Icom IC-705 Hands On Review, HF/VHF/UHF All Mode Ham Transceiver!!

Check out the brand new Icom IC-705, An HF/VHF/UHF/DSTAR All Mode ham radio transceiver. More videos are on the way on specific features like the WiFi, Bluetooth and more..Leave a comment if you have an idea for a video on this radio.
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[@davesmith8199]

Very cool. Getting one as soon as it's in stock

[@hamradiotube]

We're all in 2020 reviewing Baofengs and stuff. Eric's in 3020 bringing us this awesomeness before its even released.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

3020 might be a realistic release date in the US 🤣

[@tdgreenbay]

Boafengs are for cheap wannabees

[@philipwade5559]

I guess it pays to stay up late some night's! Thanks for dropping the 705 video!

[@TheTechPrepper]

Thank you for the tour. I’d like to see the IC-705 in the field using digital modes-preferably, FT8 and/or JS8Call. I love my FT-818ND, but this rig could be its replacement. Keep up the great content.

[@SevenFortyOne]

Great video! I'm looking forward to seeing you take it out in the field.

[@sideshowbob1544]

I just got a 705 and ill be watching all your videos ! 😉👍

[@TroyCraft]

HRC first across the finish line for a solid review from US influencer. Impressed that you pulled this off. Kudos!

[@rogerp5816]

Eric, great high level review. Take your folding chair, satellite antenna, a tripod for the IC-705 (that 1/4-20 mount on the bottom is a great idea for portable use) and a Raspberry Pi with one of the dedicated ham builds on it. If you could live stream that would be great. I want to see you work a satellite, do some FT4/8, and of course some phone and CW. If you can get the backpack I want to see how well it hold the Bioeno battery and a Chameleon antenna.

[@davidw3gzs55]

Eric, good intro of the 705. What might be helpful is a demo of the power diff between the 705 @ 5w and 7300 @100w using your signals as seen on Reverse Beacon Network or the KiwiSDR network of receivers. QRP is fun but it is low power.

[@plemieux84]

Future vid topics: 1) I’ve heard you can charge from a USB power source (e.g., USB wall charger or USB portable battery). How long does it take to charge and can you run full 10w from a portable USB battery? 2) Would love to see Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities demoed. 3) Would like to see the SWR analyzer/graph function again on this. Such a cool tool. 4) How does that awful Florida heat and humidity effect it if at all? Noticed you showed a temp gauge in this video. 5) Show us some mounting options, tripods, Mobile, etc. 6) Demo APRS w/ internal GPS. 7) Demo remote control via phone app.

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Paul Lemieux only 5w from onboard battery. 20w output on regulated Dc 14.4 Volts

[@TXLorenzo]

@@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953 Where did you see 20 watts?

[@spytromics]

I agree with you on the tuner. The one odd thing is the micro USB. We've had USB C for many years now.

[@Martinroadsguy]

I disagree on the tuner thing. Yeah, it's best to use a fully resonant antenna, but it would be nice to have a tuner built in for when you need one in a pinch, especially for $1,300. If Xiegu can do it in a radio for less than a third the price I don't see an excuse other than for add on sales of the new AH-705. Also I agree with the micro USB thing, but at least it's not mini USB. So many radios have been released in the last few years with mini USB, 15 years after the introduction micro USB. You can't even find mini cables in stores anymore.

[@Intellistan]

Thank you for the awesome vid man, good stuff

[@turtlecreek4633]

Way to go with a major product pull! Lots here in the states seem to be scratching their heads wondering how, LOL. NICE. Will be fun watching you putting it into use.

[@dren2jdh544]

I want to see you in a park, backyard or somewhere with a wire antenna and making a contact. I love the videos you put out, but I want to see it in action! I bought a 7300 because of your video.

[@PGHTechGuy412]

Awesome review man. Also congrats on 100K!

[@CrittendenIV]

Erik, I want one... so bad! Thank you for breaking it all down, like a good death metal song!! Much appreciated!!

[@RSwrightMD]

Show the noise reduction and auto notch features on SSB, and the CW handling with the APF. Thanks

[@klpace]

I want one!!! I test the 1st Saturday in August and can’t wait till I have one in my home/shack/go bag!!!

[@BobLewen]

I’ve had a 7300 for about a year; it would help newbies if you showed the ease of the menu in setting up the 705 with a laptop for FT-8 and other digital modes.

[@atlantarene993]

It's nice to see an update on this radio.

[@n3jw34]

Wow! Terrific review, as only "YZI" can do!!! For future: nuts and bolts (cabling, etc) of what would be required to - 1. Control/use a Tarheel mobile antenna, 2. a mobile HF amp (50 watt or so), 3. Raspberry Pi package (small screen monitor, keyboard, etc.) for portable/emergency ops (I do Disaster Relief work on NFL Gulf Coast) - all using the 705!!!! Big and time consuming wish list, I know, but what subjects for HRC videos! Gotta' do more to support you, so headed now to become a patron. 73, Mike, N3JW

[@NG9D]

Eric, thanks for sharing. To answer your question on the two buttons you found on the Band Stacking Register screen at 16:05 in your video: F-INP opens the Frequency Input screen for direct entry of a frequency. The GENE is just one of the bands in the stacking register. The F-INP screen is also pretty useful, besides allowing direct keypad entry of frequency, you can enter split frequencies and enter memory channels. The basic operation of direct frequency input, band stacking, etc. will be familiar to those who have used an IC-7300. Keep up the good work, I enjoy your videos. 73 Lynn NG9D

[@woodsbikes6130]

That looks like a nice qrp rig. Icom's answer to the Elecraft KX 2 and KX3. I like how big the screen is compared to the Yaesu FT 817 and 818. Good video thank you for the nice demo.

[@C4H6As]

Would be an answer to Elecraft if they included an internal tuner (even as an addon).

[@w3mq]

I am impressed with your presentation, I think this radio is interesting also. I have seen radios in QST that have the waterfall feature, but never new what it was for. after seeing this video I understand what it is for. I don't think I will be investing in one because I have enough radios that don't get quality use put to them. However it's always good to know what's out there and how it works. Thanks for sharing.

[@josiahhaifley2839]

Congrats on 100k!

[@marcfeakins1158]

Any idea what the pin assignment for the Tuner socket is? I hear the tune function on the radio works with some LDG Tuners? Radio can initiate a full tune or memory tune with Z-817, Z-100 plus, Z-11 Pro II. ..?

[@aw7425]

Excellent review. Looking forward to your hands on insights. 73

[@saltire546]

100k subs well done .

[@speedymartin2]

I like your reviews / demos! It would be good to see the 705 working on satellites in FM and SSB. I am also wondering if the bluetooth and WIFI can be used to steer doppler and frequency correction.

[@andrewhamop6665]

This is radio looks amazing, might just be my first HF rig, though I might get an amplifier for my home. Overall it looks pretty good, internal antenna tuner no big issue, I've got an MFJ 16010 manual tuner that is smaller then a baofeng box. The only thing that bugs me is the 3.5mm jacks for everything, microphone is fine, but I wish they had kept the USB port for interfacing with it. I don't like having to build/buy extra cables. But then it would basically just be a 7300 with a GPS and VHF/UHF with 10w output. BNC antenna connector is also acceptable, quick disconnect is nice. Overall it looks pretty good, though ultimately the price will decide whether I get it or not, hopefully it will be reasonably priced. Great overview Eric, 73s from W8IJC!

[@mstyne]

Looks like an absolute delight. I will admit I had been saving up for a 705 but was impatient and used those funds for a new 7300. Shack is now a 7300 and Yaesu FT-847. I guess I just need to start saving up again!

[@joewiehr1931]

Just wipe the old credit card out. LOL

[@mbouta8991]

Is there any built in digital decoding systems, I'm asking if it can do psk31, rtty, etc on the unit alone without any external PC/Pi

[@derricktaffman3887]

Looks a nice radio. Looking forward to getting one.

[@brianrose2487]

Eric, would like to learn more about the different type of filters and how to access. Take care and great work!

[@michaelkc1lux382]

Honestly haven't watched yet, but I see IC-705 in the title so something tells me Eric's doing a happy dance.

[@paulclissold2677]

Great videos. I have been off air since my 92 D-Star died in ‘17. Have many Icom marine radios and going to get new Ham kit as I want to get back in. An Icom fanboy but actually leaning towards the Kenwood D74 as the 51 doesn’t seem to be as up to date. Been watching a lot of your fantastic content as well as Don Arnold on the Kenwood HT. The 705 looks awesome. An Icom HT with colour and the D74 is what I want. Might just go for the 705. Based on your content. Not the same price point but could go either way. 73. VA3CPG

[@ojjenkins7110]

Hi Eric. Can the master oscillator be adjusted from the front panel?? I hate taking my TS2kX's bottom off so I can get to the tcxo. I live 30 miles from WWV and for me it's easy to go to 20 megs and beat it. I to it by earball :-) I do it on my IC-706mk2g too. It has a little hole on the bottom for the fine adjustment the Kenwood does not. I hope Icom made that a menu item :-)

[@KrazyK1358]

Thank you for another great video. I’m studying to take my test hopefully the first of the year (2021). If it still not crazy out there. My question is would this be a good first radio to start with and grow into?

[@BartVanAllen]

Cool - thanks for quick look, and thanks to Icom for letting this one out so early. A couple questions / comments - Are the 3.5mm speaker/mic jacks for compatibility with computer headsets? That would be excellent! Is it capable of satellite usage? Will your swell tracker work with it? Can't wait to see more on that -

[@redf7209]

I've never seen a computer headset with two jacks like the 705 mike but i use Bluetoooth to link my headset to it.

[@sfsailor102]

Please tell us some more about the audio quality - transmit, receive and noise handling. Is it comfortable to operate!

[@cobrasvt347]

Let's see the satellite tracker rockin the IC 705 😉

[@seanmangan2769]

Just bought one yesterday from HRO, getting to know it.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Wow, thats cool you got one! I'd like to see the sticker behind the battery :D

[@HamRadioTV]

🤣

[@cobrasvt347]

Jealous much ? Lol jking I was hoping to get a glimpse when he took the battery out also 😉

[@ricktompson9453]

How about the amplifier, that is best for this radio?

[@ayaanjudson94]

Sorry to be offtopic but does anybody know a trick to get back into an Instagram account? I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any tricks you can offer me

[@oliverdavis617]

@Ayaan Judson instablaster ;)

[@mullman71]

I can't wait to see you using this. What I'm interested in: portable - what's it like to setup and use at the campground? Backpacking: What's it like to hike with and what portable antennae setups work the best? Base station: how is the footprint on a home office desktop? I have a tech license so I talk on local repeaters and simplex but love to listen to HF and local aviation bands. What is the quality of audio for those? Thanks a million for all your informative videos - KD9CZM.

[@riccardoruggeri1308]

vertical mfj2286 antenna 10/40 meters , o endfed 10-80 meters , my favourite antennas for portable operations. no need atu . 73 de ik2ume

[@jay-rus4437]

Im new to Ham Radio....but have absolutely loved the IC-2730a mobile dual band. I realize that it is a complete different radio, but the simplicity of function, intuitive programming etc makes it nice to use. I now have 3 ic-2730s. Ive got some Yaesu HTs, and they are fine, but Im much more impressed with icom design overall

[@soctnights]

Thanks for the update Eric. I own the 7300. I will buy a 705 as a gift to myself after I pass the Extra Class exam. Just an incentive to remain focused. 73, W1RKB

[@alainbibi0047]

Hi for the barber cream 🤙

[@goodxrvn2053]

Thanks for the video on this radio. Interesting comment about 5 watts of power.

[@rejphotography]

Hey Eric, do you have a specific external portable battery that you would recommend paring with this radio for mobile 10 watt options? (Man-pack type rig setup) Decent budget, so looking for small but significant power, willing to deal with weight.

[@4X4-RADIO]

Deposit placed August 2019, maybe get it August 2020 > No ATU, Not an issue, use resonant antenna or small external ATU > No 4M, Not an issue, use small Transverter 5W @ $75 For me the only missing nice to have, 2 X BNC, 1 for HF & 1 for VHF/UHF, convenience, not a show stopper

[@johnnieuwenhuizen606]

Look forward to seeing in VK👍🙂

[@clfurman2008]

I'm very curious about battery life. The battery looks small, especially considering the large bright screen. I assume the screen can be set to shut off when not in use, just like a smart phone screen. I would be interested in knowing the approximate RX and TX time on SSB. Maybe you can experiment and see how long you can receive at medium volume and how long you can transmit. Also, what happens when the battery dies? Is there any advance warning so you can change battery packs? Or do you just get cut off mid-sentence?

[@LastStarfighterAJ]

Hi Eric, Looks like a really interesting radio there. I can't believe the fitted all those modes and bands into something so small, yet still having a brilliant display and great menus. Thanks for putting together this look at the system. I'm really interested in seeing how this does portable, out in the great outdoors on the HT battery pack. They made a really interesting decision to use the same batteries as a handheld so you could take along as many as you want to keep you going. Curious how it does and how long we could expect to run on these batteries if we didn't go for a separate battery pack. 73 from the UK - 2E0SKX

[@rollandmason5596]

Great video Eric. I too would like to see what the capabilities of the Wi-fi are. Awesome radio. Thanks.

[@gabes80]

I’m also excited about learning more about this radio, but I don’t understand why it’s unreasonable for people to ask about the build quality, for example. Whether I consider buying this radio will necessarily take into account the lack of ATU, the power limitations, the build quality - as well as the positives like screen, filters, portability. When I look at reviews of the model I’m interested in the whole package and whether it’s right for me as a whole.

[@aaron911sc]

How long does the supplied battery last, on air time and just standby.

[@malverninuk]

Eric, congratulation !

[@Jurisdictionary]

W4AH here on the road several months a year in our 25-foot RV. Love what you say about this little unit, but what can you recommend for the 795 as a suitable antenna that will radiate effectively on 80 meters, please? Can't be setting up dipoles at campgrounds when we only stay a few days at any one stop. Something portable that RADIATES and gives the radio sensitive ears. Can't work stations I can't hear, and I can't work stations by heating wires that refuse to radiate. Thank you, Eric! SEVENTY THREE

[@matthewshammond]

What’s your opinion about making the 705 a mobile rig? With ability for easy removal to use in house or when doing POTA/SOTA. Basically an all-in-one rig for someone to use on the road, at the house, and when on the move. I only have a D74 and have been looking to get a mobile rig and an HF for the house. This seems like it could do both??? Wondering your thoughts to use as mobile.

[@mostlypostie1]

Great stuff! QUESTION! How does the IP remote control work? Does it have a built in IP server, OR must it use a PC based server software program to control remotely? (Crossing my fingers for an internal server!)

[@smky143]

One can never have too many transceivers.

[@tpayne7856]

Hey Derick, any way to make signal spikes have a larger or higher amplitude on the waterfall? Thnx. Tim WZ8K

[@TBGaels32]

Since you like operating on 5 watts, what do you think about adding a amplifier to get a full 100 watts?

[@videolan]

What frequencies does it cover in a continuous sweep? Or is it in bands? What is the highest frequency it gets - I'm pretty sure it was 147MHz or so. Can you confirm that it does receive airband and broadcast FM? Many thanks.

[@micjubbs6430]

Its a beast that radio icom thought of everythink and really easy to use easy get to know how to work it

[@PrecisionGroupYT]

Hi Eric......you are so very fortunate to be the first HAM in the USA 🇺🇸 (that I am aware of) to get your actual hands on the IC-705 and not just at a HAM show!!! I am really looking forward to your follow up videos on it!! Can you go over the following features in your up coming videos? 1. WiFi and does it allow you to connect (like a hotspot) to your internet router for D-star? 2. GPS features 3. Bluetooth features 4. Front speaker sound quality (along with speaker mic) 5. Idea of battery 🔋 run time? 6. US release date? 7. Also Icom had talked about an iOS App to control the radio via WiFi/Bluetooth any information from Ray or Icom? I’m inline with Gigaparts and boy was I disappointed because of the Human malware virus for this radio’s release date having to be pushed back (but I understand why to). I heard you on 30 Charlie the other evening and was patiently waiting to jump in and say hi and wish you and your Family a Happy and safe 4th of July (I hope you had a great Holiday!!) but you had to get off and I didn’t get the chance. Thanks for the video and can’t wait to see more Eric! 73 Chris K4BBC

[@vipin_chacko]

Eric.. why is no one realising the gap what discontinuing ft857D have made. A decent portable all band 100 watt radio.. I am planning to get into this hobby, something like ic705 with a 100 watt would have been a do it all radio for someone like me without breaking my bank..

[@stephenwade8093]

it;s a 10 watt radio

[@g8ymw]

Icom 7100?

[@vipin_chacko]

From my research, 7100 is the only available choice, however its already 5+ years in the market.. Frankly to me seems a bit dated, however a very good radio. Just was thinking, all new features of 705 + a 100w output would have made this perfect.

[@tritiustritius]

Hi, Great video ! What about to climb a hill and demonstrate what's the 705 is capable to do working with a single stock battery on HF, VHF and UHF ? This test will give us the measure of about how enjoyable this radio is. 73 de IW2CZG

[@Gm1vla]

Hi just wondering if the Xiegu XPA125B Amplifier/Atu would it work With the Ic 705 De Tony Gm1vla

[@steveve3vsk292]

I'm interested in seeing the CW features and how to's for filters, memories, keyer, zero beating, etc. (is there a CW decoder???) Also interested in seeing how the audio and control connections to a PC work (via USB, WiFi, Bluetooth) and how you would set up for ops with WSJT-X, JS8Call, etc. Last would be to take a look at the Bluetooth functionality: What features does it have? What can it connect to? Can it be connected to car/truck hands-free phone systems? Bluetooth PTT button? We have no specific release date in Canada that I've heard, just Aug/Sept. 8^((

[@walteredwards544]

I'd like to see you making contacts out in a park(when safe). UHF/VHF operation, especially satellites. Thank you in advance

[@larsthunberg_SM0TGU]

Yes VHF UHF satellite operation would be nice to see.

[@n3dxd354]

Great I think it would be perfect on my motorcycle trips

[@nathandcole]

Eric, what do you think about using the 705 with an amp for a home base station?

[@gsansoucie]

T/R relays or pin diodes? Trying to find out if this is a noisy as the 7300 for full break in cw

[@BrekMartin]

Is any part of the case metal? If not, is the heat getting out from a heat sink under the vents at the rear?

[@MarkOBrienTeaches]

I'd like to see a mock field setup, even if it's on the bench. Set up for digital, set up for phone, even if it's using a backpack antenna like an MPAS.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Erick terrific job good and a nice video 73 from kb2uew God Bless

[@tombaffa9374]

Exciting, thanks

[@gerryorlandostagehand3705]

Thanks Eric!

[@DaninVirginia]

Can you walk through the programming? Seems like the CS 705 software is DV oriented. I mean, isn’t there a way to program right off the Repeater Book website?

[@karlfrederick5731]

Do a video QSO with Jimmy KA5DOB on the other end and have him do an audio check of the 705 -- to see if the 705 matches up with the many 7300's that he constantly hears & helps people setup for the first time.

[@N2GJ]

People are telling me the 705 sounds better than any rig they’ve heard me use! Haven’t tweaked anything.

[@stagetch]

You showed it has wifi, could you show us how to use the WiFi? I'm curious what options are available. Thanks for the video it was great.

[@tprice2012]

I’d like to see how the wlan and Bluetooth play with a raspberry pi (or iPhone) for digital modes, USB cables work great, but imagine having direct wireless connection! I have a pre-order in on one, hope this means it’s coming soon!

[@tprice2012]

Also, I saw SWR in the menu, does it have meter, just not a tuner? If so at least you can diagnose a bad antenna and try manually tuning it.

[@TridentMissileTech]

Just got my 705. It’s pretty intuitive. But the MONI is grayed out. I can barely here the CW that i send. Any ideas what may be wrong?

[@expert244]

100K!!! 🎉 🍾🍻🎉

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Lovely radio. It has a lot of positive features.

[@zazouille2264]

Would love to see how it can work with a Raspberrypi and do digital modes (winlink, js8call, fldigi)

[@ndoren]

HamPi software will support it on the raspberry pi 4. Wsjt-x and fldigi available.. It has already been demoed on a 7300, so it should work with the 705.

[@MrRakken]

Awesome, could you check if it cann connect to DSTAR with only wifi connection?

[@docpearson]

First let me say this was an excellent review. Thanks but i do have a question. We all know that this radio does not have an internal antenna tuner. QUESTION. Truly. My question is about the 80 meter band only. I like to work 80 meters however even with a resonant antenna it is sometimes extremely difficult to work both ends of the band without an antenna tuner if not impossible. Can you please tell me how you handle that. I am truly interested. Do you just work the part of the band that the resonant antenna actually is resonant on and ignore the rest of the band. Please do you have some suggestions. Personally I like to work the entire band and don’t want to be stuck in only parts of the band.

[@randyab9go188]

How about a custom Bioenno battery pack that fits in the rig with larger capacity? I wouldn't mind if it stuck out a from the battery compartment.

[@VE3IPS]

Eric, why would you not connect this to an antenna and make a QSO? How can I use this with an LDG tuner?

[@N2GJ]

It really doesn’t matter what rig you use with the LDG.

[@BlairMaynard]

Any idea if the LDG electronics IT-100 automatic tuner works with it so that the unit will recognize it is tuned? The single pin Tuner plug does not match the four-pin tuner plug that comes with the IT-100.

[@ndoren]

If it works with the 7300, it will work with this radio. The 3.5 mm jack provides the same 3 tuner control signals, with the same control protocol, as the 7300. You just have to supply power separately, as it's not provided by the 705 jack, as it is with the 4th pin of the 7300 molex connector. Some creative cable construction) or waiting for a manufactured cable) and those other tuners should be good to go... Assuming you are operating off of external 13.8v power.

[@kenthufford743]

HERE www.fbnews.jp/202007/ww02/ HOW TO HOOK IT UP

[@glevideo]

Put it on your kitchen scales so I can see how much it weighs (with battery and mic). It looks a little big and possibly heavier than I would want to take in my backpack for a long hike but I'd like to be proven wrong. Every ounce adds up when on long distance hikes and I watch the weight carefully. That's why I use an ATS-3 built into an Altoids tin as my hiking rig. It only weighs a couple ounces.

[@9999plato]

I dont even have my licence yet and can see that this is quite the toy for those who are into the challenge or experimentation. There are simpler or cheaper choices for specific uses but...

[@LokiChicago]

Nicely done. As a 7300 user, I appreciate the similarities. My big question is 'What does the "Tuner" connection provide?' Would it work with, say, the Elecraft T1 portable tuner and provide frequency data to allow quick, automatic tuning? Thx, es 73. Lyn, W0LEN

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Great intro Eric on the ICOM IC-705. This would be a great radio for most anyone that wants portable and ICOM quality. 73s KC3PRU

[@raykiii]

Great first look but when are we taking this QRP/P rig out to the woods or the beach? I'd really like to see this in action.

[@wz9o-hamradiostuff873]

I want one to review too! It may take me a while to save up for me to buy when it is out

[@stevecolby6505]

Can Bluetooth be used for digital mode audio and rig control? Can you work say FT8 on a tablet computer with no wires connected between tablet and Icom 705?

[@turtlekoff1]

Love it, Love it, Love it !!!

[@Kellymale]

So it uses the same battery as the ID-51a. That radio has been discontinued. How long will the battery be available?