I think - not mine! 73 Peter.
I've seen smart glasses that show you a multimeter reading, while your hands are holding probes on a circuit.
If I could see a virtual copy of the IC-705 display in a pair of glasses, I'd buy them.
It would certainly help some who have impaired vision. 73 Peter
The 705's receiver is the best on the market out of any QRP radio for the bands that it covers.
I am looking for my first & hopefully last HF radio if i choose correctly. I’m not entirely sure what modes I will gravitate to once I get rolling so the idea of a complete system in one box is super appealing. Is it a crazy idea to consider this unit as a first system?
I love my 705 and still have not used it to the full potential. 73s
73 Peter
I would like to have one as a wideband receiver. If this is not the case any alternative you suggest? Thank you!
Ya know, I’m attracted to it, but I already regularly use the IC 7300 that I take hill top portable and I have a KX-2 that I rarely use. Someday down the road when the price drops...
Many thanks. 73 Peter
Would this receive everything an old zenith 7000 radio would receive?
Is this the David Attenborough of Amateur Radio? Sure sounds like him and an erudite channel indeed! 73 K7GYB
With the IC-705 in the field, which antenna would You prefer: Vertcial, Endfed, Loop? Thanks.
End fed for performance and ease of erection. 73 Peter.
I have used mine for @ 3 months
For me the only missing thing, 2 X BNC antenna sockets for ease of use, 1 for HF and 1 for VHF/UHF
Internal ATU is a non issue for me, either resonant dipoles, or my existing LDG Z11 Pro II is fine.
Hi Dave, I agree although probably more an issue for home use than when out portable. 73 Peter.
Nice.....
Thanks
Good presentation, makes me want to purchase an IC-705. VE7BKU
You should! 73 Peter
Nice info Peter - Reverse Beacon network that sounds really good - have you thought about the Peovi Carry cage I have one and I now am not scared to move the thing , I share your enthusiasm about this radio all the best - Andrea's
Many thanks Andrea's - thanks for sharing. 73 Peter
My IC 705 has way more functions than my Kenwood TS-570, but I enjoy both.
Yes, the best radio is the one you enjoy using, 73 Peter
Q: how does the 705 perform as a receiver on the MW band?
In my opinion reasonably well. I listen to various stations all around Europe at nights, on my EFHW-8010 antenna. You have all the DSP and controls available there too, so you can use NR, RF gain, attenuator, noise blanker, etc. No problems with overloading on MW, etc.
How often does ICOM issue firmware updates to the 705 with bug fixes and new features? Since this is an SDR radio they could do a lot of cool things that way, if their business model lets them.
It’s early days yet. No idea how often.
Great video I will be getting one very soon have you them in stock Peter??
At the moment, yes we have. Mention the video when irdering. 73 Peter.
I’m hoping someone with more experience with the 705 radio can answer this question on made for Japan domestic market radio compatibility here in USA…. I’m considering purchasing a brand new IC-705 from Japan to save the money (about 40% savings). ICOM corporate states that their mfg warranty will not work here in US for Japan domestic manufactured radios. I’m not super concerned about the warranty. I’ve never had an issue with any high quality electronics brand I’ve purchased in past, but know there’s always a risk. Such is life. However, do you think that there will really be issues with band modes and other usability aspects as they suggest, or could it just be “spin” to keep business for local equipment dealers. What are your thoughts?
I have no idea of the Japanese spec. Why not check the band allocations for Japan. k
Nice video, thank you 73 K1KSC
If your are gonna spend a lot money on radio make it this one !
Did you ever get Dstar to work while evaluating the IC-705?
I was hoping to find a basic step by step for Dstar..
I Really enjoy your videos, yours is one of my favorite RUclips channels.
Stay safe & 73
wd4dda
No I never tried. But I think there must be some videos. 73 Peter.
Xiegu 6100 got internal ATU
Please name one book where I can learn about ham radio?
The Foundation Licence Manual for Radio Amateurs. Non Member's Price £6.99
Foundation Training - 7 videos full playlist link: ruclips.net/p/PLcC64tNkZB7xvc3rHlpqqCkiBdAzYe8cf
You can’t compare the size of those two radios. Geez, the IC-705 is HF, VHF, and UHF!!!!
Thanks for viewing. 73 Peter
And the bandscope!
Iam astonished that it uses the same battery as a HT and only 1880mah that's insane! surely the battery life must be dire?! that's enough to put me off the 705 without even knowing anything else about it. with all the features on board, the battery should be at least 4000mah if not more. obviously Icom have done this to save money on what is supposed to be a premium QRP radio and proves that self contained portability is just an afterthought with this product and at this price point thats inexcusable
There is an option for a larger battery. On SSB the duty cycle is quite low and on all modes the power output auto switched to 5W unless an external supply is used.
There is a 3350 mAh battery as an option. You also can have multiple batteries and swap them. I have the original one and I feel it getting a bit worn out after two years of using it, however it still lasts several SOTA activations. I also have the bigger one as spare and both together handle hours of operation.
"that's enough to put me off... without even knowing anything else..." -- Sorry, this sounds too biased. It's better to first know and then decide... ;-)
FIRST yihaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw
you win the internet ! yay
Totally useless on hill top, 5 watts is useless for HF, SSB voice. If your good at CW very good
Wrong. I have many SSB contacts with 5 Watts.
And even 500+ km contacts on 2m SSB!