How to set-up FT8 mode in IC-705. Just press ONE button!

This video is about how to set-up the FT8 mode in the ICOM IC-705 QRP transceiver and Win 10 tablet PC. This is in response to a letter from one of my channel's viewers asking if I could explain in more details how was my setup arranged in my other video.
I'm glad there is nothing difficult in this process, especially with the new firmware in IC-705 and the new version of the WSJT-X software. In the WSJT-X, there is no more need for the '705 to pretend it's '7300, and in the transceiver itself it's just one button to push in order to set all the necessary values right.
ICOM USB drivers and manuals here:
www.icomjapan.com/support/fir...
Thanks for watching, please consider subscribing. I want this channel grow, so your input is very important for me! 73! Linas LY2H ([e-mail])

[@thuff3207]

Presets are a great addition to make digital modes easy to use. It’s good to see this on the IC705 having this ability.

[@mgb3205]

Thank you from central Florida!

[@Danilo-wv6lz]

Perfect! 👍👍👍 Nice and clear as ever. Many thanks Linas! All the best & 73'S.

[@goranuvner6223]

Thanks a lot Linas. You were the first who actually mentioned that you have to download a special IC705-driver to run the WSJT-x. I was struggling with the usual serial ports but the sw stopped working all the time. After downloading the recommended drivers it now works fine. OK I know I could have studied the manual more carefully but I´m so used to check the advices on internet. And of all videos I looked through you came up with the solution for me. Thanks again!

[@Linas_LY2H]

Thanks for watching and commenting Göran! I think, sharing knowledge is a big part of fun in our hobby. That's what I'm trying to build my channel for! 73! Linas

[@darenwunderle9670]

Well done Sir, Thank you.

[@danamarcy5414]

Thanks for fixing the noise on starting your video. Dana VE6KBI.

[@toktvbroadcast]

Nice detailed 'how to video'. Thanks! 73 de HA7KT

[@prestonshute7243]

Very nice and helpful video. 73 Wd4dda

[@BuShMaStEr0810]

Hello Linas. Thanks for this Video 👍 What a Model Typ is your small Laptop. 73 from Switzerland HB9FZE, Stefan

[@Linas_LY2H]

Thanks for watching Stefan! It's the CHUWI Minibook 8GB RAM/120 +120GB ( in 2 independent SSD drives C and D accordingly) , N4100 CPU@1.1GHz ( I saw there is also a newer model at the moment with more powerful CPU). 73! HNY! Linas LY2H

[@va7dgp]

I have the USB drivers etc loaded into the portable laptop. USB cable works. I've been looking for info on how to just use WIFI and or Bluetooth to run JS8CALL and Winlink Express. Using the USB cable. They work. I'm looking for info to remove the USB cable. 73

[@Linas_LY2H]

Hi Don, thanks for watching. If you want to remove the USB cable and run the IC-705 wirelessly, there are 2 ways , to my knowledge. 1-st, if you run a PC, is to buy and install an optional dedicated Icom's software RS-BA1 and then you can have full control of the radio via its Hot Spot feature. 2-nd method is ONLY valid for the Mac's and iPads. You need to buy an app from the Appstore called "SDR-Control for Icom" and then you can fully control the radio remotely over any Wi-Fi network or via the Hot Spot feature of the radio. This software allows for working SSB, CW, FT8/FT4 modes. NO JS8 at the moment. Here is my full review of the SDR-Control : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGeVnZxpbL1ppJo HTH, 73! Linas LY2H

[@mrtonicsvls3624]

Great video. Only one thing. 11:03 Do you write all the preset phrases you see on the right side of screen (like DD5ZZ L2YH/P KO 24) manually or does the program write them automatically?

[@Linas_LY2H]

Thanks for watching! Generally, the preset phrases are all generated by the software based on the information you provide in the Settings and what is decoded, and could not be changed by the user , except of Macro TX5 which text could be changed by the user via the Settings. The WSJT-X user manual could shed more light on this. Good Luck! 73! @Linas_LY2H

[@mrtonicsvls3624]

@@Linas_LY2H Ok tnks. After i pushed FT8 preset on Icom IC705 i can't return back and when i go to menu preset for pushing Normal it moves selection to FT8 automatically, why? It seem as blocked on DV mode and i don't know how to exit.

[@mrtonicsvls3624]

OK OK i returned in NORMAL MODE from terminal mode, i don't know why it gone on DV mode alone...

[@Linas_LY2H]

@@mrtonicsvls3624 What exactly do you see on the screen when you go Menu->Preset? Which preset shows "in use"? When you tap on any of the presets , do you see a pop-up window asking "Load the preset memory"? Are you in the VFO mode or the Memory mode when doing all this?

[@mrtonicsvls3624]

@@Linas_LY2H Ok I solved it by exiting TERMINAL MODE and returning to NORMAL MODE, everything is ok thanks. I managed to make it work in FT8, I receive many things, unfortunately no one could hear me tonight but it was transmitting regularly. I noticed that every now and then when the Icom was transmitting on the PC it would disconnect as if I removed the USB cable, I have to buy a better, more shielded cable.

[@danamarcy5414]

I noticed a "S" kept popping up on the green circle in my setup. It apparently means that the radio is trying to do split. Turn "Fake it" to "none" to get it to work. VE6KBI

[@Linas_LY2H]

Running split VFO’s (in the radio or emulated through the “fake it”) assures that the TX audio is always in the range of 1500-2000Hz which means clean , harmonic-free transmitted signal. For this reason, I always run in Split ( “S” in the green dot). 73! Linas LY2H

[@tommh44]

I did not see you set Audio settings. Did I miss that? Thanks

[@Linas_LY2H]

Thanks Tom! If you mean Audio in the radio settings , then the Preset makes all the necessary levels right automatically. If you mean Audio settings in the WSJT-X app, yes, it seems I skipped this in the video just for the sake of the length of the video. Probably I shouldn't :) The Audio settings should be USB Audio CODEC both for the Soundcard Input and Output. 73! Linas LY2H

[@KQ4CVX]

Great video was able to get my IC 705 up and running within 30 mins using your instructions.. thank you so much!!! 73's KQ4CVX (Leo)

[@Linas_LY2H]

Have tons of fun Leo! 73! Linas LY2H

[@Ei2iP]

My one touch, would be switch off the radio, not a fan of ft8....

[@garylambert9178]

What model of computer are you using? Brand and maker.

[@Linas_LY2H]

Thanks for watching! In this particular video I was using CHUWI Minibook Windows 10 PC. I found it on one of the internet shopping platforms and it was sent to me from China. Please try google the name of this PC and it will certainly pop-out . 73! Linas LY2H

[@garylambert9178]

@@Linas_LY2H Thank you for the info. 73's N7JZU

[@sp9o601]

I have no sound on my laptop. What drivers need to be installed, please link.

[@Linas_LY2H]

Hello, if you mean the Icom drivers, the best place to get them from is the Icom website, please check the link in the description to this video. Some driver-related moments are also highlited in the video itself. Thanks for watching! 73! Linas LY2H

[@pale_2111]

I'm trying to set my IC-705 up for FT8 on my laptop via Bluetooth connection. Can't seem to make it work.

[@Linas_LY2H]

Hi, thanks for the message. The GPS syncing function via the USB port B of the radio ONLY works with the USB cable, no BT no Wi-Fi. That's how it's designed. The wireless CAT though, does work because it's assigned to the different CI-V USB port on the radio. As a workaround, you may be can try to sync via the cable as described first, then disconnect the cable and go wireless CAT. I haven't tried this myself, it's a tip from one of the channel viewers though. Hope, this was useful. 73! Linas LY2H

[@pale_2111]

That's interesting. I figured Icom would have made it to were one can connect the radio to a computer via Bluetooth and work FT8 and other digital modes wireless. I'll have to hunt for a decent USB cable to try that method. Thank you for the tip. 73 W4ISB, Mike in Sunbright Tennessee.

[@Linas_LY2H]

@@pale_2111 Mike, I've probably misunderstood your problem. I was speaking specifically about the GPS function and it's only connectivity via the USB cable. As it comes to the general wireless connectivity of 705 to computer for digi modes, then yes, it is surely possible just on one condition that the GPS syncing won't be possible in that case. But there is other ways how to sync your laptop's clock for precise time (especially if you are not in the middle of nowhere in the woods or mountains), like internet connection or the external GPS dongle etc. Wireless setup is well described in many sources, YT including. One which I like is this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6PRaXt4bNZ_nKM It's not specifically about the BT though but rather about the Hot spot method. Whatever the method, wireless connection does take a dedicated piece of software RS-BA1 by ICOM. It's optional and it's quite expensive :). I'm still hesitant to buy one but I might go for it some day, for the channel's sake :). 73! Linas LY2H

[@pale_2111]

@@Linas_LY2H Thank you for the link. Just when one would think they finally made something simple, they throw a curve ball, lol!!! I'll eventually get it up and running, probably later rather than sooner.