Does the Windcamp ARK-705 cut it for protecting the Icom IC-705?
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- Опубликовано: 26 июл 2021
- Take a look inside for my thoughts on the ARK-705. Is this the one thing you can't live without when taking your IC-705 into the field?
I highly recommend getting the RC-2 to go with this:
🛒 Windcamp ARK-705 geni.us/ZklEn
🛒 Combo Pak ARK-705 & RC-2 geni.us/aBL8y
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The ARK-705 is a wonderful cage to protect your investment! However, the RC-1 doesn't fit. You'll need the RC-2 instead! You can find a nice combo pack here: amzn.to/3lYOVCY
Thanks Jim, I really like it this cage. I dont need the windcamp bracket. You have discovered a gap in the market, time to start your own machine shop 😉
Another job! Yay!
Ah, I think thats the one I was thinking of the other day.
Kinda wish they made a full cage like this for other radios. Either way, great video as always.
HLTW TeamReplay for the win!
The Tech Prepper has something suitable for the Yaesu mobiles (817/8, 857, 891, etc) Its not as "sexy" in my mind, but it does work well.
@@temporarilyoffline No yeah I was just talking with him the other day. I do really like how it relocates the connectors to the front. Have the portable zero rails for now.
I would love to see a full frame enclosure and antenna relocation mount on the face. Heck, it would be really neat to add an optional compartment on the bottom to house an external 6-10 Ah battery. Throw this in a bag for vertical operation and you can have up to $2K of my hard earned cash.
@@TheTechPrepper If I was smarter, could probably figure out how to make one out of a cut & folded peice of sheet metal.
Good way to adjust the side piece to work with the antenna mount. I heard Windcamp is making a newer version of the antenna mount that is compatible with the cage.
That's correct, and I currently have it mounted on mine. Smaller form factor than the original mount.
I just dropped a new video on the rc-2, it's better, but not perfect.
@@temporarilyoffline Got mine as well. Agree with your first impression. Maybe need a rc-3. 😂
@@wgxdz I'm probably done with Wincamp. The cage is awesome, the rest of the stuff doesn't add to the experience. I feel like I'm at a net-negative here...
@@temporarilyoffline agreed. I like the cage. I can deal with the added bulk, but the accessories don't enhance the experience. Especially considering the types of antennas the mounts cater to really just aren't that great. I have an HFJ-350 and for the money, you're better off just saving it and putting it toward a Buddistick.
I have the Peovi and the iCOM LC-192 backpack and with the Peovi, on you can barely fit it in the pack but you have to turn one of the "ears" around backwards. Do you have an LC-192 pack and could test to see if the ARK-705 will fit into the pack without doing anything funky?
I don't have the backpack, but if I did, I'd get a review out on it.
So close !! What a shame, they should be able to redesign & modify that back support pillar. Top vid TO. Thanks. 👍
Totally Agree
Really depends if you want/need the other bracket I guess... but it silly they overlooked that with their own product.
I agree, hoping they can just sell a new strut.
It’s a great cage mate. 10/10.
The best!
Looking good, guess some time you have to take it apart will make it easier
I likenthe design of this cage overall, just wish it was compatible with the antenna mount.
did you check with the company if they have a part that will make them work together?
Yes, they have another part that fits "better": ruclips.net/video/4ZLxtc0aNFw/видео.html
Thanks for making this and not trying to be sarcastic towards some 705 owners.
I have the Peovi and like it, USA made (well sort of...Californium!) it is a work of art and minimalist. The 705 is compact but verging on kinda big for SOTA/hiking. Why make it 991 size/weight minus well get a 991 and have 100w! I think most people are walking from their vehicle to a picnic table 20’ away. It doesn’t need armor for that?
Thanks George! I like the 705, it fits a niche that I don't think Icom intended for it too. I look forward to using it and experimenting with it. Even at 5w, I have a lot of fun just listening and knowing that if I try hard enough, I can probably make a contact.
U R SO CORRECT
Hi, looking forward in watching your review... can you test to see if you can also use the WindCamp IC-705 Antenna Mount with the cage please ! Thanks Craig vk3ncr
I sure can
That's pretty disappointing with the bracket not fitting with the cage. Hopefully they see this and come up with a solution!
I hope so, both are nice products
Great review, Steve. I think I'll stick with my ARMOLOQ TPA packframes and FT-857D and FT-818ND for now. It's really odd that those two products are not compatible. Thanks for saving me upwards of $1500 USD. 73, KT1RUN
I need to come to AZ and play radio with you for a day!
@@temporarilyoffline Come out any time. Bring your radio and your 5.7x28 AR.
@@TheTechPrepper it's a deal!
ME 2kg6mn
Looks to me like a little grinding would solve the problem. You would mess up the anodizing, but who cares on the backside of it?
I've seen a good solution using a tapped rod to replace the one strut.
What antenna were you using in this video ?
The HYS Dual Bander: amzn.to/3BVuOJy It is my goto for U/VHF work on this radio
I've been contemplating the ARK-705. But it was with some wringing of hands that I decided to go with the larger, heavier IC-705 over other rigs, so I'm having a tough time pondering adding yet more weight and bulk. Even when I do POTA I still like to hike down the beach or up some trails to a good spot - so it's like a μSOTA ;-)
It does add some weight for sure. If you're already carrying the radio in one of those foam filled pelican style cases it's probably not a big deal. My portable radios get some kind of protection.
RC-2 antenna mount works with the ARK-705
It sure does! ruclips.net/video/4ZLxtc0aNFw/видео.html
I'm not sold on making my radio bigger than it already is by putting it in a cage. I've been operating portable for over 30 years and have never put even a tiny scratch on any of my equipment. I always carry my gear in a protective case of some kind. I can always find a nice camera case that is perfect in size for any of my radios.
Barry, KU3X
There are a lot of good camera cases out there for cheap. I'm not so nice on gear, even one if my shack radios has a scratch on it... I'm gonna blame the kids though... yeah, that's it its the kids fault!
show some pics or it never happended ! I've been operating for 30+ years as well...I gurantee you've put some scratches on your radios
I don't see any other QRP radios with giant cages around them. Not even on radios like the KX2 which is just as expensive. The only time I see these things in use is on picnic tables at the park. None of the QRP radios I see out on the trails/summits have this stuff on them.
Totally agree. This radio doesn't seem "durable" or easily replaced. I've use a kx2 and the metal body is awesome, and the side plates protect the knobs great and the screen has a replaceable cover... much more durable.
Great video thanks for showing. I'm still on the fence on this radio. I havent held one yet but the form factor just seems off. It seems rather fragile for a portable radio and once all the armor is added is the "compactness" of the radio defeated? Thanks again for the great content. 73 de KF7VUT
Hey Tim, not trying to "sell" you, because I'm not getting a cut out of it, but this isn't portable "overlanding" in my book, its more hotel, car, work lunch break portable in my mind.
@@temporarilyoffline 👍 thanks! I have a 7300 and love everything about it for a shack radio. I really have my eye on the Lab599 tx-500. Not a lot of bells and whistles but looks like it does what's needed and travels well. Who knows maybe the wife would be interested in a 705 🤔...her birthday is coming up! 73
@@timk7749 I totally think she would love it!!!
@@timk7749 let me know about your experience with it. Unsure about the ordering process, but I've been placed on the waiting list for the PA500 amplifier, and it's a 2 year wait right now. I have an IC-705 and love it, but really want to make the TX-500 my next radio purchase.
@@TheIronClooch I really love the tx-500. I have it paired with the pi3 for digital work and it does just fine. My morning routine is to check Winlink over HF, play with js8 or ft8 a bit and then check into a 40ssb net. Works very well for all that. Ive done cw with it as well. It packs and travels small and uses hardly any power. Really the only think I'm waiting on them to change is the ability to custom set the filters for digital mode. Hope one comes your way. 73 de KF7VUT.
I don't know why they made the frame narrower than the handles, especially on the antenna side. If it were wider it would better protect the BNC connector. Also, they should have an antenna mount that is affixed to the frame, not the radio body, for the ARK-705. After all, the whole idea is to protect the radio.
Yes, very valid feedback. I hope they see it and make a new revision. The peovi cage now has some protection for the rear, but it is expensive!
Did you see they made a mount to fit the ARK706? - WINDCAMP RC-2 Quick Release Antenna Support for ICOM 705 ICOM IC-705 Adapted for ARK-705 Shield
It's on order... they shouldn't have had to do that... but it is a better design (so far)
does this do away with the tripod mount?
Tripod mount is still usable
Looks like Windcamp has limits to the amount of engineering they want to apply to their products... Not impressed. Thanks for the reveal! Like to get Mike Patey to design one!!!!! 73 Mike
Mike is an awesome designer... this aint rocket science, I don't get it.
@@temporarilyoffline Did you see vids of Scrappy from Osh21?
Not yet, they are in the watch list
So much weight does it add to the 705
Somebody asked this and I can't remember where the comment is, I know its between 1 and 1.5 lbs - its solid metal.
@@temporarilyoffline thanks for the info 73 VK1TSK
There are some double sided tape flip out feet on Amazon. Simple and not overboard.
Cool, thanks!
I use my Peovi daily it works great .
I've seen the Peovi's they are good racks.
The fact that there are several stands, frames and antenna connection holders is a proof for a very bad job they did at ICOM. Yes, I own an IC-705 and it's a really good transceiver, but the case and the position of the connectors is a pain!
Totally agree - that being said, there is nothing like it on the market! It will probably be the "standard" for the next 10+ years too.
I'm holding out for Portable Zero.
I was really hoping these things worked together
There's an rc2 mount now that works with the ark 705
It's in the mail look for a video soon!
Looks like Windcamp messed up on the implementation. Now I don't own the Windcamp antenna mount, so I could possibly use this. But I think I'll just wait to see if someone else comes up with a competing product.
Portable Zero is working on one. Late summer release was last I heard.
@@forgetyourlife Thanks
I'll have my eyes out for it!
Use a wireless microphone. No one thinks about this but if the radio falls off table and microphone is attached when it hits the floor smashing into microphone you will have cracked screen. Yes it happened to me. Applies to IC705 and IC7300.
That's a great idea. Lightweight radios and long "tripping hazards" don't play well together.
The ant mount you have is the wrong one you need the RC2 version also by Windcamp
That is a nice adapter. Thanks for sharing that.
It's another shame that they eliminate the tripod hole in the bottom when the case is on. Show-stopper for me since I use that in my shack (desktop tripod) and in the car (cup holder mount).
There are 5 mounting holes in the bottom of the cage. Leave the 4 AMPS mount screws in, and the you can remove the center 1/4-20 tripod screw and continue to use the tripod mount. You might need to visit the hardware store for an adapter. But I use it all the time with the cage on attached to a tripod mount.
I was thinking if you take that tripod screw out and attach an actual tripod then its intended function is still good. It’s just a pain to have to keep up with an extra screw.
I am probably going to keep my Peovi cage, American made by professional camera equipment producer.
I would agree with that ;-)
Great video. Thanks! I have the WIndcamp antenna mount, but its incompatibility with the WIndcamp cage makes it a non-starter for me. Freekin' Windcamp idiots. This was a no-brainer.
I thought so too. Thanks for watching.
I like the looks of the ARK-705 but not being compatible with the windcamp antenna mount means I won’t be buying it.
Just didn't make sense to me
The Peovi works!
It does, but I was looking for something that protected the rear of the radio also.
+1 for the Windcamp ARK-705. I considered the Peovi "cage" but it's little more than a 3-way handle... it does not protect the back of the radio. Who cares that the antenna mount isn't compatible when using the ARK-705 ? Let's get practical... any radio mounted antenna is a real compromise and anything with some weight to it would tip the radio over.
You are correct on all accounts. My only concern was that the two products from the same company never met.
@@temporarilyoffline Not a big deal really. I never understood the purpose of the antenna mount anyway... for the reasons I mentioned above.
I hear you have a 3d printer friend - perhaps a redesigned strut - then send it to Winamp and say your welcome - please send me a metal one!
Good Idea
That should add 3.75dB - your 705 is becoming al blinged up.
I am a rockstar after all
There's a cheap folded sheet metal protecto that comes as part of a carrying bag assortment out of China. It'll be interesting to see how that turns out.
. . . As with many of the comments, protecting the radio should be an easy work through. I mean, if Chairman Mao's Type 102 (which is a huge pig of a radio to haul around) could survive the Cultural Revolution . . .
. . . Even so, the ARK705 looks like a pretty solid deal. Problem is, you can go through a lot of cash going through all the protectors that folks have dreamed up for the IC705. And we won't talk about how I can filtch the carrying case for my wife's $2k camera lense, which she bought after I bought the IC705 ;-)
. . . Simple fact is: The IC705 is a hellishly expensive radio to haul out to the field. It's design just screams "I'm fragile!" So the protector case market is gonna be there, one way or the other. If only all of them would allow mounting the Begali Adventure bracket ;-)
73 de W8IJN
Also, DL2ART has a nice video about the ARK705 & the antenna adaptors showing how the RC2 goes together. It's in German and Arthur talks pretty fast but clearly. He's enthused by the ARK705, as is evident by his presentation. That's at ruclips.net/video/h-IzuJucygw/видео.html
I like the ARK-705, I'm just not happy that the RC-1&2 teams don't seem to talk to the ARK team. You are absolutely correct that the IC-705 screams fragile. The 706 and the 891 are both built to drive over.
@@temporarilyoffline Hah! That rates you a direct email ;-)
Emer some good knives.
This one is the one I beat up every day!
Sorry if this sound sarcasting, but why all the effort to just use the darned thing? Taking a perfectly good radio and putting it in a cage. Just use common sense. It's not made of glass for goodness sake.
Welcome to the channel. I'm not very gentle on gear and I like to have it protected. Want to keep it around for a good long time. If you don't have one of these yet, when you get one, you'll feel how its not very rugged-feeling.
@@temporarilyoffline I have a 705 and I think it feels like a solid build. We shall see.
How to make hard work of a simple job.
Any suggestions on how they can make it easier?
why are you over complicating it!!
Over complicating what? Its two products from the same maker that don't work with each other.
Zero out of ten…. Are you really willing to gamble on a flawed piece of kit? With a radio costing $1300? Nah… Yes, all engineering is a compromise, but when you don’t have to compromise, DON’T!!!
I don't know of a better solution yet. There are rumors, but nothing real yet.
@@temporarilyoffline TO, demand will cause the “right” product to come about. However, if there is not sufficient demand, you might want to keep a weather eye out for a newer, perhaps better, transceiver. The IC-705 was a pretty good idea, but the wrong execution. For the AO it was envisioned, it’s not robust enough, nor is it as focused as it should be. The TX-500, while not as glitzy as the IC-705, is the current ultimate in QRP field work. It is “just” enough to get the job done, and no more. The IC-705 tries to be the ultimate portable IC-7300. The ICOM engineers are amongst the very best- shucks, I’m buying a new IC-7610 this week! They didn’t let dyed in the wool SOTA/POTA/IOTA folks design the IC-705. So, they missed it. After some of them fall on their swords, they’ll perhaps get it right…
All the Best to You and Yours!
@@c.f.leffen2929 I 100% agree - I'll actually take it a step further and say that Icom didn't even know what the customer was when they built this radio. If they did, they haven't found the right "message:market" match to make these things fly off the shelf.
To me, this is the travel radio, not the overlanding radio - I want this thing in my backpack going to work, want to work repeaters in the car during the commute, want to play around in a new location while working out of a hotel, maybe a weekend RV camping trip... but a rugged survival radio - this ain't it.
There is a lot of technology to play with on this radio and that's what got me. Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, portable - not backpacking/SOTA.
@@temporarilyoffline You, Sir, have finally given the IC-705 true meaning. Well Done!
Design Flaw back to the drawing board.
Exactly!
Perhaps they should make a strut replacement that supports the antenna.. de w6akb
I agree
Mate, why would you even try to insert the Icom into the case without removing the microphone and the antenna contraption. You never cease to amaze me sometimes!!.
It's all about having fun! I've had to remove it a few times since then, and I can now do it without removing the speaker, mic or RC-2. Easy.
hammer tipps video TO coool gemacht 73 de DARC SWL DE2TRF
Thanks Torsten!