A Better Bag for the Icom 705

[@MikeN2MAK]

Correction: I use the Shark quick disconnects, not the Tram. The mag mount is a Tram and it's great, but I prefer and use the Shark quick disconnects. amzn.to/3Znp7Sq

[@scottkirejczyk1544]

Perfect thank you and Happy new year

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks, I hope it encourages others to try different things in 2025. Happy New Year!

[@punkrockhamradio]

That's a cool kit!

[@MikeN2MAK]

Thanks! So far, so good. I used it for a picnic table activation yesterday and it had everything I needed to setup the mast, EFHW, etc. I’ll switch out the EFHW for some other antennas in a bit to keep it fresh.

[@Kody10538]

Awesome find, Mike! I have the full Peovi + SideKX on my 705, too. It's a beast and well protected, but I've been debating how to transport it. I'm not personally a fan of the 705 backpack. I've been wrapping the whole thing in a big damke wrap for a while now but had to store the cables and connectors in a separate pouch. I might pick this bag up and try it out. I'm all about having everything in grab and go fashion so that I don't forget things. Maybe we'll give this a try. K3KLB

[@MikeN2MAK]

The camera backpack I have is nice and has it's place, but this bag is a perfect balance of having a small size but also being able to fit what's needed. I was totally overdoing it with the 705 too, keeping it in the Peovi, SideKX, and Domke, LOL. The bags are on sale now for Black Friday, so they're a few dollars off. amzn.to/4eNXSou

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

I was thinking about a bag cooler to fit in a backpack but this camera case probably has better padding.

[@MikeN2MAK]

This bag is definitely a nice size. Depending on the other bag(s) you're using, it could be part of a modular system. I"ve seen others use a water bottle pouch too, but I've never tried that. I have used Domke wraps though and they are a good way to protect them. Domkes are used to wrap cameras, lenses and other expensive and delicate photography gear. I have a 19" Domke that I originally used on my G90 and have used with my 705. amzn.to/3OtBYw4

[@temporarilyoffline]

Nice setup... but you need better antennas!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@MikeN2MAK]

A CaHR Mercury QRP would fit nicely in there. A dipole would actually be perfect for QRP and no tuner.

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

@@MikeN2MAKHow do you like the Explorer 20? I can’t decide between it and the 30ft version. I know Hight is might but the decision boils down to packability vs a separate thing to carry. I believe the 20 will fit in my Apache 3800 case.

[@MikeN2MAK]

@@stevesummersell_K4WXX I do like the POTA20. It's small and lightweight, but more sturdy than the Carbon 6. It's a good mast for POTA and great for SOTA or traveling. For me, I'm only worried about size and weight for SOTA or traveling. I do like being able to do vertical antennas, so for longer/taller masts I prefer fiberglass. The carbon fiber can interact with vertical antennas near or touching it, like a Rybakov, 1/4-wave, or roll-up j-pole. I do have an Apache 4800 can and just checked--the POTA20 will fit in there, but if the 3800 is smaller in width, I don't know that it will unless it's at an angle. Ultimately, it all comes down to how you'll be using it. I hope this helps!

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

@ Oh, it does and thank y oh for checking! When I measure the inside of the 3800 case, I get exactly 18”. According to Gigaparts, “Only 17.5 inches collapsed…”. It might fit with the longer end cap removed or as you suggest, at an angle.

[@stevesummersell_K4WXX]

Oh, and I plan to use it with a slopping EFHW 4010 antenna.

[@scottkirejczyk1544]

Hi Mike just wondering what your favorite all around radio I thanks

[@MikeN2MAK]

I really like the Icom 705. I like that it is all-band and all-mode. It's easy to travel with, which is something I do a fair amount of for work. Plus it's really easy to use and connect for digital modes. I do wish it had an internal tuner and a little more power, like 20W. But I don't think I'll ever find the perfect radio or antenna. Ham radio is full of compromises.

[@hazer72]

that flashlight looks like a thumb 😃

[@MikeN2MAK]

Yeah, it's tiny, but it's pretty sweet.

[@hazer72]

@@MikeN2MAK I meant like it has a thumbnail

[@MikeN2MAK]

@@hazer72 LOL, I see that now.