I don’t have a ham but all I ever heard was that all signal reports are 5-9 and most of the conversations are around weather and health. They were right! I’m getting one anyway, thanks for all the helpful info man
Hello Sir. THX for this excellent video. It is the little push that I needed to buy the XPA11125B for my IC-705. You've got a new subscriber now! Greetings from Caracas, Venezuela. 73...
I've seen some poorer results reported but those also were within my allowance envelope for my needs. I think this might end up as my amplifier choice for my portable use of the 705. Thanks for the video.
It was my please. This one was for me, as I've wanted to pair these two together from the start. I tried to answer all the questions I had before taking the plunge.
why didn't you use the amp's built-in tuner? it is one of the amp's selling points! the amp works well with the Elad FDM Duo using a simple stereo patch cable and the PTT Con jack on the CE-19
@@willieb6529 I can’t get the amp to see the Elad full stop, if I use the Ptt jack into a 6 pin din into the amp it works but switches off the connection to FDM SW2 software.
Very informative and clear video! I'm looking forward to your upcoming video comparing how a G90 & XPA125B combination work when using the XPA125B internal ATU compared with using an external manual ATU when using a non resonant end-fed antenna. I've had problems using the XPA125B internal ATU with my G90.
Jon, just replied via FB. I'm working on video 2 now for the IC-705 / XPA125B pairing with a non-resonant antenna; hopefully will post in about a week.
@@HOAHamRadio Thanks! I'm using the XPA125B & G90 with a 71' end fed non resonant sloper antenna, 9:1 unun, 50' RG8x, two 15' counterpoises, with a common mode choke at the XPA125B. I'm having issues getting the XPA125B ATU to work with this antenna setup, so I'm very interested in your tests and will appreciate hearing details of the end-fed antenna setup you'll be using.
Hi I am planning to connect my 705 with the xpa 125. I have already done the C charging Alc upgrade board mod for the 705. Can I connect the 705 directly without the buffer? Thanks
Hello. I have an IC-705 and a XPA125B, I think it's the parfect match on the market. I found your video just perfect! I'm agree with your statements. We have an OM who makes a good PTT switch box and with others OM we are thinking to make a CAT control for automatic band switching. Many thanks! 73, Marco IK2CHZ - K2CHZ
Andreas, I'm enjoying all your vids on the X6100. By the time my budget lets me get one, I'm hoping many of the bugs will be worked out and features operational.
I don't do CW, but as far as I know, the XPA125B can handle digital, so I would venture a guess at "Yes". There is a XPA125B Facebook group; I can guarantee someone on that group could answer for certain rather than my guess -- facebook.com/share/g/18RAjYVhZn/
Anthony, it's opinion / personal preference. You can drive it direct with a cable without the relay. Some people drive it direct with the cable, others try to add extra protection for the IC-705 with a keying buffer relay. Since my videos would be viewed as a recommendation, I am erring on the side of caution.
@@sparky5273 First, I'm trusting a few hams smarter than me who suggested a keying buffer. Second, page 13 of the IC-705 Basic Manual references possible damage to the radio and suggests a "switching diode" when using an amplifier.
You should use the connector which came with the RB-1 buffer, and then a Power Pole on the other end to connect to a battery or Power Pole distribution block.
His eBay store is US based, I don't know if he does international shipping. Here is his email address if you want to reach out directly RFpower@radiodan.com
It does work for me. Occasionally, people have issues. I'd put it through its paces up front just to confirm everything is working, and if not, back to the distributor. I mention this only because the knowledge base is MUCH larger. I started a Facebook group a few years ago, and it now has over 500 members; most of them praise this AMP. Here is the link if you think it may help: facebook.com/groups/xpa125b
No worries! Ham gear generally runs on DC, so when at home, we use power supplies than plug into AC wall outlets but give us DC for our radios and amplifiers etc; for operating my equipment at home I use the MFJ-4230MVP which I purchased from DX Engineering. The MFJ-4230MVP has two sets of Power Pole plugs (search RUclips for ham radio power pole plugs) in the back, which allow you to run two pieces of equipment. In the case of this video, the IC-705 and the XPA125B. In my case, my MFJ-4230MVP is in a cabinet an difficult to get to, so I run an "extension" wire from the back of my MFJ-4230MVP to a power pole distribution block like this one that is easily accesible on my desk top to plug into as needed; www.amazon.com/Chunzehui-Connector-Splitter-Distributor-Output/dp/B074QMRBPB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=FBRO613V3XO0&keywords=power+pole+distribution+block&qid=1642218249&sprefix=power+pole+d%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-5 When you are portable, away from home and AC outlets, we run our radios on battery power. I will have a new video posted by end of day tomorrow, Saturday giving the basics of that. It is a lot to take in; I learned by watching LOTS of RUclips.
Just wanted to make sure you saw the battery / solar video -- this is what you would do if you were going remote, i.e., away from a wall outlet. ruclips.net/video/_9U9MTUHq6Q/видео.html
Thank you, for the review! Am looking to get an amp for my 705 as I agree w all the reasons you pointed out. If had to get an amplifier for your 705 today, would you still get this X125? Or would go for some other alternative available as of today? Thanks in advance.
Based on my experience with my XPA125B, it would still be my choice. I have a Facebook group where 800 people generally feel the same....feel free to drop by and ask a larger group -- facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/
I am looking at this solution but as I operate from around the house via SDR Control for Icom on an iPad and mac, I really wish we had a band switching option. I saw a posting that said a guy had made an interface that will auto band switch and key the amp via Bluetooth from the IC-701 and only an RF connection to the radio. If anyone knows of either a commercial solution to auto band change, I am down for it. I believe the solution was posted by KA5WAM but I don't have his email.
Hi everyone, I'm looking for an ICOM IC - 705 Transceiver, can someone help me with recommendations of stores in the New Jersey area or surroundings, refurbished would be an option for me to make a gift to a newbie
Excellent! Perfect step-by-step instructions. Looking forward to your non-resonant antenna video with this pairing. Just one question .... I mostly operate FT8 digital. Given FT8's higher duty cycle, do you think there would be any issues with this pairing operating FT8 at ~100W? Happy New Year! - de K7LTZ
Thanks for the positive feedback Jim. Unfortunately, I don't operate digital modes so I can't provide an informed opinion on running FT8 with the XPA125B. Definitely something I want to add to my skillset down the road. Hopefully someone else sees the comment and offers a response.
So I take it that the XPA-125B will not auto band change. That's too bad, but certainly not a deal breaker by any means. How about using it with a diplexer to split off the UHF/VHF to a different antenna/amp setup? Have you tried that yet? 73 Jim KI7AY
Thanks for the video. But I have to wonder. If people want to use 100 watts, they would be better off just buying an Icom 7300. And they would save a lot of money buying the IC-7300 over the more expensive IC-705 let alone the extra money spent on the amplifier.
Jose, valid and great question. I cover the QRP + Amplifier question in great detail in this video starting at the 8:20 mark: ruclips.net/video/d_r8UliXwHU/видео.html
The QSO lasted much longer, but I had to edit it down for the video....some people get annoyed when too many QSO's or too long are included. He was a pleasure to speak with and his signal was one of the best of the day on 20.
Willie, certainly an option as you point out. With my limited available time (full time job, family, ham way of life, and now RUclips channel, sometimes I have to go for convenience and speed.
When I want to test; I could say multiple things, like "KD4BMG testing, no response required", or something like that. Saying "CQ 20", CQ meaning I'm looking for a response, on 20 meters, is just a natural way to say something to activate the radio and amplifier, with language people expect to hear on the radio.
@@HOAHamRadio ah I’ve only been a technician for about a year. I’m almost never listening on 20. I just can’t remember hearing it beside people on RUclips. I’m also mostly on CW.. But still I try to get some listening time on other modes. Thank you so much for your response!
It is recommended by some people, smarter than me. If you check 13-3 of the basic manual, ICOM basically admits there is a risk here, and recommends the use of a switching diode. Some people operate amplifiers with a direct cable to the IC-705; not me, I use a relay buffer.
James, I'm always interested in finding the best options out there for the limited dollars so many hams have available. Do you have a suggestion for an alternate 100 watt amp with tuner that is more budget friendly for me to investigate? I'd love to review that for the channel subscribers.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I don’t have a ham but all I ever heard was that all signal reports are 5-9 and most of the conversations are around weather and health.
They were right!
I’m getting one anyway, thanks for all the helpful info man
Yep, plenty of old man talk, but lots other as well.... Then there are digital modes which have their own flavor. Something for everyone.
@@HOAHamRadio I’m excited to check it out man
Thanks
Thanks a ton Neil Godfrey Bartley! Appreciate the support for the channel, and thanks for watching.
Radio Dan is a local ham and a member of our radio club. Good guy, and a WEALTH of knowledge. I have one of his buffers for my KX2 to the XPA125B.
He certainly is a wealth of knowledge. His buffer made my decision to hook an amplifier to my IC-705 an easy one. I key up with no fear!
Hello Sir. THX for this excellent video. It is the little push that I needed to buy the XPA11125B for my IC-705. You've got a new subscriber now! Greetings from Caracas, Venezuela. 73...
Glad you found this helpful; welcome to the channel.
I've seen some poorer results reported but those also were within my allowance envelope for my needs. I think this might end up as my amplifier choice for my portable use of the 705. Thanks for the video.
My XPA is coming up on, ehhh, 5 years old? A solid performer. Don't know if Xiegu has tweaked it or not.
Good job and info Bob.
Thanks, hope it was useful information.
Great video!!! Thank you for taking the time. It is exactly what I was looking for.
This was one of my earliest videos, but one I shared because I hadn't seen anyone provide the necessary detail to help others.
Outstanding comprehensive review, thanks for your hard work!
It was my please. This one was for me, as I've wanted to pair these two together from the start. I tried to answer all the questions I had before taking the plunge.
Great detailed explanations and setup, thank you! 73
Thanks for the feedback VE2FGJ; that was my goal.
Another wonderfully detailed video! Thanks so much for this, I really appreciate it. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind reply. It was really important to me to find an amp that worked well with the 705.
Does the drop in usb replacement board negate the need for the buffer box?
NEVERMIND I READ lower that you havn't tried it...
Interesting video. Definitely something to look into. BTW, the audio was all over the place.
Thanks for letting me know about the audio. It’s taken me a bit to hone the skills with the equipment and software.
why didn't you use the amp's built-in tuner? it is one of the amp's selling points! the amp works well with the Elad FDM Duo using a simple stereo patch cable and the PTT Con jack on the CE-19
Willie, working my options on this for Part 2 of this series...don't have everything sorted out just yet.
How did you do that The Ce 19 does not power up when connected to the duo????
@@Captcasper7 the ce-19 does not require power... auto band-switching will not work though (elad doesn't talk to amp)
@@willieb6529 I can’t get the amp to see the Elad full stop, if I use the Ptt jack into a 6 pin din into the amp it works but switches off the connection to FDM SW2 software.
Have you tried out the tuner?
Very informative and clear video! I'm looking forward to your upcoming video comparing how a G90 & XPA125B combination work when using the XPA125B internal ATU compared with using an external manual ATU when using a non resonant end-fed antenna. I've had problems using the XPA125B internal ATU with my G90.
Jon, just replied via FB. I'm working on video 2 now for the IC-705 / XPA125B pairing with a non-resonant antenna; hopefully will post in about a week.
@@HOAHamRadio Thanks! I'm using the XPA125B & G90 with a 71' end fed non resonant sloper antenna, 9:1 unun, 50' RG8x, two 15' counterpoises, with a common mode choke at the XPA125B. I'm having issues getting the XPA125B ATU to work with this antenna setup, so I'm very interested in your tests and will appreciate hearing details of the end-fed antenna setup you'll be using.
Hi I am planning to connect my 705 with the xpa 125. I have already done the C charging Alc upgrade board mod for the 705. Can I connect the 705 directly without the buffer? Thanks
I have not investigated this option, so unfortunately, I can't offer a trustworthy opinion at this point.
Excellent video. Thank you!
Thanks Bryce. IC-705 is my emergency radio, the Amp gives me extra watts if needed.
Hello. I have an IC-705 and a XPA125B, I think it's the parfect match on the market. I found your video just perfect! I'm agree with your statements. We have an OM who makes a good PTT switch box and with others OM we are thinking to make a CAT control for automatic band switching.
Many thanks! 73, Marco IK2CHZ - K2CHZ
I appreciate the positive feedback. I'd be interested in knowing more about the switch box / cat control you mention. thehoaham@gmail.com
I see that there are projects like ESP32-IC705BT-PA these days.
Thanks Bob I may get one will u get a X6100?
Andreas, I'm enjoying all your vids on the X6100. By the time my budget lets me get one, I'm hoping many of the bugs will be worked out and features operational.
@@HOAHamRadio Hi Thanks loads Happy New year
Thanks would this work for CW mode on an IC-705?
I don't do CW, but as far as I know, the XPA125B can handle digital, so I would venture a guess at "Yes". There is a XPA125B Facebook group; I can guarantee someone on that group could answer for certain rather than my guess -- facebook.com/share/g/18RAjYVhZn/
@HOAHamRadio thanks
Is the RB-I necessary? I saw a different cable on ebay that interfaces as well with out an extra box and power requirements.
Anthony, it's opinion / personal preference. You can drive it direct with a cable without the relay. Some people drive it direct with the cable, others try to add extra protection for the IC-705 with a keying buffer relay. Since my videos would be viewed as a recommendation, I am erring on the side of caution.
@@HOAHamRadio what’s the risk exactly? How can the amp damage the radio when using a straight cable? Thanks!
@@sparky5273 First, I'm trusting a few hams smarter than me who suggested a keying buffer. Second, page 13 of the IC-705 Basic Manual references possible damage to the radio and suggests a "switching diode" when using an amplifier.
How did you connect the power cord of the relay buffer interface? I’m trying to put mine together in order to connect to a battery.
Send me an email to thehoaham@gmail.com and I can send you some pics to try to explain it.
@@HOAHamRadio can I use a USB 2.0 Type A Male to DC 5.5 x 2.1mm DC 5V
You should use the connector which came with the RB-1 buffer, and then a Power Pole on the other end to connect to a battery or Power Pole distribution block.
@@HOAHamRadio what size clamp do I use for the power poll
You would use the smallest power pole size, the one for 15 amps
Where can I get the RadioDan RBI Keyer Interface in Europe?
His eBay store is US based, I don't know if he does international shipping. Here is his email address if you want to reach out directly RFpower@radiodan.com
Great video
Appreciate the positive feedback; always try to produce useful and helpful content.
Brother, I LOVE your videos. I just got a 705 and ordered this amp/tuner. Has it still been working ok?
It does work for me. Occasionally, people have issues. I'd put it through its paces up front just to confirm everything is working, and if not, back to the distributor. I mention this only because the knowledge base is MUCH larger. I started a Facebook group a few years ago, and it now has over 500 members; most of them praise this AMP. Here is the link if you think it may help: facebook.com/groups/xpa125b
What is your pier connector connected to specifically. Have if trouble trying to figure out what power source will this amplifier plug into
Are you asking how to run power to the XPA125B?
@@HOAHamRadio yes. I’m really new at this
No worries! Ham gear generally runs on DC, so when at home, we use power supplies than plug into AC wall outlets but give us DC for our radios and amplifiers etc; for operating my equipment at home I use the MFJ-4230MVP which I purchased from DX Engineering. The MFJ-4230MVP has two sets of Power Pole plugs (search RUclips for ham radio power pole plugs) in the back, which allow you to run two pieces of equipment. In the case of this video, the IC-705 and the XPA125B. In my case, my MFJ-4230MVP is in a cabinet an difficult to get to, so I run an "extension" wire from the back of my MFJ-4230MVP to a power pole distribution block like this one that is easily accesible on my desk top to plug into as needed; www.amazon.com/Chunzehui-Connector-Splitter-Distributor-Output/dp/B074QMRBPB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=FBRO613V3XO0&keywords=power+pole+distribution+block&qid=1642218249&sprefix=power+pole+d%2Caps%2C99&sr=8-5 When you are portable, away from home and AC outlets, we run our radios on battery power. I will have a new video posted by end of day tomorrow, Saturday giving the basics of that. It is a lot to take in; I learned by watching LOTS of RUclips.
@@HOAHamRadio you are awesome!
Just wanted to make sure you saw the battery / solar video -- this is what you would do if you were going remote, i.e., away from a wall outlet. ruclips.net/video/_9U9MTUHq6Q/видео.html
Thank you, for the review! Am looking to get an amp for my 705 as I agree w all the reasons you pointed out. If had to get an amplifier for your 705 today, would you still get this X125? Or would go for some other alternative available as of today? Thanks in advance.
Based on my experience with my XPA125B, it would still be my choice. I have a Facebook group where 800 people generally feel the same....feel free to drop by and ask a larger group -- facebook.com/groups/xpa125b/
I am looking at this solution but as I operate from around the house via SDR Control for Icom on an iPad and mac, I really wish we had a band switching option. I saw a posting that said a guy had made an interface that will auto band switch and key the amp via Bluetooth from the IC-701 and only an RF connection to the radio. If anyone knows of either a commercial solution to auto band change, I am down for it. I believe the solution was posted by KA5WAM but I don't have his email.
Thanks for watching Kevin. Sounds like you've got some great ideas; hope you can catch up with KA5WAM.
OMG It would take 4 days to take down my bench and antennas, and about a week to put it back together again. 7 rigs, 8 antennas. Sheesh.
I hear you Drew, if you are gonna use this equipment dual purpose, you better set up your station to accommodate.
Hi everyone, I'm looking for an ICOM IC - 705 Transceiver, can someone help me with recommendations of stores in the New Jersey area or surroundings, refurbished would be an option for me to make a gift to a newbie
Excellent! Perfect step-by-step instructions. Looking forward to your non-resonant antenna video with this pairing. Just one question .... I mostly operate FT8 digital. Given FT8's higher duty cycle, do you think there would be any issues with this pairing operating FT8 at ~100W? Happy New Year! - de K7LTZ
Thanks for the positive feedback Jim. Unfortunately, I don't operate digital modes so I can't provide an informed opinion on running FT8 with the XPA125B. Definitely something I want to add to my skillset down the road. Hopefully someone else sees the comment and offers a response.
So I take it that the XPA-125B will not auto band change. That's too bad, but certainly not a deal breaker by any means. How about using it with a diplexer to split off the UHF/VHF to a different antenna/amp setup? Have you tried that yet? 73 Jim KI7AY
It will auto band change only when connected to a Xiegu radio only. Have not tried it with a diplexer.
Thanks for the video. But I have to wonder. If people want to use 100 watts, they would be better off just buying an Icom 7300. And they would save a lot of money buying the IC-7300 over the more expensive IC-705 let alone the extra money spent on the amplifier.
Jose, valid and great question. I cover the QRP + Amplifier question in great detail in this video starting at the 8:20 mark: ruclips.net/video/d_r8UliXwHU/видео.html
ha! talked w/Leon almost 20 years ago...
The QSO lasted much longer, but I had to edit it down for the video....some people get annoyed when too many QSO's or too long are included. He was a pleasure to speak with and his signal was one of the best of the day on 20.
when i chatted with him he was using a 718... maybe still is!
you can get the buffer for $44 online and build your own cables
Willie, certainly an option as you point out. With my limited available time (full time job, family, ham way of life, and now RUclips channel, sometimes I have to go for convenience and speed.
Why do you say “CQ 20”?
When I want to test; I could say multiple things, like "KD4BMG testing, no response required", or something like that. Saying "CQ 20", CQ meaning I'm looking for a response, on 20 meters, is just a natural way to say something to activate the radio and amplifier, with language people expect to hear on the radio.
@@HOAHamRadio ah I’ve only been a technician for about a year. I’m almost never listening on 20. I just can’t remember hearing it beside people on RUclips. I’m also mostly on CW.. But still I try to get some listening time on other modes. Thank you so much for your response!
@@Echo_Hotel DUDE! A Tech going right to CW, you rock!
oh, and the rbi-1 runs off 9V battery for /p
Carry a 7300 and be happy
You never explained why you are actually using a device with your ALC…
Damage, right… But Why?
It is recommended by some people, smarter than me. If you check 13-3 of the basic manual, ICOM basically admits there is a risk here, and recommends the use of a switching diode. Some people operate amplifiers with a direct cable to the IC-705; not me, I use a relay buffer.
That amp is grossly over priced
James, I'm always interested in finding the best options out there for the limited dollars so many hams have available. Do you have a suggestion for an alternate 100 watt amp with tuner that is more budget friendly for me to investigate? I'd love to review that for the channel subscribers.